Title 9: SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

9-1: GENERAL SUBDIVISION PROVISIONS:

9-1-1: TITLE:

These regulations shall be known and cited as the CITY OF MINIDOKA SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE.

            9-1-2: AUTHORITY:

These regulations are adopted pursuant to title 50, chapter 13 and title 67, chapter 65 of the Idaho Code.

            9-1-3: PURPOSE:

The purposes of these regulations are to promote the public health, safety, general welfare, and to provide for:

A. The harmonious development of the city;

B. The coordination of streets, alleys and easements in new subdivisions with existing and future development and improvements;

C. Adequate park and open spaces for travel, light, fresh air and recreation;

D. Adequate transportation, water, sanitary drainage, irrigation and other public services and facilities;

E. Economical development and extension of public facilities and services to meet the demands of growth;

F. An orderly and efficient procedure for submission and disposal of requests for approval of subdivision plats;

G. The delegation of authority for administration of these regulations.

            9-1-4: JURISDICTION:

These regulations shall apply to the subdivision and development of all land within the incorporated territory of the city, including the property within the area of impact of the city under section 50-1306, Idaho Code as defined by previous ordinance, including the property within one mile of the corporate limits of such city under the provisions of section 50-1306, Idaho Code.

            9-1-5: INTERPRETATION:

All subdivisions as herein defined shall be submitted for approval of the council and shall comply with the provisions of these regulations. These regulations shall supplement all other regulations, and where at variance with other laws, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions, the more restrictive requirements shall apply. This title shall not apply to any subdivision created and recorded prior to the effective date hereof, except for the further dividing of lots; nor is it intended by this title to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws, ordinances, or regulations, or with private restrictions placed upon property by deed, covenant or other private agreements, or with restrictive covenants running with the land to which the city is a party.

            9-1-6: ADMINISTRATION:

The city council shall administer this title, consistent with title 8, chapter 12 of this code, and shall receive and act upon all subdivision applications.

            9-1-7: COMBINING OF PERMITS:

The council is hereby required to combine all permits which may be required in this title and previously or subsequently adopted city ordinances which are relative to land development into one permit application procedure. In conjunction with a combined permit, the council shall coordinate methods of approval with the respective departments for the purpose of reducing errors and unnecessary delay in processing applications.

            9-1-8: SEVERABILITY:

Where any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section, or other part of these regulations is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall affect only that part so held invalid.

9-2: SUBDIVISION DEFINITIONS:

            9-2-1: INTERPRETATION OF TERMS OR WORDS:

For the purposes of these regulations, certain terms or words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:

A. The present tense includes the past or future tense, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular;

B. The word “shall” is mandatory; “may” is permissive; the word “should” is preferred; and

C. The masculine shall include the feminine.

            9-2-2: MEANINGS OF TERMS OR WORDS:

BLOCK: A group of lots, tracts, or parcels within well defined boundaries, usually streets.

BUILDING: A structure designed or used as the living quarters for one or more families, or the structure designed or used for occupancy by people for commercial or industrial uses.

BUILDING SETBACK LINE: An imaginary line established by subdivision regulations and zoning provisions requiring all buildings to be set back a certain distance from lot lines and street rights of way.

BUILDING SITE: An area proposed or provided and improved by grading, filling, excavation or other means for erecting pads for buildings.

CEMETERY: A lot that has been planned for the selling of sites for the burial of animal or human remains.

COUNCIL: The mayor and city council as appointed by the council to administer this title, having jurisdiction over the parcel of land under consideration.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: A plan, comprehensive plan, or comprehensive development plan adopted by the local authority and showing the general location and extent of present and proposed development, including, but not limited to, housing, industrial and commercial uses, streets, parks, schools and other community facilities.

CONDOMINIUM: An estate consisting of: a) an undivided interest in common in real property, in an interest or interests in real property, or in any combination thereof, together with b) a separate interest in real property, in an interest or interests in real property, or in combination thereof.

COUNCIL: The city council of the municipal governing body.

COUNTY RECORDER: The office of the county recorder.

COVENANT: A written promise or pledge.

CULVERT: A drain that channels water under a bridge, street, road or driveway.

DEDICATION: The setting apart of land or interests in land for use by the public. Land becomes dedicated when accepted by the city as a public dedication, either by ordinance, resolution, or entry in the official minutes, or by the recording of a plat showing such dedication.

DEVELOPER: Authorized agent(s) of a subdivider or the subdivider himself.

DWELLING UNIT: Any building or other structure, proposed or built for occupancy by people.

DWELLING UNIT (PREFAB): A building or other structure, proposed or built for occupancy by people that is designed for initial transportation on streets and highways which arrives at a site where it is installed on a permanent foundation.

EASEMENT: A grant by a property owner to specific persons or to the public to use land for specific purposes.

ENGINEER: Any person who is licensed in the state to practice professional engineering.

GOVERNING BODY: The mayor and city council of the city of Minidoka, Idaho.

HIGHWAY: A street designated as a highway by an appropriate state or federal agency.

IMPROVEMENT: Any alteration to the land or other physical constructions associated with subdivision and building site developments.

LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT: A subdivision the size of which consists of thirty (30) or more lots or dwelling units.

LOT: A parcel, plot, tract, or other land area of suitable size as required in these regulations and existing zoning ordinances; and created by subdivision for sale, transfer, or lease.

LOT AREA: The area of any lot shall be determined exclusive of street, highway, alley, road, or other rights of way.

LOT TYPES: As used in these regulations, lot types are as follows: Corner Lot: A lot located at the intersection of two (2) or more streets; or, a lot bounded on at least two (2) sides by the same street. Interior Lot: A lot other than a corner lot, with frontage on only one street. Reversed Lot: A lot with frontage on a side street or other right of way other than an interior or corner lot. Through Lot: A lot with frontage on more than one street, not a corner lot. Also known as a double frontage lot. Through lots are prohibited under these regulations unless such a lot meets the criteria of a “backup lot” in subsection 9-4-10F of this title.

MOBILE HOME: A single-family dwelling designated for transportation after fabrication on streets and highways on its own wheels or on a flatbed or other trailers, and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor incidental unpacking and assembly operations, location on jacks or other temporary or permanent foundations, connections to utilities, and the like. A prefab dwelling unit or travel trailer is not to be considered as a mobile home. A travel trailer is one that can legally be towed by passenger car.

MOBILE HOME PARK: A park designed and intended for purposes of rental spaces where residence is in mobile homes exclusively.

MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION: A subdivision designed and intended for residential use where residence is in mobile homes exclusively.

MONUMENT: Any permanent marker either of concrete, galvanized iron pipe, or iron or steel rods, used to permanently establish any tract, parcel, lot or street lines, as specified in section 50-1303, Idaho Code.

OPEN SPACE: An area open to the sky for outdoor recreation activity. Streets, buildings, or other covered structures are not included in computing these areas.

ORIGINAL PARCEL OF LAND: A lot or tract as recorded on any plat or record on file in the office of the county recorder, each one- sixteenth (1/16) of a section (40 acres) or any unplatted contiguous parcel of land held in one ownership and of record at the effective date of this title.

OWNER: The individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, or corporation having proprietary interest in the land to be subdivided.

PERFORMANCE BOND: An amount of money or other negotiable security paid by the subdivider or his surety to the city clerk and recorder which guarantees that the subdivider will perform all actions required by an approved plat, and provides that if the subdivider defaults and fails to comply with provisions of an approved plat, the subdivider or his surety will pay damages up to the limit of the bond, or the surety will itself complete the requirements of the approved plat. The amount of the bond shall be set by the council in its sole discretion.

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT: A use or a combination of residential, commercial and industrial uses planned for a tract of land to be developed as a unit under single ownership or control, which is developed for the purpose of selling or renting individual lots or estates, whether fronting on private or dedicated streets, which may include two (2) or more principal buildings as governed by the zoning title. The requirements of this title may be modified by the council to achieve the best possible planned development for the specific site under consideration.

PLAT: The drawing, mapping, or planning of a subdivision, cemetery, townsite or other tract of land or a replatting of such including certifications, descriptions and approvals.

A. Preliminary Plat: The first formal presentation by maps or drawings of a proposed subdivision, as required in these regulations.

B. Final Plat: The final and formal presentation by maps or drawings of an approved subdivision development, the original and one copy of which is filed with the county clerk and recorder.

RESERVE STRIP: A strip of land between a dedicated street or partial street and adjacent property, in either case, reserved or held in public ownership for future street extension or widening.

RIGHT OF WAY: A strip of land dedicated or served for use as a public way of which normally includes sidewalks and other public utilities of service areas.

SIDEWALK: That portion of the street right of way outside the street pavement, which is improved for pedestrian use (also known as a walkway).

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS: Shall be the specifications as may be specified in this title or as officially adopted by the city.

STATE: The state of Idaho.

STREET: A right of way which provides access to adjacent properties, the dedication of which has been officially accepted. The term “street” also includes the terms highway, thoroughfare, parkway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, and similar terms. Some related terms and definitions are as follows: Alley: A minor street providing secondary access at the back or side of a property otherwise abutting a street. Arterial: A street designated for the purpose of carrying fast and/or heavy traffic. Collector: A street designated for the purpose of carrying traffic from minor streets to other collector streets and/or arterial streets. Commercial: A street designated for the purpose of providing traffic movement in a commercial area. Cul-De-Sac: A street connected to another street at one end only and provided with a turnaround space. Dead End: A street connecting to another street at one end only and not having provision for vehicular turnaround at its terminus. Frontage: A minor street, parallel to and adjacent to an arterial street, which has the primary purpose of providing access to abutting properties. Industrial: A street designated for the purpose of providing traffic movement in an industrial area. Loop: A minor street with both terminal points on the same street of origin. Minor: A street which has the primary purpose of providing access to abutting properties. Partial: A dedicated right of way providing only a portion of the required street width, usually along the edge of a subdivision or tract of land. Private: A street which provides vehicular and pedestrian access to one or more properties, however, not accepted for public dedication or maintenance. Side Street: A secondary street that provides access to a corner lot toward which the principal building is not oriented.

SUBDIVIDER: The individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, syndicate, trust, or other legal entity that executes the application and initiates proceedings for the subdivision of land in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance; the subdivider need not be the owner of the property, however, he shall be an agent of the owner or have sufficient proprietary rights in the property to represent the owner.

SUBDIVISION: The division of an original lot, tract, or parcel of land into more than two (2) parts for the purpose of transfer of ownership or development; the dedication of a public street and the addition to, or creation of, a cemetery. However, this title shall not apply to any of the following:

A. An adjustment of lot lines as shown on a recordage, width, depth, or building setback lines of each building site below the minimum zoning requirements, and does not change the original number of lots in any block of the recorded plat;

B. An allocation of land in the settlement of an estate of a decedent or a court decree for the distribution of property;

C. The unwilling sale of land as a result of legal condemnation as defined and allowed in the Idaho Code;

D. Widening of existing streets to conform to the comprehensive plan;

E. The acquisition of collector and arterial street rights of way by a public agency in conformance with the comprehensive plan; and

F. The exchange of land for the purpose of straightening property boundaries which does not result in the change of the present land usage of the properties involved.

SURVEYOR: Any person who is licensed in the state as a public land surveyor to do professional surveying.

TRAVEL TRAILER PARK: Rental space for travel trailers on a limited basis.

UTILITIES: Installations for conducting water, sewage, gas, electricity, television, storm drains, and similar facilities providing service to and used by the public.

VARIANCE: A modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and where owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.

VICINITY MAP: A small scale map showing the location of a tract of land in relation to a larger area.

9-3: PROCEDURE FOR SUBDIVISION APPROVAL:

            9-3-1: SUBDIVISION REQUIRED:

Any person desiring to create a “subdivision” as herein defined shall submit all necessary applications to the Clerk. No final plat shall be recorded with the County Recorder until the plat has been acted upon by the council and approved by the Council. No lots shall be sold from any plat nor building permits issued until it has been recorded with the County Recorder. Unless modified by action of the Council, the provisions of this chapter shall also apply to planned unit developments.

            9-3-2: PREAPPLICATION:

A. Application: To begin the preliminary plat process, the applicant shall submit a completed subdivision preapplication form as provided by the City to the Mayor’s office. The sketch plan shall include the entire development scheme of the proposed subdivision, in schematic form including the area proposed for immediate development in such a form and content as required by the council and shall include the following:

1. The general layout of streets, blocks, and lots in sketch form.

2. The existing conditions and characteristics of the land adjacent to the proposed subdivision.

3. Areas set aside for schools, parks and other public facilities.

B. Fee: None required.

C. Preapplication Approval Procedure: The applicant shall submit the preapplication and plans to the Clerk. After determining a complete application, the Building Official will schedule, within thirty (30) days, a meeting to review the application with representatives of the local fire district and any other applicable utility or agency. At the aforementioned meeting, the applicant shall present the preapplication and intent for review and comment by the Building Official and other agency representatives. The Building Official and the other agency representatives will review the preapplication to determine its compliance with this title as well as the following concerns:

1. The compliance of the proposed development with existing City, local or State policies, goals and objectives or development plans;

2. Determination of potential conflicts which may require a rezone, special development permit, or variance and whether such requirements can be combined into one permit;

3. Advise the applicant of any unique environmental or hazardous concerns that may be directly or indirectly associated with the subject property such areas that have been designated by the State as areas of critical environmental concern, unique plant or animal life, floodplain, airport flight pattern and the like; and

4. Provide the applicant with all necessary forms and checklists.

            9-3-3: PRELIMINARY PLAT:

A. Application: Upon completion of the preapplication procedures, the applicant may file with the Clerk a complete subdivision application with preliminary plat data as required in this title.

B. Combining Processes for Both Preliminary and Final Plats: The applicant may also request that the subdivision application be processed as both a preliminary and final plat if the following conditions are met:

1. The proposed subdivision does not exceed ten (10) lots;

2. No major work is required on existing street network;

3. No major special development considerations are involved, such as infrastructure development or the like; and

4. All required information submittals for both preliminary and final plat are complete and in an acceptable form. A request to combine both preliminary plat and final plat into one application shall be acted upon by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee.

C. Content Of Preliminary Plat: Preliminary plat shall contain the information required under subsection D of this section. Additional maps or date deemed necessary by the Mayor’s office may also be required. The applicant shall submit to the Mayor’s office at least the following:

1. A preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision, drawn in accordance with the requirements hereinafter stated;

2. Preliminary engineered concept plans for electrical, streets, water, wastewater, sidewalks, and other required public improvements, including a master utility map; said engineered plans shall contain sufficient information and detail to enable the Building Official to make a preliminary determination as to conformance of the proposed improvements with applicable code, regulations, and standards as outlined in this title;

3. A written application requesting approval of the preliminary plat on a form prescribed by the Mayor’s office; and

4. Appropriate information that sufficiently details the proposed development within any special development area, such as hillside, planned unit development, floodplain, cemetery, mobile home, large scale development, hazards and unique areas of development.

D. Requirement Of Preliminary Plats and Plat Applications: The following shall be shown on any preliminary plat submitted or shall be submitted:

1. Name of the proposed subdivision;

2. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the present owners of the property (with written and signed consent), the subdivider(s), the surveyor, and/or engineer;

3. Name and address of all adjoining property owners;

4. Legal description of the subdivision;

5. Statement of the intended use of the proposed subdivision, such as residential single-family; two-family and multiple housing; commercial; industrial; recreational; or agricultural and a showing of any sites proposed for parks, playgrounds, schools, churches or other public uses;

6. Map of the entire area scheduled for development if the proposed subdivision is a portion of a larger holding intended for subsequent development;

7. Vicinity map showing the relationship of the proposed plat to the surrounding area (1/4 mile minimum radius, scale optional);

8. Land use and existing zoning of the proposed subdivision and the adjacent land;

9. Streets, street names, right of way and roadway widths, including adjoining streets or roadways;

10. Lot lines, dimensions and numbers, and the total number of lots by block;

11. Contours, shown at five foot (5′) intervals where land slope is greater than ten percent (10%) and at two foot (2′) intervals where land slope is ten percent (10%) or less, with an established bench mark, including location and elevation;

12. Site report as required by the appropriate health district where individual wells or septic tanks are proposed;

13. Any proposed or existing utilities, including, but not limited to, storm and sanitary sewers, irrigation laterals, ditches, drainages, bridges, culverts, water mains, fire hydrant, electric power lines, gas lines, cable lines, and wastewater lines;

14. Any dedications to the public and/or easements, together with a statement of location, dimensions, and purpose of such;

15. If a project is to be constructed/developed in phases, then the overall phasing shall be indicated in a detail on the preliminary plat, but the preliminary plat shall focus on the current phase of development being sought in the application.

16. Copy of any proposed restrictive covenants and/or deed restrictions or, if none, a statement that none are proposed;

17. Any additional required information for special developments as specified in chapter 6 of this title (such as for RV Parks, Cemeteries, Large Scale Developments, etc).

18. Statement as to whether or not a variance will be requested with respect to any provision of this title describing the particular provision, the variance requested, and the reasons therefor.

E. Preliminary Plat Fee: At the time of submission of an application for a preliminary plat a nonrefundable fee be paid, the amount which shall be set by resolution of the Council. There shall be no additional fee for the combining of the preliminary and final plats.

F. Submission Requirements: The Applicant shall have submitted the required preliminary plat and required supplemental material, and required fee to the Mayor’s office before scheduling and noticing a regular Council meeting.

G. Public Notification:

1. Posting Notice: For parcesl larger than five (5) acres, City will post a reasonable number of notices on or near the subject property under consideration to be subdivided. The location of the notices shall be on the closest public road(s), in visible locations, surrounding the subject property and erected at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Councilโ€™s meeting. Applicant shall be responsible to reimburse City for actual cost of posting notice.

2. Mailed Notice: City shall give actual written notice to every person residing within three hundred feet (300′) of any border of the proposed subdivision at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Council’s meeting. Applicant shall be responsible to reimburse City for actual cost of mailing notice.

3. Published Notice: City shall publish notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Council’s meeting and upload to its website. Applicant shall be responsible to reimburse City for actual cost of publishing notice.

H. Council Action: At the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, the applicant shall present the preliminary plat for action. The Council may approve, approve conditionally, disapprove, or table the preliminary plat for additional information. The action, and the reasons for such action, shall be stated in writing by the Council and forwarded to the applicant.

I. Reconsideration: An applicant or affected person who appeared in person or in writing before the Council may, within fifteen (15) days of the Council’s action, submit a written request to the city clerk for the Council to reconsider its action. The Council shall respond in writing within fourteen (14) days of the filing of the request, either modifying its original action or affirming it.

J. Approval Period: Failure to record a final plat within one (1) year after action by the Council shall cause all approvals of said preliminary plat to be null and void, unless an extension of time is applied for prior to the expiration date and granted by the Council.

            9-3-4: FINAL PLAT:

A. Application: After the approval or conditional approval of the preliminary plat, the applicant may cause the subdivision, or any part thereof, to be surveyed and a final plat prepared in accordance with the approved preliminary plat. The applicant shall submit to the council the following:

1. An original of the final plat that conforms to the approved preliminary plat under 9-3-3.

2. Verification that the engineer construction plans have been approved by the City, expressly including the Clerk and Building Official.

B. Content Of Final Plat: The final plat shall include and be in compliance with all items required under Idaho Code, 50-1304, which includes provisions such as being drawn to a scale to ensure clarity of lines and notations, using permanent ink or transfer process, type and size of paper/film. The final plat application packet shall include at least the following:

1. Written application for approval of such final plat as stipulated by the Council;

2. Proof of current ownership of the real property included in the proposed final plat;

3. Such other and further information as the Council may deem necessary including consents;

4. Conform with the approved preliminary plat and meeting all requirements or conditions of the Council;

5. Conform to all requirements and provisions of this title; and

6. Conform to local standards and acceptable engineering practices.

C. Council Review: The Council shall review the final plat for compliance with the approved or conditionally approved preliminary plat. If the Council determines that there is a substantial difference between the final plat and what was considered as the preliminary plat, or that conditions of preliminary approval have not been met, the Council may require that the final plat be resubmitted in the same manner as required in the preliminary plat process.

D. Agency Review: The Mayor or the Mayor’s designee may transmit a copy of the final plat, or other document(s) submitted, for review and comment to such departments, agencies, districts, or others as deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the preliminary plat and all other conditions previously set. Such agency review shall also include the construction standards of improvements, compliance with health standards, an opinion of cost for all improvements, and the legal review of the performance bond to be issued to the City under section 9-3-5 of this chapter. The Mayor or the Mayor’s designee shall report the results of this review to the Council.

E. Council Action: At its next meeting following receipt of any agency review under subsection D of this section, the Council shall consider the record, together with findings and comments from concerned persons and agencies, and shall approve, approve conditionally, disapprove, or table the final plat for additional information. Approval shall require that the final plat conform to the requirements of this title applicable at the time of approval of the preliminary plat, to all conditions of preliminary approval, and to the requirements of Idaho law.

F. Approval Period: Final plat and covenants, if any, shall be filed by the applicant with the County Recorder within ninety (90) days after written approval by the Council; otherwise, such approval shall become null and void unless prior to said expiration date an extension of time is applied for and granted by the Council.

G. Prior to recording the final subdivision plat, the applicant shall submit to the Mayor’s office:

1. Approved copies of the final construction plans and specifications for streets, water, wastewater, stormwater, parks, gravity irrigation and pressure irrigation systems. All plans and specifications shall have sufficient detail, written information, vertical and horizontal dimensions to accurately locate the proposed improvements in the field and determine their relationship to other improvements. The City Building Official shall establish standards.

2. Financial guarantee of improvements pursuant to section 9-3-5 of this chapter.

3. Certification of water and wastewater plan approval from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

4. Certification and signature of the Mayor or Building Official verifying that the subdivision meets the City requirements and has been approved by the Council.

5. If required for purposes of an allowed well and/or septic system, certification and signature of local or State health agency that all health requirements have been complied with or the required sanitary restriction set forth in title 50, chapter 13, Idaho Code has been placed thereon.

6. Street and utility plan approval from the Idaho Transportation Department or Minidoka Highway District, as required.

7. Gravity or other irrigation system plan approval from the Bureau of Reclamation or Minidoka Irrigation District, as required.

8. An executed developer’s agreement, if required by the City.

9. A recorded or recordable warranty deed or other valid and duly executed instrument of transfer to the City of Minidoka for surface or groundwater water rights for the land described on the plat, including the transfer of the water rights shares in any irrigation district where the land is located, unless otherwise agreed to between the City and the developer.

10. Signature on the plat of the Mayor’s office verifying that all conditions for approval of a final plat have been met as required either by a developer’s agreement, other City requirements or both. Upon approval of the final plat by the Council, and compliance with the foregoing then the applicant shall deliver the final plat to the County Recorder for recording.

H. Method of Recording:

1. Once Council has approved the proposed final plat, applicant shall prepare a hard copy of the final plat under Idaho Code 50-1304 and Minidoka County requirements.

2. Applicant is responsible to acquire each required signature on the plat and then record the plat with the Minidoka Recorder Office.

3. Applicant is responsible to provide an electronic copy of the recorded plat with instrument number listed to City.

            9-3-5: GUARANTEE OF COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Financial Guarantee Arrangements: In lieu of the actual installation of required public improvements before recording of the final plat, the Council may permit the subdivider to execute a trust and escrow agreement and record a notice prohibiting the sale of an undeveloped lot without a recorded developer’s agreement between the subdivider and the City relating to that lot, or to provide a financial guarantee of performance in one or a combination of the following arrangements for those requirements which are over and beyond the requirements of any other agency responsible for the administration, operation and maintenance of the applicable public improvement:

1. Surety Bond:

a. Bond: The bond shall accrue to the City covering construction, operation and maintenance of the specific public improvement.

b. Amount: The bond shall be in an amount equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the total estimated cost for completing construction of the specific public improvements, as estimated by the developer’s consulting engineer and approved by the City Engineer.

c. Term Length: The term length in which the bond is in force, for the duration of that phase of the project, shall be for a period to be specified by the Council for the specific public improvement.

d. Bonding Or Surety Company: The bond shall be with a bonding or surety company authorized to do business in the State of Idaho, acceptable to the Council.

e. Cancellation Of Bond: Cancellation of the bond voids approval of the final plat; and no building permits may be issued for any further construction in the subdivision.

