For the Democrat-Herald

tangent - Three persons received honors from the Linn Soil and Water Conservation District, the district has announced.

Ben Christensen of Harrisburg was honored for distinguished service for his 58 years serving as a board member on what is now the Linn Soil and Water Conservation District (Linn SWCD).

Christensen has served on the district board since its inception on Dec. 23, 1946.

Mark Mellbye of Albany was recognized as cooperator of the year for his work in promoting good conservation and agriculture stewardship.

Mellbye is the Linn County field crops extension agent. He has led extensive work on projects using grasses for erosion control and as filter strips as ways of improving water quality.

Corvallis resident Tami Kerr was honored as educator of the year for her leadership and dedicated efforts in reaching teachers and students as director of Oregon's Agriculture in the Classroom (AIC).

Kerr grew up on a Tillamook dairy farm with which she is still very much involved. AIC's purpose is to help young people gain a better understanding of agriculture, the source of food and fiber, and its impact on our economy and daily lives. Kerr has been the director of Oregon AIC since 1999 and works in the 4-H office on the OSU Campus.

The conservation district is based in Tangent. For more information, call the district at 926-2483.

NEW DIRECTORS NAMED

The Linn Soil and Water Conservation District has announced its newly elected and reelected directors. They are Hubert Christensen, Zone 1; Liz VanLeeuwen, Zone 2; Chris Chipman, Zone 4; Jason Whitehead, Zone 5; and James Howells, at large. Linn County Commissioner Cliff Wooten gave the oath of office to newly elected and re-elected board directors at the Linn SWCD 58th annual meeting.

Newly appointed directors emeritus are: Ben Christensen, Chris Rebmann and Dan Thackaberry.

The elected officers for 2005 are VanLeeuwen, chair; Peter Jensen, vice chair; and Chipman, secretary treasurer.

The Linn SWCD holds its monthly board meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Linn SWCD office, 33935 Hwy. 99E, Suite C, Tangent.

The next meeting is Feb. 8. The public is welcome to attend all meetings. Call 926-2483 to confirm time and location.