LIA Briefs

Thanks for the public service of Mary Hasenoehrl, Class 17, who served a total of 11 years on the Port of Lewiston Board of Directors, including time as a past chairman. Mary is stepping down to enjoy more time with children and grandchildren.

​Congratulations to Robert Blair, Class 26, who was named as the permanent substitute for Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14. Johnson was recently elected Mayor of Lewiston. Robert will be assuming the responsibility on January 10, at the start of the 2022 legislative session. Congratulations Senator Blair.

Congratulations to Dan Johnson, Class 14, whose son, Brandon, currently serving in the Middle East, was awarded Chief in the US Navy.

Congratulations to proud Dad, Cole Riggers, Class 39, whose daughter, Kylee, was recently recognized by the Idaho Department of Education Holiday Card Contest. Kylee won the 4th Grade entry for the entire state of Idaho. Also, Cole Riggers Farms was recently recognized by Barenbrug/Jacklin Seed Company for 55 years of commitment to the grass seed industry. The award was presented by Steve Bateman, Class 11.

At the recent Idaho Cattle Association Convention, Mark Pratt, Class 11, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mark and his wife, Wendy, Class 35, farm and ranch near Firth.

The new President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association is Lucas Spratling, Class 36. Lucas was named president at the Tri-State Grain meeting held in Spokane, earlier this month. Lucas farms with his family in the American Falls area.

Elected as officers for the Idaho Ag in the Classroom program recently were President Heidi Martin, Class 28; Vice President Brad Griff, Class 36; and Treasurer Stephanie Duckett, Class 40.

Our sympathy is extended to some of our LIA family members: Jim Lanting, Class 17, whose wife, Louise, recently passed away. Jim farms in the Twin Falls area. Also, to Mike Usabel, Class 14, on the loss of his father, who passed away around Thanksgiving; and to Nic Usabel, Class 42, who was a grandson.

Mike Hale, Class 41, and his wife, Noelle, recently welcomed a new bundle. Mason was born on November 18, weighing 6 lbs., 12 oz. Mike said, “He's just a little guy.” We are sure Mike will beef him up by taking him to the gym. Mike is employed at Northwest Farm Credit Services in Eastern Idaho.

Chairman of the LIA Board of Trustees, Blake Matthews, Class 36, showed up at the Trustee meeting with a nice large arm sling following the result of shoulder surgery, around Thanksgiving. We hope he progresses well. He will need a good, strong arm to shake hands at two graduations this winter – Class 41 and Class 42.

Congratulations to LIA Executive Director Rick Waitley, Class 8, on receiving his Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Idaho in Agriculture Sciences. The Waitley family was treated like royalty during the winter commencement on December 11, in Moscow. Rick is a 1973 graduate from the U of I in Agriculture Education.