2. Cash Deposit, Certified Check, Negotiable Bond Or Irrevocable Bank Letter Of Credit:

a. Treasurer, Escrow Agent Or Trust Company: A cash deposit, certified check, negotiable bond or an irrevocable bank letter of credit, such surety acceptable by the Council, shall be deposited with an escrow agent or trust company.

b. Dollar Value: The dollar value of the cash deposit, certified check, negotiable bond or irrevocable bank letter of credit shall be equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the estimated cost of construction for the specific public improvement, as estimated by the developer’s consulting engineer approved by the Mayor or Building Official.

c. Escrow Time: The escrow time for the cash deposit, certified check, negotiable bond or irrevocable bank letter of credit shall be until completed and accepted by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee.

d. Progressive Payment: In the case of cash deposits or certified checks, an agreement between the Council and the subdivider may provide for progressive payment out of the cash deposit or reduction of the certified check, negotiable bond or irrevocable bank letter of credit, to the extent of the cost of the completed portion of the public improvement, in accordance with a previously entered into agreement.

e. Removal Of The Cash Deposit: Removal of the cash deposit by anyone other than the City, revocation of the letter of credit, cancellation or removal of the certified check, negotiable bond or such surety allowed by the City, voids approval of the final plat; and no building permits may be issued for any further construction in the subdivision.

B. Conditional Approval Of Final Plat: With respect to financial guarantees, the approval of all final subdivision plats shall be conditioned on the accomplishment of one of the following:

1. The construction of improvements required by this title shall have been completed by the subdivider and approved by the City Engineer.

2. Surety acceptable to the Council shall have been filed in the form of a cash deposit, certified check, negotiable bond, irrevocable bank letter of credit or surety bond.

C. Developer’s Agreement: Unless waived by the City Council, before approving a final plat and construction plans and specifications for public improvements, an agreement between the developer or subdivider and the Council shall be made to provide for checking or inspecting the construction and its conformity to the submitted plans. The owner, if different from the developer or subdivider, shall be made a party to the agreement.

D. Action In Case Of Failure To Complete The Construction Of A Public Improvement: In the event the subdivider shall fail to complete such work within the period of time as required by the conditions of the guarantee or as otherwise agreed for the completion of public improvements the City may proceed to have such work completed, or in the sole discretion of the City, return any or all of the subdivision back to its condition as it more or less was prior to any plat approval or other development. In order to accomplish this, the Council shall reimburse itself for the cost and expense thereof by appropriating the cash deposit, certified check, irrevocable bank letter of credit, or negotiable bond which the subdivider may have deposited in lieu of a surety bond, or may take such steps as may be necessary to require performance by the bonding or surety company, and as included in a written agreement as above provided. In addition to all other remedies, the City will not issue further building permits for the subdivision until the improvements are provided or the matter is otherwise resolved. If no improvements have been made, the City may void the approval of the final plat.

E. Security: The City will hold ten percent (10%) of security for a two (2) year warranty period from date of acceptance of said improvements. At the completion of the two (2) year warranty period a final inspection will be conducted. Any noted deficiencies in said final inspections must be corrected prior to the release of the remaining security held by the City. Balance of security will be paid within thirty (30) days of acceptance by City. Interest will not be paid on any security held by the City.

F. Final Plat And Covenants: Final plat and covenants, if any, shall be filed by the subdivider/developer with the County Recorder within ninety (90) days after written approval by the Council; otherwise, such approval shall become null and void unless prior to said expiration date an extension of time is applied for and granted by the council. No building permits may be issued for the subdivision until such recording has occurred. A copy of the recorded plat, as recorded, shall be given by the developer to the City.

9-4: DESIGN STANDARDS:

            9-4-1: MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS REQUIRED:

All plans submitted to the provisions of this title, and all subdivisions, improvements and facilities done, constructed or made in accordance with said provisions shall fully comply with the minimum design standards set forth hereinafter in this chapter; provided, however, that any higher standards adopted by any highway district, state highway department or health agency shall prevail over those set forth herein.

            9-4-2: DEDICATION:

Arterial and collector streets shall be dedicated to the public in all cases; in general, all other streets shall also be dedicated to public use.

            9-4-3: LOCATION:

Street and road location shall conform to the following:

A. Street Location And Arrangements: When a major street plan or comprehensive development plan has been adopted, subdivision streets shall conform to such plans;

B. Local Or Minor Streets: Shall be so arranged as to discourage their use by through traffic;

C. Street Continuation And Extension: The arrangement of streets shall provide for the continuation of existing streets from adjoining areas into new subdivisions unless otherwise approved by the council and the highway district or department having jurisdiction over such streets;

D. Stub Streets: Where adjoining areas are not subdivided, the arrangement of streets in new subdivisions shall be such that said streets extend to the boundary line of the tract to make provisions for the future extension of said streets into adjacent areas. A reserve strip may be required and held in public ownership;

E. Relation To Topography: Streets shall be arranged in proper relation to topography so as to result in usable lots, safe streets and acceptable gradients;

F. Alleys: Alleys shall be provided in multiple-dwelling or commercial subdivisions unless other provisions are made for service access and off street loading and parking. Dead end alleys shall be prohibited in all cases;

G. Frontage Roads: Where a subdivision abuts or contains an arterial street, it may be required in the discretion of the council that there be frontage roads approximately parallel to and on each side of such arterial street, and that there be such other treatment as is necessary for the adequate protection of residential properties and to separate through traffic from local traffic;

H. Cul-De-Sac Streets: Cul-de-sac streets are allowed when circumstances require, in the discretion of the city. When allowed, a cul-de-sac shall have a turnaround at the end of at least one hundred feet (100′) in diameter;

I. Half Streets: Half streets shall be prohibited except where unusual circumstances make such necessary to the reasonable development of a tract in conformance with this title and where satisfactory assurance for dedication of the remaining part of the street is provided. Whenever a tract to be subdivided bordering on an existing half or partial street, the other part of the street shall be dedicated with such tract; and

J. Private Streets: Private streets and roads shall be prohibited except within planned unit developments.

            9-4-4: SPECIFICATIONS:

A. Street Right of Way Widths: Street and road right of way widths shall conform to the adopted Transportation Master Plan or comprehensive development plan, Typical Sections, and the rules of the state department of highways and the highway district or department having jurisdiction; minimum right of way standards are as follows:

Street TypeWidthWidth Of Pavement
Collector Street80 feet50 feet (lip to lip)
Minor Collector Street66 feet38 feet
Residential/Local Street50 to 66 feetVaries 34 to 38 feet

B. Street Grades: Street grades shall not exceed nine percent (9%) on either Local or Collector streets, and no street grade shall be less than five-tenths feet (5/10′) per one hundred feet (100′) or o.5% grade.

C. Vertical Street Alignment: Minimum sight distances shall be two hundred feet (200′) for Residential streets and three hundred feet (300′) for other streets.

            9-4-5: STREET NAMES:

The naming of streets shall conform to the following: street names shall not duplicate any existing street name except where a new street is a continuation of an existing street; street names that may be spelled differently but sound the same as existing streets shall not be used.

            9-4-6: INTERSECTIONS:

Intersections shall conform to the following:

A. Angle Of Intersection: Streets shall intersect at ninety degrees (90ยฐ) or as closely thereto as possible, and in no case, shall streets intersect at less than seventy-five degrees (75ยฐ);

B. Number Of Streets: No more than two (2) streets shall cross at any one intersection;

C. “T” Intersections: “T” intersections may be used wherever such design will not unduly restrict the free movement of traffic, Offset “T” intersections shall be far enough apart to facilitate storage for left turning traffic movements;

D. Vertical Alignment of Intersection: A nearly flat grade with appropriate drainage slopes is desirable within intersections. This flat section shall extend fifty feet (50′) to one hundred feet (100′) each way from the center of the intersection. An allowance of two percent (2%) maximum intersection grade in flat or rolling terrain, and four percent (4%) in hilly terrain, will be permitted.

            9-4-7: PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS:

Right of way for pedestrian walkways in the middle of long blocks shall be required where necessary to obtain convenient pedestrian circulation to schools, parks or shopping areas; the right of way shall be at least ten feet (10′) wide and shall extend entirely through the block.

            9-4-8: EASEMENTS:

Unobstructed utility easements shall be provided along front lot lines, rear lot lines and side lot lines when necessary; total easement width shall be not less than twelve feet (12′) where lots adjoin. Unobstructed drainageway easements shall be provided as required by the council.

            9-4-9: BLOCKS:

A. Every block shall be so designed as to provide two (2) tiers of lots, except where lots back on to an arterial street, natural feature or subdivision boundary; blocks shall not be less than three hundred feet (300′) long in most all cases.

B. The length, width and shape of blocks shall be determined with due regard to adequate sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated; the zoning requirements as to lot size and dimensions; the need for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic; and the limitations and opportunities of topography.

            9-4-10: LOTS:

Lots shall conform to the following:

A. Residential Lot Minimums: Lots in residential low subdivisions shall have the following minimum sizes and characteristics:

1. Lots along roadways;

a. Six thousand one hundred (6,100) square feet;

b. Minimum road frontage length of sixty-five feet (65′).

2. Lots at the inside corner of an intersection or bend in road; a Seven thousand two hundred and twenty (7,200) square feet;

b. Minimum road frontage length of sixty-five feet (65′) along both roads.

3. Lots at the outside corner of a sharp bend in a road, or at the end of a cul-de-sac;

a. Six thousand one hundred (6,100) square feet;

b. Minimum road frontage length of forty feet (40′);

c. Sharp bend is one where the road centerline angle changes by fifty degrees (50ยฐ) or more.

B. Lot Lines: Side lot lines should be essentially at right angles to straight streets and generally conform to the radius of curved streets;

C. Corner Lots: Inside corner lots shall have sufficient extra width to facilitate the building setback from both streets;

D. Uninhabitable Areas: Land subject to flooding or which shall otherwise be deemed to be uninhabitable shall not be platted for residential purposes or for any other uses that may increase or create a danger to health, life or property or which may increase or create a flood hazard. Such land within a subdivision shall be set aside for other uses such as parks or other open space;

E. Backup Lots: Lots shall back into such features as freeways, collector streets, shopping centers or industrial properties, except where there is a marginal access street. Such lots shall contain a landscaped easement along the rear at least twenty feet (20′) wide in addition to the utility easement; the restricted access to the collector street will reduce noise effects and help protect outdoor living areas. Lots extending through a block and having frontage on two (2) local streets are to be discouraged and may be prohibited by the council;

F. Lot Frontage: All rectangular lots shall have at least sixty-five feet (65′) of frontage upon a publicly dedicated streets. Exceptions may be granted by the Council for an approved planned unit development;

G. Future Arrangements: Where parcels of land are subdivided into unusually large lots (such as when large lots are approved for septic tank operations) the parcels shall be divided, where feasible, so as to allow for future resubdividing into smaller parcels. Lot arrangements shall allow for the ultimate extension of adjacent streets through the middle of wide blocks. Whenever such future subdividing or lot splitting is contemplated the plan thereof shall be approved by the council prior to the taking of such action; and

I. Further Subdivision; Variances:

1. Further Subdivision Of Lots: In order to protect the easements, traffic density and utility service plans of the city and the general plans of ingress and egress from a subdivision, the platted lots, as depicted on the final plat and as approved by the city, shall not be further subdivided without a submission of an amended subdivision plat and conforming with the requirements of this title for submission and approval of amended plats. Each final subdivision plat shall prominently display the following legend prior to approval: Important notice to owners and purchasers of lots in this subdivision: It is unlawful for any owner of a lot in this subdivision to further subdivide any lot in this subdivision without further formal compliance with the requirements of the City of Minidoka’s subdivision ordinance for approval of amended subdivision plats. The terms “further subdivide” shall include all definitions in the Minidoka City Code and Idaho state law, as well as any form of transfer of ownership of less than the entire lot or interest in a lot to any other person or entity, other than the granting of lawful and appropriate easements, lawful pledges or liens.

2. Variance To Prohibition Of Further Subdivision Of Lots: A lot owner who, because the prohibition against further subdivision, is placed in a position of hardship due to the unique circumstances of the lot in question as defined in title 8 of this code, may make written application to the city for a variance in the same manner and providing the same information as required in title 8 of this code. In addition thereto, the application shall provide the following:

a.    An accurate survey with the proposed subdivision of the lot in question depicted thereon;

b.    An accurate depiction of changes, additions or deletions of utilities easements;

c. A verified statement why application for an amended subdivision plat is either not feasible or impractical which shall include a statement as to why the request either does or does not affect other lot owners in the subdivisions and whether, in the opinion of the applicant, there are other lots in the subdivision that require similar variance or further subdivisions.

3. Procedure: The procedure for granting such a variance shall be as follows: The written petition, accompanied with payment of a fee in the amount set by resolution of the council, shall first be presented to the city council. The council shall then hold a public hearing on the petition, after giving notice by mail to the last known address to all owners of lots and persons using or occupying buildings or residences within the subdivision as well as giving notice as provided in subsection 9-3-3G of this title. If the council determines that it will waive the requiring of submission and approval of an amended subdivision plat, then it shall refer the matter to the mayor and city council. The procedure set forth in title 8 of this code, shall then apply to the consideration and granting of such application for variance by the mayor and city council.

            9-4-11: PLANTING STRIPS AND RESERVE STRIPS:

A. Planting Strips: Planting strips shall be required to be placed next to incompatible features such as highways, railroads, commercial or industrial uses to screen the view from residential properties. Such screens shall be a minimum of twenty feet (20′) wide, and shall not be a part of the normal roadway right of way or utility easement.

B.    Reserve Strips:

1.        Reserve Strips, Private: Privately held reserve strips controlling access to streets shall be prohibited.

2. Reserve Strips, Public: A one foot (1′) reserve may be required to be placed at the end or along “stub”, “dead end”, or half streets which terminate at subdivision boundaries. These reserves shall be deeded in fee simple to the city for future street purposes.

            9-4-12: PUBLIC SITES AND OPEN SPACES:

Public sites and open spaces shall conform to the following:

A. Public Uses: Where a proposed park, playground, school or other public use shown on the comprehensive development plan is located in whole or part within a subdivision, a suitable area for this purpose shall be dedicated to the public or reserved for public purchase. If within two (2) years of plat recording, the purchase is not agreed on, the reservation shall be canceled or shall automatically cease to exist; and

B. Natural Features: Existing natural features which add value to residential development and enhance the attractiveness of the community (such as trees, watercourses, historic spots and similar irreplaceable assets) shall be preserved, insofar as possible, in the design of the subdivision.

            9-4-13: LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENTS:

Large scale developments shall be governed by the following provisions:

A. Classification:

1. Large Scale Residential Developments: developments with 30 or more dwelling units. For example, 15 duplexes, 30 single family homes, or 8 four-plexes.

2. Large Scale Commercial Developments: developments with over 62,000 SF of warehouse floor space, or over 20,000 SF of retail/office space, or a combination of warehouse, retail, shop, and office space of over 62,000 SF.

B. Open Spaces and Public Sites Guidelines:

1. Large Scale Residential Developments shall provide one or more of the following:

a. Trails and Open Spaces: Minimum of 5% of the gross development land shall be dedicated to access to, parking for, and open space/trail area. Trails are to be at least twenty-five (25) feet wide between fences to avoid a narrow corridor. Trails and open spaces are to be landscaped. Park areas that do not have playground equipment, shade structures/pavilions, sports fields, etc. are considered open space.

b. Sports Fields: Minimum of 4% of the gross development land shall be dedicated to access to, parking for, and the sports field area. Sports fields include developed facilities for baseball, soccer, football, and similar sports.

c. Parks: Minimum of 3% of the gross development land shall be dedicated to access to, parking for, and the developed park area. Parks shall have picnic areas with shade structures, playground equipment, fencing, hard surfaces, walkway, etc. The amount of playground equipment shall be proportional to the size of the park area. Parks where at least 55% of the playground equipment and play areas are ADA accessible may have the percentage of the gross development area required for park dedication reduced to 2%.

d. Sports Courts: Minimum of 2% of the gross development land shall be dedicated to access to, parking for, and the sports courts area. Sports courts include all-weather hard-surfaced fenced areas for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and similar sports.

e. Recreation Centers/Club Houses: Minimum of 1.5% of the gross development land shall be dedicated to access to, parking for, and the developed recreation center/club house area.

f. Combination of two or more of items A through E may be acceptable, the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee shall determine the amount of minimum percentage of gross development land is required to satisfy the requirements of this section.

g. The residential developer may request the City consider receiving and maintaining open spaces and public sites constructed by a developer through dedication and acceptance as part of the platting process and through a Developer Agreement.

2. Large Scale Commercial Developments shall provide one or more of the following:

a. Landscape areas along the borders of the development and around parking/access areas. Minimum of 2% of gross development land shall be dedicated to landscaping areas.

b. Trails/Greenbelts running through the development and connecting to other adjoining properties and public park space. Minimum of 1% of gross development land shall be dedicated to trails and greenbelts. Trails and greenbelts shall be at least thirty (30) feet wide and landscaped. Landscaping within public right-of-way does not count toward fulfilling this requirement. Greenbelts and trails shall be arranged to periodically be adjacent to publicly accessible parking areas to facilitate public use of greenbelts and trails.

c. Cash contribution to City for improvements to other existing City parks that are within 1.5 miles of the proposed large scale commercial development. Cash contributions shall be roughly equivalent to the value of the commercial land with its landscaping improvements that would have otherwise been dedicated by the development.

9-5: IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS:

            9-5-1: PURPOSE:

It is the purpose of this chapter to establish and define the public improvements which will be required to be constructed by the subdivider as conditions for final plat approval and also to outline the procedures and responsibilities of the subdivider and the various public officials and agencies concerned with the administration, planning design, construction, and financing of public facilities and to further establish procedures for assuring compliance with these requirements.

            9-5-2: RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLANS:

It shall be the responsibility of the subdivider of every proposed subdivision to have prepared by a registered engineer, a complete set of construction plans, including profiles, cross section, specifications, and other supporting data, for all required public streets, utilities and other facilities. Such construction plans shall be based on preliminary plans which have been approved with the preliminary plat, and shall be prepared in conjunction with the final plat. Construction plans are subject to approval by the city engineer and other responsible public agencies. All construction plans shall be prepared in accordance with the public agencies’ standards or specifications.

            9-5-3: REQUIRED PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS:

Every subdivider shall be required to install the following public and other improvements in accordance with the conditions and specifications as follows:

A. Monuments: Monuments shall be set in accordance with section 50-1313, Idaho Code.

B. Streets And Alleys: All streets and alleys shall be constructed in accordance with the standards and specifications adopted by the council. Vertical curbs and gutters shall be constructed on arterial streets.

C. Curbs And Gutters: Curbs and gutters shall be required on minor streets and shall be constructed in accordance with the standards and specifications adopted by the council.

D. Installation Of Public Utilities: Underground utilities are recommended and may be required by the council in areas where overhead facilities would not be compatible with the surrounding properties.

E. Driveways: All driveway openings in curbs shall be as specified by the Building Official, highway district or state highway department.

F. Water Supply System: When a proposed subdivision is to be serviced by a public water supply system fire hydrants and other required water system appurtenances shall be provided by the subdivider. If there is no existing or accessible public water supply system, the subdivider shall be required to install a water supply system for the common use of the lots within the subdivision as approved by state department of environmental community services. Individual wells may be permitted in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate health district.

G. Sanitary Sewer System: When a proposed subdivision is to be served by a public sanitary sewage system, sanitary sewers and other required appurtenances thereto shall be provided by the subdivider as approved by the state department of environmental and community services. Where it is determined in the judgment of the council, based upon the advice of the appropriate health district, that a subdivision cannot be feasibly connected with an existing public or private sewer system or that a public or private sewer system not be provided for the subdivision, that an approved disposal system may be authorized which shall comply with the requirements of the appropriate health district.

H. Sidewalks And Pedestrian Walkways: Sidewalks shall be required on both sides of the street. Where the average width of lots, as measured at the frontage line or at the building setback line, is over one hundred feet (100′), sidewalks on one side may be required by the Council. Pedestrian walkways, when required, shall have easements at least ten feet (10′) in width and include a concrete walk at least five feet (5′) in width, located generally along the centerline of the easement, dedicated as a public pedestrian walkway. Sidewalks shall be unobstructed by poles, posts, mailboxes, or other obstacles which impede the potential flow and safety of the walk or way. Sidewalks and crosswalks shall be constructed in accordance with the standards and specifications as adopted by the Council.

I. Greenbelt: Greenbelts or landscaping screening may be required for the protection of residential properties from adjacent major arterial streets, waterways, railroad rights-of-way or other features. Subdivision plats shall show the location of any greenbelt areas.

J. Street Lighting: Streetlights shall be required to be installed at intersections throughout the subdivision. In these cases a subdivider shall conform to the requirements of the City and the public utility providing such lighting.

K. Bicycle Paths: Bicycle paths should be considered in all developments and may be required by the council.

L. Responsibility For Private Improvements And Public Utilities: It shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to arrange and provide for the development, installation, construction or other improvement of private facilities and public utilities within and for the subdivision in accordance with applicable standards and requirements.

M. Responsibilities For The Construction Of Public Works: The scope of this section is to define the respective areas of responsibility of the subdivider and the City relative to the installation, construction, or other improvements of public works en route to and within the boundaries of a subdivision. In certain instances, the City may require formal written agreements with the subdivider that more fully and specifically describe their respective obligations and responsibilities.

N. General: It shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to complete at his sole expense all the development and construction of public works for and within his subdivision except as specifically provided otherwise to be the obligation and responsibility of the City, or as may be accepted by the City as being within the spirit and intent of its responsibilities.

O. Completion Of Public Works: The subdivider shall complete the installation or construction of all the different phases of public works for which he is responsible before the City will accept any of them. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of a stage if a staged development is called for in the approved development plan.

P. Guarantee Of Completion: Until the public works for which the subdivider is responsible are complete, or an acceptable stage of the development is completed, the City will issue no building permit for private construction therein unless a satisfactory performance bond or other suitable guarantee of performance acceptable to the City is provided by the subdivider.

Q. Evidence Of Completion: The subdivider shall notify the City in writing when the public works for which he is responsible have been completed. The Mayor or the Mayor’s designee shall also certify in writing, a copy of which shall be sent to the subdivider, that the said public works have been inspected by him or his authorized representative, and that the said public works have been completed in accordance with applicable standards and specifications. As built construction plans shall be submitted to the City upon completion.

R. Acceptance Of Public Works: Compliance with the foregoing provisions shall constitute the City’s acceptance of the public works. The City shall thereby accept said public works and be responsible for their operation and maintenance in accordance with City policies.

S. Streets:

1. Subdivider Requirements: The subdivider shall perform, install, construct, or otherwise complete at his sole expense the following items relative to street improvements within the boundaries of the subdivision:

a. Route (or boundary) surveys of the dedicated rights-of-way.

b. Construction surveys of line and grade.

c. Installation of sidewalks, if applicable.

d. Installation of curb and gutters, if applicable.

e. Preparation of the subgrade.

f. Installation of the roadway base course.

g. Inspection of all phases of construction to assure compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

h. Installation of a crushed gravel leveling course to be used as a temporary wearing surface until a permanent asphalt pavement is installed.

i. Installation of asphalt pavement shall be installed following the installation of curbs and gutters.

j. Adequate runoff, storm sewers, pipes, culverts, ditches or other drainage facilities as designated by the council.

2. City Requirements: The city shall perform, install, construct, or otherwise complete at its sole expense the following items relative to street improvements within the boundaries of the subdivision.

a. Installation of traffic control signs and signals and street name signs.

b. The city shall also improve to the extent it deems suitable, subject to budgetary limitations, such existing right of way as it considers necessary to provide adequate access to the subdivision.

T. Sanitary Sewage Collection System: The subdivider shall be responsible for the installation of a sanitary sewage collection system within the boundaries of the subdivision. The subdivider shall perform, install, construct or otherwise complete at his sole expense the following items relative to sanitary sewers:

1. Preparation of plans and specifications for the construction of the sanitary sewer system, including extensions from the existing collection system, and the approval of said plans and specifications by the Idaho department of health and welfare.

