LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, Class 41 who was recently inducted into the Idaho Noxious Weed Association Hall of Fame. Patxi was presented the award at the association annual meeting in Boise. Patxi works at Association Management Group and is involved in the family farm and ranch near Star.

​Get well wishes are being sent to Laura Wilder, Class 38 who recently broke her ankle and is facing a slow recovery with a heavy travel schedule. Laura is the Administrator of the Idaho Barley Commission.

Ryan Mortensen, Class 44 has changed jobs and is not longer at the Idaho Wheat Commission. Ryan is currently employed at the Idaho Department of Corrections in Boise.

Syndey Anderson, Class 46 has recently been selected to serve as Co-chairman of the 2027 Idaho Ag Summit. Sydney is the Communication/Program Manager for the Idaho Barley Commission.

Sympathy is extended to Julie Eavenson, Class 18 in the recent passing of her father just one week shy of his 87th birthday. Julie’s dad lived in Spokane Valley, WA. Julie is employed at the Idaho Tax Commission.

Greatest sympathy for the family of Dave Wenk, Class 40 as they experienced the recent passing of Dave. Dave was serving as Boundary County Noxious Weed Superintendent and was president of the Idaho Noxious Weed Control Association. Dave was only 59 years old and suffered a major stroke.

Congratulations to Michael, Class 44, and Megan Colle who welcomed Leena Joy on December 23 into their home. Leena weighed in at 8 lbs and 8 oz, and was 21” long. She joins two older sisters. Michael is employed by Hub International and is based in Pullman, WA.

Congratulations to Jason Brown, Class 42 who was recently elected as Mayor of Twin Falls. Jason is the attorney for Twin Falls Canal Company and has been serving as a City Councilman for Twin Falls.

Sympathy is extended to Cathy Ford, Class 26  in the recent passing her mother. Cathy is employed by the Idaho Department of Transportation in Boise as the Roadside Program Manager.

Jen Cummins, Class 40 recently lost her father, a dairyman in the Magic Valley - Harry De Haan, VI. Jen was involved in the family dairy operation and is the founder/owner of Cowgirl Compost as well as an attorney for JRC Land Legal Services.

Sympathy is extended to Blake Matthews, Class 36 on the recent passing of his grandmother-in-law. Blake is involved in the family farming and ranching operation at Oakley. His grandmother was the mother of Lt. Governor Scott Bedke.

Congratulations to Nathan Murray, Class 44 who was recently appointed a city councilman for the city of Twin Falls. Nathan is employed by Idaho Power handling Community and Economic Development.

Congratulations to Ashley Morrell, Class 45 who recently departed her employment at Simplot to join the team of Idaho Preferred at ISDA. Jen is working with several LIA graduates in that division – Laura Johsnon, Bureau Chief and Erica White, Class Program Manager.

Congratulations to Don Terry, Class 44 who was recently elected to the board for Idaho Water users Association. Don is the Burley Irrigation District, General Manager.