Al Capone was a Chicago thug during Prohibition, but who brewed the "Firewater" for Vegas!

As a kid growing up in Nephi, Utah, it is an Alma Jones family tradition to go deer hunting. As a small buck, I was too young to hunt, so we just hiked with Daddy Jones and carried his 1894 Winchester 25-35 "Nortonville Neutralizer" rifle. While trekking in an area of Juab County, I had a "feed the horses" gut pain, so strayed off to find an area behind a Cedar tree. Low and behold, I discovered a hidden cave as big as a living room, filled with gallon jug containers; stove; cot and other items, as if somebody camped there years prior. Upon finding my Dad, he knew exactly what it was and explained whose "Still" it was. It was operated by a local guy making illegal alcohol for booze runners to Nevada cities, and from 1920 to 1933, it was close enough where the "Spirit" maker could see if Elliot Ness was a comin. When "Cactus Juice" became legal again, the "Hooch" maker returned to farming, but the Cave contents remain. No, Alma wasn't Al Capone's "Yeast Meister" or "Hitman', but able to find similar photos of both from the same era of a 100 years ago. The rest of the story is that Alma Jones was a honorable man who didn't imbibe, but wasn't going to snitch on a local farmer either. Since today makes the 117th earth birthday of a great family man; hard worker with a lot of "Tolley" wit, it seemed a fun way to honor him. Happy Birthday Alma Coyn Jones and maybe, just maybe- I will "drink to that"!

Ruth Howard, a righteous person has been given a new heavenly assignment.

If you missed yesterdays worldly funeral of Ruth Howard, we will give you a brief of what I saw or felt, as well as a copy of the program. As I fear a direct hit by lightening, I frequently sit on the back row when attending a funeral held in a religious building of worship, as I did yesterday. It worked until another Jones sat next to me. He is a former Stake President, but still a Jones so not sure if that was a good or bad thing! It was difficult to hide at the celebration of the life of Ruth Howard, and not just because the Howard family is large, but she was born in the Belliston and Broadhead family, with all those names arriving in Nephi when Mormon pioneers set foot in the land held by Chief Juab; Ute Moccasins and the spirits of the Ancient Ones. I thought it was a clear sign of respect when the family started to enter the already filled chapel, and without a signal from the Undertaker to the Bishop(like a Bailiff) that normally stands at the podium and says "Please Rise". Reasoning was because Ruth's grandson was the Bishop walking in with the family. I attended the funeral, as I had personal feelings with Ruth's daughter-Linda, as we were both the "Class of 65", and like a family, we all knew and loved each other. Linda Howard, a friend to everybody, passed away just before our graduation. At the time I thought it was totally unfair that death had already consumed Bradley Brough, and now it was our Angel-Linda Howard. After the family departed the bone chilling wind at Vine Bluff, I remained and felt the warm comfort of Linda, and how great she felt that she, her mother and father are reunited again. To those left behind in this place we call earth-never fear, you now have another Guardian Angel to surround; protect and comfort you, and you will feel her at various times and places, and not just at Chuck-A-Rama, where she requested to have her last meal. The Ancient Ones feared death, so treasured items were buried with them, but Bill, Linda, Ruth and her brother Joe embraced it as a part of eternity. Worldly Death is but a gateway back Home.

History of Juab High School. Part Two.

Juab High School is in Nephi, Utah, a royal rural community who has had students help throughout the world since 1898. Even though the school has been in five different locations and first starting off as Nephi High, it was changed to Juab High and the author of the school song gave permission for it to be modified. The fiery spirit and welcoming atmosphere remain the same as does the friendly city of Nephi, of Juab County, which it remains. More than a century of kids have excelled in sports and academic and made its mark on the world with those students becoming university presidents, scientists, parents, soldiers and teachers themselves. They have made a lasting memory of all Juab High, the greatest of them all. Here are some of the graduating classes.

History of Juab High School since 1899-Part One.

When people write of history, it is often their version of what they know or think they knew. Today is such a case, as I write what I believe is as close to the facts as I have been able to gather; reading, studying, and digging beneath the soil where schools used to be, including the Heberville School(up Nephi Canyon); Nortonville School(just off ole Highway 91, four miles north of Nephi) and Central School. Part One of Juab High School is mostly taken from "the Living Legacy" which was borrowed from Bryce Gardner, but there is also one available at the DUP Museum in Nephi, Utah. Part One will mostly consist of photos, then later on after my nap, we will enter Part Two, which will show the graduating classes of the High School. In 1897, nine Nephi, Utah students had completed the equivalent of three years of high school, and were ready to graduate, but the school was not legally authorized, so local citizens banded their arms and convinced the local Board of Trustees to create a legal high school, which was so recognized after Nephi citizens voted in favor of it. It became Nephi High in 1898, the first rural high school in Utah, and only the third in the entire state. This school has excelled in all areas of brain and body skill and we praise those who put forth the effort to continue its excellence. The name of the school was later changed to Juab High so that Mona, Mills, Levan and Nortonville felt a part of the family as we all are.