2. Construction surveys of line and grade within the subdivision.

3. Installation of the sewer system within the subdivision, including sewers, manholes and other appurtenances, and, if applicable, sewage pumping stations.

4. If sewer mains are located in a dedicated street, installation of a sewer service line to the property line of each lot.

5. Inspection of construction to assure compliance with the plans, specifications, and applicable standards.

6. Installation of a sewer extension from the existing collection system to a designated point of connection near the subdivision. Connections to the sewers will be in accordance with existing procedures and the policies of the city; and the subdivider will be liable for the payment of sewer assessment and hookup charges as provided by city ordinances.

U. Water Distribution System: The subdivider shall be responsible for the installation of a culinary water distribution system within the boundaries of the subdivision. The subdivider shall perform, install, construct, or otherwise complete at his sole expense the following items relative to a culinary water distribution system:

1. Preparation of plans and specifications for the construction of the water distribution system, and the approval of said plans and specifications by the Idaho department of health and welfare.

2. Construction surveys of line and grade within the subdivision.

3. Installation of the water distribution system within the subdivision, including water lines, control valves, fire hydrants, and appurtenant facilities.

4. If water mains are located in a dedicated street, installation of a water service line to the property line of each lot.

5. Inspection of construction to assure compliance with the plans, specifications, and applicable standards.

6. Installation of a water line extension or extensions as indicated above. Connections to the water mains shall be in accordance with existing procedures and policies of the city, and the subdivider shall be liable for the payment of water assessment and hookup charges as provided by city ordinances.

V. Reimbursement For Oversizing: In the event the city requires the subdivider to ins all oversized pipelines or other excess facilities to make provisions for present or future service needs in excess of the requirements for the subdivision, the city shall reimburse the subdivider for the additional costs of material and installation resulting therefrom.

W. Building Line Setback: In all new subdivisions the building line setback shall be a minimum of twenty feet (20′) from the property line. In the event that a new subdivision is located along a street with existing residences, the setback line shall be not less than other structures along the street and preferably should be set back as an average of the existing structures.

X. Side And Rear Lot Line Clearance: In all new subdivisions no building of any nature shall be placed or constructed nearer than five feet (5′) of the property line. Where utility rights of way or other rights of way or easements are provided along property lines and lot lines no structure of any nature shall be permitted in such rights of way or easements, except for the purpose for which they are provided.

9-6: SPECIAL DEVELOPMENTS:

            9-6-1: PURPOSE:

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the various types of special developments that normally pose special concerns to the council and elected officials when reviewing and acting upon subdivision requests. Therefore, this chapter outlines the general plan submittal requirements and design standards that shall be taken into consideration when acting on special developments. The provisions of this chapter are in addition to the plan requirements and design standards that are required by chapters 3 and 4 of this title. The required information shall be submitted to the council with the preliminary plat.

            9-6-2: PLANNED UNIT AND CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENTS:

A. Site Development Plan: The developer shall provide the council with a colored rendering of adequate scale to show the completed development that will include at least the following:

1. Architect style and building design;

2. Building materials and color;

3. Landscaping;

4. Screening;

5. Garbage areas;

6. Parking; and

7. Open space.

B. Private Streets: Private street construction standards shall be based upon recommendations from the Mayor or Building Official and the council. Adequate construction standards may vary depending on the size of the development and the demands placed on such improvements.

C. Homeowners’ Association: Homeowners’ association bylaws and other similar deed restrictions, which provide for the control and maintenance of all common areas, recreation facilities or open space shall meet with the approval of the council. Any and all powers as specified in such agreements may be required to also be assigned to the jurisdictional agency to ensure continued and adequate maintenance of all such common areas, recreational facilities and open spaces, ability to assess property for delinquencies and enforcement of motor vehicle speed to the best interest of the owners involved and of the general public.

D. Storage Areas: Storage areas shall be provided for the anticipated needs of boats, campers and trailers. For typical residential development, one adequate space shall be provided every three (3) living units. This may be reduced by the council if there is a showing that the needs of a particular development are less.

E. Parking Space: One additional parking space beyond that which is required by the zoning title may be required for every three (3) dwelling units to accommodate visitor parking.

F. Maintenance Building: A maintenance building shall be provided, size and location to be determined by the type and service needed for the necessary repair and maintenance of all common areas.

G. Open Space: The location of open space shall be appropriate to the development and shall be of such shape and area to be usable and convenient to the residents of the development.

H. Control During Development: Single ownership or control during development shall be required and a time limit may be imposed to guarantee the development is built and constructed as planned.

            9-6-3: CEMETERIES:

A. Function: The developer shall provide the council with written documentation that will sufficiently explain if the proposed cemetery will be used for either human or animal remains and the functions that are anticipated on the property.

B. Compliance With The Idaho Code: The developer shall submit a written statement that has been prepared by an attorney that adequately assures the compliance of the proposed cemetery with the procedural platting requirements that are outlined in title 27, Idaho Code.

            9-6-4: MOBILE HOME PARKS:

A. General: Mobile home parks shall in general be treated the same as any residential subdivision, subject to any special requirements set forth in the zoning title and also subject to the following special requirements.

B. Special Requirements: Mobile home parks shall be subject to the following special requirements:

1. Developed as a planned unit development with a minimum lot area for the planned development of two (2) acres;

2. Essential community facilities and services for the type of development under consideration is available, or provisions shall be made to assure that these facilities will be provided;

3. The site shall be suitable for residential development and not be subject to hazards such as insect or rodent infection, objectionable smoke, noxious odors, unusual noise, or the probability of flooding or erosion;

4. Adequacy of provisions for drainage of surface waters and for waste disposal;

5. Protection of existing ground cover;

6. Screening from adjacent areas, other than subdivisions of the same type, by aesthetically acceptable fences, walls, living plant areas, and existing natural or manmade barriers;

7. The width and construction of access streets shall be suitable for the vehicular traffic requirements of the property served. No lot within the development shall have direct vehicular access to a street bordering the development; and

8. Creation of a homeowners’ association to assure that all common open areas are adequately maintained.

            9-6-5: RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS:

A. General: Recreational vehicle parks shall in general be treated the same as any residential subdivision, subject to any special requirements set forth in the zoning title and also subject to the following special requirements.

B. Special Requirements:

1. Recreation vehicle parks shall be developed as a planned unit development with a minimum lot area for the planned development of two (2) acres;

2. Essential community facilities and services for the type of development under consideration shall be included in the plans or there shall be reasonable assurance that the facilities and services are available, or provisions shall be made to assure that these facilities will be provided;

3. There shall be adequate provisions for drainage of surface waters and for waste disposal;

4. There shall be adequate protection of existing ground cover;

5. There shall be adequate screening from adjacent areas, other than subdivisions of the same type, by aesthetically acceptable fences, walls, living plant areas, and existing natural or manmade barriers; and

6. There shall be adequate provision for width and construction of access streets which shall be suitable for the vehicular traffic requirements of the property served. No lot within the development shall have direct vehicular access to a street bordering the development.

            9-6-6: LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION; REQUIRED INFORMATION:

Due to the impact that large scale development would have on public utilities and services, the developer shall submit the following information along with the preliminary plat:

A. Identification of all public services that would be provided to the development that will occur as a result of the subdivision, such as fire protection, police protection, central water, central sewer, road construction, recreation, maintenance, schools and other;

B. Estimate the public service costs to provide adequate service to the development;

C. Estimate the tax revenue that will be generated from the development; and

D. Public means of financing the services for the development if any public services would not be offset by tax revenue received from the development.

9-7: VACATIONS, DEDICATIONS AND VARIANCES:

            9-7-1: APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

A. Application: Any property owner desiring to vacate an existing subdivision, public right of way or easement, or desiring to dedicate a street right of way, or easement shall complete and file an application with the council and also file such other applications as are otherwise required by law. These provisions shall not apply to the widening of any street which is shown in the comprehensive development plan, or the dedication of streets, rights of way, or easements to be shown on a recorded plat of a subdivision.

B. Council Action:

1. When considering an application for vacation procedures, the council shall establish a date for a public hearing and give such public notice as required by law. The council may approve, deny or modify the application. Whenever public rights of way or lands are vacated, the council shall provide adjacent property owners with a quitclaim deed for said vacated rights of way in such proportions as are prescribed by law.

2. When considering an application for dedication procedures, the council may approve, deny, or modify the application. When a dedication is approved, the required street improvements shall be constructed or a bond furnished assuring the construction prior to acceptance of the dedication. To complete the acceptance of any dedication of land, the owner shall furnish to the council a deed describing and conveying such lands to be recorded with the county recorder.

            9-7-2: PURPOSE OF VARIANCES:

The council may grant a variance from the provisions of this title on a finding that undue hardship may result from strict compliance with specific provisions or requirements of the title or that application of such provisions or requirements is impracticable. The council shall only grant variances that it deems necessary to or desirable for the public interest. In making its findings, the council shall take into account the nature of the proposed use of land and the existing use of land in the vicinity, the number of persons to reside or work in the proposed subdivision, and the probable effect of persons to reside or work in the proposed subdivision, and the probable effect of the proposed subdivision upon traffic conditions in the vicinity. No variance shall be granted unless the council finds after a public hearing:

A. That there are such special circumstances or conditions affecting said property that the strict application of the provisions of this title would clearly be impracticable, or unreasonable; in such cases, the subdivider shall first state his reasons in writing as to the specific provisions or requirement involved;

B. That the granting of the specified variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in the area in which said property is situated;

C. That such variance will not violate the provisions of the Idaho Code; and

D. That such variance will not have the effect of nullifying the interest and purpose of this title and the comprehensive development plan.

            9-7-3: TOPOGRAPHICAL; PHYSICAL LIMITATION VARIANCE:

Where in the case of a particular proposed subdivision, it can be shown that strict compliance with the requirements of this title would result in extraordinary hardship to the subdivider because of unusual topography, other physical conditions, or other such conditions which are not self-inflicted, or that these conditions would result in inhibiting the achievement of the objectives of this title, the council may grant a variance modification or a waiver of these requirements.

            9-7-4: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE:

The developer may request a variance from specified portions of this title in the case of a planned unit development. Upon considering the requested variance, the council shall take into account the nature of the proposed use of the land and existing use of land in the vicinity, the number of persons to reside or work in the proposed subdivision, the probable effect of the proposed subdivision upon traffic conditions in the vicinity, adequate open space, light, air and other needs. The council’s findings and report to the council shall include whether:

A. The proposed project will constitute a desirable and stable community development and be in compliance with the comprehensive development plan;

B. The proposed project will be in harmony with adjacent areas; and

C. The proposed project will be served with adequate public facilities.

9-8: ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES:

            9-8-1: ENFORCEMENT:

No subdivision plat required by this title or the Idaho Code shall be admitted to the public land records of the, county or recorded by the county recorder, until such subdivision plat has received final approval by the council. No public board, agency, council, official or other authority shall proceed with the construction of or authorize the construction of any of the public improvements required by this title until the final plat has received the approval by the council.

            9-8-2: PENALTIES:

Penalties for failure to comply with the provisions of this title shall be as follows: Violation of any of the provisions of this title or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a misdemeanor. Each day such violation continues shall be considered as a separate offense. The landowner, tenant, subdivider, builder, public official or any other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or maintains such violation may each be found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties herein provided. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the council or any other public official or private citizen from taking such lawful action as is necessary to restrain or prevent any violation of this title or of the Idaho Code.ย ย 

In re McGuire, Part II

Decision: In re Richard Michael McGuire and Dolores Sue McGuire, Case No. 12-41681-JDP (Bankr. D. Idaho, 8 Sep. 2014)
Judge: Honorable Jim D. Pappas, United States Bankruptcy Judge
Counsel for Debtors: Paul Ross, Idaho Bankruptcy Law, Paul, Idaho
Trustee: Gary L. Rainsdon, Twin Falls, Idaho
Trusteeโ€™s Counsel: Daniel C. Green and Brett R. Cahoon, Racine, Olson, Nye, Budge & Bailey, Chartered, Pocatello, Idaho


Background

Richard and Dolores McGuire filed a Chapter 7 petition on 12 December 2012. The Trustee thereafter liquidated certain non-exempt assets, generating approximately $13,950. With funds on hand, the Trustee filed a notice of assets on 22 January 2013, advising creditors they had 90 days to file proofs of claim or receive nothing. No creditors filed timely claims.

On 3 June 2013 โ€” 132 days after the Trusteeโ€™s notice โ€” Utah Central Credit Union (“UCCU”) filed a tardy proof of claim. On 18 June 2013, the Debtors objected to the claim on several grounds, including that it was untimely. Although UCCU failed to respond to the Debtorsโ€™ objection at all, the Trustee filed a response on 25 June 2013 defending the claim and arguing that the Debtorsโ€™ own schedules established prima facie that the debt was owed. That same day the Trustee sought to employ Racine Olson as counsel.

Debtorsโ€™ counsel promptly raised a standing concern by email, questioning whether the Trustee had legal authority to defend a single creditorโ€™s proof of claim. Trusteeโ€™s counsel had already begun researching the standing question before that email arrived โ€” a fact reflected in the billing records โ€” but pressed forward regardless.

The Debtors also discovered that UCCU had sold their collateral postpetition, on 27 December 2012, in apparent violation of the automatic stay. Rather than pursue a contempt action against UCCU for the stay violation, the Trustee entered into a stipulation with UCCU under which UCCU would pay the Trustee $10,100 (the proceeds of the postpetition sale) in exchange for an allowed unsecured claim of $44,265.32. The Trustee filed a motion to approve the compromise under Rule 9019.

At an August 2013 hearing, the Court questioned Trusteeโ€™s standing and ordered briefing. Before filing that brief, however, Trusteeโ€™s counsel entered into the stipulation with UCCU. At an October 2013 hearing, the Court ruled that the Trustee lacked standing to oppose the Debtorsโ€™ objection to UCCUโ€™s claim, struck the Trusteeโ€™s response, sustained the Debtorsโ€™ objection, and disallowed UCCUโ€™s claim. The Court also denied the Trusteeโ€™s motion for a Rule 2004 examination of the Debtors, finding no valid grounds for it. The Court indicated the proposed compromise appeared to be a frivolous endeavor in light of the disallowance but invited further briefing if additional grounds existed.

Trusteeโ€™s counsel filed a memorandum in support of the compromise that contained no reference to the law governing approval of compromises and did not provide the additional factual or legal basis the Court had requested. The Court denied the compromise. A second creditor, Bank of America, filed a claim in October 2013; the Debtors objected; Bank of America never responded; and the Court disallowed that claim as well. With no allowed creditor claims remaining, Trusteeโ€™s counsel filed an Application for Compensation seeking $5,430.00 from the estate funds generated by liquidation of the Debtorsโ€™ assets.

The Debtors objected to the Application and simultaneously requested an award of attorneysโ€™ fees and costs against the Trustee and Trusteeโ€™s counsel. A hearing was held on 12 May 2014. On 23 May 2014, Trusteeโ€™s counsel withdrew the Application. The Court then ordered briefing on the Debtorsโ€™ fee request and, after receiving the partiesโ€™ submissions, issued its Memorandum of Decision on 8 September 2014.


The Debtorsโ€™ Request for Fees

The Debtors sought attorneysโ€™ fees and costs they incurred in: (1) supplementing their objection to UCCUโ€™s proof of claim; (2) opposing the Trusteeโ€™s motion for a Rule 2004 examination; (3) objecting to the Trusteeโ€™s motion to approve the stipulation; (4) responding to the Trusteeโ€™s memorandum in support of the stipulation; and (5) objecting to the Application for Compensation. They grounded their request in ยง 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9011.

Their core argument was that the Trustee and Trusteeโ€™s counsel had acted without statutory authority throughout the case, defending a single creditorโ€™s claim to the detriment of the estate and the Debtors, filing a motion for a 2004 examination for the improper purpose of harassing the Debtors and rehabilitating UCCUโ€™s deficient claim, and pursuing a stipulation that had been characterized by the Court itself as likely frivolous โ€” all without any supporting law. Debtors argued that seeking remuneration for those activities constituted bad faith, and that the Application for Compensation was itself filed in bad faith.


The Trusteeโ€™s Response

Trusteeโ€™s counsel argued that the standing issue was a genuine, complex question of first impression on which no controlling authority existed, that the Court had itself requested briefing on it, and that the work performed in that connection was done in good faith. Counsel further contended that the stipulation with UCCU was a reasonable settlement at the time it was entered into, before the unforeseen circumstances โ€” UCCUโ€™s claim being disallowed, and the Debtors objecting to Bank of Americaโ€™s subsequently filed claim โ€” rendered it of no value to the estate. Counsel also noted that the U.S. Trusteeโ€™s Office had reviewed the Application and raised no objection to it. Finally, counsel argued that the Debtorsโ€™ fee request did not comply with Rule 9011โ€™s procedural requirements and offered no legal basis for the award sought.


The Courtโ€™s Ruling

Judge Pappas denied the Debtorsโ€™ request for attorneysโ€™ fees and costs in full.

Section 105(a). The Court acknowledged its inherent authority under ยง 105(a) to sanction parties and attorneys for misconduct in bankruptcy proceedings, but emphasized that this power must be exercised with restraint and may be invoked only upon an explicit finding of bad faith or willful misconduct โ€” something more egregious than mere negligence or recklessness. While the Court found the Trusteeโ€™s conduct at times overzealous and displaying a lack of prudence and good judgment โ€” particularly the decision to liquidate non-exempt assets and solicit creditor claims when no timely claims had been filed, and the continued pursuit of the UCCU stipulation after the claim was disallowed โ€” it declined to conclude that those actions rose to the level of bad faith or willful misconduct. A trusteeโ€™s primary statutory duty under ยง 704(1) is to collect and reduce estate property to money, and the Court was not prepared to penalize the Trustee after the fact for zeal in performing that duty. The ยง 105(a) request was denied.

Rule 9011. Rule 9011 requires that a motion for sanctions be made separately from other motions and that the moving party provide a 21-day safe harbor notice before filing the motion with the Court. The Debtors had done neither โ€” their fee request appeared within their objection to the Application for Compensation, not in a separate motion, and no safe harbor notice was given. Because those requirements are mandatory rather than discretionary, the Court declined to award sanctions under Rule 9011.


Why This Matters

  1. A Chapter 7 trusteeโ€™s decision to liquidate non-exempt assets is committed to the trusteeโ€™s discretion. The Court expressly declined to penalize the Trustee for liquidating assets before knowing whether any creditors would file allowed claims. Courts will generally not second-guess a trusteeโ€™s administration decisions after the fact, even when the economic reality later makes those decisions look unwise.

  2. Overzealous conduct is not the same as bad faith. Section 105(a) sanctions require an explicit finding of bad faith or willful misconduct โ€” something more than negligence or recklessness. A trustee and counsel who press losing arguments in good faith, even arguments the court finds lacking in prudence and judgment, are unlikely to face ยง 105(a) sanctions.

  3. Rule 9011 procedures are mandatory, not discretionary. A party seeking sanctions under Rule 9011 must file a separate motion and provide a 21-day safe harbor notice before bringing that motion to the Court. Embedding a sanctions request inside another filing will not suffice, and courts will not overlook the procedural deficiency even when the underlying conduct is arguably sanctionable.

  4. A trustee who lacks standing to defend a creditorโ€™s claim may still not face fee-shifting. Despite the Court having found that the Trustee lacked standing to oppose the Debtorsโ€™ objection to UCCUโ€™s proof of claim, the Court declined to treat that lack of standing as evidence of bad faith. Counsel had genuinely researched the question, found no controlling authority, and presented it to the Court as an issue of first impression โ€” which is precisely the kind of good-faith conduct that defeats a sanctions claim.

  5. The ยง 9011 safe harbor is essential to any sanctions strategy. Practitioners who believe opposing counsel is acting improperly must issue a written safe harbor notice, wait 21 days, and then โ€” if the conduct is not corrected โ€” file a standalone motion. The requirement is not a formality to work around by framing the request as part of a larger objection.



Full Decision: Available on PACER, Case No. 12-41681-JDP, Doc. 85 (Bankr. D. Idaho 8 Sep. 2014)

Contact, Nevada

The old mining town of Contact, Nevada

“The now defunct mining town of Contact, Nevada, is seen in this early Clarence Bisbee photo. The town once had a hotel, a church, restaurants, and a service station that burned in a 1942 fire. Remnants of the town remain about 20 miles south of the Idaho-Nevada border.

This photo caught my attention because I have some limited memories when I was very young of going to Contact, Nevada. In fact, it might be one of my earliest memories of traveling. My Dad has much more experience with Contact. Here is a quote from his history related to Contact.

“July 17, 1975, Larry called me at home and sent me to Twin Falls, to move Dale Aslett mining and milling from Garrison Utah to Tuscarora Nevada. It was my first time in the office, a little white house east of the shop. Nothing like the nice big office they built on the Northeast corner of their property later. The man in the office was called JR; his real name was Francis Cammack. He was a hunch back, heavy smoker, and bike rider. That was not a very good description, but true, I learned a lot about him over time, we would become good friends. He was excellent office help, and a good bookkeeper and accountant. I had learned years ago when going out of town for a company to take clothing, toothbrush, shaving things and lots of cash, I didnโ€™t have credit cards at that time. A little bag of tools was also a good thing. JR gave me instructions on what I would be doing and where, that I needed to keep track of every dime spent, miles, and hours Dale Aslett would be paying the bill for the truck and me. When I went out to get the truck in the yard, I was met by the driver, of (his) truck #39 that I was to use. He told me he didnโ€™t want me driving (his) truck that they should have waited till he had time to do the job and not put a driver in (his) truck. He was a Mechanic and driver for Circle A. he was mad giving me a lot of instructions, he gave me the keys, telling me not to hurt (his) truck and a flatbed trailer. I had temporary Nevada permits for 72 hours. I was off south on Highway 93 to Jackpot, Wells, Ely Nevada then East on 8 & 50 to Baker, Nevada then on 487 to Garrison, Utah. Off the paved road, on a dirt road 15 miles into the mountain, where mine was. The mine was a strip mine; they had cleared the pine trees and brush putting them in a big pile. Then I used a cat to push up the ore. It was Fluoride rock that had to be crushed, screened, and washed to remove impurities. Dale Aslett had a big pile of ore that he had crushed and more to crush. The product could not be cleaned to speck he tried everything he could think of. He had used a shaker screen table with water like used in gold mines but could not make it work. He was broken and needed to move on the next thing for him to try. This was silver mine at Tuscarora, Nevada. The man and his wife were living in a trailer house on the sight, with a diesel generator for power for mine equipment and their trailer. The other miners had moved on with no money to pay them. George and Rose Steel were all that was left. Years later I would work with them south of Contact, Nevada where Dale was trying his hand at barite ore mining, it would be a money maker for some years. George and I, with the help of a loader, loaded the trailer with conveyer belts and hoppers as much as we could put on and still stay legal. They invited me to eat with them, it was a big meal with deer steak, baked potatoes, boiled carrots with onions and homemade bread. Then I was on my way to Tuscarora about 250 miles, when I got their Dale had dug a long trench, the width of the catโ€™s blade, as deep as my trailer.  I backed into the trench and Dale with a piece of 4 inch drill steel chained to the dozer lift arm, with a hook chained on the end of the pipe, would lift each piece up and dragged it out in the sage brush, then the next till I was unloaded. This I learned through time this was the normal thing for Dale. Later at Contact Nevada, and at Monsanto in Soda Springs Idaho. The nick name of chain and cable construction was really a fact. I traveled back and forth till everything was in Tuscarora, one night in Tuscarora I had to buy Dale supper he was out of money. I got to eat with George and Rose many times; George even took me out to the big pile of pine trees and dirt that had been stripped off the mine. There he had a secret door of pine boughs that led into like a big teepee. There inside hung deer, which he would cut off some meat for each meal, along with bags of potatoes, onions, and carrots. He would miss this at the mine in Tuscarora, only miles of sage brush. When I finished the last load my permits had run out, Dale told me not to worry. If I went north on highway 226 through Mountain City, Nevada and Owyhee, Nevada through the Duck Valley Indian reservation to Bruneau, Idaho in the dark no one would bother me, the Idaho border was only 50 miles that way, this was the long slow drive narrow two lain road with lots of bends and curves. That was an interesting time seeing the way Dale did things. When I got back to Twin on July 20th, the driver of (his) truck came out for a full inspection. Counting chains and binders are used to secure the loads and straps, checking the oil in the truck, looking at all the tires. Well, I passed, next was JR turning in all the paperwork, reporting what I had done, I drove 26 hours went 1075 miles on 185 gals fuel. JR told me Dale would pay me later, I didnโ€™t know that would be months later, but I did get paid and very good.”

