Youngdahl named top weed superintendent

SANDPOINT — A few days into his new job in Boundary County’s Noxious Weeds Department, Dave Wenk said Chase Youngdahl gave him a call and offered his help in showing him the ropes.

The person who was originally supposed to train him has passed away unexpectedly and Youngdahl, Bonner County’s Noxious Weeds Department manager, called to offer his help.

That is just one of the reasons why Youngdahl deserves to be the Idaho Weed Superintendent of the Year, Wenk said in his nomination letter.

“With many things that needed to be done in a timely manner … Chase offered his assistance in filing the paperwork necessary,” Wenk wrote. “No one else in our county has any idea what needed to be done, but Chase was there for me.”

The committee agreed with Wenk and named Youngdahl, Bonner County weed superintendent, as the Idaho Weed Superintendent of the Year for 2019.

A few weeks into the job, Youngdahl made a point to make the new employee comfortable and went out of his way to introduce Wenk to his future colleagues. Youngdahl also went out of his way to offer assistance with chemical purchases and mixes and stayed in contact during the spray season in case Wenk needed any help.

“He had, and has, great patience with any questions I have,” Wenk said. “I am still learning and Chase always has words of encouragement and support.”

North Idaho’s cooperative weed management association is a strong one and that’s due to Youngdahl, Wenk said, adding the weed manager is knowledgeable, works well with the public and has created a great working environment in the county and weeds.

“Bonner County is fortunate to have him as their weed superintendent,” Wenk added.

The Idaho Association of Weed Control Superintendents is a great organization due to people like Youngdahl, an active participant who goes out of his way to help others in any way he can, said Wenk.

“Chase always has a smile and is quick with a joke,” he said. “I am proud not only to call Chase a colleague but a friend. Please consider Chase as the Weed Superintendent of the Year, he is very deserving.”