LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Jana Jones Neiers, Class 23 who recently received the Bob Potter Lifetime Achievement award from the Idaho Economic Development Association. Jana currently is employed at Northwest Lineman’s College south of Meridian.
 
Sympathy is extended to Sid Freeman, Class 19, his wife Pam, and their family for the recent passing of Sid’s father. Sid owns and operates Sunny View Farms, LLC in Caldwell.
 
Sympathy is extended to Tina Brandt, Class 21, in the passing of her mother Mary at age 85. Tina works for the JR Simplot Company in potato research.
 
Good reports are being received for the recovery from surgery in late April for Andrea Mouw, Class 42. Andrea owns and operates Dairy Wise, a milk testing laboratory in Twin Falls.
 
Congratulations to Leah Clark, Class 26, who has been selected to be the General Manager of the NILE (Northern International Livestock Exposition) in Billings, MT. Leah has been an active graduate from LIA as session presenter and former Trustee member. Most recently Leah has been a member of the LIA Ag Summit Planning Committee (former co-chairman), Idaho Ag in the Classroom Board of Directors, and the Ada County Farm Bureau Board. She owns her own consulting business, Clark Marketing Solutions. Leah will be relocating to Billings around the first of June.
 
Tom Chamberlin, Class 32, has recently taken a new position with McGregor Company in Colfax, WA. Tom will be Transportation Division Manager for the company. Most recently, Tom has been working as a farm manager for a local farmer in the Troy area.
 
Update from Lynn Bachman, Class 31, and his wife Tiffany, who ranch near Bruneau. On April 1, Lynn and their 14-year-old daughter, Elsie, were moving cattle when Elsie’s horse tripped in a badger hole, throwing Elsie from the horse. Elsie was transported to St. Luke’s Boise pediatric ICU unit where she was in a coma. After a series of MRI’s and other tests, the pediatric neurosurgeon determined she has a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury. In short, it is a lot of tiny injuries throughout her brain and most likely even in her brain stem. The decision was made to move Elsie to Salt Lake City for additional therapy on Easter weekend. There are still responsibilities at the ranch needing attention, so the 6-hour drive continues to present some challenges. Lynn is usually at the ranch during the week and Tiffany in Salt Lake. They exchange places on the weekends to try and cover all the responsibilities with the family, ranch and Elsie.
 
We continue to receive reports from Lynn and Tiffany from Salt Lake. Recently, they were presented a condo to live in freeing up space at Ronald McDonald House. Elsie is showing great improvement with therapy treatments. It is totally a miracle, but Elsie is a strong, determined teenager with a spirit to overcome these obstacles. Thanks to many of you who have contacted us asking for more updates. Elsie’s updates and periodic progress reports are posted to Caring Bridge if you are familiar with that app. The miracle continues to happen in the lives of this family.
 
We are establishing a fund to assist the Bachman family with food, gas money, and supplies as they continue to encourage and give hope to Elsie. It is a slow journey but those who have known Elsie, say she is a fighter. The doctor told Tiffany that self-motivation by the patient and a good support group are key. We believe Elsie has both. Please keep the Bachman family in your prayers.
 
If you would like to donate, you may call Patty at 208-888-0988 and handle it by phone with a credit card or you can send a check made out to LIA and mark it as “Elsie Fund.” We will pass the funds onto Lynn and Tiffany for their expenses. The Bachman’s are the type of neighbors who would give you the shirt off their back. Now it is their turn to receive support and encouragement from all of us.