Francis Percival Cammack Jr (1931-1999)

78 Letter to Frieda

I previously shared a 1968 letter written from Mary Andra to Frieda Horrocks. This letter was given to me with it by Deanne Driscoll. I am including her note with it as well.

“Sun Aug 27 / 78

“Dear Frieda + Susan

“Just a few lines to let you know we are just fine but not as busy now that the Raspberries beans + peas are up.

“I also put 33 plk of corn in our freezer.

“You know Susan that Walter said that Frieda wouldn’t let our Dale Come in her home last winter, but Dale said it isn’t so that Frieda was happy to see him + that she hated to see Dale leave.

“I sure don’t like to have Walter tell big lies, the only thing I don’t like about this trial Coming up is because the Judge Robert is a pal to Minnis Son or is it Walters Son, I think he will favor Walters + Ada’s side, you might talk to your lawyer about it, those boys went to school to gether,

“Otto said he wasn’t coming back up on the 26th of left, but I wouldn’t worry about that, I am going to have a knee operation Sept 20th so maybe Will won’t be able to come either, unless Dale

“can get away + bring his dad. I’ll be in the Logan hospital 15 days.

“Just thought I would tell you the News.

“I would love to hear from you Susan after you tell your lawyer about the Judge, because I didn’t know if you knew about them being so friendly, so talk to your lawyer + see what he says, I sure would like to Know.

“All our love

“Uncle Bill & Mary

“Frieda died 18 Oct 1978

“My Grandmother had Alzhemers

“Susan lived next to her. I don’t think they went to Court.

“Grandma gave Susan Greaves Bencomo the house.

“The will gave the house to Susan, Mike Greaves, Ada and myself.

“Mike gave his share to

“Susan and so did I and that gave he 3/4 of the house so that must have settled the problem if that is the “problem”

“Deanne

Early History of the Settlement of Lewiston

My grandfather, Wilburn Norwood Jonas, was born in Lewiston, Cache County, Utah on 15 May 1924. His great grandparents, Stephen and Hannah Coley are buried in Lewiston. When I stumbled on this short history, I thought I would share it. This history was compiled by M. R. Hovey for the Logan Chamber of Commerce in 1923, a year before Grandpa was born.

James and Aliza Ross at the grave of Hannah and Stephen Coley – 14 August 2026 – their fourth great grandparents

“After Richmond was settled in 1859, Franklin in 1860, and Clarkston in 1864, “All the most desirable locations on the streams in Richmond and in the other settlements of the Valley, had been taken. Naturally (the new settlers) were forced to take lands in the center of the Valley and get their irrigation water wherever they could. This was difficult to do.”

“In July 1870, a scouting party went out to locate some new lands for settlers. They searched the north end of Cache Valley from Oxford to Mink Creek. (When) “the scouting party returned (it was) decided that the ‘Flat’ where Lewiston is located, was the best place to locate..”

“Used by early Richmond settlers as a herding ground, “It was covered with buffalo and bluegrass. It had also been used in the past by the Indians as a place for their pow-wows, where they had horse races and other games. As there were no trees or vegetation the sand drifted considerably.”

“Houses were built of logs and lumber. Some made dugouts. The community grew. Among the first group of settlers were the families of P. N. Van Orden, Sr., Everett Van Orden, Robert Wall and John M. Bernhisel, Jr.” (When) “the townsite was staked out, it was decided to (make the blocks) a mile square. At first the settlement was called Cub Hill.”

“In 1872, William H. Lewis was sustained as the (LDS Branch’s) presiding elder and later, the bishop. The settlement was named “Lewiston” after Bishop William H. Lewis.

Bio of William H. Lewis

“William H. Lewis married Martha Petty in November of 1856. In 1858 his wagons left Fort Harrison, Utah, to settle in Cache Valley. The Lewises arrived in Richmond October 31, 1859, building a small cabin in an area known as “Poverty Flats.” In 1873 Brother Lewis was called as Presiding Elder of the fledgling Lewiston Branch at Poverty Flat. “After serving for a year, Lewis approached the Richmond Bishop, M.W. Merrill, asking to be released from the calling. He stated ‘he would not trade his small farm in Richmond for the whole of Lewiston.'”

“”Bishop Merrill informed him that it was the Lord that had called him to that position and he would not be a partner in releasing him. The bishop advised William to go back to Lewiston and the Lord would bless him on this land that looked so barren. He also told Brother Lewis that Brigham Young had said that Lewiston would be the granary of the valley and that the potential possibilities of that wasteland were many and great.” Staying in Lewiston, Lewis eventually became one of the wealthiest farmers in the area.

“After serving as Presiding Elder over the branch for five years, Lewis was named the Lewiston Ward’s first bishop. After serving for seven years, he was named Stake President of Benson Stake. The town was eventually named ‘Lewiston,’ after William H. Lewis.

“”In the beginning the little settlement had some serious handicaps. They had no irrigation water, no trees and very little vegetation. The sand drifted badly in places. The winters were severe and bad frosts were common. The drought brought many crickets, grasshoppers and other pests. The winter of 1871-1872 was very cold and severe. In November 1871, two feet of snow fell and it did not leave until April of the next year. At certain times during the winters the fences were covered with snow and the settlers traveled over the tops of the fences with their sleighs. During the summer time there were hot, dry winds, and killing frosts. For three successive years the grain was frozen in July. The settlement was referred to as ‘Poverty Flat,’ ‘Starvation Corner’ and ‘The Last Chance.'”

“When Church President Brigham Young visited Richmond, “the discouraged settlers reported these unfavorable conditions… the settlers (were advised) to return to their homes promising them that Lewiston should yet become one of the garden spots of Cache Valley & the Territory.”

“If the settlers were to remain they had to have irrigation water. “(Since) Bear River to the west was too low to take out a canal and bring it upon the flat…In 1873 a small irrigation ditch northeast of Lewiston was built from Worm Creek…In 1874 a site for a canal was located on Cub River in the Cub River Basin.” Though a tremendous undertaking… it saved the settlement. For drinking water, wells were used.” In later years, “a large irrigation company was formed and a pumping plant and its diversions was established on the Bear River.”

“Lewiston has continued to grow and is considered one of the best farming communities in the state. The promise made years ago by President Brigham Young, ‘that someday Lewiston would become one of the garden spots of the Valley and the Territory, has verily been fulfilled. In 1904, the town was incorporated by Brigham Pond, Lewiston’s first mayor.

Compiled by M. R. Hovey, Secretary, Logan Chamber of Commerce. January 1, 1923 to January 1, 1925. Also as printed in the Logan Journal, beginning August 4, 1923.


34 – 2024-2025 Discover North Cache โ€ข DiscoverAreaGuides.com Outdoor Recreation.” Thanks to Jack Johnson for the compiling of these DiscoverAreaGuides.

See More Historical Articles on www.discoverareaguides.com/blog

Moreton Ward, Chester Stake

In recent discussions with some members from England, I shared a number of photos I had taken/received while serving in their Ward. It dawned on me and they supported the idea of writing some histories regarding each of the Wards I served in. Also, as time passes, my memory will not remember all the people or my interactions. This is the first of those posts.

This post turned out to be terribly time consuming. I pulled out my planners and worked through them week by week. I was interested in the addresses we visited and the people we taught. Interestingly, I can remember most of these streets, even tracting them. But unless the people advanced to our teaching pool, I don’t generally remember them. Which really is not surprising as many of them were one or two contacts. But, the planners told me who we had appointments with, including tea/dinner appointments. For being 1998-1999, I am astonished at how much I remember from day to day. Some were simply unforgettable, even now, like the young lady who answered the door nude (read below).

Also, as part of this process, I read through the related journal for the time period. I have quoted whole sections that I located related to this time and these people. On a personal note, this was a very trying companionship and district to serve in. Jet lag, sickness, frustration with the breakdown between mission ideals and what was actually happening, personality conflicts, and immaturity (very much on my side, but also other missionaries), 6 missionaries in a confined space, all contribute to the refiners fire Moreton Ward proved to be for me. I have mostly removed all the whining from the journal posts. As reading, don’t think I am a model of optimism or enthusiasm. I was more coy at the beginning of writing this post than I was later. I didn’t quote as much from the journal to begin with, but more and more as I got more comfortable in writing about weeks. At the beginning I give overviews, later I do more quoting and let the voice of the journal speak. Moreton ward covers 119 pages of my journal #5, 36 pages of my journal #6.

The first Ward I served in as a missionary was in the Moreton Ward of the Chester England Stake. I believe it was a newly created ward, only a few months old. At some point the Birkenhead Ward(s) were in the Liverpool Stake and I remember there being multiple ties and connections to Liverpool. I recollect Moreton was created from one or both of the Birkenhead Wards. We met in an old college bar pub, I recall, in West Kirby. We lived in Liscard. I wrote a post previously about the houses I lived in as a missionary. In those days cameras were clunky and still film, so you did not take many pictures. But I do have a few I attribute to the Moreton Ward. Six missionaries covered the Moreton Ward. A year or two later, the Ward received their own ward building. It is my understanding these ward still exists, but was merged with the two Birkenhead wards, now all just two wards.

Since this is my first area, I am also including some of the arrival in the mission from the Missionary Training Center, or MTC, and the mission home.

On 21 December 1998, I flew out from Salt Lake City to the England Manchester Mission, connecting through Atlanta, Georgia. I had just spent two and a half weeks in the missionary training center in Provo, Utah. On that flight I sat next to a woman named Madge Fillingim, age 79, from Vernal, Utah. I hadnโ€™t caught the spelling of her name at the time, and wrote it in my journal as โ€œMarge Flitteringum.โ€ She was born in 1920 and passed away in 2023 at 102.5 years old! I linked her obituary.

As I wrote that day: โ€œOn the left was Marge Flitteringum or that last name is close. I donโ€™t remember how she spelled it exactly. โ€ฆMarge from Vernal at 79. Through our conversations Marge agreed to start taking piano lessons and to become active again in church. Am I a missionary or what? Her son wants her to start going to church again, and with the brand new temple in Vernal, she wants to get her endowment. We talked about music and told her about grandmaโ€™s start late in life. I got her to committ.โ€

In further research, three years later, on 29 December 2001, Madge received her endowment at the Vernal Utah Temple. I donโ€™t know whether she ever picked up playing the piano.

23 December 1998 – Elder Harris and Elder Ross assigned as companions at mission office, Altrincham, Cheshire

I arrived at Manchester airport on 22 December 1998. We stayed that night at the mission home in Altrincham. The next day, 23 December, I did my first street contacting in Altrincham not far from the mission home. That door is seared into my memory. I can still see it. After lunch that day, we were assigned missionary companions. Elder Jeremy Harris became my first companion in the mission field (Elder Kody Young had been my companion at the MTC). Elder Olson was assigned to Elder Paul Kelley that same day. Moreton wasnโ€™t a surprise to Elder Harris, since he was already serving there.

23 December 1998 – Newly assigned companionships – Elder Harris and Elder Ross, Elder Olson and Elder Kelley

That evening we did some tracting and went to the Counsellsโ€™ for dinner, which in England is called tea. Researching, this was Grant and Helen Counsell. Our flat address was 6 Belgrave Street, right on the corner of Trinity Road.

22 December 1998 – President H Bruce and Cheryl Stucki, and Elder Paul Ross

Writing the next day about that evening, I recorded: โ€œWe live in a 3 level flat on Trinity Street. So small and in great disrepair. Humble though. I am afraid the steps will break. We left and headed to our flat. Some guy ran up to us and pointed a gun directly at me. We drove off. It scared me to death. We come back to the flat and put on our whites and went and sang in the centre. I didnโ€™t think we sounded good at all. Some members stopped by the flat when we got back. We received presents and 4 of us ran to do some street contacting while the rest went to deliver presents.โ€

25 December 1998 – Christmas Eve caroling, Elders Llewelyn, Lewis, Harris, Mueller, Ross, Knight

On 24 December, we had dinner with the McKennaโ€™s. In my records I record it as McKenna, McKinnon, and MacKinnon. I don’t know which is right and so far the two members I have contact with do not appear to remember this family. Oddly, I remember this meal. We sat at a little kitchen table for two in the kitchen itself. The McKinnon’s did not eat with us. It was fairly dark in the kitchen. The soup was a chicken, pea, carrot soup. It was not a creamy soup, but it was oily or something and was amazing. None of the rest of the home was heated except the front room with a little gas heater (where the coal fireplace once was). My first introduction to the idea that people would only heat one or two rooms of a home, not the whole house. We left a spiritual thought and left. I don’t know that they were elderly, maybe 70s. But my soul was warmed. I understand the McKinnons moved away from the area.

This highlights another surprise for me in England. Their latitude is considerably higher than that of most of the United States. As such, in winter time, the sun would disappear about 4 pm. It would reappear about 8 am. The days are short. So this dinner appointment at 6 pm would have been in the dark. Many missionaries struggled with depression due to shortened daylight hours. In the converse, summer would have the sun going down at like 9:30 pm and coming up at 5:00 am.

Christmas Day, the 25th, I wrote: โ€œAll of us went to play footy, or soccer. I am not a soccer fan anymore. Since I hurt my foot in high school I am not supposed to do any kicking with itโ€ฆ I sat watching them played and I read scriptures while there. I sat some time looking across the Mersey River at Liverpool. What an impressive sight. One building reminded me a ton of the Salt Lake Temple. Dingy white with the 6 big towers but the building was full of windows. It had a big clock in the one end. Instead of an angel Moroni on the end, it had giant pelicans on both center towers.โ€

That building was the Royal Liver Building. The โ€œpelicansโ€ were actually the famous Liver Birds. Built between 1908 and 1911 for the Royal Liver Assurance company, it was designed by local architect Walter Aubrey Thomas in the Edwardian Baroque style and was, for its time, one of the first large buildings anywhere constructed with a full reinforced-concrete frame, engineering that let it rise to 322 feet and briefly stand as the tallest building in Europe. Its twin clock towers carry two copper birds, nicknamed Bella and Bertie, one facing inland toward the city and the other out to sea. Legend holds that if they ever flew away, Liverpool itself would cease to exist. The birds themselves were carved by Carl Bernard Bartels, a German woodcarver. Along with the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, the Royal Liver Building and others form Liverpoolโ€™s famous โ€œThree Gracesโ€ on the Pier Head waterfront. All fully visible from across the Mersey in Seacombe and Wallasey.

That same day, I visited with family on the phone, including my Dad, sister, Grandma, and Duncan family.

I wrote about my Grandma: โ€œShe told me how bad she felt about missing me at the airport. I wished I could have seen her too. It was really good to talk to all of them again. We shall see each other soon enough.โ€

Grandma died the next year, sooner than either of us expected that Christmas Day. My flight was originally supposed to leave from one gate in Salt Lake City and that is where she went. Later they realized what was going on and they raced over to the new gate. They got there in time to get a package on the flight to me, but no opportunity to physically say good-bye as we were already loaded.

26 December 1998 – My end of the bedroom at Liscard flat, Merseyside

On 26 December, dinner was with Steve and Linda Pitt. That day I also wrote: โ€œI found out that the river and docks I was talking about was where all the immigrants from England left.โ€ At some point, I probably should do a post, like I did with the Mormon Trail, of all my ancestors who came through Liverpool.

27 December 1998 was my first time at church in Moreton. Attendance didnโ€™t reach 100. I confirmed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ann Marie Brumfitt that day. Sheโ€™d been baptized the Sunday before I arrived. I don’t recall the Elder’s name I replaced. I wrote, โ€œIt was a cool experience.โ€ I also gave a priesthood blessing that day to a young boy, Thomas Michael Plemford, Gaynor Plimleyโ€™s son. That same day, jet lag and the whirlwind of the first week were catching up with me.

I wrote: โ€œI am having such a hard time. I am so dead tired it is pitiful. If only I could go to bed earlier but that really isnโ€™t possibleโ€ฆ I will finish my mission but I will sleep for a week when I return, I am sure of it. Help me endure. These 16 1/2 hour days are killing me. I hope p-day they let me sleep in. I think the jet lag is not helping.โ€

Even so, I closed the day looking forward rather than back: โ€œThere is so much to learn. If I have acquired a percent of a fraction, I will count my life as something more than a waste. I will know it wasnโ€™t all at naught. So much to gain, so little to lose. I pray my senses be toughed, my facilities enlightened to gain but a portion of the awesome amount. I please to learn and not have any tolerance in ignorance. Whatever principle of intelligence we attain to in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. D&C 130:18-19.โ€

This picture of the house across the street is a mirror of the house we lived in. The bricked in window is the one I am looking out and taking the picture from in our flat.

27 December 1998 – House across the street from our flat, our room on 3rd floor, 6 Belgrave St, Liscard, Merseyside

28 December 1998 โ€“ 3 January 1999

This was my first week in the mission with a planner of my own. The week before, Elder Harris had kept track for the both of us while I was still finding my feet. P-day, 28 December, we went to West Kirby to play squash, my first time ever seeing or playing the game. I wrote: โ€œIt was great. It is alot like raquetball. I love it, I will have to do it more and when I get home.โ€

Iโ€™ve loved squash ever since. Roy McKee was a member there that day. His aunt and uncle, John and Audrey McKee, were also in the Ward. I canโ€™t say for certain which McKee household we had tea with each week, Roy and Carol (who I recall held a US citizenship), or John and Audrey, unless a specific journal entry says so. But squash was my love in Richmond, Virginia; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Logan, Utah; I wish there was somewhere closer to play to Burley, Idaho.

We kept a heavy teaching schedule all week, working discussions in with Malcolm and Mrs Robson, Jeff and Allen, and Jocelyn and Jamie on P-day evening alone.

Tuesday, the 29th, brought a companionship exchange along with tracting and a discussion with Lisa and Thorn, and a follow-up visit with Ann Marie Brumfitt, whom weโ€™d confirmed on Sunday. Later that day we went tracting and got some callbacks on Royston Road. After doing some running we went back to teach Bobby Topham, a new contact. Writing about it the next day, I recorded (which is overly personal to Bobby):

โ€œHe really listened. His one wife joined the church but died soon after so Robert never found out why she joined. He has been a drug addict to like cocaine and marijuana. Heroin, everything. He is an artist, wonderful, wasted all his money from it on drugs. He is wasting away. He has been legally dead 3 times. His out of body experiences sound much like the ones I have heard before from good righteous people. He wonโ€™t live probably over a year. He agreed to be baptized. He also wanted a blessing. He told us why he left the other churches. What a wonderful experience that was. I fell totally in love with missionary work. He will be baptized on the 10th. We need to finish all 6 discussions with him. How exciting. The Lord is wonderful.โ€

Wednesday was one of our fullest days of discussions: Sharon, Olga and Vernon, Chris, Karen and Carl, and Margaret and Carol all in a single day, wrapped up with tea at the Counsellsโ€™.

New Yearโ€™s Eve found us in service most of the morning, then more tracting and discussions with Carol and Lewis and Margaret and Jon. We also had to go find Bobby Topham for his appointment that day, and taught him the 2nd discussion.

As I wrote: โ€œHe really listens to all the message. He went from 80 cigarettes to having his 2nd all day right as we were leaving. He is a really good artist. He is going to do portraits of us. He is so excited to get baptized. He explained us as glowing. Also when we gave him a blessing, he said he saw light. This guy is really open to the Spirit. What a wonderful soul. Through him we could pull quite a few more people in. He has 6 children all but 2 by different mothers. Two of the mothers are mother and daughter themselves. If the daughter and him got married he would be a brother-in-law to his own child. What a lifestyle. No hope. All sorrow. He has found the light. It is so exciting. I hope I get the honor of baptizing him.โ€

We closed the night with tea at the Hankinsโ€™ and home on time. I understand this was Brenda Hankins with her daughters, Emma is the one I remember most.

New Yearโ€™s Day started with a moment of reflection. As I wrote:

โ€œOh, what a year. What tremendous strides in all aspects of life. One definitely for spirituality. Institute in Logan, a mission, trials over the summer. My life has been a great growing experience. Physically, I have gained around an inch or two. Now around 6โ€™1โ€ณ or 6โ€™2โ€ณ I stand. Probably 35 pounds heavier. I am now around 175. I am pretty healthy and have a high metabolism. Mentally, this grows with spiritual but also being in college broadened my horizons. I learned and try to learn from every aspect of life. Emotionally has been the same as the rest, leaps and bounds. Especially with Duncanโ€™s and on the mission, much of my life is being healed. I can cry, feel joy, laugh, feel others sorry, and connect. I am much healthier as a being now. This year has been especially trying from all that I have endured. I pray that I will always progress in every aspect. I thank God for all the wonderful people I have met and pray that they count me as a blessing in their lives.โ€

The day continued with our District Development Meeting and closed with tea at Jackie Laingโ€™s, a standing weekly Sunday appointment that would carry on for the time I was there.

Sunday closed the week with church. Elder Mueller and I walked to picked up Bobby Topham and a boy whose name I donโ€™t recall, and walked them to church together. We arrived a quarter hour late, going in after the sacrament had already started, though we did still receive it. A baptism was held at 2:00 that day. That evening included tea at Jackie Laingโ€™s, a 6:30 appointment with Sonya, and, in another companion exchange, this time with Elder Llewellyn, a stop by the Toddโ€™s, where we played with the kids and gave a spiritual thought. I tried to answer some of his questions; he wouldn’t let the children be baptized, but I think we did some good that evening.

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 28 December 1998 to 3 January 1999

Teaching Pool

  • Karen Reeves & LeeAnn Reeves โ€” 53 Limekiln
  • Reece Buck โ€” 40 Greenwood
  • Pete Murray โ€” 8/A Poulton

Less Active

  • June Oden โ€” 25 Sedbergh Rd
  • Julie Patterson โ€” Lancaster Ave

Finding Pool

  • Ean James โ€” 21 Serpentine Rd
  • Sharon โ€” 49 Oxford St
  • Olga & Vernon โ€” 17C Rice Ln
  • Chris โ€” 100 Woodland Dr
  • Louis Clarkson โ€” 22 Sherlock Dr
  • Les โ€” 38 Sherlock Ln
  • Malcolm Patterson โ€” 20 Lancaster Ln
  • Ron Fugg โ€” 8 Claughton Dr
  • Lee โ€” Rice Ln
  • Mike โ€” 61 Rice Ln
  • Mick โ€” 14 Rice Ln

Contacts

  • Mohan โ€” 7 Edisbury
  • Mr. Robbison โ€” 13 Ivor
  • Jill โ€” 24 Ivor
  • Sheila โ€” 12 Ivor
  • Mr. Doulan โ€” 12C Rice Ln
  • Carol โ€” 2 Norwood
  • Dawn โ€” 17 Sterling
  • Carl โ€” 15 Kendal
  • Gwen Climo โ€” 29 Priory
  • Chris & Daniel โ€” Rycroft Rd
  • Tracy โ€” 6 Beechcroft
  • Eric โ€” 69A #3 Poulton Rd
  • Jon โ€” 75 Rice Ln
  • Margaret โ€” 8 Lynncroft
  • Dave โ€” 6 York Ave
  • Helen โ€” 35 Royston
  • Margaret โ€” 26 Royston
  • (unnamed) โ€” 10 Rice
  • Les โ€” 9 Upper Rise
  • (unnamed) โ€” 34 Rice
  • Mike & Tony โ€” 11 Royston
  • Melissa โ€” 3 Woodhall
  • Laura โ€” 19 Bell Rd
  • Andrew โ€” 27 Bell Rd
  • Yvonne โ€” 35 Bell Rd
  • Bill & Sue โ€” 67 Bell Rd
  • Kerwin โ€” 94 Bell Rd
  • Jane โ€” 84 Bell Rd
  • (unnamed) โ€” 60 Bell Rd
  • Lisa โ€” 15 Windham Rd
  • (unnamed, 9 addresses) โ€” 48, 54, 58, 70, 72, 78, 82, 86, 90 East St

4 January 1999 โ€“ 10 January 1999

P-day, 4 January, we went to Birkenhead and did some shopping. I wrote: โ€œWe went to Birkenhead and shopping. I bought a suit jacket/coat. Double breasted with 4 buttons up the front. I like it. I felt bad pulling out 70 pound from home.โ€

I still have that jacket, and still wear it for special occasions.

