Water users honor 15

Saturday, January 26, 2008 3:38 PM CST

BOISE, Idaho - Fifteen individuals have been singled out for special awards during the Idaho Water Users Association’s 70th annual convention held Jan. 22-24 in Boise.

Two men were named to the IWUA Hall of Fame being cited for their long and distinguished service in a variety of important water related activities. They are Craig Hobdey of Gooding and Stanley Matlock of Boise.

Hobdey was honored for his legal services on behalf of the Big Wood Canal Company and American Falls Reservoir District No. 2.

Matlock was honored for more than 50 years of service as a director of the Boise Valley Irrigation Ditch.

The Association’s Water Guardian Award was presented to Bob Henggeler of Fruitland. The Water Guardian Award pays tribute to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in protecting Idaho’s water resources and who are leaders in water conservation and use.

IWUA’s Water Management Award went to Larry Lovell, watermaster with the Farmers Friend Irrigation Company in Ririe. Lovell was cited for his diligent work in ensuring efficient management and delivery of water.

Eight people were honored by the IWUA as Outstanding Employees. They were:

- Don Braun with the Big Wood Canal Co., and American Falls Reservoir District #2 in Shoshone;

- Bill Hance of the Minidoka Irrigation District in Rupert;

- Clay Robinson of the Twin Falls Canal Company in Twin Falls;

- Julie Conrad of the Milner Irrigation District in Murtaugh;

- Jerry Andreason of the North Side Canal Company in Jerome;

- John Riedinger of the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District in Lewiston;

- Sonja Tawzer of the Idaho Irrigation District in Idaho Falls; and

- Anne Ferguson of the Farmers Friend Irrigation Company in Ririe.

IWUA officials also presented an Outstanding Service Award to retiring Boise River Watermaster Lee Sisco of Boise to recognize his 20 years of service.

A Meritorious Service Award went to Vince Alberdi, manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company, for his service as chairman of the IWUA Nominating and Awards Committee.

During the ceremonies, the National Water Resources Association presented Roger Ling of Rupert its President’s Award for his long and outstanding service to the NWRA.

“We are delighted to pay special recognition to all the award winners. They truly reflect the highest standards of service to Idaho in the areas of water management and irrigation through their personal dedication to the Idaho water user community and the public at large,” said Norm Semanko, IWUA executive director.

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