Congratulations to Heidi Martin, Class 28, who became mother to Greyson, who was born on May 29th. Mom and Greyson have already been camping, Greyson is in for an adventurous life. 

Recently, at a McCain Foods Customer Appreciation event special recognition was given to Jerry Swisher, Class 10, and Marc Howard, Class 11, on their recent retirements. However, both men have stepped back into the saddle to help with seasonal activities due to employment challenges by the company.

Jim Church, Class 5, is serving as the North Idaho Extension Director. Jim is responsible for the nine northern Idaho counties in addition to his work in Idaho County as an Extension Educator.

Speaking of Extension, we have learned Nic Usabel, Class 42, has relocated from Idaho Extension in Canyon County to Montana Extension.

Carly Schoepflin, Class 34, coordinated an excellent Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new CAFÉ project north of Rupert. Over 150 were in attendance. Duane Grant, Class 2, and Taylor Grant, Class 35, took extra time and effort to build a good road to the location for the event held on June 28. Pictures of the groundbreaking are posted on the LIA Facebook page. Many LIA alumni were present, and we did not capture a picture of everyone, but you will see many familiar faces.

We are receiving good reports from Lynn Bachman, Class 31, on his daughter Elsie. Elsie’s goal was to be back on a horse by July 1 and she accomplished that goal. Also, great reports from Erik Olson, Class 38, on his son, Dylan, and his progress from the car accident. Thanks to everyone who have supported these two families with your prayers and words of encouragement.

Many Idaho Power Customers received in their monthly billing June Connections. The page featured our very own Don Morishita, Class 11, and his wife Betsy. Don has retired from the U of I as an Extension Weed Specialist located in Kimberly.

Rick and Dorita Waitley made a whirlwind LIA Recruitment Tour throughout North Idaho to hopefully elevate the need for more applications from Idaho’s panhandle. A total of 80 applications were placed in the hands of alumni. Thanks to the following alumni who joined us for events along the way:
 
CDA
Linda Rider, Trustee, Class 22
Karleen Meyer, Affiliate Member
 
Moscow
Jenny Ford, Class 39
Jeremy Falk, Class 36
Treg Owings, Trustee, Class 35
Alan Martinson, Class 27
Carly Schoepflin, Class 34
Caroline Troy, Class 15

Lewiston
Jim Miller, Trustee, Class 29
Jeff Kaufman, Class 42
Lee Holtom, Class 40
Eric Odberg, Class 11
Grangeville
Eric Gjevre, Class 26
Jared Everson, Class 39
Joel Wasem, Class 38  

Sympathy is extended to Duane Grant, Class 2, on the passing of his father. Also, to Taylor, Class 35, and Lynae, Class 36, Grant and to Ryan, Class 33, and Malia, Class 36, Miller and Kenyon, Class 33, Miller’s grandfather. Douglas Grant was 92 years old.

Sympathy is extended to Kyra Povirk, Class 35, on the recent passing of her mother. Kyra works for BLM out of the Challis Field office.

Craig Quarterman, Class 38, has agreed to coordinate the LIA Congressional Aides Fact Finding Tour scheduled for August 8-12 in the Treasure Valley. Craig works for Congressman Mike Simpson. 

Thanks to all who participated in the 5th Annual LIA Golf Scramble! The tournament took place on Friday, June 10 at Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls. Not only did we have a ton of fun in support of the LIA Foundation, but some great team golf was played! The following teams placed:
 
T1) Scott Bedke for Lt. Governor
T1) J.R. Simplot Company
2) Wilbur-Ellis
3) SGC
 
Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual LIA Golf Scramble Friday, June 9, 2023!
 
The LIA Directory update information has been mailed to all alumni. We encourage you to complete the information with current facts and information about your life and return it to our office ASAP.
 
Dues for 2022-2023 will be in the mail to all Alumni in the very near future. Watch your mail and continue your support of LIA. We look forward to maintaining your name on the roster.

Congratulations to all the high school and college graduates of LIA Alumni families. There have been way too many to keep track of to make a list and we know we would forget some. Exciting times in these chapters in life for your children and grandchildren. Best wishes for their next step.

Congratulations to Nic Usabel, Class 42, for being named by the Idaho Business Review for Accomplished Under 40. Nic works for the U of I Extension System in Caldwell. 

Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, R-Genesee, Class 15, is retiring from the Legislature at the end of her current term and has been named the new special assistant to the president of the University of Idaho for state and governmental relations. Caroline will start the post July 1.

The May 17th primary elections produced several mixed results in the LIA ranks.
Congratulations to Laurie Lickley, Affiliate Member who won her election for a seat in the Senate, to Steve Miller, Class 29, former State Representative will be running for the Idaho House in November and to Karma Metzler Fitzgerald, Class 41, who was unopposed in the primary for her race for the Idaho House and will be on the ballot in November. Several LIA alumni were elected as local precinct chairman. Nic Wittman, Class 39, ran in the primary as a precinct committeeman for the Republican party and was elected. During the party reorganization process, Nic was then elected by the precinct committeemen of the county, as the Jerome County Republican Central Committee chairman.

Congratulations to Brad Griff, Class 36, who recently accepted a government affairs position with an energy company in Houston, Texas. Brad’s last day as Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association will be June 10th. The family plans to relocate to Texas by the end of June. 

Congratulations to Travis Jones, Class 28, and Kendra Dustin, Class 32, who were recently named to the Caldwell Night Rodeo Associate Board. Travis works for Strategies 360 in governmental affairs and Kendra owns a consulting business, plus serves as the LIA Development Director. 

Our hearts are with the Tyler Hepworth, Class 35, family as they suffered the loss of Tyler this past week. We had posted that Tyler had gone missing and they believed he was in the Cassia – Minidoka area. Tyler was discovered in the mountains near Rupert a few days after the posting. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachelle and his children. 

Reminder of some important dates:

• July 1 – Applications are due for Governor Awards for Excellence in Agriculture
• August 1 – Applications are due for LIA Class 43 that begins in November

Idaho recently hosted the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) event in Boise. Part of the event was a tour on Friday, May 20. LIA Alumni engaged in hosting and presenting the tours included: Drew Eggers, Class 12; Michelle Gooding, Class 38; Jarom Jemmett, Class 39; and Jessica Anderson, Class 41. The alumni did a great job of telling the Idaho agriculture story.