That evening we taught Bobby a lesson. As I wrote: โ€œWe went and taught Bobby a lesson. We changed his baptism to the 17th of January.โ€

5 January, I wrote: โ€œI was listening to Johann Lisztโ€™s Die Forelle and was very moved. It is so beautiful.โ€

That afternoon: โ€œThis afternoon we saw a body being taken out of a home and put into a car in a body bag. So moving. Haunting, yet joyful; painful, yet wonderful. Death is the last great adventure. So much lies beyond. I wish I new a farthing of what lay beyond. To grasp a microscopic portion would be an achievement.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe taught a gypsy today. If we treat it right he will come around.โ€

6 January, I wrote: โ€œWe went out and I got to drive to West Kirby. My first experience driving here. It was quite different. I did well. I drive better than Elder Harris.โ€

That evening: โ€œWe had tea at Counsels or the Bishopโ€™s. They told me of all the great experiences in Rhodes, Athens, Greece, Tunsia, and in the Sahara. I wish to travel these places. I hope to learn so much.โ€

8 January, I wrote: โ€œWe went out to tea at the Hankins. It is such an honor to eat there. โ€ฆSuch love, respect, and honor towards the missionaries.โ€

9 January, I wrote: โ€œOh, we went and taught Bobbie the 4th discussion. We skipped the 3rd because Elder Harris felt it needed to be covered. The chastity part was mine and was not fun. He wouldnโ€™t talk about it. We are going to talk about it where no one is around tomorrow. I hope he will live it, or get married.โ€

That same day: โ€œWe went and taught grandma after. โ€ฆShe is a miracle. Mrs. Walker is her name. She is mostly blind and mostly deaf but in really good shape for 93. At one point we read to her 2 Nephi 31. She will read it some more. At one point, I commented and was bearing my testimony to her, she stopped me and commented, I mistook you for Jesus. You are His messenger. I shed tears right then. She doesnโ€™t feel baptism is right yet but she will through prayer. Her love is so great. She is so close to the Lord. She says she feels so close. She says the Book of Mormon has brought her closer to the throne. It has. I am so filled with joy. I love her. Absolutely astounding. โ€ฆWe suggested we get her a big huge print book, she thought we were going to take away the one she has till we got the other. The pain and fear she expressed through her looks wanted me to give her a 100 more.โ€

That evening: โ€œWe went to tea at Jackieโ€™s again. Really good chicken curry.โ€

10 January, I wrote: โ€œChurch was great. I think that all the talks spoke directly to Bobbie. They talked on food storage and other important stuff. The hymns was better today. I felt the Spirit strongly today. We went to gospel principles after. I taught half the lesson with Gayna on keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. It was great. The church is so true. Bobbie, Elder Mueller, + I went to another room and discussed the law of chastity and other concerns he had. I said some stuff that I didnโ€™t know where I was going. When I wrapped it up it made complete sense and I learned so much about baptism. Pure intelligence right then. I had no idea where I was going with the conversation, it turned out, I said exactly what he needed to hear. WE said a closing prayer and Bobbie + I shed tears.โ€

That evening: โ€œWe went to tea at Jackieโ€™s.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe gave a blessing on Elizabeth MacKinnon. She is ill.โ€

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 4 January 1999 to 10 January 1999

Teaching Pool

  • Bobbie Topham โ€” 9 Royston
  • Mike โ€” 35 Manor Rd
  • Karen Reeves & LeeAnn Reeves โ€” 53 Limekiln
  • Rhys Buck โ€” 40 Greenwood
  • Chris โ€” 5a Rycroft
  • Danielle โ€” St Rycroft
  • Robert โ€” 4 Stourton St

Less Active

  • Joe โ€” 23 Trafalgar
  • June Oden โ€” 25 Sedbergh
  • Julie โ€” (no address)

Finding Pool

  • Janet Jones โ€” 22 Bell Rd
  • Sue โ€” 1 Bell Rd
  • Tracy & Andrew โ€” 23 Falkland Rd
  • Tony โ€” 40 Buchanan Rd
  • Lee โ€” 59 Rice Ln
  • Malcolm Patterson โ€” 20 Lancaster Ln
  • Shanon โ€” 49 Oxford St
  • Ean James โ€” 21 Serpentine Rd
  • Mr. Addict โ€” 36 Water St
  • Lisa โ€” 15 Windham Rd
  • Skip โ€” 28 Water St
  • Cliff โ€” 44 Union St
  • Gene Lockley โ€” 24F Union St
  • Jeff โ€” 22 Union St
  • Steve โ€” 4b Union St
  • Andy โ€” 44 Eastcroft

Contacts

  • Paul & Tom โ€” 4 Bell Rd
  • Paula โ€” 65 Bell Rd
  • Vicki โ€” 1 Bell Rd
  • John โ€” 57 King St
  • Lizzie โ€” 7 Ilchester Rd
  • Joe โ€” 3 Ilchester Rd
  • Kathy โ€” 28 Ilchester Rd
  • Melissa โ€” 3 Woodhall Ave
  • Helen โ€” 35 Royston Ave
  • Margaret โ€” 8 Lynncroft
  • John โ€” 75 Rice Ln
  • Jill โ€” 24 Ivor
  • Sheila โ€” 12 Ivor
  • Larry โ€” 37 Limekiln
  • Shirley โ€” 36 Union St
  • Betty โ€” 34 Exeter Rd
  • Jill โ€” Yew Tree Rd
  • Sam โ€” 34 Saxon Rd
  • Stacey โ€” 79 Robinson/Robbins St

11 January 1999 โ€“ 19 January 1999

12 January, I wrote: โ€œMail always makes my day.โ€

That same day, Carol and Tanya McKee, came up in conversation assisting the missionaries in many ways. Elder Harris and I went and helped Bobbie that day. I wrote: โ€œElder Harris + I went and helped Bobbie with troubles. Satan is working so hard on him. We taught him a 6th too. We will teach him the 5th later. Elder Harris said I will probably get to baptize him. Wow, what an honor.โ€

While tracting that same day: โ€œWe were walking down the street when I had a thought to go visit this one house. We went and she listened, took the Book of Mormon, and agreed to have us back. She is Jew too.โ€

That evening: โ€œWe had tea at the Counsellโ€™s. It was good. We had a good productive conversation over dinner. It was really good cornbeef hash. He showed me Gospelink, it was on the computer. Looked interesting, I wanted to dig through it.โ€

Also that day, we visited Grandma Walker again. As I wrote: โ€œOh, we visited grandma today. She wonโ€™t be baptized because of what it would do to her family. She prayed and cried all night. She admitted she knew the church is true. If she continues to read the Book of Mormon, she will find that she and them will be blessed. I hope I get to see her enter the waters. It is just a matter of time now I believe. I donโ€™t know but pretty sure.โ€

I have tried to hunt down and locate Grandma Walker’s first name and other information. No luck so far. 93 in 1999, born about 1903. Lived at 5 Stanford Avenue, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 5AP. But without her first name or her husband’s name, I think I am at a dead end.

1999 – Elders Harris and Ross on Seacombe Promenade, Liverpool in background

14 January, I wrote: โ€œToday had to be one of the longest days. So cold I havenโ€™t felt my feet since 10:00 this morning. My eye is killing me. Swollen and every time I blink it hurts.โ€

Also that day: โ€œI was so upset with Bobbie for having a cigarette. That is not me. Today the refiner fire has been hard to endure.โ€

15 January, I wrote: โ€œAt the mission office they sent me GQing with Elder Simion and Elder Wretham.โ€ I would later serve with Elder Simion, in Wigan. I had to go to the mission office due to an eye infection. I had been sick for a while. As I continued: โ€œWe had a great time out even though we came back soaked. We were out for 2 hours in the rain. We come back and we ate. Dr. Turnbull saw me too. He looked at my eye and back. Eye is okay, just swollen from whatever was in it.โ€

14 January 1999 – Liverpool from Seacombe Promenade

Also that day: โ€œWe went to Bobbieโ€™s and had his bishopโ€™s interview and talk. The Spirit was so strong. We had pictures and first a great conversation.โ€

16 January, I wrote: โ€œI am so excited for Bobby. I set him straight on prayer, no excuses for smoking or drugs after baptism, and so he must repent. I tried to set him straight on everything. Now, I can baptism him, now he cannot plead I havenโ€™t done my job, I taught him. He accepted it all really well too. There is alot of good stuff going on too.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe got our dinner cancelled yesterday so we got KFC. I got chicken strips. We come back here and some lady ragged out Elder Harris for parking in the way of the sidewalk. She asked him if he was just going to stand there looking stupid. His response was just that. He looked around, looked stupid, looked at her and said, โ€˜I am not looking stupid.โ€™ I laughed and the lady walked on mad.โ€

At 9:00 that morning, District Development Meeting. As I wrote: โ€œNow Birkenhead is doing great. They have 5 baptisms this Sunday.โ€

17 January, I wrote: โ€œElder Johnson and I went all over and absolutely no one was home. โ€ฆWe got back here at the flat at 12:30. We went with Elder Lewis to Bobbieโ€™s house in Oxton. He wasnโ€™t there. I called him and rescheduled for 7:00. We went to this family in Birkenhead and had a good conversation. They fed us some and then we had interviews in Pensley. The 5 they are going to baptize tomorrow. It took forever to interview them all.โ€ I have no recollection or clue to who Elder Johnson is or why I was on exchanges with him.

That evening: โ€œElder Mueller and I ate at the Billingtonโ€™s.โ€ This was Lawrence โ€œLolโ€ Billington (1928โ€“2000) and Sheila Maureen Billington, nรฉe Connolly (1936โ€“2020), both of Wallasey.

16 January 1999 – Bishop Grant Counsell, Robert “Bobby” Topham, Elder Ross

Sitting in sacrament meeting that same day, I wrote: โ€œI am sitting in sacrament meeting here in the Moreton ward. They just finished talking on family history. I donโ€™t think I have ever realized how important it really is. There is so much I have wanted to do. But that is one of the other things that will have to stay on hold till I return home. It is so exciting to do missionary work for the live, after my mission, I will get to do missionary work for the dead. Brother Cliff Roberts is a wonderful man. He gave the talk on family history. Many people joke that he is one of the three Nephites. I donโ€™t think so, but I want to talk to him to make sure. Either way, there is a lot I can learn from him.โ€

I understand Cliff Roberts passed away from cancer a few years ago.

Also that day, at Bobbyโ€™s own baptism: โ€œWe are at Robert Tophamโ€™s baptism. Roy McKee has been officiating. Roy gave a great talk on Baptism. His daughter Tonya McKee gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost.โ€ โ€œKathy Dunford gave the opening prayer.โ€ โ€œI now have a firm testimony of baptism. Not that I didnโ€™t, it is just reaffirmed.โ€ โ€œRobert signed the other page. That is his signature. Bishop is talking on following the commandments. He is talking on how we need to endure.โ€

16 January 1999 – Baptism of Robert “Bobby” Topham with Elders Harris and Ross

18 January, morning, I wrote: โ€œElder Llewelyn and I walked to the McKeeโ€™s. Not Roy but his uncle. We had a great conversation. Very spiritually uplifting. I look forward to more.โ€

Robert “Bobbie” Topham’s signature in my journal

19 January 1999 โ€“ 25 January 1999

20 January, 6:10 AM, I wrote: โ€œWe met this other guy named mike. He was one of the first surfers in Great Britain. A great guy. That was during the late 60โ€™s. He still travels to Australia every couple of years. Never surfed California or Hawaii. Great guy but he doesnโ€™t believe in God at all.โ€

Also that day, tea with Roy and Carol McKee: โ€œWe went to tea at the McKeeโ€™s. She is a really good cook. We played piano some and some snooker. We ate a good dinner and had a good conversation.โ€

Also that day: โ€œEven though another lady answered the door in the nude, we went back because she said we could. We taught her the first. I forgot her first name. I think she will accept the gospel.โ€

And: โ€œWe went and talked to Bobbie and we caught him smoke a cigarette. We talked to him and about smoking. He says he is trying. He needs to do.โ€

At 10:06 PM that same day, I wrote: โ€œWe got fish and chips for lunch. I got back and had 11 letters in the post. Yes, ELEVEN LETTERS. Can you imagine my joy. It took over an hour to read all of them. The fish and chips was great too. We had tea at Counsellโ€™s. It was homemade pizza. It was really good. WE had a really good time. Oh last night we gave Isabell MacKinnon a blessing. I got to give it to her. It was exciting. I love this church.โ€

22 January, 6:11 AM, I wrote: โ€œWe went with Elder Knight + Llewelyn to see grandma. We gave her the 4th discussion. She is really torn between her family and joining. I hope her family will soften their hearts and tell her it would be okay to join. We donโ€™t know how much time she has. It is so sad. She says her family is really upset with her. We taught a 1st to Bobbyโ€™s son, Steve. I hope his mother and him will come to embrace it. It will keep Bobby on his toes too. We had fish and chips for dinner because we didnโ€™t have a tea scheduled. I went out with Victor Wise to do home teaching. We went from down by the church on Norwood Road to New Brighton on Wellington Road. And clear back. That was a long walk and Vic walks fast. He even keeps me on my toes. I talked to his wife and him for a while. Neither the people we went to visit were home. How sad. We have to try again.โ€

Victor Charles Wise (1923โ€“2004) married Brenda Tingle (22 February 1933, Sheffield โ€“ 22 December 1999, Upton, Cheshire) on 9 December 1977; both have since passed.

23 January, 8:45 AM, I wrote: โ€œOne thing, grandma is having such a hard time choosing between family and faith. We had dinner at the Pitts. The bishopโ€™s father-in-law died, another member of our ward. Hopefully it gets better for this ward.โ€

โ€œElder Knight + Elder Llewelyn are leaving us. It will become a 4 more flat. Elder L to Liverpool Elder Knight to Leland up by the temple.โ€

โ€œOh, the joy of giving truth.โ€

24 January, 6:10 AM, I wrote: โ€œI cannot believe I have been in England a month already.โ€

โ€œWe went to do a street meeting after DDM. I thought it was quite unsuccessful. Everyone went to Burger King after. It felt good to eat a decent burger, but it wasnโ€™t my way, right away. We donโ€™t get options of what we get on the burger. Basically you get the burger or you donโ€™t, that is the only options.โ€

โ€œWe went to Leasowe and nothing happened. We didnโ€™t teach anyone and it went slow. We met at Jackieโ€™s for tea but Elder Llewelyn + I were told to go to the Ryanโ€™s. We went. It was a nice huge house. Dinner was great. We got on this joke that Sister Ryan is a translated being and she started Sara Lee and owned Standard Oil, Ford, and a ton of other things like that. It was such a blast.โ€ This was Liz and Mike Ryan.

24 January, 2:12 PM, I wrote: โ€œWe are at Irene Jameโ€™s baptism. We just sang hymn #300, Families Can Be Together Forever. I get to be the chorister, and Roy McKee is officiating. His daughter, Tonya McKee is the organist. Emma Hall is giving the 1st talk. It is on baptism. Baptism is such an important step. Gayna now, probably on Holy Ghost.โ€

Mary Irene Thomas (12 April 1930, Wallasey โ€“ 21 June 2014, Birkenhead) married Harry James (1923โ€“1987) in March 1956, Wallasey.

โ€œNow John McKee, Royโ€™s uncle. This should be good. I remember how he told me about the giardian angel at the foot of his bed in the hospital. We were told a story on how when a guardian angel wants you to know he is there he will leave a white feather.โ€

John Huddleston McKee (1928 in Liverpool to 2025 in Wallasey).

Writing early on the 26th about Sunday night, I recorded: โ€œSunday night we went to tea after the baptism and they had Elder Llewelyn and I walk back again. We walked all the way from Morton through Leasowe and to Wallasey. We stopped at John and Audry McKee. Elder Llewelyn and I had a really good conversation. We discussed Doctrine + Covenants section 4 verse 6. โ€ฆJohn and Audry McKee are like my adopted grandparents. They are so wonderful. They gave us a ride to Irene James, the newly baptized lady. We talked there for quite a while and went over to Gaynaโ€™s. We talked for a while and ended up running all the way back to the flat. We got in at 10 seconds after 9:30. We were late.โ€

Monday, 25 January (P-day), I wrote: โ€œWe come back and changed and headed to Liverpool. I love Liverpool. It was all so big and beautiful. Huge but grand buildings. These buildings have class. It seemed like another country. The styles they wear and the music. The stores are so much different. We went to Pizza Hut and had the buffet. It was all you could eat. I love Pizza Hut. The pizza was better here than in America. The crust was so soft, greasy, and yet with that crunch. Elder Llewelyn and Elder Knight transferred away. โ€ฆWe walked through Liverpool town center and went to the car and come back to Wallasey. The Kingsman Tunnel is cool too.โ€

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 19 January 1999 to 25 January 1999

Teaching Pool

  • Bobby Topham โ€” 8 Royston
  • Colin & Tracy โ€” 28 Water
  • Sandra Corbert โ€” 166 King

Less Active

  • Joe โ€” 73 Trafalgar
  • June โ€” 25 Sedbergh
  • Paul โ€” 98 King
  • Mike โ€” 1 Fell
  • Julie โ€” 20 Lancaster
  • Ann Shane โ€” 10 Tudor Ave
  • Brenda Reynolds โ€” (no address)

Finding Pool

  • Chevon โ€” 61 Hampstead
  • David Evans โ€” 7 Annesley
  • Lisa โ€” 15 Windham Rd
  • Stan & Helen โ€” 42 Hampstead
  • Malcolm โ€” 20 Lancaster
  • Andy โ€” 44 Eastcroft
  • Veronica โ€” 60 Harvest

Contacts

  • Emma โ€” 7 Hampstead
  • Lynn โ€” 1 Hampstead
  • Caroline โ€” 27 Annesley
  • Jan โ€” 53 Annesley
  • Sue โ€” 1 Bell Rd
  • Kathy โ€” 28 Ilchester
  • Joe โ€” 3 Ilchester
  • Helen โ€” 35 Royston
  • Maz โ€” 15 Knowsley
  • Sue โ€” 54 Albemarle Rd
  • Shirley โ€” 36 Union
  • Jon โ€” 17 Summit
  • Conesta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Linda โ€” 69 Rycroft
  • Sharon โ€” 71 Rycroft
  • Margaret Quinn โ€” 47 Rycroft
  • Anita โ€” 35 Rycroft
  • Olwin โ€” 46 Hampstead
  • Tim โ€” 54 Hampstead
  • Chris Walsh โ€” 62 Hampstead
  • Chris โ€” 66 Hampstead
  • Gordan โ€” 33 Greencroft
  • Wendy โ€” 8 Tudor
  • Alan โ€” 14 Tudor
  • Lawrence โ€” 22 Tudor
  • Paula โ€” 8 Lucerne
  • Teresa โ€” 49 Lucerne
  • Mr. Partridge โ€” 16 Centurion Close
  • Joyce โ€” 11 Lucerne
  • Shelly Thomas โ€” 20 Rudgrave Square
  • Enid Hill โ€” 50 Wellington

26 January 1999 โ€“ 1 February 1999

27 January I wrote: โ€œI am so tired. I hope one of these days I get over this feeling. We went to Birkenhead for service. We went to the chapel up there and the sisters made us breakfast. It was not good at all. We put all our plans together for flight 401. It will be the 4th discussion acted out by 12 missionaries. I get to be the missionary on the plan who tries to convert the high jackers. I spelled that wrong. They blow up the plane and they take the people through all the different glories and stuff like that. I get to play all the time on the piano in the chapel or celestial room. Missionary straight to celestial. That is cool, they didnโ€™t mean to do that. We came back here and changed. I forgot my coat at Birkenhead so I donโ€™t get any money till I get it back. Also, my letter home is sitting in the pocket. I might not get it back till Fri, Sat, or Sun. All those at home are going to have quite the wait. Unless the Birkenhead Elders took the coat with them and if they did, Elder Harris will have them mail my letter.โ€

1999 – Riding train to Birkenhead

Also that day: โ€œWe went out proselyting after in Elder Knightโ€™s area. I like New Brighton more than Wallasey. I hope we work that alot. It rained hard the whole time. The coat of Elder Lewis I borrowed wasnโ€™t rainproof so I got drenched. Even the stuff in my bag got pretty wet. We come back and dried out.โ€

Later that day: โ€œWe went back out and met a ton of people. We had tea at the McKeeโ€™s again. It was a good dinner like usual. We found out Carol plays the guitar. Roy has an office to die for. That thing is loaded with just about everything. Tonya is quite into music too.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe went to Irene James or Clintonโ€™s nan and she asked me to confirm her. This will be my 3rd Confirmation, no baptisms. I mean performed by me.โ€

28 January, 9:57 PM, I wrote: โ€œI have to admit, these past few days have been different. I have gotten so into the other things that I have not had time to write. The Spirit has taught me much over the past day. I look forward with great anticipation to the future. I have become much more calm and open through the Spirit. Love has increased as has humility and insight. I do hope that it continues. I can tell now even in my writing a unworrisom feeling and appreciative attitude. Flowing and loveing, oh, how great is our Lord. For I do know that he lives. It was testified to me more.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe had tea at the Wiseโ€™s where we were given many referrals. Things continue to lok up. Elder Harris + I are being blessed for enduring and continuing in diligence.โ€

Later that evening: โ€œLater we watched Ensign to the Nations with Bobby at Gaynaโ€™s. So very moving it was. The last 15 minutes of the show moved me to my very core. It was once again reaffirmed to me by the Spirit of the truthfulness of this gospel. If only I had the words to describe it.โ€ โ€œFaith in Every Footstep with all the temples and angelic voices singing rocked my very core. Bobby too felt that presence.โ€

โ€œWe (Elder Harris + I) left and headed to Chester. We stayed the night and I went on splits with Elder Dixon. We tracted quite a bit and only got two call backs. Something was wrong. Elder Dixon seemed so unsure of the work. I hope he can become strengthened.โ€ This visit to Chester was just overnight, and we didnโ€™t even go downtown.

โ€œWe had tea at John McKeeโ€™s. Oh how great it is to share time with such righteous people. It is so exhilarating to the soul. It is so moving to be around them. Now I call them my adopted grandparents.โ€

โ€œWe had the flight 747 tonight. We act out a plane crash and then take all the people through the separate kingdoms. It worked out really well.โ€

I cannot imagine doing a Flight 401/747 post 9/11…

30 January, 9:50 PM, I wrote: โ€œToday has been a phenomenal day. I started reading my book that dad sent to me. It is called Drawing on the Powers of Heaven. Wonderful book. I will be glad when I can understand all of it and apply it.โ€

โ€œAt 9:00 we left for the funeral of James Jones. That is Bishop Counsellโ€™s father-in-law. Jamesโ€™ wife Audry was the one I thought made a perfect grandma. The funeral was absolutely stunning. Singing and the Spirit was great. Bishop Counsell got up and talked on [Jamesโ€™] life. This man was a perfect example of Christ. I hope to be like this man someday, who was so much like Jesus. โ€ฆBishop told of how when they found out he had cancer, that before returning to bed, the asked either to take him so he wouldnโ€™t have to suffer or to let him endure happily. He now rests in peace. The Spirit touched me phenomenally strong. I cried. They sang O my father, I was streaming. Tonya McKee sat in front of us. She was sobbing. I was so touched by the Spirit. There was the closing prayer and we all went to the crematorium. There was a little service where The Stake President spoke, and we said our good-byes. I knew not this man but he has touched my life.โ€

Also that day: โ€œAfter I talked to Cliff Roberts, the one everyone things is a Nephite, he isnโ€™t. He did reveal some fantastic and great knowledge to me that I have been looking forward to. He was a 2nd witness today. I told him how he quickened and excited my soul by how great of an example and by his righteousness. He thanked me. I hope he remembers I look up to him.โ€

โ€œThe high point was we taught Bridgette tonight. The lady with green hair. She is so in tune with the Spirit. She taught us most of the plan of salvation but she knew not that it was divine. We explained the light of Christ. She totally accepted it all and agreed but she is so use to having herself. She finds it hard to acknowledge her conscience as the gift given from God. She uses cards for answers and prayers. Interesting. She totally believes in Spirits. She communicates through them. Dangerous, a bad one could get in there. I think she will come around.โ€

โ€œA poem given today: โ€˜Time is, Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, Time is Eternity!โ€™ So true.โ€ The poem is โ€œTime Isโ€ by Henry Van Dyke, from his 1904 collection Music and Other Poems, originally written as an inscription for a sundial in a friendโ€™s garden, and later read at Princess Dianaโ€™s funeral in 1997. Van Dykeโ€™s original last line was โ€œTime is not,โ€ though the โ€œTime is Eternityโ€ ending recorded here has become the more commonly quoted version.

