The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project (LYIP) Board of Control has hired James W. Brower, Milton-Freewater, OR, to take over the responsibilities of manager. Brower, who officially began his duties as manager of the irrigation project on Feb. 17, replaces Jerry Nypen, who retired from the manager position effective Feb. 16. Brower unofficially began work Feb. 8 however as he wanted to familiarize himself with all aspects of the Project prior to Nypen’s departure so he could gain insights and knowledge about the project before he took full responsibility for LYIP. “I wanted to come a little early while Jerry was still here so I could learn from him and so I can discover the secrets of success,” Brower comments.
Brower applied for the position with LYIP because he and his wife have always admired this part of the country and its way of life. “My family has friends from Montana, we know people in Oregon and Washington from Montana, and we have always been impressed with these people,” Brower comments. “We like the way of life and when we came to Sidney for my interview, we were impressed with the friendly people and how neighborly it feels here. People cooperate together to get things done right. My wife is excited to be moving here and we feel we can’t get back to Sidney quickly enough.”
He adds, “My family is a firm believer in treating people with honesty and respect, and following the Golden Rule. We find that attitude in Sidney as well.”
Brower expects to have a smooth transition as he takes over the reins of LYIP. He plans no major shifts in focus or effort in the immediate future. “I will try not to make changes,” he remarks. “I was very impressed with the quality of work and the craftsmanship the LYIP crew has demonstrated. Jerry (Nypen) and Bill (Hamburg) are doing things better than the way a lot of irrigation districts in the Washington/Oregon area handle things. The farmers and the board also cooperate together at LYIP a lot better than what we see in Washington and Oregon, and I can see the support LYIP has from the board and from the community. The LYIP crew takes pride in their work and I like this, what I call an old-fashioned hometown work ethic.”
Brower will make changes only after consultations and serious thought. “I will do a lot of listening,” he comments. “I plan to meet with the users and the irrigators and I will do my best to be fair. I want to get together with the farmers, to be accepted into their groups and meeting places so we can talk freely in a casual atmosphere and discuss the Project and what may be needed.”
The new manager brings with him 15 years of experience in engineering irrigation systems. He specializes in irrigation design and problem solving, and installing new irrigation equipment that meets farmers’ needs. He enjoys managing projects, working with people and he excels at communications and relationship-building.
Brower, who married his high school sweetheart 23 years ago, has a 19-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. The family will move to Sidney as soon as possible. Once here, Brower plans to join the volunteer fire department and become involved with the community. “Being a part of the volunteer fire department is important to me,” Brower comments. ‘For me, this is a way of doing something worthwhile to help the community.”
Brower invites people to stop in and visit with him. “I’m ready to meet people,” he concludes. “I hope that people approach me and introduce themselves. I’m always available to meet with people and I want to get to know the water users and community members as quickly as possible.”
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