"During Ute Stampede, Local Marshall Told To Leave Nephi!" Shocking & Bogus!

The first night of the Ute Stampede went pretty dang great, with bucking animals showing they are tough, even though some of the cowboys are the best in the world. Tickets still available for round two tonight. There was a minor incident, but no lasting damages, and I think the "Wanna Be Fake Marshall" will get over it, but it "Depends". Although some historians don't like to talk about all history, the Utah Territorial Jail in Nephi remains a historical structure. It was built in 1892 and as strong as ever. It was then modified to be the Juab County Jail when Utah became a state, and held such men as Butch Cassidy. Although it is seldom open to the public, the DUP and Juab County Travel Council found a local yokel and asked him to play the part of the Marshall to give tourists a chance to view it. People poured in for free soda, water; thirty year old baseball cards and old rodeo tickets. The first Marshall photo shows the old man as the gate keeper, at least until Constable Ross Tolley "spoiled" the act, when he said it is a violation of the law to pretend you are a Marshall, when you ain't one. Needless to say, it was embarrassing, but I give Ross credit for not giving me any special privileges, even though I was his favorite grand nephew. Second photo shows the Marshall walking away in his "Levi's of Tears". Some of the jail visitors listed their desperado names.

Mona Marauders locked up prior to 85th Ute Stampede!

Being locked up in Juab County is a heck of a lot better than Dodge City, but the pictured hooligans(Mona Third Ward Scouts) had to be taught a history lesson before they were got too carried away. They were given a taste of what Butch Cassidy went through when he was locked up at the Utah Territorial Jail in Nephi, Utah. It is still a usable attraction and we plan to release the pictured Mona Marauders at high noon tomorrow, then open the jail to visitors in town for the Ute Stampede.The Daughters of Utah Pioneers are inviting you to stop by at Center and Main between 1300 hours and 1800 hours to see this seldom opened attraction. You will be asked to list your alias; your alleged hometown and your crime. We will close so you have enough time to go west young man and rope in the most classic rodeo in America.

If you have never seen or felt a real rodeo, here is your chance!

Rodeo's; the ranch and our western history are the backbone of America. If you are a city slicker or a Utahan gone local and ready for a bunch of bull, here is your chance to see what makes cowboy's tough. The Ute Stampede is in Nephi, Utah this week, and a great tradition for 85 years. Rumor has it, there is still tickets for Thursday night, and you will love every spurring moment of it. Years ago, the local Times News editor wrote an accurate description of how rural America we remain. Come to Nephi for a Yippee I Ole good time, and take your hat off for those volunteers who keep making this a family affair. Although this writer is bias, its a heck of a lot better than any sport you have to mortgage your ranch for to watch it with binoculars and best burgers this side of the Salt Creek Steak House.

Rob and Shan Heyborne are getting married next week so I sent them two tickets to the Venice Theater.

When it comes to family, that should be number ONE in our lives. For me, Number Two is history, then culture rolling in with the white ribbon. But what if.....just if, those three conflict, like it will with me a week from today! A nephew is getting married and I should attend....but that is the Ute Stampede in Nephi, America and I can't turn away from a family tradition since 1935. I sent my nephew a note to explain my absence at the ring thing, but now that may get me in more hot water. I included two front row tickets to the Venice Theater. After all he is a Mona boy and I used to be the Assistant Projectionist at the Venice in the early 1960's when Bob and Donna Anderson ran it with high class. I would even throw in a honeymoon suite at their El Tonya Motel. After the nephew started making phone calls to see what was playing at the Venice, I felt a little...well kinda...bad. Oh well, perhaps another weekend. The Venice opened at 78 S. Main Street in 1915; gutted by fire in 1983; demolished in 2001. The Arlington was a silent-era movie theater opening in 1909 and lasted for ten years at 82 N. Main, then eventually converted to a garage/home for Central Motor Company, then to a gas station. Merry Bells with a Bliss Kiss to Rob and Shan.

The last survivor of Fort Howard-Juab County, Utah Territory has passed away.