โ€œI had a memory of a dream this summer. The entire dream followed tonights sequence of events at tea. Everything down to the number of donuts and the cool little fry fork. The past, present, and future are all one in the Lord. All present.โ€

31 January, 10:34 AM, I wrote: โ€œWe are now in Sacrament Meeting. It has been a great meeting so far. We started singing hymn #60. I love that hymn. His truth is marching on and I am helping that it goes forth. I confirmed Irene Mary James. What an honor to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, not just the gift but thee Holy Ghost. It was great.โ€ โ€œThere was a talk given on the windows of light. She commented on how Joseph Smith looked for the light and found it.โ€

Also in that meeting: โ€œJackie Laing tells her conversion story. She wasโ€ฆsearching for the truth. She said nothing captivated [her]. The Born-again Christians she went towards. She joined with them. She found a member and went to church. She later had the discussions. It is true, she could find no fault. She had an experience with the Book of Mormon.โ€ โ€œShe commented on the excitement of hearing an answer for a prayer or having a revelation or inspiration. Such excitement.โ€

โ€œWe are now in combined Relief Society and Priesthood. Roy McKee commented that if anything goes wrong, we werenโ€™t prepared. That is so true. Nothing can go wrong if we are prepared. We should be prepared for anything. That is one of the reasons we work and learn from the past.โ€ โ€œCliff Robert commented to me that price is any opposition to that which is good. The father of all lies, the author of blackness, or the pride. We are all equal, God is no respecter of persons. What a thought.โ€

โ€œWe went to Moe Jonesโ€™ after. There were talked with Lois and Moe. Lois might get baptized.โ€

Written 2 February, relating to 1 February: โ€œYesterday was quite the interesting day. We went to Chester, walked the wall, pigged out at Pizza Hut, and came back. I got pictures and I wrote about it in the letter home.โ€

1 February 1999 – Chester Town Center from Wall
Scan of Chester Cathedral postcard
1 February 1999 – Falls on River Dee, Chester, Cheshire
1 February 1999 – Elder Mueller walking on Chester Wall

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page. This weekโ€™s page had no separate Less Active section.

Teaching appointments from 26 January 1999 to 1 February 1999

Teaching Pool

  • Sandra Corbert โ€” 166 King
  • Irene James โ€” 6 York Ave
  • David Evans โ€” 7 Annesley
  • Jamie โ€” 5 Dalmorton
  • Joyce & Carol โ€” 19 Caithness
  • Grandma Walker โ€” 5 Stanford
  • Sandy & John โ€” 5A Caithness
  • Debbie White โ€” 35 Gorsehill

Finding Pool

  • Olive โ€” 26 Lucring
  • Casgy โ€” 42 Lucring
  • Veronica โ€” 40 Harvest
  • Malcolm โ€” 20 Lancaster
  • Stan & Helen โ€” 42 Hampstead
  • Chevon โ€” 61 Hampstead
  • Unis โ€” 1A Dalmorton
  • Kevin Paul Shawn โ€” 31 Dalmorton
  • Mrs. Williams โ€” 34 Hereford
  • Jane & Fancie โ€” 73 Dalmorton
  • Mike & Liz โ€” 8 Imperial
  • Sue โ€” 23 Imperial
  • Christine Walker โ€” 14 Elgin
  • Sandra โ€” 3 Grosvenor
  • Paul โ€” 50 Radnor
  • Shic โ€” 90 Liscard
  • Dennis โ€” The Channel
  • Rhona โ€” 12 Sutton
  • Joan โ€” 5 Coronation
  • Andy โ€” 44 Eastcroft
  • Roy โ€” 78 Urmson
  • Pam โ€” 81 Urmson
  • Ian โ€” 4 Warwick

Contacts

  • Paul โ€” 17 Dalmorton
  • Mrs. Kathrel โ€” 25 Imperial
  • Mrs. Nuttal โ€” 30 Elgin
  • Joe โ€” 13 Denton
  • Ria โ€” 5 Coronation
  • Mike โ€” 13 Edinburgh
  • Terry McCormick โ€” 13 Station
  • Daisy & Becky โ€” 22 Beach
  • Sharon โ€” 58 Lusging
  • Georgia โ€” 51 Albemarle
  • Wendy โ€” 8 Tudor
  • Alan โ€” 14 Tudor
  • Lawrence โ€” 22 Tudor
  • Gordon โ€” 23 Greencroft
  • Kangsta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Doug โ€” 62 Lusging
  • Mrs. Williams โ€” 35 (unclear)
  • John โ€” 17 The Summit
  • Emma โ€” 7 Hampstead
  • Jan โ€” 53 Annesley
  • Sue โ€” 1 Bell
  • Kathy โ€” 28 Ilchester
  • Maz โ€” 15 Knowsley
  • Conesta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Margaret Quinn โ€” 47 Rycroft
  • Chris Walsh โ€” 62 Hampstead
  • Chris โ€” 66 Hampstead
  • Paula โ€” 8 Lucerne
  • Joyce โ€” 11 Lucerne
  • Shelly Thomas โ€” 20 Rudgrave
  • Angela โ€” 25 Lancaster
  • Gordan โ€” 75 Withers Ln
  • Mrs. Buely โ€” 100 Urmson
  • Jackie โ€” 77 Urmson

2 February 1999 โ€“ 9 February 1999

Written 3 February, about the night before: โ€œLast night we had tea at the McKeeโ€™s again. It was a great dinner but afterwards, Carol, her mother, Elder Mueller, and I had a great conversation. I donโ€™t remember all what about, but it was great.โ€

2 February 1999 – Elder Harris walking below promenade at New Brighton, Merseyside

Also that day: โ€œWe taught David Evans today. He is really intellectualizing all of it. I tried to explain it to him that way. The same was to Bridgette a couple of nights ago.โ€

Also that day: โ€œEarlier today, we went to the Ryanโ€™s. She took us to another house and wanted us to bless it. It has Poltergeists. Those are ghosts that move things. She showed us the rooms with the problems and when we walked in, it was so cold. I jumped when I walked in the room. Weird noises, weird feelings. I prayed, Elder Harris blessed it. I hope we did it right. We donโ€™t have anything written on how we are supposed to do it. I felt better afterwards. Sister Ryan and the two of us talked for quite some time. We had tea at the Annals. It was a riot. It was absolutely great. They are a wonderful family.โ€

This was Mike and Liz Ryan.

Reading the letters I sent home to family, there is more detail there too. The first time we blessed the home, nothing happened. It went even more cold. Like they were staring at us. The second time we blessed the home, it was confrontational. Like they were staring us down and snickering at us. The last time we prayed again before we blessed the home. This time, everything was different. The light and warmth came back into the room and we were at peace. But after the second time, we were afraid and had to huddle in prayer before trying yet again. Very humbling.

4 February, I wrote: โ€œI just realized that today is the day dad gets sealed to his parents in the Ogden Temple. A joyous day indeed. I believe that on the 7th Bud [Lloyd] gets the Priesthood. What joy and happiness have come into this family. I can say I had a small part in it. My joy will be full when mom comes around. We have all tasted such sorrow and bitter. Dadโ€™s patriarchal states he will be sealed in the temple yet in this life.โ€

โ€œMy family, wife on down will be a eternal family. My children shall know the gospel and its divinity.โ€

โ€œBud and grandma will be sealed later this month or in March. Another outstanding year this will be. As was last, a year for the books.โ€

โ€œPresident talked to me and gave some words and advice. He is most definitely a servant of the Lord. He told me that it is too bad we canโ€™t put the head of a 40 year old on that of a 19 year old. But, we canโ€™t so let them learn. Some are further than others.โ€

โ€œHe commented on the repentance process. We talked about rules, but a higher law. He commented on individuals not the law. The Lord cares on serving others, not keeping rules for self. Try to lead (live) the laws but put others first. He commented on sanctification and working towards perfection. Oh what joy. Righteous people invigorate and energize the soul. Follow the Spirit. It is so enlightening. You learn so much more on watching and seeing how it relates to the gospel. All things apply. Everything is of a spiritual sense. Such excitement in Christ.โ€

5 February, I wrote: โ€œYesterday was a phenomenal day for the Moreton Ward.โ€

โ€œWe had tea at the wises. It was good. Chips, pork, beans, with rhubarb crumble. We left the Wiseโ€™s and went to Jackie Brooks. There we all talked and had a really good time for a half hour. There were 8 people in the room, all of baptismal age. We Built Relationships of Trust and moved into the discussion. The Spirit was strong. Four of the Eight agreed to baptism and I believe all the other 4 will too. One of the 4 is Robert Tophamโ€™s son, Robbie Williams. I think he will come around. Alex, a friend of Cassie (one of Jackies) wants a book and I believe she will committ. Jackie didnโ€™t say yes or no. The four committed are Jackieโ€™s 4, Cassie, Rebecca, Gary, Mike. Jackie will if all four of her children do. Jackieโ€™s friend Angela will too I believe and have faith in. Angelaโ€™s husband stole her book and is reading it. Angela has 5 children. I donโ€™t know anything about Alexโ€™s family, she could be the key there. Robbie + Robert could be the key to Robbieโ€™s family. Robbie was amazed that it was Elder Harris and I that converted his father. It is a small world. Overall we are moving toward the goalโ€ฆon the mission. This is a good start. All praise to God. What a privilege to be an instrument and in this work.โ€

Also that day: โ€œWe have been invited to teach at a mothers meeting at St. Josephโ€™s. If we can get the Spirit there and teach, this could swing a gate wide open. If one or two listen at the meeting today, it will be worth it. I hope so much we can see this to come to pass. I can hope so much that if this is a trap, we can still hold the honor and respect and catch them. All will go fine.โ€

โ€œOh, and a thing about Jackie Brooks. I had a ton of incidences there that I have seen before, de ja vous as they call it, but I canโ€™t spell it. It is right we teach her. It is all so exciting. In my interview with President Stucki yesterday he commented, you watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. Take care of the details and there will be no problems.โ€

7 February, I wrote: โ€œI have come to see that evil spirits exist so much more than ever expected. I am so grateful for the Priesthood and to be able to force them to leave but they must not return. What a blessing. The story of Elders in Barrow and having to cast out evil spirits. They did it wrong and they could hear all the laughter at them. Finally they got it right.โ€

โ€œSister Liz Ryan is great. The Ryanโ€™s and I get along great.โ€

Writing on the 7th about the day before: โ€œWe taught the Brooks family and taught them a 3rd yesterday. We went bowling (10 pin) after. We had two games. I did horrible. Didnโ€™t even break 100 either game. They are a great family. We had fun. We picked up the other Elders and went to tea at the Hankins. Elder Mueller and I ate there.โ€

โ€œWe taught Bridgett the rest of the 4th with Catchya. They refuse to live the law of chastity. We found out they are bi-sexual. We visited Fraziers and came home.โ€

7 February, I wrote: โ€œToday I have to admit was a day full of new and exciting things. I awoke and read about 1/3 of 2 Nephi. Such exciting things in there. So much to be applied. It is definitely written for our day. Elder Mueller and I left. We walked Gayna, Irene, and Clinton all to church. It took a while but we arrived. The Moreton Ward had a full house today. It was good to see Jackie Brooks and all of her family there. It was fast and testimony meeting today. I got to bear my testimony. I love this church so much. I know it is true.โ€

โ€œGospel Principles was taught by Elder Mueller and I. It was great.โ€

โ€œAfter was Priesthoodโ€ฆ Mind maps. I never knew they existedโ€ฆ I use mind maps and associative reasoning all the time. Roy McKee is a genius. Oh, howe everything makes senseโ€ฆ Mind maps only work for the person who makes them.โ€

โ€œCliff Roberts constantly impresses me. He isnโ€™t one of the Nephites but he might as well be. Priesthood was phenomenal. Robert Topham got the Aaronic Priesthood as a Priest. That was good too.โ€

โ€œAfter, E Mueller and I walked Gayna and Clinton home. Gayna and I had a really good conversation.โ€

โ€œE Mueller and I went to Clintonโ€™s to offer his mom the Sacrament. She kicked out Clinton last Sunday. He has been living in a wayward homeโ€ฆ We comforted her and went to tea.โ€

โ€œWe had a good tea at Jackieโ€™s. We taught Jaime the 3rd. After we left and went to Gregoryโ€™s. We gave them the Sacrament. We were there about half an hour. After we went to the Wilsonโ€™s. We sat there and talked a whileโ€ฆ Sister Wilson commented on Elder Mueller and my lesson. She said she really enjoyed it. I love the Spirit so muchโ€ฆ Oh, Elizabeth Wilson has changed so much since I first got here. The gospel makes such a difference in peoples livesโ€ฆ We left there and went to Jonesโ€™. At Jonesโ€™ we had a good conversation with Moe and the family. Kelly is the one in love with Donny Osmond. She is a really good girlโ€ฆ After we came home.โ€

This entry also marks the end of Journal #5. Some closing quotes Iโ€™d recorded at the end of that journal:

โ€œYou canโ€™t be brave if youโ€™ve only had wonderful things happen to you.โ€ โ€” Mary Tyler Moore

โ€œWe are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.โ€ โ€” Oscar Wilde (spoken by the character Lord Darlington, Act III of Lady Windermereโ€™s Fan)

โ€œWisdom is knowing who you are. Once you know who you are, the rest just follows right after.โ€ โ€” Pam, in Saturdayโ€™s Warrior

โ€œWhat you get in the Hereafter, depends on what youโ€™re after here.โ€

โ€œKeep your eye on the whole forest, not just the trees.โ€

9 February marks the first entry of Journal #6, which opens with a quote given to me by Tanya McKee:

โ€œThe gift of the Holy Ghost quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.โ€ โ€” Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology

I was very moved by it, kept it, and quoted from it the rest of my mission.

10 February, writing about Mondayโ€™s P-day, I recorded: โ€œWe went and played Squash for 2 hours that I loved. I played so hard my face went bright red. Now, every muscle in my body is sore. It was really good exercise. We played 2 on 2 which was an absolute riot. We went and got our groceries at ASDA and come home and showered – changed. We went to Birkenhead and looked around the market. It is just that, a ton of merchants have little shops up where you can by just about anything. We went and got fish and chips down by the bowling alley and promenade. We played some pool after too. My personal favorite is air hockey. We come back to the flat and I wrote my letters.โ€

โ€œWe got ready and Elder Harris and I went to Jackie Brooks. We talked for quite a while and and gave the 4th discussion. It went really wellโ€ฆ But time went on and we got a story where Carrie had a dream a couple of months ago where she dreamed I had tried to kill her. Then they got out how they knew their were spirits in the house. One with dreams and visions that were not inspired of God. Another where Jackieโ€™s ex-husband had a visitation and other stuff. Even Jackie didnโ€™t think they were alone. Many people had also died in the home, all by heart attacks. Iโ€™ll bet it had to do with fright. One person hung themselves in the attic. Mike, the boy, has problems where he jumps up, does something, and returns to normal. He cut off his motherโ€™s finger once, broke her toes, took a golf club to his sister, beats his head to a bloody pulp and sits down like nothing happened. Best of all, when asked why, he says, โ€˜God told him to.โ€™ First thing that popped into my head was Moses 1:19. That is where Satan tries to deceive Moses and says he is God. I explained that verse and I was enveloped by a feeling of evil. I knew I was okay but what about them. I continued with the feeling that was so strong. I kept catching things out of the corner of my eye in the back room. I could tell something was there. We kept talking, I explained the blessing on the Ryans neighbors, I also explained on how baptism brought the Holy Ghost which would protect them from such events in the future. I kept catching glimpses of someone in the back room and when I would look, I couldnโ€™t see them. We brought Bobbie to be there as a fellowshipper and because of his son Robbie who was there. We had to leave because we needed to get in. We left. I felt so sorry for that family because of experiences I had exactly like that when I was real young. Bobbie informed us right on the street before we parted. He told us of a gift he had to see Spirits. He told us there was someone back there. I wasnโ€™t just imagining. That made missionary work so much more important to me. I have another mission, not only to convert, but to free from the bands of Satanโ€™s armyโ€ฆ I told [Elder Harris], โ€˜if we are real, so are they.โ€™โ€

I have more I can share regarding this story. It is still vivid in my mind all these years later.

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 2 February 1999 to 8 February 1999

Teaching Pool

  • David Evans โ€” 7 Annesley
  • Malcolm Patterson โ€” 20 Lancaster
  • Jamie Laing โ€” 102 Anlew

Less Active

  • Sheryl โ€” 2 Keswick
  • Adam โ€” (no address)
  • Elizabeth โ€” 30 Kinnard
  • Cooles โ€” (no address)

Finding Pool

  • Chris โ€” 7 Devereux
  • Pam โ€” 81 Urmson
  • Roy โ€” 78 Urmson
  • Jackie โ€” 77 Urmson
  • Angela โ€” (no address)
  • Stan & Helen โ€” 42 Hampstead
  • Veronica โ€” 60 Harvest
  • Olive โ€” 26 Lucerne
  • Kevin โ€” 31 Dalmorton
  • Paul โ€” 17 Dalmorton
  • Cain โ€” (no address)
  • Frieda โ€” Lincoln
  • Ian โ€” 4 Warwick

Contacts

  • Becky โ€” 7 Littledale
  • Tony โ€” 40 Buchanan
  • Mrs. Stevenson โ€” 26 Eastcroft
  • Emma โ€” 7 Hampstead
  • John โ€” 17 Summit
  • Mrs. Williams โ€” 35 Marlowe
  • Kangsta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Gordon โ€” 23 Greencroft
  • Daisy โ€” 22 Beach
  • Gena โ€” 4 York
  • (unnamed) โ€” 3 Rivington
  • Dave โ€” 32 Barrington
  • Julie โ€” 17 Mossy Bank
  • John โ€” 1 Mossy Bank

9 February 1999 โ€“ 16 February 1999

Written 13 February about Wednesday (10 February), I recorded: โ€œWednesday, I spent the day with Elder Mueller. We didnโ€™t have that much time in our area. We tracted a road in New Brighton and then went to Elder Muellerโ€™s area. We did really quite well. We ran out of Book of Mormonโ€™s. We taught some good people. Mueller and I had tea at Counsells. It was sweet and sour curry on rice. It was so good. Bishop and I had a really good conversation. We were there for two hours and really all of it was at the dinner table. It was a great conversation.โ€

Also written on the 13th, about Thursday (11 February): โ€œOne thing I remember is we met E. Lewis + E Mueller at the Billingtonโ€™s. E Mueller and I went to the Riedโ€™s for tea. โ€ฆwhat an honor to be there. โ€ฆcornbeef hash and beans, it was a sacrifice for them. That little girl told us how much she loves Elders and Jesus and Joseph Smith. โ€ฆWhat an honor to eat in the home of such righteous people.โ€ This was Judith and Tony Reid.

13 February, writing about the day before (Friday, 12 February), I recorded: โ€œYesterday was a great day. I loved all the time I had with Elder Olson. Elder Harris went with Elder Meehan to Altrincham so I got E. Olson till 2:00. We went down along the promenade and we just had a blast. We taught 4 and gave away 3 BOM. โ€ฆNot only that, we fellowshipped 2 new-members, did two call-backsโ€ฆand scheduled 2nd discussions, and got a few more call-backs. โ€ฆThe best thing, Elder Olson and I enjoyed it. We werenโ€™t racing all over and even stopped to sit and talk a couple of times. We just had good conversations on how we could be better missionaries. We got out our gripes which was good. I did my complaining and he did his about our trainers. I am so excited for the work once again. Gayna even enjoyed Elder Olson. She commented on the temple made everything better for her. She said she felt much better after it.โ€

โ€œI wish everyone understood how great this is. They wouldnโ€™t take things so lightly, the would find less worldly fun. โ€ฆMy joy is full beyond measure. I can say I know god lives with full truth.โ€

On 13 February I wrote: โ€œWe have assembled for our weekly DDM. I am glad to have this opportunity to learn and see other people views. I learn so much, as I hope other people do at these DDMโ€™s. The Spirit is so exciting.โ€

14 February I wrote: โ€œWe are now in church having a great feast. There was a talk on the divinity of our leaders. That is so true. It was good. She commented that we should always follow our leaders in the Spirit in which they acted. I think so many times that is forgotten.โ€

โ€œWe are now in gospel essentials talking on the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is obviously inspired. It is hard for people. If people find the Spirit they can overcome it, the Lord will help us. Why do people always ask what is wrong with tea. It is a commandment from the Lord. It might be caffiene, tannin acid, or anything else, it is a commandment. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Donโ€™t worry about decaffinated, just avoid all appearance of evil. Be an example. We are to eat healthy wholesome food. That is so true. There is a path, straight and narrow. Eat meat, but donโ€™t eat alot or donโ€™t eat it at all.โ€

โ€œGayna, just come in and told me that Elder Harris + Elder Mueller just went to the hospital. She thinks he broke his ankle. I hope notโ€ฆโ€

โ€œPriesthood now. Brother Pitt is teaching the lesson looks really good. But the soul that receives and relishes truth, the more noble a soul, the more noble, the more responsible and Christlike is the person overall.โ€

โ€œWe got to Arrow Park Hospital. Elder Harris leg or ankle was just sprained. Nothing serious.โ€

โ€œWe come back and went to Elizabethโ€™s after. We talked with her and she wanted a blessing. Elder Lewis gave her that. We come home and Elder Harris burn a pair of pants on the 18 month anniversary.โ€

15 February, in the evening, I wrote: โ€œI am so excited for the next two years of my life. I am so happy to have a reconfirmation of the divinity of this church. I feel so calmed and serene. We left to go teach at the Brooks. We taught the 6th discussion. It went really well. I will hurry and learn and memorize the discussions. I feel so dumb looking out of the book. Oh well. Carrie + Michael we will baptize on Thursday, go to the temple on Friday, go bowling on Saturday, and confirm them on Sunday. It will be a busy week for them. I pray the Spirit will touch Jackieโ€ฆ, Rebecca and Gary. They are meeting alot of opposition. I hope things go better. I love this work.โ€

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 9 February 1999 to 15 February 1999

Teaching Pool

  • David Evans โ€” 7 Annesley
  • Jamie Laing โ€” 102 Curlew Way
  • Brooks โ€” 77 Urmson

Less Active

  • Sheryl โ€” 2 Keswick
  • Elizabeth โ€” 30 Kinnard
  • Joe Wadron โ€” 7 Hertford
  • Annal โ€” (phone number only)

Finding Pool

  • Julie & Emma โ€” 17 Mossy Bank
  • Mark Story โ€” 11 Mossy Bank
  • Ron Cullinan โ€” 20 Withington
  • Irene Lewis โ€” 6 King
  • Frieda โ€” Lincoln
  • Pam โ€” 17 Dalmorton
  • Olive โ€” 26 Lucerne
  • Stan & Helen โ€” 42 Hampstead
  • Roy โ€” 78 Urmson
  • Pam โ€” 81 Urmson
  • Margaret โ€” 42 Rycroft

Contacts

  • John Taylor โ€” 1 Mossy Bank
  • Jaime โ€” 40 Rivington
  • Gina โ€” 2 York
  • Conesta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Gordan โ€” 23 Greencroft
  • Emma โ€” 7 Hampstead
  • Becky โ€” 7 Littledale
  • Tony โ€” 40 Buchanan
  • Mrs. Williams โ€” 35 Marlowe
  • Mrs. Stevenson โ€” 26 Eastcroft
  • Laura โ€” 5 Straughough
  • Scott โ€” 46 Massey Park
  • Sue โ€” 8 Keswick
  • Sue โ€” 2 Holland
  • Cola โ€” 33 Grosvenor
  • Dorothy โ€” 44 Bell
  • Graham / Blu / Stewart / Chubb โ€” 9 Demesne
  • (unnamed) โ€” 10 Norwood
  • Mrs. Latham โ€” 28 Seaview
  • John โ€” 90 Greenwood
  • Alice โ€” 83 King
  • Mrs. Parsons โ€” 112 Rake Lane
  • Helen โ€” 14 Longlane
  • Edward โ€” 8 Arkle

16 February 1999 โ€“ 21 February 1999

16 February, I wrote: โ€œThis morning has been short and cold. Elder Mueller + I went out and taught but one. I just finished reading Gene R Cookโ€™s book Receiving Answers to Our Prayers. It is a great book. Didnโ€™t go into detail like I wished it to but I did learn from it.โ€

17 February, I wrote: โ€œWe are moving and assembling here in Birkenhead once again for Zone Conference. It doesnโ€™t seem possible that I have been here for 2 months already. I hope I have one more month here in Moreton. I am so amazed at how full my joy is. It continues to grow and my bliss is complete. What more can I ask for. โ€ฆI am so glad to be a part of this work. I am working on self-actualization in hope of becoming a better person. To be a blessing to everyone I come in contact to. I need to accept everyone for who they are and then will they change to become better. Love them is so important.โ€

โ€œThere will be an Easter Media Campaign.โ€

โ€œSuch a spiritual high today.โ€

โ€œWe blessed Gaynaโ€™s house. I did it and had the worst time.โ€

โ€œThey sent Elder Mueller + I out quite a bit. We worked wonders. We had tea at the Annals. It was good. It is a riot over there. We taught 6 and gave away 3 BOMโ€™s in but 2 hours.โ€

Around this time, I recorded a few quotes Iโ€™d been reading, including several from Stephen R. Coveyโ€™s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which I finished around this stretch of the mission:

โ€œThe inside-out approach says that private victories precede public victories, that making and keeping promises to ourselves precedes making and keeping promises to others. It says it is futile to put personality ahead of character, to try to improve relationships with others before improving ourselves.โ€ โ€” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

โ€œThat which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods!!!!!!!!โ€

That line originates with Thomas Paine, from The American Crisis, No. 1 (1776) โ€” written to rally the Continental Army during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War โ€” but I most likely encountered it secondhand through Coveyโ€™s book, which Iโ€™d just finished reading around this time.