Gal Pal Marian Dawson passed through the veil on Feb. 16, 2020.

It is always tough to lose somebody you truly love. Today's story is of how I lost a special girl friend with the passing of 87 year old Marian Dawson. I had only known her during the last three years she lived at the Red Cliffs Assisted Center in Nephi, Utah, but during that short time, we became pals. During our first conversation, she announced she was on hospice and given 3 months to live. That is when I told her I would help fulfill her bucket list. She really only had one left, and that was to go fishing, so off to Burraston's Pond we motated, and yes we first got her a license at 4-D where we had our first argument. She wanted only a day permit and I wanted to get her a full year. I won and so did she. Although I have fished with many, I can't recall a more enjoyable fishing companion. With only one lung left, she didn't have a lot of energy in  her frail body, so I would cast her line out. She dragged in a Bluegill, which are small, but she was so excited she held it to her mouth as if she could eat it raw. I threw it back and she cussed me like a sailor. On another leisure fishing trip, we got her a chair and had a blast as she told of her life and 42 years of working as a Registered Nurse after graduating from college in California. She even delivered a baby while working at the old Juab County Hospital, but the late arriving Doctor was the one who got credit and signed the Birth Certificate. When she landed the whopper Rainbow fish and fell down, I wasn't sure if I should giggle or call 911. She laid on the ground and kept reeling it in. Sheriff  Deputy Alan Taylor was nearby but only laughed as once before he had caught me and Ron Jones 4 wheelin in the rodeo grounds just before the Ute Stampede rodeo when Ron was 95 years old and wanted one last rough ride. On Valentines Day, I took a rose for Marian, but she was not feeling good, so it was left for her. On Saturday afternoon, I felt a dark cloud overcome my soul, and knew it was the feeling of death that I have felt before. I searched for my remaining son and frantically called family and friends during my hyperventilating drive from Salt Lake to Nephi. My sister came to check on me and thought it was me going through the cloud of death and doom. During the night, I felt calm when I checked Facebook and determined it was Marian fighting for her breath, and had passed. I was happy and gleeful for Marian, who was greeted by her son Frankie and her mother. Now Marian and April(Thelma & Louise) can sneak off like they did at Red Cliffs, and really enjoy life. Thanks Marian, "My Love Is True Sweetheart for You". Those who worked and knew her will always remember her words for life: "Got to Laugh".

Its Tax time in 1957-Is there still time to file for a rebate?

It is 1957 in Nephi, Utah. Alma and LaVon Jones are both working hard to feed five kids. Together they earned a whopping $3,169.11 for the year, with LaVon listed as a Housewife, a term you will never see anymore. Alma did part time work for Provo School District, which was fun for his kids, as they would go up and jump on the Bulldog trampoline. I was never good at math, but it appears the family should quality for a rebate. On the other hand, my folks didn't list the income of the two bits that we received to help our Dad clean floors. We neglected to do list that. And is this the proper time to ask about my grandfather, who was only paid $10 a month from the Juab County "Old Folks" pension as the FDR Social Security plan hadn't been put in to place. And it appears they may not have given the LDS church a full tithing when they needed a loaf of bread to break up for hot water and bread. Should that be reported to Bishop Bailey, or does God have a better accounting system. Oh, the things that keep us awake at night, or is just too much late afternoon coffee drinking!

John Paul Grimard(JP) of Nephi, Utah passed away early this morning.

John Paul Grimard (JP) of Nephi, Utah passed away early this morning on January 29, 2020 in Payson, Utah, following an industrial accident two years ago. He was born on April 30, 1949 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Paradise, PA. by his Grandparents. He attended schools and college in Pennsylvania until he was drafted into the United States Marines and ordered to fight in Vietnam where he received battle wounds. Although he has great respect for his military brothers, he was a very personal person, and his last wishes was to decline a display of military medals and a military funeral, which will be carried out. He was a true Leatherneck.

 His passion for Harleys was contagious and enjoyed his love of riding with his family outlaws-Hal and Bonnie Jones.

He Married Jaynette Jones in Salt Lake City, Utah. With this union he gained a family he instantly connected with and truly loved and they loved him. JP worked as a crane operator for many years and was a master of his skill working in various places around the world.

He is survived by his wife, Jaynette Jones Grimard; two daughters, Kami Hansen(Matt); Samantha Clark (Chris) and three sons-Clint Wm. Heyborne, Robert E. Heyborne(Shannon) and Jarrett S. Snyder; 10 grandchildren; Brother in laws-Weston Jones(Sondra), Hal Jones(Bonnie), Kent and GB Jones. Preceded in death by his grandparents.

A viewing will be held Saturday, Feb.8, 2020 from 11:00-11:45 at Anderson Funeral Home, followed by a family graveside service at noon at Vine Bluff Cemetery in Nephi, Utah.