LIA Briefs

Sympathy is extended to Rex Barrie, Class 24, in the passing of his Mother in October. Rex is still serving as Watermaster for Water District #63 in Caldwell.
 
When it rains, it pours for Brenda Thomasson, Class 19, who in early September had a total knee replacement and has scheduled a foot and ankle reconstruction in January 2020. In the midst of all of this, her Mother suffered her sixth heart attack on October 8 and passed away on October 25 in Ludell, KS. Brenda is employed at ISDA in Boise.
 
Brian Dixon, Class 38, passed away on Monday, November 4, in Salt Lake City. Brian bravely fought leukemia over the past few years. The memorial service for Brian was on Saturday, November 9, in Idaho Falls. Several LIA graduates were present along with Rick and Dorita Waitley. Brian was a first cousin to Aubrey Hoxie, Class 34, and to Megan Paez, Class 35. Sympathy cards may be sent to Brian's wife, Kylie, and son, Sawyer (age 3), at 2900 Linda Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
 
Congratulations to Mike Wilkins, Class 40, who has recently been appointed by Governor Brad Little to serve as a Commissioner for the Idaho Barley Commission. Mike farms in the Rupert area.
 
Special thanks to Aric Frostenson, Class 35, and Kyle Wangemann, Class 36. Both are currently serving as Trustees for the LIA Foundation as well as co-chairs for Class 40.
 
Jarom Jemmett, Class 39, had thyroid surgery on November 13. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
 
Congratulations to Drew Eggers, Class 12, who celebrated his retirement from farming at a special reception hosted by his family on Thursday, November 7. Many LIA friends came from near and far to celebrate this milestone. Drew remains active in a number of areas and will continue to attend many LIA events and activities in the future.
 
Excitement is building as we anticipate the 1000th LIA graduate since the first class in 1986. You will want to join the celebration at LIA Class 40 graduation on Friday, February 28, at The Red Lion.
 
Congratulations to Clinton Pline, Class 5, and to Brad Hoaglun, Class 16, for winning their November elections! Clinton was re-elected to the Board of Directors for Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District. Brad was elected to the Meridian City Council. Brad had served on the Council in the past and decided to run again since his current job at Mission Aviation Fellowship in Nampa affords him the opportunity to serve his location community.
 
Class 40 has some great LIA Alumni connections. Stephanie Duckett is the wife and ranch partner of Adam Duckett, Class 33; Mike Meyers is the brother of Kirk Meyers, Class 36; Leah Reed is the spouse and farm partner with Alex Reed, Class 35. The class has one father and son duo with Dave Reynolds and son, Mac Reynolds. Dave farms and dairies in the Kuna area and his son, Mac, works for PNW Farmers Co-op.
 
Something new this year at each of the LIA sessions! Chobani Yogurt, Twin Falls, has agreed to provide a variety of flavors of yogurt for breaks at the sessions. Also, the Idaho Beef Council is sponsoring the meat for each of the Regional Event locations. The theme is wrapped around Beef. It's What's for Dinner. At each event the recipe will be provided to all of those attending so you can continue to enjoy these delicious dishes in your own home. In Moscow, the feature was a Mediterranean Pot Roast. If you would like a copy of the recipe, drop Rick an email at [email protected] and we will send you one.
 
We have lost our presenter for the Dress for Success portion of the LIA program. If there is an alumnus who has expertise in clothing for men and women and would like to make this presentation, please contact Rick ASAP. It is an important part of the core curriculum for LIA and we are actively looking for possible presenters.
 
The U of I College of Ag and Life Sciences Dean's Advisory Board met in Moscow on Friday, November 1. The board is composed of representatives from industries across Idaho. Many of the members are LIA alumni including: Joe Anderson, Class 22, member-at-large; Mary Hasenoehrl, Class 17, CARET representative; Katie Mosman Wilson, Class 39, Agriculture and Extension Education Advisory Committee; Rick Naerebout, Class 23, Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology Advisory Committee; Pat Purdy, Class 30, CARET representative; Ritchey Toevs, Class 2, Food Producers of Idaho representative, also serving as Chairman of the Board.
 
Thanks to alumni and friends who stepped forward and sponsored events in Moscow Session, including:
 
Session sponsors:
Northwest Farm Credit Services
PNW Farmers' Cooperative
 
Meal sponsors:
Northwest Farm Credit Services
Ridgeview Farms
John Bohman, Class 30
Kyle Osborn, Class 38
 
Breaks:
Ag 4 Idaho LLC - Karleen Meyer, Affiliate
Members of Class 35 in Memory of Samantha Ramsay
Odberg Farms, Eric Odberg, Class 11
 
The Vandal Trolley for the tour:
U of I CALS
 
If you would like to be sponsor, please take a moment to fill out the attached form and return it to the LIA office for one of the remaining three sessions. We appreciate your support!