โ€œReactive people are affected by their physical environment. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isnโ€™t, it affects their attitude and their performance. Proactive people can carry their own weather with them. Whether it rains or shines makes no difference to them. They are value drivenโ€ฆ People (proactive) are still influenced by external stimuli whether physical, social, or psychological. But their response to the stimuli, conscious or unconscious, is a value-based choice or responseโ€ฆ Itโ€™s not what happens to us, but our response to what happens to us that hurts us.โ€ โ€” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, pp. 71โ€“72

โ€œIn the great literature of all progressive, love is a verb. Reactive people make it a feeling. Theyโ€™re driven by feelingsโ€ฆ If our feelings control our actions, it is because we have abdicated our responsibility and impowered them to do so. Proactive people make love a verb. Love is something you do: the sacrifices you make, the giving of self, like a mother bringing a newborn into the world.โ€ โ€” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p. 80

โ€œWhat lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.โ€ โ€” attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes (as commonly cited, including in Coveyโ€™s book), though the line most likely originates with Henry Stanley Haskins in his 1940 book Meditations in Wall Street

โ€œPeople canโ€™t live with change if thereโ€™s not a changeless core inside them. They key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about, and what you value.โ€ โ€” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p. 108

20 February, I wrote: โ€œI cannot believe I havenโ€™t written since Wednesday night. I have been so into the Covey book because I have to finish it before Monday. Elder Harris did break his ankle. We went back in and it was broken. Plus, I have been waiting on him for everything so that doesnโ€™t give me much time. Also, we had a baptism last night which has made me a slave to ironing and planning things out.โ€

โ€œThursday we had tea at Wiseโ€™s and I enjoyed it. โ€ฆWe had tea and I went home teaching with Victor Wise to Enid Hill. Enid is a great lady. She is an author of like 10 books and she had a manuscript to another.โ€

โ€œI was with Elder Mueller Friday so we taught some. We had tea at the Billingtonโ€™s and headed to the baptism. I got to baptize Carrie Ana and Michael Raymond Brooks. The Spirit was great. I stepped into the water and it was as if someone else took over. It was cool. I really enjoyed it. Elder Harris had his cast so he couldnโ€™t do it. I enjoyed and loved it.โ€

19 February 1999 – Baptism of Michael and Kerry Brooks at Birkenhead Chapel with Elder Harris and Jackie Brooks

I am confused after this entry. Mom is Jackie Brooks. Kids are Carrie/Kerry, Rebecca (Becky), Gary, and Michael. Here and now I thought I had baptized Kerry and Gary, but this entry has Carrie and Michael. M Brooks wrote in my journal about me baptizing him below. Kerry also wrote in my book and signed Kerry. Not sure how that translates to Carrie. Maybe some day I can locate one of the Brooks family and flesh this out. I have tried to find one, but no luck to this point. I understand Kerry is a nurse/doctor not far from home, maybe in Chester?

โ€œOh, we got transfers last night. I am headed to Hyde and will be companions with Elder Peters. I guess Elder Peters is an army like man who served on the Isle of Mann. That is what Elder Harris said, so this could be really interesting.โ€

โ€œI heard we are going out to breakfast with the Brooks so I can hope.โ€

21 February, my last night in Moreton, I wrote: โ€œThis is my last night in Moreton. I transfer to Hyde in the morning. I feel times march.โ€

โ€œIt is nearly impossible to imagine 3 months passage. Time is an interesting concept. It is relative only to those who focus on it. When you focus on the principles and values we embrace, life is easier, more laid back, and time disappears. When dwelling in the Spirit, being nearer to light in mortality truly does make time + space loose its grasp. Today will be remembered. Another day of good-byes. Another passage of time.โ€

โ€œWe went to church. Sacrament was great. We confirmed Kerry Brooks and Michael Brooks. Mike got the Priesthood in Elders quorum. Such an outpouring of love towards us.โ€

โ€œMany expressing love, gratitude, and shedding tears. We said good-bye to Bobby and he was in tears. He cried fowl and it isnโ€™t fair. Leaving the Wilsons is a scene to not forget. I standing at the end of the walk, the moon high. Their silhouettes, saying good bye and shaking hands. The spirit of love and tears not seen but felt. Going to Gaynaโ€™s and saying good-bye. She gave me an old copy of the Book of Mormon. It is timeless. Having tea at Jackieโ€™s one last time. Going to the Jones. A good typical of Sunday but marked by tears. These are the days of mortality.โ€

โ€œI will miss John + Audry McKee, Liz & Mike Ryan, Roy & Carol; and Tanya McKee. Cliff Roberts. Such a great ward. Tomorrow is another era of new sights, sounds. A new life. Great things lie in the future. Miracles are awaiting.โ€

Below is a map of every home we visited, taught, or contacted that week, pulled from the Teaching Pool, Less Active list, Finding Pool, and Contacts recorded on the back of that weekโ€™s planner page.

Teaching appointments from 16 February 1999 to 22 February 1999

Teaching Pool

  • Brooks โ€” 77 Urmson
  • Jaime โ€” (phone number only)
  • David โ€” 7 Annesley

Less Active

  • Joe โ€” 7 Hertford
  • Elizabeth โ€” 30 Kinnard

Finding Pool

  • Dave Keatley โ€” 8 Holland
  • Sue โ€” 8 Keswick
  • Pam โ€” 81 Urmson
  • Roy โ€” 78 Urmson
  • Paul โ€” 17 Dalmorton
  • Ron โ€” 20 Withington
  • Mark โ€” 11 Mossy Bank
  • Julie โ€” 17 Mossy Bank
  • Laura โ€” 5 Straighbargh
  • Scott โ€” 46 Massey Park
  • Sue/Dorothy โ€” 44 Bell
  • Graham โ€” 9 Demesne
  • John โ€” 1 Mossy Bank
  • Irene โ€” 6 King
  • Stan โ€” 42 Hampstead
  • Margaret โ€” 42 Rycroft

Contacts

  • Nice Lady โ€” 24 Martins
  • Alice โ€” 83 King
  • Sue โ€” 2 Holland
  • John โ€” 90 Greenwood
  • Helen โ€” 14 Long Lane
  • Michelle โ€” 14 Park
  • Emma โ€” 7 Hampstead
  • Conesta โ€” 35 Greencroft
  • Gina โ€” 2 York
  • Jamie โ€” 40 Rivington
  • Cola โ€” 33 Grosvenor
  • Mrs. Parsons โ€” 112 Rake Lane
  • Tracy โ€” 4 Beechcroft
  • Tunde โ€” 49 Grosvenor
  • Laura โ€” 18B Ferryside
  • Dave โ€” 12 Clarence
  • Pat โ€” 16 Bulkeley
  • Domini โ€” 9 Claughton
  • Mr. More โ€” 10 Russell
20 February 1999 – Arcade, West Kirby, Merseyside
20 February 1999 – Elders Mueller, Ross, Harris, and Lewis by River Mersey
22 February 1999 – Transfer day from Moreton to Hyde, Elders Ross, Harris, Mueller, and Lewis

Farewell

In my journal I kept a number of notes people wrote me as I prepared to leave Moreton. Iโ€™ve included them here, exactly as written. Elizabeth Cosgrove, whose note is first below, is now married and known as Liz Murphy.

โ€œElder Ross, hey you โ€“ I love you. Iโ€™ll never forget you + though Iโ€™ll miss you โ€“ Iโ€™ll think of you often + smile. Remember Prayer? Just do it! Ether 12:6. Hey face a fear and the death of that fear is certain! When people get you down or your past catches up with you remember โ€“ โ€˜Why should I pay for a debt that I never owedโ€™ โ€“ helps leave the baggage behind dude. Hope you keep in touch when you finish your mission. Goodbye, Good luck till we meet again. Elizabeth Cosgrove. Matthew 7:7 Itโ€™s true!โ€

โ€œRoss, Iโ€™m gonna miss you man! you baptized me and blessed me with the holy Spirit from God and Iโ€™ll never forget you. You gave me a gift that no-one else ever could! Your influence on me is unimaginable. Iโ€™ll love you always. Kerry Brooks. P.S. Please donโ€™t forget me.โ€

โ€œHey Ross, I hope you wont forget me I am gonna Have to try and Be good on my own now. I now I will miss you and I will still pray for you I hope I can see you when you go home and write me and tell me when you leave cause I will see ya off OK Rember you always Clintonโ€

โ€œhey man, I was the first person youโ€™ve ever babtized so I sure hope you will remember me because Iโ€™ll sure remember you. M. BROOKSโ€

โ€œElder Ross, I canโ€™t believe that youโ€™re going I donโ€™t fee like I got to know you well enough. Iโ€™ll write though. Be prepared because you know what Iโ€™m like Iโ€™ll just rabbit on about David. You be sure to tell him how great I am! Iโ€™m so humble arenโ€™t I? Anyway thanks for everything! Kelly Jones.โ€

โ€œDear Elder Ross, Time has gone so fast, (too fast). I have learnt so much from you in such a short time, and I know that what I have learnt, I will apply it to my life. You have strengthned my testimony a great deal. I am eternally grateful for you! Carry on progressing the way you have been and carry on towards your eternal goal. You are a wonderful person, and never let anybody try to change you! I know that the church is true, even though I have been sent some trials I still know its true. I am grateful that I have had a chance to return into the fold. I know that the lord lives, and through him I know that we can return to live with him in great glory, love and fulness of joy. Amen. Thank you Elder Ross. Keep well have fun and smile always. Love you! and miss you! Gaynorโ€

Gaynor Plimley and Elder Ross

Gaynor came to visit after the mission. I drove to Salt Lake and picked her up and brought her to Idaho. We went and traveled and visited around. Something happened in church on Sunday. I just remember she sat with my Dad and I ended up in the back doing the doors. She was upset that I didn’t sit with her in Sacrament. The rest of the trip was a bit strained after that. Haven’t heard from her since. I am not sure what happened or why, I am sad about it.

โ€œTo, Elder Ross. Thanks for being a friend and I really am Glad I got the chance to meet a Good elder โ€“ Youโ€™ve alot of people Happy as always โ€“ I wish you could of stayed longer โ€“ But you must move on. Anyway, Hopefully youโ€™ll have a Good laugh as much as You had here. Keep Smiling and Iโ€™ll always remember you. Love Emma Hankin (moreton Ward)โ€

โ€œTo Elder Ross, Iโ€™l like to wish you good luck on your next misson youโ€™re a good elder Iโ€™ll miss you alot Iโ€™ll keep reading the b.o.m. so I can try + be good see ya Ann-Marieโ€

โ€œElder Ross โ€“ Too bad your going so soon! I think youโ€™re a great missionary w/ lots of potential. Keep up the singing โ€“ you sound really good but I know you think youโ€™ve got far to go. Maybe youโ€™re closer than you think. Look out for Chris Devaney + Tim Preston from Ashton Stake โ€“ they rock too. Iโ€™m trying to think of original things here. Hmmโ€ฆ focus. There, thatโ€™s original. See you in the spirit world, if not before. love Tanya McKee.โ€

I will note that I think I referred to Tanya as Tonya throughout my journal entries. Since she signed it Tanya, joke is on me for using Tonya the whole time while in Moreton.

โ€œElder Ross, I canโ€™t believe weโ€™re all leaving. Time goes way, way too fast on a mission. It seems like I just met you, but 2 months have Gone by that Fast. I Really am Glad that I Got to Meet you, you have opened my Eyes to somethings. Elder Ross, I want to tell you that youโ€™re going to be a dang good missionary. You are here for the right reasons, and you will be an amazing asset to the EMM. I just want to thank you for all that youโ€™ve done for me. You Really have taught me alot & Given me alot to think about. You have helped me Realize the importance of Sincerety seeking out the Truth. Thanks For Putting Up with me. I hope you Know that I think youโ€™re a good man & have so much to offer the Lordโ€™s Kingdom. I know that the Church is True. The Book of Mormon has so much to teach us & I know itโ€™s true. I love this work & I love being able to serve with missionaries like you! Iโ€™m sure Iโ€™ll see ya again. Take care of yourself & Always Be Yourself. Love ya Man, Elder Nate Mueller.โ€

โ€œDear Elder Ross, Wow son what I say, itโ€™s been an amazing experience, we saw many mighty miracles in this land of Moreton, it was hard at first, but it turned out so good, I loved our last month together, the Brooks family is so cool, I really love them, it was so good to see you baptize Mike and Carry and hear you confirm all those people, it was great. I hope you enjoyed our little greenie joke also, thanks for everything itโ€™s been so good getting to know you, ha mate I know this church is true, it is the kingdom of god on earth and I love it, I love you too man and I do respect you, so no hard feelings ha man. Remember Alma 43:32 and 1 Nephi 20:18 itโ€™s time to labor and our rightousness will be as the waves of the sea. Take care, ha Iโ€™ll see you in Idaho sometime but California is the best. Adios Brother. Love Elder Jeremy R Harris.โ€

President H. Bruce Stucki (1 December 1937 โ€“ 29 May 2019) served as President of the England Manchester Mission from 1997 to 1999. Just a few months after this entry, he was called as a General Authority Seventy at the April 1999 General Conference, serving in that capacity until 2006. He later served as President of the Las Vegas Nevada Temple from 2006 to 2009. As a boy, he once lost an arrow while hunting rabbits near his childhood home in Santa Clara, Utah; unable to find it, he knelt to pray, and said he saw it the moment he opened his eyes โ€” the first of what he described as many times the Lord answered his prayers. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Cox Stucki, and their family.

Title 7: ANIMALS

7-1: DOGS:

7-1-1: LICENSE REQUIRED; FEES:

All fees set under this chapter shall be set by resolution of the city.

The owner or any person who is keeping or harboring a dog in the City shall pay to the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility for its special revenue account an annual license fee for each dog so kept or harbored in an amount as established by resolution of the Council. The license fee shall be paid to any City Clerk or at the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility, who shall issue in return a receipt designating the name and address of the owner or custodian paying the license fee, the number of the license tag assigned, the sex of the dog, a brief description of the dog, and the amount paid for such license.

A numbered license tag corresponding to the number listed on the receipt shall be delivered to the license applicant with a receipt.

The collecting agency shall deliver the fees collected to the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility monthly. The implant of a chip at the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility, with payment of related fee at the facility, shall waive the licensing fee for five (5) years.

The license shall be effective only to the end of the calendar year in which the same is issued. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-2: TAG AND COLLAR; TAKING UP DOGS; DOGS AT LARGE:

All dogs are required to have a tag and collar within the City.

Any City peace officer, animal control officer, or other designated person, may seize and impound any dog:

A.   Without tag and collar;

B.   At large, off the owner’s property, without an attendant or master, not securely confined or leashed whether by tether or trained voice command so that it does not stray;

C.   That threatens, aggressively intimidates or harasses, or bites any person, livestock, poultry, or domestic animal; or

D.ย ย  That defecates on the property of any other person, other than the owner, that is not immediately cleaned. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-3: CONTROL OF DOGS:

A.   Dogs Which Disturb Neighborhood: No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog which by loud, continued or frequent barking, howling or yelping shall annoy or disturb any neighborhood or person. A dog shall not be permitted to urinate or defecate upon the property of any person other than the dog’s owner, unless it is immediately cleaned. Violation of this section is an infraction punishable as provided in Section 7-1-8.

B.   Dogs at Large: Any person who permits any dog owned or possessed or harbored by him to be, or run at large without a competent and responsible attendant or master, or wilfully or negligently fails, neglects, or refuses to keep any such dog securely confined within the limits of his own premises when not under the immediate care and control of a competent and responsible attendant or master, shall be guilty of an infraction punishable as provided in 7-1-8.

C.   Vicious Dogs:

1.ย ย  Definitions:

SECURE ENCLOSURE: One from which the vicious dog cannot escape and for which exit and entry is controlled by the owner or tenant of the ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  premises or owner of the vicious dog.

VICIOUS DOG: Any animal which, when not physically provoked, ย ย  physically attacks, wounds, bites, aggressively chases, harasses, or ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  otherwise injures any person, livestock, or any domestic animal who is ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  not trespassing.

2.ย ย  It shall be unlawful for the owner of a vicious dog, or for the owner or tenant of premises on which a vicious dog is present, to harbor a vicious dog outside a secure enclosure.

3.ย ย  It shall be unlawful for the owner of a vicious dog, or for the owner or tenant of premises on which a vicious dog is present, to fail to maintain the enclosure so that the vicious dog cannot escape the enclosure.

4.ย ย  It shall be unlawful for any person to remove a vicious dog from a secure enclosure unless the dog is restrained in a manner sufficient to control the dog.

5.ย ย  Penalty and Sentencing: Persons guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this subsection 7-1-3(C), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to penalties of up to one hundred eighty days in jail, a one thousand dollar fine, and up to 2 years of probation. Further, at sentencing on a violation of this subsection, the court may in its discretion, in the interest of public safety, order the owner to have the vicious dog destroyed or may direct the appropriate authorities to destroy the dog. Both the prosecution and the owner of the dog may present evidence relevant to the propriety of the destruction of the vicious dog.

6.ย ย  A vicious dog may be seized and impounded during the pendency of court proceedings pursuant to 7-1-3(C).

7.ย ย  Nothing in this chapter shall preclude any civil liability as otherwise provided by law for damages or loss caused by a vicious dog to livestock, poultry, or other domestic animals.

D.   Dog Bites: Any dog which has bitten any person, livestock, poultry, or domestic animal shall be surrendered to and/or confiscated by a peace officer or animal control officer. The dog shall be inspected by a licensed veterinarian and quarantined, if necessary, as may be required under State law. No inspection or quarantine is required if reliable, current medical records are provided showing evidence of current immunizations for hydrophobia. If it is determined during the observation period that the dog has hydrophobia, the dog shall be euthanized by the veterinarian. Payment of the actual costs of inspection, keeping the dog, examining the dog, monitoring the dog’s condition during the period of observation, or euthanization will be assessed by fee. If the dog is not claimed by an owner and/or person responsible for the animal within the observation period, it shall be destroyed.

No dog which has bitten a person, livestock, poultry, or domestic animal shall be adopted out or surrendered to any third party if the owner or other person responsible for the animal is not located.

Any dog which appears likely to be suffering from rabies may be destroyed by a peace officer or animal control officer if such dog cannot be captured without exposing such officer or other persons to unreasonable risk of injury. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-4: RECLAIMING IMPOUNDED DOGS; ADOPTION; EUTHANIZATION:

All dogs taken up by a peace or animal control officer shall be delivered to the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility. Facility shall not refuse any dog. Dogs shall not be held at any other location, except those delivered to a veterinarian as directed by the Facility. No fostering of dogs outside the Facility is permitted. Any dog not reclaimed, adopted, or otherwise committed to an entity engaged in the legal rescue, adoption or otherwise providing homes for dogs, within twenty-one (21) days shall be euthanized.

Any dog may be reclaimed at the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility by the owner or other person entitled upon payment of any related fees as established by the City Council by resolution. Fees shall be paid to the Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility and a receipt shall be issued. Fees may include bail out, vaccination, quarantine, boarding, and other related fees as established by resolution.

An unlicensed dog which will be kept or harbored within the City, upon release, shall not be released until the person reclaiming such dog has purchased a current license and any related fees as established by resolution incurred related to the dog.

After the five (5) day period for dogs taken up as found in Idaho Code 25-2804, rather than euthanizing the dog, the animal control officer may then take steps to adopt the dog to a third person. Any third person shall pay all impoundment and adoption fees against the dog and have the dog properly licensed before the dog may be surrendered to such third person.

Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility may waive impoundment, adoption, and other fees for an entity engaged in the legal rescue, adoption, or otherwise providing homes for dogs.

Adoption to a third person is available by Minidoka Joint Animal Control Facility as provided in this section. Adoption fees shall be established by City Council by resolution. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-5: RESPONSIBILITY OF HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:

The responsibility for compliance with all provisions of this chapter shall rest upon the head of the household at which a dog is being kept or harbored whether the ownership of such dog is claimed by a person residing in said household. The parents or guardians of minor children with whom said minor children are residing shall be deemed to be the owners of the dog of a minor child residing with them for purposes of this section. A husband and wife or two (2) or more adults living together may be jointly charged as heads of the household where a dog is kept or harbored if they fail to comply with their obligations under this chapter. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-6: INTERFERENCE WITH PERSON SEIZING DOG:

It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or molest any police officer or animal control officer who is attempting to perform any act authorized under this chapter. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-7: ENTERING PRIVATE PROPERTY:

In the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, any peace officer or animal control officer is authorized to enter upon private property to capture a dog running at large or to destroy a rabid or vicious dog, but the authority granted by this section does not authorize entry into any building on private property without the consent of the person entitled to control of said building. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-1-8: PENALTY:

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a infraction, unless otherwise provided, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as follows:

A.   An admission of guilt or entry of judgment to any violation shall result in a penalty of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) plus any court costs for the first such violation.

B.   Upon a subsequent admission of guilt or entry of judgment for violation of the provisions of this chapter, a penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) plus any court costs shall be assessed.

C.   Upon a third admission of guilt or entry of judgment for violation of the provisions of this chapter, a penalty of not less than three hundred dollars ($300.00) plus any court costs shall be assessed for each subsequent violation.

D.ย ย  Violations of 7-1-3(C), Vicious Dogs, is a misdemeanor punishable as outlined in 7-1-3(C)(5). (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2: ANIMALS AND FOWL:

7-2-1: DEFINITIONS:

ANIMAL OR ANIMALS: All types of animals, except for dogs.

FOWL: Every type of fowl, except for songbirds, parrots, mynah birds and that type of fowl or bird that is ordinarily caged within a single cage and kept within a dwelling house.

KENNEL, COMMERCIAL: Any lot or premises on which dogs more than four (4) months of age are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained or sold on a commercial basis, and which offers provisions for minor medical treatment.

