August 28,2019

           Things were hopping at the Longhurst farm a couple of weeks ago. It was the Craythorn Family Reunion and there were trucks and RV's, trailers and such all gathered round. The head of the family is Earl and Barbara Craythorn of Declo, ID, Candy Longhurst's parents. There was lots of help and lots of fun happening in that beautiful piece of ground surrounding the Longhurst home.

          Keith and Karen Olson Tribett were up from Utah to soak up some Idaho hours at their place on Valley View Hill. It really is a great view in all directions from that location.

          Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen spent several days in California at the home of their daughter Annie and Steve Earl and family. They live in San Jose. Annie and children had been visiting Mink Creek earlier for a summer visit. The Jepsen brothers have also been around off and on, keeping things busy at this Jepsen place.

            Reed Swann and daughter Penny have had a full month of family in all directions. They have had the E. A. Swann Family Reunion with Reed's siblings and families at a park in Preston. The more immediate family hasbeen camping near Alpine, WY, with Charles and Sarah Swann and their children, a family tradition.

            Bryce Egley has been doing his share of mountain-bike racing these past summer months. And he has been doing quite well, placing high in the winner bracket often. He is the son of Jared and Juli Egley and has a following of family fans in his activities. Bryce competed at Nationals in Winter Park, CO, and placed 21^st nationally, out of more than 150 riders. With school starting he is now competing as a member of the Green Canyon Team, out of Cache Valley.

           Drew and JoAnn Ford's home has been spilling over with family visitors this summer, literally all summer long. Two of their daughters are in the process of moving and needed a temporary home while the process was taking place. There have been overlapping visits. Andrea and her family are located in Spencer, ID, Melissa and her three girls came from Iowa, Amy and Ben with their four children are from North Ogden, UT, and Jacob and his family hail from Eagle Mountain, UT. In addition to these families, JoAnnn's father has come up from Bountiful, UT for a lengthy visit and Drew's brother and his wife came for an over-nighter from Washington state. Things have definitely been stirred up at the Ford's Bear Creek home.

           There has been a few nights that left no question as to the arrival of Fall, temperatures took a drop, but didn't freeze. The color change has not set in yet, but the hillsides are tan rather than green.

There are several new houses under various stages of construction on Valley View Hill. We have some new residents to our community to go along with the houses..

          All the hubbub of the county fair and rodeos has calmed down. School is underway, the routine of the next few months is being established in most homes. Garden harvest is beginning in earnest

August 21, 2019

        Sorry about missing last week. It was one of those where I lose track of time and deal with too many things on the proverbial platter.

         Members of our community gathered in the Oneida Narrows to join in a float down the Bear River. Instructions had been to bring life jackets and wear sunscreen. Forty-seven people showed up to participate in this annual event. For some it was old-stuff, done-it-before, but for others it was a first-timers adventure. Arrangements had been made for a village dinner at the Mink Creek Ballpark to begin at 7 p.m., with the land lubbers waiting for the arrival of the wet river-runners. The menu was hamburgers or hot dogs with all the fixings provided. Salads were furnished by surnames A thru K, and desserts, letters J thru Z. The weather smiled upon us and the evening could be described, 'just right.”

          The family of Jeannine and Johnny Iverson who have had nine children, have been in and out all summer long. Their big family event is that of hiking the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. This year they had a family attendance of 120 at their family reunion, coming from Texas, Utah, Idaho, California, Virginia and Washington D. C..

           Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson held Cousin Camp for grandchildren at their place on Station Creek. The age bracket is from ages 8 to 12. This year they had eleven young ladies: from Brigham City, UT; Rigby, ID; Meridian,, ID, St George, UT; and Richmond, UT. Three days of hiking, crafts, singing and having a grand time. No one wanted to go home.This group echos the strains of the song, “It's always fun at Grandma's house,” for parents and kids. Now Grandma and Grandpa Olson are recovering, but it was worth it!

          Ken and Loren Nash brought family up from the heat of California to enjoy the warmth of Idaho at their Haws home on a rise above Mink Creek.

          Eldon and Danita Wilcox soaked up some grandparent time with a visit from MaKenzie and Tyron Gunter and their little boy Dryden and baby girl Preslie. The baby is only about a month old.

          Able-bodied men of the community met at the farm of Craig and Elaine Larsen to get in their hay crop. Craig is struggling with health issues at this time.

