IDAHO STATE GRANGE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

The Idaho State Grange completed a very successful convention in Nampa.  This was their One Hundredth Anniversary.

Ed Luttrell, Master of the National Grange and First Lady Celia Luttrell were our special guests.

The Idaho State Grange was organized in Caldwell in 1908.  Don Billmire from Coeur d'Alene was elected State President/Master.  Don Billmire is the 16th person to be elected to the leadership position.  The Grangers elected only one lady (Mary Johnson) during the 100 years to serve as President/Master.  She was elected in 1996 and served until 2002.

Nampa's Mayor Tom Dale and Georgia Bowman-Gunstream, President of Nampa Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Grangers to Nampa.

Representative Darrell Bolz was the speaker for the Agricultural Luncheon.  He shared his concerns for the upcoming legislative session.

Dallas Chaney, Master of the Idaho State Grange from 2002 to 2008, stated in his retiring address that the wolf reclassification as endangered species is a major problem for the livestock producers in our state.  Also, certain wildlife are being reduced by the increased numbers of wolves.

Master Dallas Chaney shared his concern about the lack of sufficient funding for highway construction and maintenance.  He stated there may not be any other options to increase funding other than increase automobile registration and higher fuel taxes.  The increased use of wind power as a source of energy was advocated during Master Chaney's address.  Also the increased use of farm commodities, such as corn and other feed crops to produce more energy alternatives were included in Master Chaney's address.

The Grange is a family fraternal organization that has recognized women as a vital part of their organization since 1867.  The Idaho State Grange has been recognized as a leader in legislative matters concerning agriculture and cooperative movement since 1908.  Ten Grangers were recognized for their service to the grange for 50 plus years.