KENNEL, NONCOMMERCIAL: Any person or group of people, such as a family or group of people occupying a single-family dwelling jointly, who keeps, maintains, harbors or possesses upon the premises of any one household more than two (2) dogs, but not more than four (4) dogs.

LIVESTOCK: Shall include all animals commonly or customarily referred to or known as livestock, and shall include animals kept, raised or maintained on a farm or ranch, including, but not limited to, horses, cattle, sheep, goats and all other grazing animals or other animals customarily kept for agricultural purposes.

MAY: Shall mean discretionary.

PERSON: Shall include individuals, corporations, firms, associations, partnerships and bodies politic.

SHALL: Shall be construed to mean “must” or “is”. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-2: KEEPING AND MAINTAINING WITHIN CITY LIMITS:

A.   Permit Required: No animals or fowl shall be kept or maintained within the city limits unless the person maintaining and keeping the said animals or fowl shall first obtain a permit from the city for the keeping and maintaining of the same.

B.   Exemption: However, no permit shall be required for keeping animals or fowl in a licensed auction or sale yard; provided, that such animals or fowl do not remain in said yard for more than seven (7) days.

C.   Livestock: Further, livestock may be maintained on parcels of land located in the A zone (agricultural) which are at least forty five (45) contiguous acres in size, in such numbers as are reasonable under prevailing conditions of animal husbandry, without having to comply with the remaining portions or restrictions of this chapter. This provision does not expressly or by implication negate or alter the applicability nor enforcement of the general nuisance laws of the state or the city.

D.   Kennel Licensing Provisions:

1.ย ย  License Required: It shall be unlawful to keep, maintain, harbor or possess upon the premises of any one household more than two (2) dogs unless the owner or person in charge thereof shall qualify for and obtain a noncommercial kennel license or a commercial kennel license.

2.ย ย  Applications For License; Fees; Conditions:

a.ย ย  Noncommercial Kennel License: An application for a noncommercial kennel license shall be made to the city clerk and must be accompanied by the written consent of at least eighty one percent (81%) of all persons in possession of premises within two hundred feet (200′) of the premises upon which the noncommercial kennel is to be maintained and accompanied by a deposit license fee of ten dollars ($10.00), which deposit shall be returned to the applicant if the license is not issued. The application shall state the name and address of the owner, where the noncommercial kennel is to be established, and the number of dogs. Noncommercial licenses shall be nontransferable and shall expire on December 31 of each year in which issued. When additions are made to the number of dogs for which a noncommercial kennel license is issued, the licensee shall report, within three (3) days, to the city clerk the increase; however, whenever puppies are born, such puppies shall not be counted as additions until six (6) weeks old.

b.ย ย  Commercial Kennel License: Applications for commercial kennel licenses shall be made to the city clerk and must be accompanied by a written consent of one hundred percent (100%) of all persons in possession of premises within three hundred feet (300′) of the premises upon which the commercial kennel is to be maintained and accompanied by a deposit of a license fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for the first two (2) dogs and an additional three dollars ($3.00) for each dog over two (2), which deposit shall be returned to the applicant if the license is not finally issued. The applicant shall state the name and address of the owner of the kennel, where the kennel is to be established, the number of dogs to be kept, and attached to the application shall be a detailed plan for the kennel meeting minimum state health requirements showing a dog type enclosure with runs for each dog, indicating how the kennels will be cleaned, where the water and food sources for the dogs shall be established, together with rules and regulations governing the care of the animals; provided, however, that the owner may adopt the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club or similar organizations in lieu of providing written rules and regulations for the facility. In addition thereto, the owner shall agree that said kennels shall be cleaned not less than daily. Whenever additions are made to the number of dogs for which the kennel license has been issued, the licensee shall, within three (3) days, report to the city clerk and pay the required license fee; provided, however, that whenever puppies are born, such puppies shall not be counted as additions until six (6) weeks old. For every commercial kennel maintained for dogs registered under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, it shall not be necessary to license the individual dogs, but the owner of such kennel shall pay the annual fee as stated above; provided, however, that all dogs covered by any such kennel license shall be maintained and kept within the kennel or under leash at all times.

3.ย ย  Dog Licenses Required; Exceptions: The issuance of a noncommercial kennel license shall not alleviate the necessity of obtaining an individual dog license, nor shall any of the provisions of this section be deemed to vary or alter any zoning regulations of the city. However, the requirement of obtaining a dog license for a dog is waived in the case of commercial kennels which are operated for commercial purposes to board dogs not owned by a person located on the premises or for veterinary clinics or facilities where the dog is kept for a temporary time period not to exceed six (6) months.

4.ย ย  Violation: Any person violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-3: PERMIT FOR MAINTAINING AND KEEPING:

No permit to keep animals or fowl within the city limits shall be issued until the person so applying for such permit has furnished to the city an application for such permit, which application must show the following facts to be true:

A.   That the animals to be kept on the applicant’s premises shall be enclosed and that such enclosure is at least sixty feet (60′) from a dwelling house other than that of the applicant;

B.   That the fowl to be kept on applicant’s premises are within an adequate enclosure and that such enclosure is located at least forty feet (40′) from a dwelling house other than that of the applicant;

C.ย ย  That the enclosures provided for animals and/or fowl must be constructed so as to adequately retain the animals or fowl on the applicant’s premises and prevent any trespassing from the animals or fowl on any other property. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-4: PERMIT FEES:

No permit fee is required. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-5: CONDITIONS PERTAINING TO MAINTENANCE OF ANIMALS OR FOWL AND UNLAWFUL PRACTICES:

A.ย ย  Animals or fowl kept within the city limits shall at all times be maintained in a clean, neat and sanitary condition, free from obnoxious odors and substances and shall be confined at all times within adequate enclosures.

B.   It shall be unlawful:

1.ย ย  To permit or allow animals or fowl to create disturbances that interfere with the peace, quiet and tranquility of the community;

2.ย ย  For any person to permit dead animal or fowl bodies to remain upon any property or premises within the city limits for a period longer than twelve (12) hours;

3.ย ย  To burn any animal or fowl bodies or their refuse within the city limits;

4.ย ย  For any person to keep dilapidated or run down buildings or enclosures, or to keep a building or enclosure which emits obnoxious odors, pollution or any other substance that would be offensive to the senses of the residents of the city, or that would be dangerous to the health of such residents;

5.ย ย  For any person to keep any animal or fowl or suffer the same to remain on any premises owned or used by him in such fashion as to constitute either a private or public nuisance.

C.ย ย  No livestock shall be permitted on lots or property of less than one-half (1/2) of an acre, which must be entirely irrigated pastureland. The number of such animals that may be lawfully kept is the sum of the number of full one-half (1/2) acres contained on the parcel of land where such animals are kept. Also, no more than one of such animals and their suckling offspring may be kept or maintained per one-half (1/2) acre. Such offspring may, in any event, not be kept more than one year from birth. Nothing in this section waives or alters the other requirements of this chapter, especially referring to subsection B5 of this section. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-6: RUNNING AT LARGE:

It shall be unlawful for any person to permit, suffer or allow any animal or fowl owned by them or under their care and control to run at large or to trespass within the city limits either on public or private property. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-7: DUTY OF SHERIFF:

It shall be the duty of the Sheriff or his designated agent to take up or cause to be taken up any animal or fowl found to be running loose or at large within the city. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-8: NOTICE OF IMPOUNDING:

As soon as possible, the Sheriff or his designated agent shall notify the owner of the animal or fowl taken into custody, if such owner be known. If the animal is branded and the owner of the brand known to the Sheriff or his designated agent, he shall notify the brand owner of the fact that the animal has been impounded. If the owner of any animal or fowl is unknown, the Sheriff or his agent shall post, in three (3) public places within the city, notices describing the animal or fowl impounded and stating that if the animal or fowl is not redeemed and all charges paid within or before a certain time, stating the day and hour, which shall be not less than five (5) days from the date of impounding, that at said time and place the animal or fowl so impounded will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash to pay the charges of taking up and keeping the animal or fowl. If the owner does not reclaim the animal after the giving of such notice, and if there is no bidder willing to pay, in cash, the amount of charges for taking up and keeping the animal or fowl, such animal or fowl becomes the property of the city. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-9: BRANDED ANIMALS:

If the animal impounded is a branded animal but the owner is unknown, the Sheriff shall send a registered letter to the bureau of registration for such animal, describing the animal and brand in order to seek identity of the owner. In such event, the animal shall not be sold for at least ten (10) days after the date of the mailing of the letter above specified. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-10: RECLAIMING OF ANIMALS OR FOWL BY OWNER:

If at any time prior to the time fixed for sale, the owner of any animal or fowl seized as above provided, shall claim such animal or fowl, he shall be entitled to possession thereof upon payment in cash to the city clerk in advance of such sum as herein provided for the legal charge of impounding and any expense related thereto. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-11: SALE OF IMPOUNDED ANIMAL OR FOWL:

At the time specified in the notice of sale, if the animal or fowl so impounded is not redeemed, the Sheriff or his designated agent shall sell the same to the highest bidder for cash. Upon payment by the buyer to the Sheriff of the cash amount of the bid, the buyer at the sale becomes the lawful owner of the animal and the previous owner, whether known or unknown, is fully divested of title to the said animal or fowl. Under no circumstances may any official or employee of the city become interested in, directly or indirectly, the purchase of the animal or fowl to be sold. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-12: FEES:

The city council will, by resolution, set the fees to be paid for the redemption of animals or fowl taken up pursuant to this chapter. Any actual expenses of the city incurred during the process of impounding the animal, shall be charged to the owner and shall be in addition to the impound fee set by resolution. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-13: DISPOSITION OF FUNDS:

A.ย ย  The Sheriff, upon receipt of monies tendered pursuant to the above specified auction sale, shall immediately deliver the same to the City Clerk, who shall place the same in a special fund designated as the “animal and fowl fund”.

B.ย ย  Upon proper identification of any person as the owner of any animal or fowl above sold and if there be funds remaining after the payment of the impound and other fees above specified, and within six (6) months of the date of impound, the city clerk shall turn such surplus money over to the owner of the animal or fowl so sold. However, if the owner is never located or after six (6) months no one has properly identified themself as the owner of the animal or fowl above specified, any excess funds over and above impound fee and costs of caring for the animal and for fowl as above specified and costs of sale, such excess shall be transferred from the stock fund to the general fund of the city. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-14: UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE ANIMALS INTO CITY:

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, or cause to be driven, or induce any animal or animals to come into the city limits with the intention and purpose of having such animal either be abandoned or be impounded as herein provided. Any person knowingly committing such act or acts as above specified shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-15: MAINTAINING OF SWINE:

In any event, it shall be unlawful under all circumstances, except as herein provided, to maintain and keep swine within the city for any purpose whatsoever. However, this prohibition shall not apply to swine lawfully delivered to a licensed livestock auction yard and that such animal is not kept within such livestock auction yard for a period in excess of forty eight (48) hours. “Swine” shall include exotic swine kept as pets, including so called “potbellied pigs” or “Vietnamese pigs”. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-16: VIOLATION:

Any violation of any provision hereinabove, in addition to remedies provided, shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable as defined by law. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-17: APPLICATION OF CHAPTER:

With the exception of dogs, this chapter shall apply to all “animals” whatsoever and all “fowl”, as defined herein. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

7-2-18: REVOCATION OF PERMITS:

A.   The governing body of the municipality may revoke any and all permits issued by them when deemed necessary for the preservation of the public health, or the peace, quiet and tranquility of the community.

B.ย ย  All places and premises in which any of said animals are kept shall be open at all times for inspection by any officer of the municipality. If, upon inspection, there is found to exist any violation of any provision of this chapter, the person responsible for such violation shall be given a written notice specifying the violation in particular and requiring such offender to abate or correct the same within a period of twenty four (24) hours. If such violation is not abated or corrected within such period, the municipality may revoke the permit and in addition thereto, charge and prosecute such offender under the criminal provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2026-11, 4 Aug 2026)

If They Will But Serve the God of the Land

This is the year of the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America. I have wondered multiple times about this moment in time. I am fortunate to be alive to experience this year. I have heard others tell of their experiences with the Bicentennial and what a special occasion it was. I don’t recall reading much of the 1926, 1876, or 1826 celebrations. Although I know there were some in 1826, as there are references to them especially trying to get Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to attend events for that occasion.

Massachusetts State House – April 2026

From all I have read and reviewed for this year, I have a profound sense of achievement and pride in how these things have come to be and how we mostly still are as we should be. I feel that much since Independence has also been inspired. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to go to Boston. For the Semiquincentennial, I was excited. In the evenings after classes, I would walk all over Boston, with friends, to see the sights.

It is with that, I share this address from the April 1976 General Conference. This was given by N. Eldon Tanner for the Bicentennial. What he spoke of on that date seems as timeless as it fully applies even today. He took his title from the Book of Ether, given to the Jaredites as they first reached this continent:

โ€œBehold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.โ€ (Ether 2:12)

“This being the first general conference in the bicentennial year of the United States of America, I have been doing much pondering and contemplating of this event as it relates to the gospel and the great plan of life and salvation. We are all reading and hearing much concerning the events connected with the founding of this country, and with the modern devices available to us today, the news media reach throughout the world, and we are all aware of our interrelationship with one anotherโ€™s countries.

“We would expect every man to be loyal to his native landโ€”the land in which he was born, the land in which he lives, works, and rears his family. I think of the words of Sir Walter Scott in โ€œThe Lay of the Last Minstrelโ€:

“Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,

“Who never to himself hath said,

“This is my own, my native land!

“Whose heart hath neโ€™er within him burnโ€™d

“As home his footsteps he hath turnโ€™d

“From wandering on a foreign strand!

Old State House – Boston – April 2026

“During the last few weeks I, with President Kimball and others of the official party, have had the privilege of attending area conferences in New Zealand, Australia, and the beautiful islands of the South Seas. New Zealand claims to be a choice land and favored by the Lord, and the night before we left Tahiti, one of the Brethren said, โ€œWell, tomorrow we will be driven out of the Garden of Eden.โ€

“We were most favorably impressed by the beauties of the countries wherever we went. Sister Tanner said, โ€œWe surely live in a beautiful world.โ€ Yes, all countries are greatly blessed by the Lord, and each is uniquely different in its beauties, its people, customs, and traditions.

“Today, however, I should like to confine my remarks to a discussion concerning the Western Hemisphere, and particularly to the United States of America, and to point out the destiny of America in the Lordโ€™s eternal plan. The discovery of the Americas was not an accident. The event had been foreordained in the eternal councils. The prophets of old had it in view. Jacob foresaw it when he blessed his son Joseph, calling him โ€œa fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall โ€ฆ unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills.โ€ (Gen 49:22, 26.)

“Moses too made promises to the tribe of Joseph, whose land, America, was to be precious for the things of heaven and of earth, and who would โ€œpush the people together to the ends of the earth.โ€ (See Deut 33:13-17.) These are just some of the biblical prophecies, and we have the Book of Mormon record which tells of the Jaredites who were the first to come to America. They came at the time of the confusion of languages during the building of the tower of Babel.

“Just as Noah was directed, these people too were instructed to build ships to carry them on the waters. When all was in readiness, they boarded their vessels and โ€œset forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.โ€ (Ether 6:4.)

“The account states, โ€œAnd when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.โ€ (Ether 6:12.)

“Then, six hundred years before the birth of Christ, a prophet by the name of Lehi, who had been crying repentance unto the inhabitants of Jerusalem, was commanded by the Lord to depart with his family into the wilderness. Because of the things which he had testified concerning the wickedness of the people and the pending destruction of Jerusalem, he was mocked and scorned, and the people sought to take his life. In obedience to the Lordโ€™s instructions, he departed with his family and others, and after a period in the wilderness, they too were instructed to build a ship and sail for the promised land. We read, โ€œAnd it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.โ€ (1 Ne. 18:23.)

“While in the wilderness Nephi, the son of Lehi, was permitted to see in vision the things that would transpire concerning the destiny of Americaโ€”the promised land. He said, โ€œAnd I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.โ€ (1 Ne. 13:12.)

“This, as we know, refers to Christopher Columbus, who was impelled by the Spirit of God to cross the ocean for the rediscovery of America, thus assisting in the furthering of Godโ€™s purposes.

“Columbus himself, in a letter to the Spanish hierarchy, wrote, โ€œOur Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my emprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?โ€ (Quoted in Mark E. Petersen, The Great Prologue, Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 26.)

“During the voyage, after weeks of sailing with no sign of land, mutiny raised its head. Finally, Columbus promised the captains of the Pinta and the Niรฑa, both of whom wanted to turn back, that if no land was sighted in forty-eight hours, they would turn back. Then he went to his cabin and, in his words, โ€œprayed mightily to the Lord.โ€ On October 12, the very next day, they sighted land.

“Nephi saw in vision also the coming of the Pilgrims, who came to escape religious persecution. He foresaw the coming to America of peoples from many nations, their wars and contentions. As Nephi said, they did humble themselves before the Lord and โ€œthe power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.

“โ€œAnd I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.โ€ (1 Ne. 13:18-19.)

“Thus the American colonies attained their independence and set up the government of the United States, all under the divine intervention of God in preparing this land for its divine destiny.

“At this point we pay tribute to those great men who accepted and met the great challenge to establish a constitution for the government of this so-called new land. That this too was divinely inspired is attested by the word of the Lord when he said, โ€œAccording to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;

“โ€œThat every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.

“โ€œTherefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.

“โ€œAnd for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.โ€ (D&C 101:77-80.)

Old North Church – Boston – April 2026

“No constitution on earth has endured longer than this one. We seek, and usually find, the answers to todayโ€™s questions in this document of yesterday. It was and is a miracle. Both Washington and Madison referred to it as such. It is an inspired document written under the guidance of the Lord. James Madison, commonly called the father of the Constitution, recognized this inspiration and gave the credit to โ€œthe guardianship and guidance of the Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising republic.โ€ (Petersen, Prologue, p. 95.)

“We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to ensure a nation where liberty could abound and where his gospel could flourish. Joseph Smith said, โ€œThe Constitution of the United States is a glorious standardโ€”it is founded in the wisdom of Godโ€”it is a heavenly banner.โ€ (Petersen, Prologue, p. 75.)

“Among other things, the Constitution guaranteed the religious freedom that allowed the Reformation to continue and flourish. Many of these great reformers stated that their effort was to reassert the basic Christian teachings of the Bibleโ€”but they acknowledged that they possessed no authority to administer the ordinances of the Church, or to reestablish the original church of Jesus Christ. Luther said, โ€œChristianity has ceased to exist among those who should have preserved it.โ€

“Roger Williams, founder of the Baptist Church in America, said, โ€œThere is no regularly constituted church on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances.โ€ (LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book Co., 1973, p. 29.)

“We believe that both freedom and the continuing reformation that flourished here occurred in preparation for a restoration from heaven of the full gospel of Jesus Christ. That restoration began in the United States of America in the 1820s through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was chosen by the Lord and who, through personal manifestations from heavenly messengers, received pertinent records which contained the authentic record of early American peoples and Godโ€™s dealings with them. He received the priesthood and authority to reestablish the church of Jesus Christ in these latter days.

Paul Ross and Paul Revere statue – Boston – Old North Church in background – April 2026

“At the time of this restoration, God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ actually appeared to Joseph Smith, as they had appeared to leaders of previous dispensations. They announced to him that Christโ€™s church would be reestablished upon the earth, with a restoration of the same principles and ordinances and organization which existed in the primitive church, from which there had been an apostasy as documented by irrefutable evidence. This restoration was the greatest event in the history of mankind since the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Significantly, the early Americans to whom we have referred were aware of the birth, death, and resurrection of the Savior because they saw the same signs and wonders as those in the Old World foretelling the coming of the Lord, his life, mission, and subsequent death and resurrection.

“Referring to these same early Americans, the Lord said, as recorded in the New Testament, โ€œAnd other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.โ€ (1 John 10:16.)

“In the Book of Mormon we have a beautiful account of Christโ€™s visit to these โ€œother sheepโ€ following his resurrection, when they heard his voice and recognized him as he showed the nail prints in his hands and feet. We know these were the โ€œother sheepโ€ because he said, โ€œYe are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold.โ€ (3 Ne. 15:21.) He taught them the gospel. He instituted the sacrament and ordained disciples. He gave authority to confer the Holy Ghost, healed the sick, and blessed the little children. He prayed unto the Father for them.

“We read, โ€œThe eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

“โ€œโ€ฆ and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.โ€ (3 Ne. 17:16-17.)

“Now, what of Americaโ€™s future? How can we best show our appreciation to God for these marvelous blessings of freedom, of a place where his true and everlasting gospel was restored, of the preparation and divine guidance in every event leading to that most significant event? We must remember what the Lord told the Jaredites when they were first brought to this land: โ€œBehold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.โ€ (Ether 2:12; italics added.)

“Many years ago in a volume entitled Beacon Lights of History, Dr. John Lord, referring to the discovery of America, said, after speaking of her great potential, โ€œThe world has witnessed many powerful empires which have passed away and left โ€˜not a track behind.โ€™ What remains of the antediluvian world? โ€ฆ What remains of Nineveh, of Babylon, of Thebes, of Tyre, of Carthageโ€”those great centers of wealth and power? What remains of Roman greatness even, except in laws and literature and renovated statues? โ€ฆ What is the simple story of all the ages?โ€”industry, wealth, corruption, decay, and ruin. What conservative power has been strong enough to arrest the ruin of the nations of antiquity?

“โ€œNow if this is to be the destiny of Americaโ€”an unbounded material growth, followed by corruption and ruinโ€”then Columbus has simply extended the realm for men to try material experiments. Make New York a second Carthage, and Boston a second Athens, and Philadelphia a second Antioch, and Washington a second Rome, and we simply repeat the old experiments.

“โ€œBut has America no higher destiny than to repeat the old experiments and improve upon them and become rich and powerful? Has she no higher and nobler mission? If America has a great mission to declare and to fulfil, she must put forth altogether new forces, and these not material. And these alone will save her and save the world. โ€ฆ The real glory of America is to be something entirely different from that of which the ancients boasted. And this is to be moral and spiritualโ€”that which the ancients lacked.โ€

“We are all a part of Americaโ€™s future. Our job is to learn and benefit from the past and to go forward in righteousness, keeping the commandments of God. In this connection the prophet Lehi said, โ€œWherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.โ€ (2 Ne. 1:7.)

“As we pray daily to God for guidance, we should all make the same plea as George Washington did in his prayer for our country:

“โ€œAlmighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.

“โ€œBless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners.

“โ€œSave us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way.

“โ€œDefend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought out of many kindreds and tongues.

“โ€œEndue with the spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be peace and justice at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.

“โ€œIn the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.

“โ€œAll of which we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.โ€

“We encourage our people to be good, loyal, law-abiding citizens. โ€œWe believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.โ€ (A of F 1:12.)

William Prescott statue – Bunker Hill Monument – April 2026

“Also, it is our duty to seek diligently for and support and uphold good, honest, honorable, and wise representatives to govern us. Let me reiterate the message left with the Saints nearly sixty years ago at the general conference in April 1917 when Elder Anthony W. Ivins, after discussing religious liberty and the Constitution, said, โ€œI feel authorized to say, here this afternoon, that these liberties which have come to men, both religious and civil, have not been established by the Lord to be destroyed, but that they are here to remain until liberty shall prevail from the rivers to the ends of the earth, until Godโ€™s kingdom shall be established among men, and his will done upon earth as it is done in heaven. Until the universal Fatherhood of God, and brotherhood of man shall be recognized, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of Christ, who shall reign as Prince of Peace.โ€ (Conference Reports, April 1917, pp. 54โ€“55.)

“And I bear testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God here upon the earth, with the Lord directing the work through our prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball. May I urge everyone everywhere to help bring to pass righteousness, in whatever country you may reside, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. If you are active members of the Church you will know what they are. If you are not, may I invite you to avail yourselves of the opportunity to investigate and gain a knowledge and testimony for yourselves that the gospel in its fulness has been restored, with the authority to administer the ordinances thereof, and is here upon the earth.

“Only as we accept and live the teachings of the gospel can the destiny which God planned for America be realized and the world united in peace and brotherhood. That this may speedily come to pass I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Union Oyster House – Boston – April 2026
Oysters at Union Oyster House – Boston – April 2026 – Holly Sutherland – Tecla Druffel