LIA Briefs

It was exciting when Mark, Class 11, and Wendy, Class 35, Pratt’s daughter Anna announced her engagement and marriage to Cole Lickley, son of Bill, Class 25, and Laurie, Affiliate Member, Lickley. However, it did not even compare to the birth of Anna and Cole’s son, Lou Pratt Lickley, born July 25. Get in line to hold Lou if any of the grandparents are in proximity.

Congratulations to Karma Metzler Fitzgerald, Class 41, who was appointed by Governor Little to serve on the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism for a term 2022-2025. Karma is a candidate for the Idaho Legislature in District 26.

Neil Durrant, Class 34, and chairman of the LIA Board of Trustees has announced his candidacy for the Ada County Highway District. The election will take place in November. Neil is involved in the family farming operation Big D Ranches south of Meridian.

Congratulations to Jared, Class 40, and Amanda Ashcraft on the birth of Porter Jared Ashcraft, August 3, weighing in at 9 lbs and 12 oz and 20.5 inches long. Porter now makes the score 3 boys and 2 girls and Jared says “life is just one big party.”

Congratulations to Jessica Anderson, Class 41, recently named a finalist for the Boise Young Professionals Award. Jessica is employed at Amalgamated Sugar Company. 

Amber Brocke, Class 33, recently became engaged to Curt Cady. Curt works at Lewiston Orchard’s Irrigation District. The couple plan to marry in October. Amber is employed at USDA NRCS as an Area Resource Conservationist. 

Benjamin Kelly, Class 29, also announced his engagement in July. Benjamin will be marrying Rebecca Mann on October 14 in Laguna Beach, California where the couple plan to make their home. Rebecca is a Vice President for Western Union. Benjamin has been employed at AMG for the past 14 years. 

Congratulations to Chelicy, Class 40, and Derek Wanders on the birth of a son, Landon Allen Wanders on July 26. Landon weighed 8 lbs. and 3 oz. and was 21 inches long. He will be joining older sister Juliet.

Sympathy is extended to Tom Ritthaler, Class 40, on the recent passing of his father. Leo and his wife Mary were married for a total of 57 years.

Congratulations to Darcy Helmick, Class 32, and Cole Marney on the birth of Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Marney on Friday, August 5. Her arrival was 11 days after the due date, weighing in over 7 lbs. and 19.5 inches long, with plenty of dark black hair.

What born and raised farm girl would not want to hold her wedding in the center of a wheat field about to be harvested? That was the setting for Kathryn Hartman, Class 41, on July 30 when she married Justin Scott. Kathryn works for Idaho Water Users and Justin is operations manager for Brundage Bone, a concrete pumping company. The couple plan to make their home in Nampa.

Remember, July 1 started the new membership year. Now is the time to pay your annual or lifetime memberships to LIA. Also, it is important you update your information for the LIA Alumni Directory to be published later this summer.

Thanks to Treasure Valley LIA Alumni who attended the Regional Event BBQ at the home of Rick and Dorita Waitley on August 4. It was a great time of fellowship, food and hot weather.
 
NOTE: Due to the Congressional Aides Fact Finding Tour, the last week of August there will not be an LIA LINK call this month. See you in September. We hope Treasure Valley alumni will plan to join us for the tour the week of August 29-September 2. A more formal schedule and reservation form will be sent to you later this week.