Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

First comes the foundational history lesson, then the real story! The United States Marine Corps(USMC) began in 1775. Our country was battling to be an independent America, and organized two battalions of the best in the military. Their purpose was to conduct ship to ship fighting; provide shipboard security and assist in a landing force. They adopted a Latin phrase of "Semper Fidelis" but the Marines shortened it to Semper Fi. For those of you that missed the Latin class, it means "always faithful" or "always loyal". From the get go, a Marine followed any and all legal orders, and unafraid to march in to the heat of battle, as they knew they were doing what was right and loyal. During the end of World War II, many remember our flag being raised at Iwo Jima, but the Marine spirit remained in those guys long after they have completed their military duties. Such may be the case of JP Grimard of Nephi, Utah. He is a Marine that still carries enemy shrapnel in his back from a war years ago. Two weeks ago today, he showed up for work early to warm up the construction crane he was operating in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake. When the other crew showed up they had forgot the key to the tool shed, so JP walked out on the platform to give the keys to the worker. That was when he accidently fell the eight feet to the hard ground, breaking eight ribs; femur, shoulder and fractured skull. Some of the best brain surgeons were on hand to sustain his life with support. All the Trauma heads worked together to help this Marine, but they gave little hope he would ever survive and so informed the wife of JP Grimard-Jaynette Jones Grimard. Although the medical staff had little hope for any type of regular life, they apparently didn't know the strength of a Marine, nor did they know the internal and eternal strength of Jaynette. She sought help from family, faith, God and prayers-another source of power that medical staff were reluctant to talk about. Although JP remains in a Coma type state, he is beginning to move his leg and hand. Yesterday, it felt like he could hear us, but didn't have the ability to acknowledge it. As his brother in law, I had no other choice........but give the appearance of his commanding officer; stood at his bedside in ICU and ordered him to give me a thumbs up! That Marine followed the verbal command and we got the photo. On behalf of the Jones family of Nephi, we acknowledge and appreciate the prayers for JP Grimard. They work, now keep praying; Keep Calm, and Semper Fi.

A gal from Mona and a guy from Nephi-a match that was made and remains in heaven.

Donna Newton was from Mona while Mike Anderson was born and raised 7 miles away in Nephi, Utah. They didn't meet until both attended Utah State University. Indications would show this was a match made forever. After 44 years of earthly bliss, Donna unexpectedly passed through the veil following a massive blood clot in her lungs. Through the years, Mike runs the decades long tradition of operating the family Anderson Funeral Home in Nephi, while Donna was the Matriarch raising their three sons in Draper, Utah. Mike has always been professional but personal in the business, but when the process involves one of your own, it takes on a very personal sense of loss. So it is with Mike, and now requires all of us to assist him and the family. At this funeral, Mike's son Chad, who is also a Funeral Director-excelled in describing grief by saying "Grief is merely love with no place to go". One received the distinct impression that Donna Anderson loved gatherings of family and friends, then had a magnetic force to make new friends everywhere. Her presence was felt at the Vine Bluff Cemetery yesterday. Following most Grave Dedications, attendees scatter, but not this one! Nobody left, but remained and mingled, even when Mike tried to excuse people so workers could seal the vault. Even in death, Donna had her way, and all stayed while grave workers finished their job. Her radiance was there and you could see it in the eyes of the grandchildren. Those of us in Juab and Salt Lake County remain in good hands. The tradition of Miles Anderson continues with Mike Anderson; Kay Anderson Carroll; her son Brace Carroll; Joe Christensen; Chad Anderson and little does four year old Miles Anderson Jr. know he has a future job in the funeral business. I reached down and shook the hand of Miles Anderson to congratulate him.

Running for a political position in Nephi is much like going on the Utah deer hunt.

