Couple honored with road naming

Doug and Debbie Idsinga’s contributions to the area went well beyond the dairy community, according to Roosevelt County Commissioner Dennis Lopez.

Killed in an auto accident last year, the Portales dairyowners are being honored with a sign bearing their name on the road to the Southwest Cheese plant.

Turning a tragedy into a positive was behind the dedication of the road, according to Lopez.

“We just felt they’ve been a pillar of the community for many years. They had a huge impact on the community, not just the dairy community,” Lopez said Friday during a small ceremony.

Family members and friends spoke passionately of the couple and the love they had for their family, friends and community during the short ceremony.

“It means a lot and shows a lot of respect and how my parents impacted everybody’s lives in this community and vice versa,” Doug Idsinga Jr. said.

“It feels good,” daughter Darci Collins said. “It’s hard, but it’s an awesome thing.”

Doug and Debbie Idsinga, both 49, were killed in a car accident in August 2006 near Sudan, Texas. They owned Crosswinds Dairy in Roosevelt County.

“I think it’s a great honor for Doug and Debbie. They were very giving people,” said close family friend Art Schaap.

The dedication was a joint effort between Curry and Roosevelt counties.

“I’m thrilled just to be here. Thank you for being here and honoring our friends,” Curry County Commissioner Albin Smith said.

Plans are also in the works to re-name the dairy barn at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds in honor of the couple.