LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Terry Kramer, Class 19, who recently passed the reigns of leadership for the Buhl Rotary Club to a new leader. Terry served as President in 2020-2021. Terry is enjoying his retirement life from farming and serving as a Twin Falls County Commissioner.
 
Craig Quarterman, Class 38, is a proud uncle. His nephew, Nathan Quarterman, was recently recognized as an outstanding swimmer in Idaho. Nathan won all 22 races he entered this season and earned 4 state titles at the virtual state meet. He has signed with the University of Texas which is currently ranked the #1 men’s swimming team in the nation.

Congratulations to LIA Trustee Jen Cummins, Class 40, she was recently recognized by Idaho Business Review as one of the 2021 Accomplished Under 40 honorees. Jen is an attorney in Boise and owns and operates Cow Girl Compost with her husband, Trent. The couple recently relocated to Mountain Home where Trent is employed, and Jen can go between business locations.

Congratulations to Jeri Ahrens, Class 37, on the birth of her first grandchild Tate. Tate was born to Jeri’s daughter, Nina, and husband, Jake, on June 29 weighing 7 lbs. and 13 oz. Jeri’s description of Tate is, “He is simply delicious.”

Kim O’Neill, Class 27, effective July 1 she will return to the PNW as the new Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the Western Washington Foundation. Kim has been in Texas working as Vice President in a similar position at Texas Tech University. 

​Brenna (Christison) Smith, Class 37, and her husband, Greg, recently celebrated the arrival of Gentry Ellis on June 11. Gentry weighed in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. Brenna is taking a leave of absence from the Idaho Wine Grape Growers & Wine Producers Commission where she is employed.
 
Alex, Class 35, and Leah, Class 40, Reed announced the arrival of Emma on June 24th weighing 8 lbs. and 7 oz. and 21” in length. Emma is expected to be well received by her five siblings. Alex is planning for the future with labor shortages and says the best plan is to raise your own crew. Alex and Leah farm in the Filer area. Emma’s arrival also pushed along the remodel of the farmhouse – a major summer project for the Reeds.
 
Sympathy is extended to Dale Van Beek, Class 10, on the recent passing of his father and mother. They passed within three days of each other reflecting their love of 69 years together. The Van Beek’s had a dairy in the Meridian area. Dale is currently employed at Simplot Grower Solutions.
 
Sympathy is extended to Jeff Sayre, Class 26, on the passing of his brother, David, who was from Great Falls, MT. David was a former Marine and spent a great deal of his life in military service. Jeff lives in Lewiston and works for CHS Primeland, where he is the Marketing Communications Specialist.
 
A recent update from Lee Holtom, Class 40. Lee reported that his twin daughters Virginia, weighing over 7 lbs. and Bridget, weighing over 9 lbs., were released from NICU in Spokane on June 6. The twins were born prematurely on March 3. Lee’s wife, Sam, has basically been in Spokane the entire time.
 
Thank you to the 23 teams of golfers and the hole sponsors for the LIA Golf Tournament held on June 11 in Twin Falls. The weather could not have been nicer. And who has ever heard of a golf tournament where on the 14th hole you can stop and get your own basket of McCain’s French fries fresh from the fryer? Thank you, McCain’s for the donation and to the LIA golf committee, board and alumni who helped to make the event such a success.
 
Dave Wenk, Class 40, and Alan Martinson, Class 27, recently were asked to speak to the Idaho Association of Counties Annual Meeting in CDA. They addressed the issue of controlling noxious weeds and the responsibilities of county commissioners.
 
We were recently notified by a family member of the passing of Quey Johns, Class 19, in November of 2020. We had not heard of Quey’s passing. Quey farmed in the Bruneau area for several years and was an active member in his local community.
 
A true Advocate for Agriculture is Linda Rider, Class 22. Linda recently hosted a “Meet a Farmer” event at their ranch. A total of 21 "city" people and 13 "farmers” attended which included four mini-workshops and a great dinner with lots of good conversation. Note: if you want to learn how to hold one of these events at your farm or ranch, contact Linda for more details.
 
July 1 starts the new membership year for LIA. Be watching your mail for updates, results of the trustee and officer elections and other important news and events related to LIA.  
 
Applications for Class 42 are due by August 1. Be sure to share this date with family, friends, neighbors, and work associates so they can complete the necessary application and information prior to the deadline. Applications are being received now.
 
Job Opportunity:
 
Here is the link for an Ag Position opening at TVCC. Please feel free to distribute this to any interested parties (from Sandy Porter, Class 34). If you have questions, feel free to contact Sandy directly at 1-541-881-5969