LIA Briefs

LIA Class 38 is off and running with their first session held November 6 - 9. The class has a wide variety of representation with a total of ten women in the class and also a total of ten from production agriculture. The average age of the class is 35.5. The pro/con subject for the class is the loss of agriculture lands due to urban development. Pictures of the class are posted on the LIA website HERE. Over 80 alumni and friends joined us on Wednesday evening during that week at Lindsey Creek Winery for a regional event. The winery is owned and operated by Doug McIntosh, Class 19, and Art McIntosh, Class 31.
 
Congratulations to Brad Griff, Class 36, and his wife Brianna on the birth of their son, Lincoln David. What else do you name a little boy when his dad works in politics? He was born on November 1 and weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long. Congratulations.
 
Also welcome to Maryun Margery Erickson, who decided to live at the home of Alise Erickson, Class 34, and her husband Bryninn. Maryun was born on November 17, and will share her new home with her older brother, James. Her proud grandparents are Craig Lindquist, Class 31, and Robin Lindquist, Class 21, and her happy great-grandpa is, Jim Wylie, Class 22.
 
Trustee Nate Fowler, Class 33, reported that he has recently joined Elmore County Search and Rescue which also moves him into the Sheriff Deputy Reserve Program. Nate will head the new Search and Rescue Drone Project (certified pilot) that the unit is developing. Nate continues his role as worship pastor at Rockharbor Church in Meridian.
 
REAL Oregon, the new leadership program in our neighboring state, is off and running with a total of 30 in the class. One of the founding class members is Bob Walder from Athena, OR, husband of Jane Waldher, Class 35. LIA Executive Director Rick Waitley, Class 8, addressed the new class in Ontario at their first session. Playing a key role in the first session, were Bill Buhrig, Class 36, and David Temple, Class 26.
 
Trustee Julie Pipal, Class 18, is leaving the Idaho Trucking Association and will become the new administrative support manager for the Bureau of Occupational Licenses for the State of Idaho. Julie says the job will involve a lot less traveling which allows her time to spend with her sons.
 
Congratulations to Lucas Spratling, Class 36, on the election to the Idaho Grain Producers Executive Board.
 
At the Idaho Grain Producers Association's annual meeting, Kim O'Neill, Class 27, was recognized with the Idaho Grain Industry Service Award. Kim continues her work with the University of Idaho Development Office. Kim is also ready to brag about her daughter, Stella, who won first place by personally raising over $595 in the Read-A-Thon at McDonald Elementary School which earned Stella a brand new bike.
 
Edie Nunes, Class 32, recently was asked to join the Twin Falls County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was elected the women's leadership chairman.
 
Suzy Hewlett, Class 32, has announced her retirement from the Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District in December. Suzy has been working for the irrigation company as the assistant secretary treasurer.