In Utah, the deer hunt remains an important family sporting event, although the sports media refuses to accept or cover it. The event involves spending a considerable amount of money to purchase a license; rifle; bullets, colorful attire and a truck load of Vienna Sausages and Spam. We help the environment by planting apple cores on Jones' Knoll, but in 60 years of planting, apparently we ain't no Johnny Appleseed. We hike and hike and see lot's of fall country and beauties of nature you just can't see from I-15. But then the work comes when we see that buck that started out as a 38 pointer, but shoot an entire box of shells to hit it and when he finally drops, we find it was only a two pointer. It requires team effort to clean and drag it back to camp; then to package it. It turns out that venison steak costs twenty five times what a good beef steak would cost, but at least we contributed to the local economy.

Same story goes for running for a political position in Nephi City.  It starts out being fun, knowing that if one wins, we are giving back to the greatest town a kid could ever be raised in. To be called the Mayor of Nephi or a member of the Nephi City Council puts you on the long list of public servants that have served notably throughout our history. Since I have been away from Nephi for 40 years fighting the evil empire of politics, my entry into the political arena seemed like a lunatic, and with insurmountable odds. That became a challenge I was willing to accept, and had fun walking around my hometown and get reacquainted with folks; hike the same trails I did as a kid passing papers; observed the beauties of Salt Creek and the great homes and features of my hometown. Now that the vote is in, it would appear the fun is over and the real work begins for me and Skip Worwood. But since I liked cutting and wrapping up the venison and giving it to people like Clead Blackett and Ervin Jarrett, I think my position as a member of the City Council..........will only make it more fun, and look forward to my four years of service to Nephi citizens of today and the future.

Thanks to all those that supported me, even though it may have been blind faith. I accept the challenge, and hope I can call on volunteers to continue to run the City, not us the politicians.

A letter to my son.

Dear Justin,
It has been nearly a month since you transformed yourself out of this sphere we call earth life. Although your transition remains a shock, I am starting to adjust to your reassignment. I can feel you at various places and times, and know you are in a better place to help others, as your tender heart did here. The official documents will show you made the change on Aug. 22, 2017, but we now have substantial evidence it was at 10:31 PM on Aug. 21, 2017. On that night, your great grandparents clock had been ticking for 125 years and suddenly stopped. I tried a variety of things to get it started, but finally gave up. The other night, for no apparent reason, it started to tick again at 10:31 PM, with the chimes ringing on the hour more loudly than ever. That was my sign to not let tears control my life. I will strive to live with faith over fear, and pray you and other guardian angels will assist all in need. Growing up, I seldom told you and your brother I loved you, as it was just not my nature. I hope my actions demonstrated my love and devotion to you. Your brother and I never missed any of your concerts, basketball, soccer, baseball games or practices, and you didn't miss Troy's. I have learned to appreciate your love for all people and animals who you treated with kindness. My vow is to try to be more like you in kindness. I know of no kid, dog or grown up that didn't have an instant liking for you. I am confident your mission on earth was fulfilled and now promoted to a higher level of duties. On the other hand, I can't imagine you; Craig Siciliano and Babe Ruth playing harps, so there must be a baseball game as a break from heavenly duties. As you know, the week before your transition, I felt the presence of my mother who had passed away. It woke me up with the dark feeling of death. She was hurrying about, gathering people for the arrival of a family member. In calling the family they reported being okay, so I discounted the feeling. A week later, on Sept. 21, we now know they were preparing for you. My belief is that God was fully aware of the many years of your pain, and gave you the exit ticket, but you and only you made the final choice. Years of counseling only seem to make you more depressed and we have learned that depression may be the worst disease, with drugs and alcohol being the tools to assist in terminating the suffering. You were going down a sliding cylinder, and although there were moments of joy you grasped on to, years of damage had already been done. I went to the Fort Union baseball park the other day and re-discovered the plaque we put on the clubhouse honoring your 38 year old coach who died on the field. My CPR failed and we couldn't bring him back, and all of us felt that sense of great loss. I wrote the words in memorial to Craig Siciliano, but as I read them this time, the tears rolled down, as then and only then, did I recognize the words of 24 years ago, may have just been written for you in advance. You lived your life exactly as the words describe which I will re-write, but first, know this my son, I have always been proud of you, which will remain forever. Nothing lasts forever, except forever and my love for you. The three amigos we will ever be. "To laugh often and much; to win respect of intelligent people and affection of children. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. We miss your inspiration and dedication."

