LIA Briefs

​Sympathy is extended to Bruce Kerner and family in the loss of his wife, Julie Kerner, Class 1, who passed away from cancer on Tuesday, April 4. Julie served as a co-chairman for LIA Class 2 and also as an LIA Trustee. She was actively involved in the family cattle operation in Weiser.
 
Sympathy is extended to Patti Harris, Class 26, in the loss of her brother. Patti is employed with USDA Farm Service Agency in Boise.
 
Scott Calhoun, Class 30, recently celebrated with his wife, Christy, when she was named one of Idaho Business Review's Women of the Year. Christy is the daughter of John Mundt, a former Trustee who taught public speaking in the Pocatello session for a number of classes. Christy is Senior Vice President of Healthwise in Boise.
 
Congratulations to Jonquil Henderson, Class 30, and her husband, Sean, who welcomed a baby girl into their home on March 14. Lillian 'Lily' Anne was 7 lbs., 3 oz., and 21" long. Jonquil works as a Senior Risk Management Specialist for USDA Risk Management in Spokane.
 
George Robinson, Class 18, announced his retirement at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture on March 31. George has been serving as Administrator of the Agricultural Resources Division at ISDA.
 
Dr. Jeremy Falk, Class 36, was promoted and tenured in the Department of Agriculture & Extension Education. Along with that professional advancement, he was also recognized with a U of I Mid-Career Award.
 
Lovina Englund, Class 35, left her position at U of I and joined the Palouse Conservation District as an Ag Resource Coordinator, in Pullman, WA.
 
Bill Buhrig, Class 36, recently joined Simplot Company as the Agronomy Raw Development Manager of the Idaho Region. He previously worked as County Extension Educator in Malheur County. Bill was instrumental in helping start the REAL Oregon program.
 
Excitement was in the air at the State FFA Leadership Conference when Lindsey Stowell was named State FFA President. Lindsay is the daughter of Michael Stowell, Class 20. Having State FFA Presidents in LIA families is not new. Gretchen Hansten (daughter of Alan Hansten, Class 36), Mitch Royer (son of Kim Royer, Class 24), and Seth Pratt (son of Mark Pratt, Class 11, and Wendy Pratt, Class 35) have all been Presidents of Idaho FFA in recent years. Just goes to show that First Generation leaders can raise some excellent Second Generation leaders!
 
Congratulations to Bernie Teunissen, Class 23, and family for being named Canyon County Farm Family of the Year.  The Teunissens own and operate a progressive dairy south of Nampa. Bernie serves as a member of the United Dairymen of Idaho Board of Directors.
 
Leah Clark, Class 26, is beaming with pride over recent accomplishments of her daughter, Lauren, who is attending Oklahoma State University. Lauren received the following honors:  OSU Senior of Significance; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources CASNR Student Council President; CASNR  Senior of Distinction; Dean's Award of Excellence; Outstanding Senior Award of the Western Agricultural Economics Association; OSU Department of Agricultural Economics Outstanding Academic Achievements Recognition; and OSU Department of Agricultural Economics Outstanding Senior Scholastic Achievement Citation. Congratulations, Lauren - you make Mom proud!!!