Governor Little recently appointed Brian Olmstead, Class 29, to the Idaho Water Resource Board. Brian has been serving as Manager of Twin Falls Canal Company and will soon retire from that role.

Congratulations to Dave Reynolds, Class 40, on the birth of his 6th grandchild – Roslyn Marie born to Dave and Karla’s son, Tyler and his wife Danielle. Dave operates a diversified farming operation in the Kuna area.

Stephen Parrott, Class 39, was recently presented an Honorary State FFA Degree from the Idaho FFA Association. Stephen serves as Chairman of the Board for the Idaho FFA Foundation which raises money to support the work of the FFA in Idaho. Stephen works for Fort Boise Produce, with owner Joe Farmer, Class 35.

Congratulations to Randy Brooks, Class 16, who was recently presented an award for Advising Excellence, by the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources where he is a faculty member.

The Idaho Hay and Forage Association recently held elections to fill two new board positions. Elected to serve on the board were Devin Fielding, Class 40, Shelley, and Larry Hollifield, Class 41, Hansen. Both men are involved in family farming and ranching operations. Also, re-elected as President of Idaho Hay and Forage Association was Will Ricks, Class 27.

Alan Martinson, Class 27, has completed the available terms on the LIA Board of Trustees. This will leave a vacant position on the board for a three-year term that will be elected in June by the membership. If you are an alumnus in good standing and would like to have your name provided to the Governance Committee for consideration, please pass your name along to Rick Waitley at [email protected].

Congratulations to Jace Johnson, Class 40, and wife Micah on the birth of child #5, Violet Sidse Johnson, born on April 9. Jace works for Mart Produce in Rupert. Jace wrote: “She is named after my great-great-great grandmother, who was Sidse Jorgensen in Denmark and Sidse Johnson after they had moved to the United States. She and her husband (Jorgen Jorgensen / John Johnson) were original settlers of the town of Ovid, Idaho and my Johnson line has been in Idaho ever since. We hope that our little girl will follow her fourth great grandmother's example of being faithful and strong in the midst of trial and heartache and continue to build a strong Idaho legacy that will last for generations to come”.

We are hearing good reports on Blaine Hulet, Class 23. He has been released from the hospital and is at home recuperating from his bout with COVID. Please continue to keep Blaine in your thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.

Congratulations to Robin Wylie Lindquist, Class 21, who recently had a letter to the editor published in the Capitol Press. Robin expressed her concerns related to Congressman Simpson’s proposal to remove dams on the Lower Snake River system.

Did everyone get everything? That is the looming question from the 2021 Virtual LIA Auction. We have done our best (with a great deal of cooperation and support) to get items moved around from those who donated, to those who purchased. Let us know if you are missing anything or if you still have items that need to be picked up, to get to the rightful owner. If you have specific questions reach out to Kendra at [email protected].

Congratulations to several LIA Alumni who have recently become Grandparents:

• Brian Petersen, Class 30, and wife, Taunra, celebrated the birth of a granddaughter, Claire Marilyn Peterson, born on March 15, to son, Jared & Alesa. Brian owns Stable Soil Matrix in Melba and Treasure Valley Greens.

• Doug McIntosh, Class 19, and wife, Brenda, celebrated the birth of a grandson, Remington Douglas McIntosh, born March 17, to son, David and Liz. Happy St. Patrick’s Day Remington. Doug owns and operates Lindsey Creek Vineyards in Lewiston with his brother, Art McIntosh, Class 31.

• Mark, Class 11, and Wendy Pratt, Class 35, celebrated the birth of a granddaughter, Emma Josephine Pratt, born March 20, to son, Seth and Leah Pratt. Mark and Wendy farm and ranch near Blackfoot.

Congratulations to Abel Reed, son of Alex, Class 35, and Leah Reed, Class 40, on recently being named state champion in wrestling. 
 
Sympathy is extended to the family of John R. Gibson, Class 6, who passed away from COVID in mid-January. Prayers and thoughts are sent to John’s wife Irene. John worked most of his career for banks in the Magic Valley.

Congratulations to Siska Reece, Class 38, and husband, Justin, on the birth of Theodore Albert Reece, the 5th son to be born in their family. Siska and Justin are involved in the family dairy operation outside of Melba.

Congratulations to Lee Holtom, Class 40, and his wife Sam, who gave birth to twin girls on March 13, Bridget and Virginia. The babies arrived 10 weeks early and have been at the NICU unit in Spokane where they anticipate remaining for another eight weeks. Lee works for CHS Primeland out of Lewiston.

Congratulations to Jarom Jemmett, Class 39, who was recently elected for a term as Vice-President of Idaho Onion Growers’ Assn. and Brennan Gabiola-Harris, Class 32, was elected for another term as Secretary/Treasurer of the same organization. Clinton Wissel, Class 3, retired from the board this year after serving many years in leadership roles with the local and national onion organizations.

Our thoughts are with Blaine Hulet, Class 23, who is in St. Luke’s Nampa where he in intensive care following pneumonia, a heart attack, and a bout with COVID. Blaine was removed from the ventilator this past weekend and is showing some signs of progress. Blaine farms in the Murphy area with his sons. 

It has never happened before. Class 41 held their Idaho Falls Session on February 22-26, waited one week, and then held their Twin Falls Session on March 8-12. Their Boise session is scheduled for January 24-28, 2022 in Boise. Another unusual situation was TWO regional events were held in the Twin Falls Session, each attracting more than 60 alumni and friends. Outstanding presentations were made at the regional events by Twin Falls Commissioner, Brent Reinke, Class 40, on the “Starting Point for Getting Involved in Public Policy” and by Twin Falls Canal Company Manager, Brian Olmstead, Class 29, “The History of Milner Dam.” Brian also announced to several in attendance his retirement later this year and that his replacement Jay Barlogi, Class 30, who is the current Field Supervisor for the Company will be serving as Manager.