LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Nikki Betts, Class 39, who recently received a promotion and tenure status as an assistant professor for U of I CALS. Nikki is a county extension educator and lives in Pocatello.
 
Scott Blake, Class 11, and co-chairman for Class 12 was recognized by the Nezperce Prairie Grass Growers Association for his outstanding service to the grass seed industry at their annual meeting. Scott was presented the David R. Mosman NPGGA Hall of Fame Award. David was a graduate of Class 12.
 
If you see Terry Jones, Class 21, don’t be surprised if he is still bragging about his grandson, Adam Jones. Adam was recently elected Student Body President for BSU. Terry is still engaged with the family dairy operation in Emmett.
 
Elections were held recently for the Idaho Onion Growers’ Association and Jarom Jemmett, Class 39, was elected as President and Brennan Gabiola-Harris, Class 32, was elected Vice President of the Board of Directors. 

Congratulations to Mark Ricks, Class 11, who was inducted into the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame. Mark has been a leader in conservation practices providing irrigation to thousands of acres in western Teton County. Mark farms over 2800 acres. He has also been very active in maintaining the Teton Seed Management Area in Teton and Madison Counties providing quality potato seed to growers in the region. Mark is a former Madison County Commissioner and very involved with youth activities in his community. Mark was one of five presented the award.

Gary Bahr, Class 25, sent a recent update. Gary is working as the Science Liaison on the Washington State Department of Agriculture Director’s Office Policy Team. He handles many agricultural and natural resource topics and legislative analysis. His job includes being a liaison to the Governor’s office, other state and federal agencies and commodity groups in WA. Gary resides in Olympia.
 
Audra Cochran, Class 39, recently announced on May 1 she will be starting a new career as the Extension Educator in Lewis County. Audra has been working for the U of I as an Associate Forestry Educator. She and her husband Casey reside in Moscow at this time.
 
At the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Idaho Water Users Association a resolution was passed honoring the life and contributions of Jim Hudson, Class 34. The resolution was presented to the Governor, East Green Acres Irrigation District and the Idaho Congressional Delegation. Presenting the James Franklin “Jim” Hudson resolution was Dan Davidson, Class 38, and current president of the Idaho Water Users Association.
 
Sympathy is extended to Kyra Povirk, Class 35, on the recent passing of her father. Kyra is Assistant Field Manager for the BLM North Fork Field Office.
 
Sympathy is also extended to Glen Edwards, Class 28, on the passing of his mother in Utah. Glen still farms the home place between Meridian and Kuna.

The close of the 2022 Legislative Session included the retirement of Rep. Caroline Troy, Class 15, who served four terms in the Idaho House, Rep. Clark Kauffman, Class 13, who served five terms in the Idaho House and Rep. Marc Gibbs, Class 4, who served seven terms in the Idaho House. Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, also retired from the Idaho Senate after being elected Mayor of Lewiston in November. Senator Johnson served for six terms. ​