Love, Dad

A little history of this Nephi house, but more of one of it's dwellers-Alyth Bigler Howard

I have passed the pictured home on several occasions, and when it appeared that nobody was living there, I walked over and checked the exterior portion of the stucco work. Whoever lives there now, I hope they know it is structurally sound, at least the exterior, as I helped Alma Jones stucco it after Alyth moved there from the Howard Ranch in the mid 1970's. She wanted the home as it was close to the church to walk to; a few steps away from the grocery store and centrally located for family and friends. Alyth was born in Nephi on Sept. 13, 1910. Her father was Abner Tranter and the mother being Ruby McPherson. She had one brother and four sisters. When she was ten, the family moved to Silver City, which was a mining boom town in west Juab County. When she was thirteen years old, she was called by the LDS  Bishop to be the Secretary of the Silver City Ward Sunday School. That started her many years of devotion to the Sunday School. After high school graduation and attending Henagar's Business College, she had an occasion to meet one Maurice Howard, a son of Mat Howard, and star Basketball and Tennis player for Nephi High. They were wed above a vein of silver on Sept. 1, 1933. They lived in Washington, Springville, Provo, Denver, and then returned to "Home Base" on the Howard Ranch, a couple miles north of Nephi. Back before the freeway and when there was plenty of water around, the Howard's had a lot of fruit trees, and one of the finest herds of cattle around. When Thermoid came to Nephi in World War Two times, Maurice went to work there and became a Supervisor. Their kids were Dixie, Pat; George, Bruce and Jean. Bruce had the DNA of his athlete father, as he became a star wrestler and track star. He slowed down on the running, so he became a pilot and increased his speed. Maurice passed away in 1973, and that was when Alyth came to town. I came to know and admire both her and Maurice and all of the Howards. First photo shows Alyth on top row on far right. Second photo is of her last home and third photo is from 1962 Clarion of Juab High School. Bruce Howard is top row in the middle.

"Stupid is as stupid does". In other words, dont watch the Eclipse tomorrow.

While driving to Salt Lake last week, I noticed two UDOT signs over 1-15 which were putting drivers on notice that law enforcement officers were present for the next ten miles and enforcing the law. They were tactful, but in reality, it was a speed trap with a noble idea...to slow us down. I slowed, but the guy on my left took it as an incentive to kick it up a notch and speed more. Sure enough, UHP had several officers stopping speedsters who couldn't read and use logic! It reminded me of a saying "When you are dead, you won't even know that you are dead. It's a pain only felt by others. Same thing when you are stupid". Instead of taking a chance in watching the Eclipse tomorrow, regardless of how good the protective glasses are, I found an idea which may be less harmful. It is from the Juab County 4-H club of 1937. Just a thought.

In rural Utah, the Juab County Fair is over for another year, and was as good as any.

For 155 years, Juab County puts on a great fair and this year was no different. Rather than concentrate on any one event, I examined the process of the several day "Blue Ribbon Bash". I was awe struck by the many volunteers that were involved with it's success. It reminded me of a family or class reunion as there is so much preparation with details, yet most people seldom see the hard work by the volunteer staff. I assume others were just as proud of their blue ribbons as I was of the two I received. My $6.00 was not as much as what the road rage warriors received within the controlled violence of the derby, but I was excited to slowly drive away with a ribbon. My straw hat goes off to those people that give their time, talent and effort for a great cause. I even appreciated the Judges, who gave me a blue ribbon, and wrote a note on how my perfect wildflowers could be even more perfect! That was like a good football coach, wanting to make you better, even if you did just score the winning touchdown. During my Fair wanderings, I decided to search for one over all number one blue ribbon display, and couldn't find it......... until today. I had to hurry home and get my camera and return to take a photo of this painting which said so much. The painting was completed by Greg Ingram, Nephi's version of Leonardo da Vinci. It was displayed at his funeral today, and one of the speakers spoke of how Greg volunteered to paint murals for the County Fair people and always around to help others. Today is a two for one day and with no fare. I say thanks to all the volunteers of the Juab County Fair, but also to Greg Ingram. He receives the blue ribbon of life.