          Children of Layne and Karen Erickson came together to wish their dad a Happy Birthday this month. Connie and Adam Westenskow live in Woods Cross, UT, Julie and Todd Kunz and their two children are in Idaho Falls, Terrie and Paul McKay, right here in Mink Creek, and Bryan and Shannon Erickson and Jesse are in Wellsville, UT.

          Our Boy Scouts enjoyed their time at Camp Bartlett. They had a challenging event requiring knowledge of tying knots. Their leaders, Steve Baldwin, Bishop Paul McKay and La Ron Baird had built a flag pole, with knots, ropes, stakes, etc. and the boys were to construct a replica of the same.

They needed clove hitch knots and found they needed their lashing to be a bit tighter, but finaly ended up with the replica being straighter than the original. Attending were Hazen Baird, Conner Iverson, Jacob Stanworth, Calwell Forbush, and a guest from a Cub River troop. Other than getting some bad sunburns they all had a good time.

         We have some neighbor's cows who have turned into a menace. They are experts at leaving their home ground and are turning up all over the community. Besides wrecking hay bales they have managed to completely destroy a garden, right when it was beginning to be highly productive.

The neighborhood deer are doing their best to prune low-hanging apple trees, and have sampled some winter squash, just enough to spoil things for the gardener. Even thorny raspberry bushes are on their menu.

         The County Fair was enjoyed by both spectators and contributors. As the last days of August are upon us the village is adjusting to get back into the routine that goes along with school and cooler days.

August 7, 2019

         The young women of Mink Creek enjoyed their 'Girls Camp' miles from home. This year found them and their leaders at Lake Powell, water skiing, exploring some slot canyons, boating, repelling, and paddle boarding. One bonus was floating on a floating island. Each evening ended with a devotional lead by the girls. Their theme this year was “Do you know who you are?” Crafts and games, plus fun cooking experiences. With the current warm weather they got to stay in an house with air conditioning. Those participating were Jyllian Christensen, Josie Neitz from Canada, Ella & Tara Jepsen, Hannah Greene, Emily Longhurst, Davanie Ostler, Liberty Stanworth, Shaylee Forbush, Tia Hatch. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen were there with our boat, Lacey Christensen was camp director with help from her husband, Kerry Christensen. Macy Jepsen was an adult leader, Bishop Paul McKay and his wife Terrie came down on Friday of that week. Tears were shed, gratitude expressed, mingled with lots of laughter and fun.

         There has been some active drilling going on up in these mountains. Not for oil, but for water to go with homes seeking a supply for the homes in construction. Recently there have been three rigs set up and searching.

         Forrest and Patti Christensen have been globe trotting. They went to Florida, came back to Mink Creek in time to pack their suitcases and then were off on a River Cruise down the Danube River in Europe. Every day was a totally new adventure. Things began in Budapest, Hungary and they floated the river through four other countries: Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. So much beauty to see throughout, a perfect time of year to be sight-seeing. They soaked up the music, architecture, the rich farmland with fields of vibrant flowers, the churches and the frescoes on the walls and ceilings. The colors all appealed to Patti's artistic side. They learned about history back to 300 B.C. The tour guides and local people added much as they related the days under Communist rule. The cruise included a trip to Transylvania, part of Romania and finished up in Bucharest. This has definitely been a vacation that will fill pages of the Christensen's journals.

          Jim and Debbie Harrison have been up again. Did you know he has written another novel? This is a bit different from the books he has written in the past. The title is Wrong Place, Wrong Time and it is a suspense novel. His author name is E. James Harrison, same guy, just spruced up a bit.

        If you read the Mink Creek news in the Citizen –well, it didn't make it last week. One of those computer glitches where it got lost somewhere between my desk in Mink Creek and the editor's desk in Preston. It did eventually show up and so was combined with this one in this week's edition.        Apologies to those who asked me what happened—at the time I wondered myself.

         The area has survived the Rodeo season, all the candy wrappers on the parade route seem to have been swept up or blown away. Mink Creek community overflowed with visitors this past week, reports will come later. It is wonderful to have 'home' to come and visit.

July 31, 2019

           A restful Sunday picked up speed with the announcement of “Fire on the Hill.” Sirens punctuated the stillness of the hot afternoon. At least 6 brush trucks arrived on the scene and went to work. The hill in question was just south of what locals call Telluride Road, and that path was the best trail to reach the blaze. The land belongs to Richard Free, a plus is that the fire was nearly surrounded on all sides by green fields rimming the base of the hill. When this village has a fire we are glad to see Kent Egley on his bulldozer. The county Fire Department, Forest Service and BLM gave several hours of hot work from their crews, even some overnight ones. Thanks.

           Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen traveled to Canada to celebrate the high school graduation of their grandson Carson Neitz He is the son of Mark and Jill Jepsen Neitz and they have a ranch near Stettler, Alberta. In their traveling about the Jepsens managed to visit three LDS temples over the northern border in Cardston, Calgary and Edmonton.

           Jared and Hollie Keller have recently moved into our community. Jared's Keller roots go way back to the early days of Mink Creek. He is the great grandson of Urias and Annie Keller, in fact        Jared and Hollie are living in the Urias Keller home, totally remodeled and restored. They have two children, Morgan and Danny. Jared deals in commercial real estate. It isn't just welcome to Mink Creek, it is welcome back.

           Sherry and Ernie York, plus grandson Brayden York, spent the early part of July in Dillon, MT.

They stay at the Southside RV Park each time they go, claiming it is one of the best camping places they have encountered in their traveling about. This trip up they hunted for crystals in a spot west of Dillon, visited Bannack which was the first Territorial Capitol of Montana and part of the Bannack Historic State Park, then did some relaxing at the Hotel Metlin in Dillon, hearing about the ghost stories that go with that establishment.

           We have had a visit from the Garr family. George and Bobbie Garr have a home in Mink Creek, now occupied by their grandson, Richie Hurst. George and Bobbie escaped to Idaho from Long Beach, CA and brought Richie's mother, Diane Hurst along for a few days. Struggles with health issues enforces the need to be in California most of their days this summer.

          Second crop hay is in the process for our farmers. Depending on location , some are just mowing, while others have already baled and hauled the bales, either to a stack of on a semi-load for a more distant destination.

            There have been lots of river runners on the Bear River lately. These hot days bring people and their tubes to jump in and ease the heat. It looked like a flotilla the other day, with lots of shouting from the participants.

July 24, 2019, Pioneer Day

          If you are a night owl, like me, it isn't quite July 24, there is still a hour before that, but the mood is on to think of Mink Creek's pioneers  and how pleased I am that they chose this lovely little corner of what became Idaho.  It is a beautiful place that appeals to the aesthetic senses, nearly all year long.  Mud season is the most discouraging--not much in the way of color and even the black and whiteness gets a bit blurry.  It is a short season and there is the anticipation of the spring greens that carry us through.

          It is a joy to hear the county mosquito abatement trucks come patrolling our entire community, dirt roads, paved roads, they hit all the places that might be spots where the bad guys may lurk We appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

          A trio of young ladies have moved into our village. Laura Cheney, Cindy Hanson and Amanda Sidwell are renting a home from Richard Free, establishing community connections while anticipating the building of a home to be constructed on the western slopes of Strawberry Creek.

         It is so good to have Mary Jean Rasmussen back home. After the death of her husband Larry, she spent some time in the northwest with Larry's brothers and their families. Her daughter Terry Carr and granddaughter Courtney Carr traveled with her. They had fun at a surprise birthday party for Brent Ramussen in Deer Park, WA. Courtney Carr has been in the Mission Training Center in Provo, UT and will soon be on her way to serving a mission in Ohio. Mary, with her son Kim and Terry recently went to Sacramento, CA, to attend the funeral of a great aunt. While there they were reconnected with twelve cousins. Traveling is good, but it is nice to be home.

          Jared and Juli Egley took some time off and celebrated their 20^th wedding anniversary with a trip to Isla Murjes, Mexico and its coast and beaches. It was timed just right before Jared would be caught up in the production of hay with his parents, Kent and ReNae and brother Matt at Egley Farms.

         The Bill and Marie Aupperlee home has been purchased by Roxy and Mac DeVries, formerly of Franklin, ID. They are the parents of a little girl, Adalyn, and the proud owners of two dogs. Mac drives a big rig semi and Roxy is employed in Smithfield, UT.

         As usual our community is host to multiple summer visitors, some with a quick overnight stay, others visiting relatives and soaking up life in these green mountains.

          Hot and dry days and the big gun sprinklers are in action, as are pipe lines and wheel moves. Anything that can deliver water to needed crops are being used, but I haven't heard of anyone going back to the use of a shovel on an irrigation ditch.

          Both our young men and our young ladies have just returned from Summer Adventure trips and they had a great time. More about that next week.