Outside the minuscule thought of this writer, there may not be folks around, even locals-of the location of Ft. Howard. To me the Howard compound was a Fort to protect. It is located near Nephi, and was fortified by three different Howard families, with Mat; Maurice and Jack. I was a friend of the twin sons of Jack and Eula Howard, so I spent a lot of time there. Many hours was spent listening to Mat tell of his involvement with Teddy Roosevelt and the Spanish-American war; holding the horse of a notorious outlaw, and enjoying the aroma of his long cigar. Then Mat's son-Jack was like Dell Steele. They were "rock hounds" and took us youngins exploring the west desert of Juab county in search of the earth's sparkling gems. We always counted on Eula to make us sandwiches, and I never turned one down, and neither did the railroad hobo's she wanted to share her apple pie with. At her recent funeral, I recalled of how much I appreciated her and Jack and the entire Howard families. Eula knew I was the leader of the gang of local "Three Musketeer" pranksters, and she was mindful to tell Cliff and Carl to do what's right, not what that Jones boy wanted to do. For some reason, the twins became cops, handy mans, and great parents, devoted grandparents. Eula, thanks for the Keele stubbornness in you; your happy home; work skills; stalwart duties in your church and the free guitar lessons. Jack, thanks for your service in World War II; being my second father; and having faith your son would survive his combat duties in Viet Nam, and your daughter serving in Chile. Well done. I have been feeling angelic pressure to say thanks in writing and apologize to Jack for not showing him where the Nortonville Church/school stood, as I promised him. Now I just may go smoke a cigar and find an apple from the Howard Orchards.

Gene Mikkelson-born in Ft. Green; lived in Salt Lake, but a Nephi, Utah hero!

Like his son declared at the funeral today, one could talk forever about the life and times of Gene Mikkelson. He learned how to work hard on the farm, but kept thinking how to make more money shearing men's hair rather than sheep. He eventually got his barber shop going in SLC on 17th South and Main in 1954, and had difficulty giving it up last year-at age 87. Before he graduated from Moroni High in 1953, he was on the basketball and baseball team, and a love of sports, especially golf- right to the end. In the 1950's, like in Viet Nam during the 60's, young kids often went straight from school to the front lines of a foreign country to fight for freedom. Although he was a Medic, there were times he had to do perform difficult duties, as he was on the front lines. As a kid, he loved dancing, and started with his sisters. Local rumor has it, he and his good looking brother-Leon got a ride to Mona, where they did the "Box Step" with the gals that danced at the café the Brock family had-every Saturday night. But eventually, he was smitten by the stunning blonde and classy Ute Stampede Queen-Marian Garrett, and soon hitched with a perfect blend. Gene loved helping and caring for Marian's folks-Joe and Ellen Garrett. When he came to Nephi, he was often seen feeding apples to the horses; digging weeds or mending tools. As a youngster, he was taught that "Life is too short to give a dam what people think of you". To this writer, he was a qualified but unlicensed teacher, willing and able to help and teach all others. His heart was full of love and kindness, although he put up a good fake "Mean Gene". One can't help but love and admire Gene Mikkelson. When I visited with him a few weeks ago on Decoration Day, he didn't put up his fists ready to fight me, and looked pale. Out of the blue, he wanted to hug me. It felt good to give both he and Marian hugs. Perhaps what he was taught as a kid came true. "When you stop living is when you start dying." I think we both felt that on that very Memorial Day!

"The Golden Spike That Changed the World".

There were nearly 200 Fourth Graders who did their best to win a replica of the Golden Spike that connected the Union Pacific with the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869. Although that "wedding of the rails" occurred 150 years ago, the students in the Juab School District acted like it happened on this years May 10th, when the winners were announced. In a way, all participants were winners, as they were actively taught by great teachers. Below, we have the photo and list of those who received the golden spikes. If you or your kid wants a photo copy, they can be gazed upon and purchased at Livingston Photo in Nephi, Utah. Mavanie Ariza was the photographer and took several photos which are available there. An article about the historical event is in The Times News today and..... some day..... we will figure out how to computerize the old photos of the train going up "Track Street" in Nephi, America. Our railroad caps and hats go off to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers(DUP), who sponsored such a terrific and historical event. And parents, your kids are in good hands with the Juab School District.