Happy Birthday to Nadine Blackett, the teacher and principle of the DUP Museum in Nephi, Utah

I am a day late and a dollar short, but wanted to say Happy Birthday to cousin Nadine Blackett of Nephi, Utah. She keeps the Daughters of Utah Pioneers museum in perfect running condition. Her mother would be very proud of her, as Birdie Jones was one of the best teachers in the Nortonville School of the 1890's. Like mother like daughter, as Nadine knows how to take people on tours of the museum and teach so they will remember the importance of our heritage. In going through our original records of the School District ledger, I was surprised to find that her father-Len Jones, worked as a janitor at the school, being paid a whopping $3.75 for the month of July, 1894. My guess in those days, school employees appreciated any nickels and dimes they could get in case it wasn't a good wheat year. Here are a couple pages from the ledger, although the writing is a little faded because of the pencil type computer entries!

Betty Lou Ostler is the Juab County version of Baseball great Yogi Berra sayings!

Technically speaking, I attended the funeral earlier today of Betty Lou Ostler, of Juab County, Utah. Truthfully speaking, it appeared more like a celebration of life. Not only was she born of goodly parents in Levan, but she married a great Nephi farmer, and they became goodly parents; grandparents; neighbors and just plain good folks. Even the Ute Stampede became better because of her 50 years helping with that annual rodeo. In baseball, Yogi Berra became famous, not just as a catcher and winning manager, but for his quotes, such as "It ain't over til it's over". In Juab County, Betty Lou often used quotes which most of us heard and grew up with, so they are printed with the speaker giving me permission to do so. And little does people in Nephi know-Betty Lou has a great granddaughter that could compete in "Americas Got Talent" and beat the dickens out of any other 16 year old singer. Betty Lou, you are now with Art, and a happy couple again, so you can start a heavenly garden together. Yes, they do have spiritual rhubarb on the other side!

Today is the birthday of Bonnie Boyer Jones, of Coalville, Utah. What a surprise she got today!

If you are raised in an LDS community, it is quite natural for young people to be called on a Mission. However, if the guy is already married, shouldn't Church officials contact the wife before her birthday to send her husband away. It is unclear if they invited Bonnie to help Elder Hal Harris Jones, or to just take the Harley on a two year spin without him! Hal's grandfather-Wm. Jones went on an LDS Mission while he was married, so this could be the full circle thing. Something seems fishy about the story however, especially if the "Farewell Testimonial" involves Robert Robbins, Michael Royce, Robert Nielson and John Lomax. Well Bonnie, hope you have a good birthday, and good luck learning Cantonese and Mandarin. Chinese talk is kinda like Nephi talk, except it is a higher pitch in down town Kowloon Tong!

Happy Birthday to Erma Garrett, who is 127 years old today. I wonder if she is square dancing with Rob calling it.

