LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Jay Sutton, Class 38, who recently announced his engagement to Molly Swabb. A specific wedding date has not been set. Jay works for Seminis Vegetable Seeds (Bayer) where he is a Testing Research Associate.

Kim Glineski, Class 43, has recently taken a new position at the Idaho Department of Commerce and is now the State Broadband Project Manager for the Idaho Office of Broadband. Kim is also facing shoulder surgery this month.

Sympathy is extended to the Durrant family. In the recent tragic accident at the airplane hanger in Boise where a relative, Craig Durrant, was killed. Sympathy goes out to Richard Durrant, Class 9, Bryce Durrant, Class 39, Neil Durrant, Class 34, Kara Hurst, Class 30, and Shane Robins, Class 35. Craig was a partner with Big D Builders who was constructing the hanger.

The U of I will be recognizing Ronda Hirnyck, Class 9, on Monday, February 26 from 3-6 PM, at the U of I Complex located at 1904 E Chicago St in Caldwell. Ronda has been working as an Extension Pesticide Specialist for several years and prior to her employment with U of I had worked with ISDA in a similar role. 

Congratulations to Nic Gibson, Class 37, who recently was elected to the Meridian Cemetery Board. Nic will serve with chairman Drew Eggers, Class 12, and commissioner Julie Eavenson, Class 18. Nic is employed at AMG in Meridian and handles graphics, social media and digital media on behalf of AMG clients.

Congratulations to Ben Schumacher, Class 39, who was recently elected to the board of directors for Nezperce Prairie Grass Growers Association. Ben works for Seeds Inc as a crop consultant and lives in Cottonwood, Idaho.

Congratulations to Rebecca Rutan, Class 33, and husband Dennis who welcomed a new baby boy, Daxton, in their family on February 10th. Daxton had some complications which required surgery. Daxton will remain in the hospital for an estimated 1-3 months. Rebecca and Dennis are living at the Ronald McDonald House in Boise. When Daxton goes home, he will his join his older brother Michael. 

Congratulations to Jake Zollinger, Class 38, who was recently appointed as County Commissioner for Custer County by Governor Brad Little. Jake works for Valley Agronomics as a Location Manager in Challis. 

Congratulations to the members of Class 44 who were elected to speak before the Governor. The five speakers and their topics are:

• Bri Eggers - “Filling Their Plates: Growing Ag Education for Idaho’s Future”
• Craig Louder - “The Rural Veterinarian Shortage in Idaho”
• Michael Siegersma - “Strong Families, Strong Idaho”
• Micaela Swall - “Saving Idaho Farm/Ranches for the Next Generation”
• Jared Giles - “Supporting Idaho’s Disabled Farmers”

 
The five speeches will be presented to Lt. Governor Scott Bedke since the Governor will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center.
 
Congratulations to Joel Wasem, Class 38, who was recently elected as President of Pacific Northwest Canola Association. Joel is employed by Bell Equipment Inc, Value Stream Manager for Large Equipment Sales and 1980 Ag and Acute Farms in Grangeville.
 
Congratulations to Michael Colle, Class 44, and wife Megan on the birth of Hollie Marie, February 13, 2024 in Moscow. Now the Colle’s have two little girls in their home. 
 
Linda Rider, Class 22, was surprised at the Idaho Cattle Association annual meeting where they honored Linda with the Idaho Beef Industry Leader for 2024. Then, the International Association of Fairs and Expos honored Linda with the Heritage Award – only a handful of the award is given each year. Linda topped off the recognitions at the Idaho Farm Bureau annual meeting where she and her husband Rob were presented the President’s Cup for contributions to Agriculture. 
 
Two LIA alumus have teens serving as Pages during the 2024 Idaho Legislature. Emma Wittman, daughter of Nic Wittman, Class 39, and wife Grace, was a page in the Idaho House the first half of the session. Silas Frederick, son of Ken Frederick, Class 41 and wife Marylin, is serving in the Idaho House for the second part of the session. 
 
The LIA Washington, DC Experience will take place June 8-14. If you are interested in attending please contact Kendra Dustin at 208-859-6780 or [email protected]. Cost is $1750.00 for alumni and $750.00 for their spouse. This does not include air travel from your location to DC.