LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Nate, Class 33, and Launa, Class 32, Fowler on their early Christmas present - a daughter born December 21, weighing 7 lbs. 3 oz.  She will be joining her two older sisters, and hopefully will have a name soon!
 
Congratulations to Kim Korn, Class 14, who recently was recognized for five years of service to United Dairymen of Idaho. Kim has served on the UDI board and is involved in her family dairy located in Terreton.
 
Ray Gross, Class 15, will be returning to Idaho for the holidays after receiving treatments at the Cancer Center in Houston. Please continue your thoughts and prayers on Ray’s behalf as he continues his treatment program.
 
Thank you for your response for potential interns. I am pleased to let you know that Argia Larrocea, daughter of Susi Larrocea, Class 4, and Flip Phillips, Class 3, will be serving as intern with Roger Batt in our office. Through Dale Dixon, Class 21, we will have Mitch Coats serving as intern for Food Producers.
 
Congratulations to Mark Ricks, Class 11, who was elected County Commissioner for Teton County.  Mark farms at Newdale, Idaho.
 
Congratulations to Dan Johnson, Class 14, who was named Legislator of the Year by the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts. Dan is a Senator from District 6 serving his 4th term.
 
Sympathy is extended to Will Ricks, Class 27, in the recent passing of his father. Will farms in the Monteview area.
 
Sympathy extended to Shawna Paine, Class 15, in the passing of her mother. In the last few months Shawna has lost both of her parents.
 
Congratulations to Terry Kramer, Class 19, who was presented the 2016 Doyle Scott Award from the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts for his contribution to conservation efforts in Idaho. Terry is a county commissioner in Twin Falls County.
 
Retirement is just around the corner for Mary Stuart, Class 22, who will be leaving USDA Risk Management Agency in Spokane on December 24. What a nice Christmas present for her and her husband! Mary has worked for RMA for 30 years.
 
Speaking of retirement - Charles “Chad” Cheyney, Class 28, reported on his retirement from U of I Extension in June. Chad has been helping out as building manager at the Arco Butte Business Incubation Center and through this connection, became a member of the Board of Directors. Chad is also working in some travel to visit family in various parts of the U.S. 
 
Some new opportunities have opened up recently related to association management. If you would like to learn more about one of the following, please contact Rick Waitley:

• Executive Director for Milk Producers of Idaho – based in Boise – representing some of the larger dairymen in the state in public policy issues. This position has been held by Brent Olmstead who was recently named Assistant to the Dean for Government and Industry Relations.
  
• Idaho Water Users Association - This position has been held by Norm Semanko who will be joining the firm of Moffat Thomas in Boise as an attorney. The organization represents canal companies and water districts in Idaho.