Just in case you don't recall, Erma Garrett was the first penny candy pusher at "The Serv", now known as Garrett Honda in Nephi, Utah. She was born in 1890, the second of ten children born to Wm. & Elizabeth Tolley Jones of Nortonville. Her sisters were Pearl and Norma, and brothers being Victor, Dell, Grant, Alma, Bert, then two brothers-Ray and Eddie who died as children. Erma was taught good work ethics, but loved to go on a sleigh ride with the horse doing the pulling. She attended Nortonville School then BYU Academy in Provo. Her father was the Presiding Elder of the Nortonville branch of the LDS church, so she was active in church affairs. Then one day, while in town, a young built like a brick man caught her attention. Robert Pixton Garrett was in town, from Riverside, Utah(near Delta), as his father was a section foreman for the railroad. After gazing at the most beautiful young gal in Juab Valley, he realized he had a love for something more than his groomed team of Palomino horses. Rob knew hardship in life, being the eighth child of ten, and his mother-Harriet Goble Garrett dying while giving birth to twin boys. He started to court Erma; married in 1911, then in the Temple in 1915, and moved to the still standing cabin on the  Garrett farm below Nephi. Trouble is, the well water down there....well, it is like the Nortonville well water...you drink it and it seems to cause kids to be born, and along came Joe, Lucy, Afton, Roscoe, Elizabeth(died after five days old),Corrine, then they took in foster son-David Mecham. Rob and his brothers had sheep, but got in to cattle, horses, farming, and then lived behind the Serv, then their last house on Main Street. Second photo is of Lucy, Afton, Justin Wm. Jones(grand nephew),Erma and Corrine, on July 4, 1980. Once we load and release this, we will take hundred year old photo of Erma to daughter Corrine. Don't forget Erma Garrett, she hasn't forgot you.

Just so we don't forget the home and its primary dwellers-Don and Pearl Blackett Snow

The Nephi, Utah address is 691 North Main. Don and Pearl Snow raised their kids there, which consisted of Colleen; Clark, Don and Robert. Pearl was born in 1908, the daughter of Sarah Jane Worthington and Andrew Jackson Blackett. Her family lived on the Foote Farm until she was eight, then moved to town. Early in life she knew how to thin beets(getting five cents a row), tramping hay, riding the derrick horse and herding milk cows. She attended the Nephi North School(on the southeast corner of 6th North and first east intersection), and when old enough, attended dances at the Arlington, and fell in love with the lead man, and Don Snow became her lead man, which modified with his passing in 1978 after 54 years of marriage. Don was the son of A.C. Clark and Sarah Ellen Freshwater Snow, who was educated in Utah County, but in Nephi doing road construction when he met his Pearl. Don did a variety of work including being a Nephi police officer; operated the Blackett farm; Nephi Water Department, Thermoid, and spare time was making burial vaults, which he did in the garage pictured to the right of his home. Prior to her passing, Pearl was always a good neighbor, and took great care of her family, including her mother and a sister-Alberta Jones. Nobody could tend a garden better than Pearl Snow.

A little history of this Nephi, Utah home we will call the Sperry Home.

From the 1940's to the 70's, this was the Nephi home of Lawrence and Lucy(Jackman) Sperry. They raised a son and daughter there, with the son's(Mike) room being a small room upstairs. Prior to them living there, it was the home of Johnny Sperry and it is unclear who built the home, but it was during pioneer times, with hand carved logs being used for the original structure. Lawrence and Lucy grew tired of farm work in Furner Valley, so they moved in to the family house and added rooms, with Lawrence using vehicle license plates and old bed frames to fortify new cement. In an examination of the structure, we found four separate times it was remodeled, and once, they just covered the front door and windows. It ended up with four stories in this abode. We know that although it was a small home, there was a lot of love shared, with neighbors; family; friends, and the nearby railroad depot made it easy for people to visit. Dwellers throughout the 137 years of the home shows visitor Eddie Arnold(not the singer); Cazier's; Flometa and Claude Tolley and Angus Ingram. The first photo shows the original front door being on the south side, so one could step out and gaze at Mt. Nebo; the second photo is what it looked like in recent years; the third is of the front room.

Here are the facts of life....at least at my stage of the game!

