LIA Briefs

Dear LIA Alumni:

Congratulations to Greg Gipson, Class 40 who has been elected to serve as President of the Payette River Cattlemen’s Assn. This is not the first time that Greg has served in this role. When you find a good leader, it often comes back around to be your turn again.

Please continue your support of Scott Calhoun, Class 30 and his wife Chrissy. Chrissy was working out at the YMCA in Boise and suffered a stroke. She has been in rehabilitation and therapy for the past few weeks and can see some progress. Chrissy is the daughter of Dr. John and Marty Mundt, long-time supporters and a speaker for many LIA classes.

Abbie Quesnell, Class 38 after 21 years with McCain Foods recently accepted a position with AFCO Food and Beverage as a Food Safety Specialist serving Idaho. 
Sympathy is extended to Kody, Class 43 and Monica, Class 42 Youree in the recent passing of Monica’s Dad – Monte Janicek. Monte farmed in the Meridian area.

Congratulations to Jim, Class 29 and Kathy Miller on the birth of their first grandchild Forest Jedediah Miller. Born to son Zach and wife Emerald on January 30. Jim and Kathy own and operate Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery Center in Moscow. 

Cristina Machado, Class 44 formally worked at Latitude 42 and has recently accepted the position as the Modified Duty and Safety Clerk at Amalgamated in Twin Falls.
Congratulations to Will Ricks, Class 27 who was re-elected as President of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association (IHFA), and to Devin Fielding, Class 40 who was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Elected to the board for another term was Devin Fielding, Class 40, and Larry Hollifield, Class 41. The IHFA represents hay and forage producers throughout Idaho.

The following alumni were recognized at graduation as Lifetime Members of LIA:

• Michael Colle, Class 44
• Josh Huff, Class 31
• Brody Isham, Class 43
• Malia Miller, Class 36
• Ryan Miller, Class 33
• Kyle Myers, Class 43
• Bronson Reeder, Class 44
• Patrick Regli, Class 44
• Cliff Tacke, Class 21
• Hernan Tejeda, Class 42
• Diana Thomas, Class 23
• Caroline Troy, Class 15
• Derek Wanders, Class 44

The following alumni were recognized at graduation of Class 45 as 10 Year Continuous members of LIA:

• Gary Halverson, Class 34
• Darcy Helmick, Class 32
• Ben Jantz, Class 33
• Kenyon Miller, Class 33
• John Zietz, Class 34

The 2025 LIA Gala and Auction was a big success. With nearly 600 people in attendance the total income for the evening was $202,746.

At graduation on Friday, the following awards were presented: 

Friend of LIA Awards to the following:

• Wendy Bell
• LaChelle Bohner
• Shawn Boyle, Class 41
• Tom & Vicky Connelly
• Launa Fowler, Class 32
• Chanel Tewalt
• Cindy Warren

Wayne Meyer Statesman Award

• Terry Lee, Class 29  

Ramsey Innovation Award

• McIntyre Farms – Loren McIntyre, Class 32, Brad McIntyre, Class 29 and Ben McIntyre, Class 29

Sparrow Stake in the Ground Award

• Paul Semons, Class 45. Paul is employed at the JR Simplot headquarters in Boise.
  

Upcoming dates:

• Washington, DC Experience – May 4-9
• LIA Alumni Ireland International Exchange– October 12-22