July 16, 2019

         The annual Mink Creek July 4^th was a resounding success. Activities got underway around 10:30 a.m with paper rockets, Frisbee golf, bubble blowing, gaga ball, and goldfish toss. When the sound of the approaching airplane, piloted by John Kezley, was heard the activities ceased and the drop area (also known as the baseball diamond) was cleared of people. The candy drop is always a favorite. John made three drops, kids scrambling for the candy after each, but clearing out as he circled to come in again. The flag ceremony was conducted by Glen Jepsen, retired Air Force, and any vets in attendance as the national flag was hoisted and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by all.

         “Lunch” had been in the makings for hours by various volunteer cooks. Many hands were involved. The menu was beef brisket or roast chicken, Dutch -oven potatoes, rolls, tossed salad with lemonade or root beer for the beverage. Dessert came in the form of a variety of brownies and servings from the patriotic decorated desserts that were entered in a contest of the same.

          Clouds moved in during the lunch hour and there was fear that the beloved water slide would be so cold it would be canceled. The water troops were elated when the sun came back in time to set things up on the back slope and the wet fun got underway. Another afternoon activity was Bingo for the more sedate. It was a great day and well attended.Appreciation is expressed to the many volunteers who made this event possible.

         The children of Carl and Lenna Christensen gathered for a family reunion during June. Not everyone was able to make it. Some of those descendants still live here in Mink Creek with their families: Danita Wilcox, Phillip Christensen, Bryan Christensen, Jesse Wilcox, Forrest Christensen, Kerry Christensen. The group hosted a relative from far away Norway, Carl Top and family.

          For travelers on Highway 34 north of Preston, it is one of the times of year to thank Pete and Mary Bennett for their patriotic display of flags near their home in Riverdale. The colors of red, white and blue flying in the breeze serve as a strong reminder for gratitude forour citizenship in this nation.

           Irrigation systems, individual for each land owner, are in full swing. Both grain fields and hay fields are needing the moisture. We did have a couple of intense rain storms whip through one day and were anxious that it might develop into hail. This time it did not, however we understand that the Preston area was hard hit with hail.

July 9, 2019

           There is a building going up in the west end of our community, not far from the Bear River. The descendants of Hugh and Bonnie Hansen are erecting a structure on their home farm

that will become their reunion retreat. In my mind it is the “Hansen Hall.” The family has gathered in this same spot for several years at festive times and this indicates plans for years into the future.

          Steve and Amy Baldwin have moved to a home with a hillside perch and a beautiful view in Mink Creek.Some years past the Baldwins lived in Riverdale and Steve worked with supervising the Deseret Industries. Still employed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they were transferred to St. George, UT, for further training. Promotions brought Steve and Amy back to Franklin County and we are happy to have them living within the Mink Creek boundaries.

           Emily Longhurst enjoyed a spring trip to Samoa, traveling with her friend Ashlynn Sparks and her family. The sun, the beach, the ocean, the blue, blue sky the relaxed atmosphere was a luxury in unexpected ways. Here she was while Idaho was experiencing cold temperatures. She was not fond of the insects, particularly the mosquitoes. Emily was willing to try different foods and loved the coca rice. The highlight of her trip was getting to know the people, the smiling, happy Samoans.

         Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox and Eldon and Danita Wilcox have been on a cruise, along with all the other Wilcox children and families, totaling 34 members. Only MaKenzie stayed in Idaho with he new baby. Included in one of the ports of call was Ensenada, Mexico, where Wilcoxs reconnected with Omar Lopez. Omar had been an exchange student at PHS from several years ago who lived with the Wilcox family. The grown up Omar and his family, two children and he works for Toyota. He was most helpful setting up a bus and tour guide for this family group. They threw in some ziplineing and swimming for fun activities.

          Nearly a year ago the Mink Creek community banded together in order to plant a field of garlic at the Sheldon Longhurst farm. Sheldon was battling leukemia in the Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello but his wife, Candy, and their family were trying to fulfill his dream of raising garlic. His college degree had been in horticulture. Sheldon lost his battle, but the field had been planted. Recently the growing crop of garlic needed some extra care in the way of trimming the scape from the plants so that the underground bulbs would be encouraged to grow in size. Over twenty neighbors, armed with scissors and buckets met at the fields one Saturday morning to accomplish the task. It was successful before the day warmed up too much and the group celebrated with a feast of cool watermelon.

          This year there are plenty of robins in Mink Creek. I think most of them are now concentrating on any cherry trees that are grown in our community. The fruit is not ripe, just with a slight rose tint, but the birds are gobbling them up well before they have a chance to ripen.

          A couple of heavy rain squalls pushed through here, but we didn't get the hail that clobbered the Preston flats area. Our fields, gardens, yards all got a good soaking.