Anyone who thinks that life is bliss is sadly mistaken. The fact is that most big bucks get away; most beef is tough; most children grow up to be just people; most successful relationships require a high degree of mutual tolerance and most jobs are often more dull than otherwise. Life is more like a stagecoach ride of yesteryear...sometimes it rains; there are delays; smoke; dust; shotgun rider spittin chew on you; and using leaves as toilet paper. Once in awhile, however, you will see beautiful clear skies; rolling puffy clouds; get thrilling bursts of speed, smell the rich aroma of sagebrush; and smile, once you realize the many good people that crossed your path, and the fun things you did that you got away with. The trick to enjoying life is to give thanks to God for providing you this short journey of life, not necessarily the destination. None of us will make it out of here alive...enjoy and savor every precious moment. When you see a rainbow, somebody from on high is letting you know they are there.

Today, we say thanks to the Lion's Club, as they are often the un-recognized hero's of our community.

All of us have hero's. It may be a family member; sports; the movies; on the field of battle or the caregivers amongst us. Today, we say thanks to the Lions Club, wherever they may be. In Morgan, it was the Lion's Club that organized Morgala Days Rodeo; in Fort Union of Salt Lake, it was the Lion's that does the Easter Egg Hunt. In Nephi, Utah, they do a lot of everything, such as help with the programs of the Ute Stampede; the rodeo breakfast; clean up Nephi Canyon, and no where in America, can you find a better Memorial to our Veterans. Now, I read where they are putting on a Blue Ribbon Breakfast on August 12th, at the Juab County Fair. How about saying thanks to them in a tangible form, by enjoying a big breakfast for six bucks; give them a ten and tell them to keep the change. That may energize them to keep up the lion's share of helping around the world, but you will feel as noble as a lion.

At one point in time, the Hermansen family were considered the flour kings of Utah.

Denmark and other Scandinavia countries are known for windmills, so it stands to reason when the Hermansen family came to Utah along with other Mormon Pioneers, they brought with them the skills of mills, and instead of using the wind to grist grains, they used the force of stream water, then electric power. As it was an LDS missionary from Nephi that brought the Hermansen folks to Utah, it was only fitting that Ammon Hermansen had his largest venture in buying all the stock of the Juab Mill and Elevator Company in 1949. That mill had a capacity of 400 sacks per day and employed as many as 20 men during the rush season, including Richard and Oris Sudweeks, Burt Powell, Sam Winn, the Jones boys, Harold Stephenson, Robert Warner, King Sidwell and Vaughn Bowles. At the time, the Levan Ridge produced the best dry land grain in America, and it could be harvested one day; milled that night and then find it in a 10 or twenty pound GEM bag at Nephi's Norton's grocery store; Allen's, Myers or the IGA the next day. As the photo may show, Ammon Hermansen was tough as nails, but treated his family and employees kindly. We thought we would show a photo of the Nephi Mill in the big years of the 1950's, then after the 1991 fire. We will also show some of the other flour mills the Hermansen family ran. Blog information was taken from family history book loaned to us by Keven Olson, a family member of Ammon and presented him with a brick from the mill. And yes, there is a rumor the silo's are still full of grain, just in case the Pillsbury dough boy goes broke and we need dough!

Happy Birthday to Gary B. Jones, from Nephi, Utah, now living in Alaska and known as G.B. Jones.

If you don't remember Gary, he was the scholar at Juab High, and won many of the speaking contests around. He was a gifted actor on stage in high school and BYU. He wrote three books including "Reflections"; "Among My People"; and "Winning the Iditarod-The G.B. Jones Story". During the Viet Nam Era, the US Army could call on Ranger Jones, who could parachute into a remote area and maintain silence and live off the land, as he did that as a kid. While serving an LDS Mission in Australia, Elder Jones was brought in to man handle any ten foot snake that needed to be re-located. After he and his dogs sped a thousand miles across Alaska to Nome, he needed time to relax, so took a week off and climbed the highest mountain around. To those of us in the Jones family, we are proud of him, but if you are a niece or nephew that want to visit with him, be prepared, as he still likes living off the land, and has more food caves that the Anasazi Indians. Happy Birthday little brother Jones!