LIA Briefs

Congratulations to Karma Metzler Fitzgerald, Class 41, for being named Outstanding Adult Volunteer – Brightest Star for her public service to the Idaho Philanthropy Day. The focus of Karma’s work was around advocating for farm and rural families.
 
We celebrate with Don Dixon, Class 15, and his wife Georgia who recently received a diagnosis of being cancer free. Georgia has been battling cancer and treatments over the past few years. We are thankful for a positive, great report. Georgia worked for Senator Larry Craig out of his Idaho Falls Office. 

Congratulations to Devin Fielding, Class 40, who was elected a Division 5 Representative for the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts. This places Devin on the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts State Board of Directors. Devin was also elected the next day to the Idaho Irrigation District Board. Devin stated “If campaigning is this easy, maybe I should consider a run for President.” 
 
Congratulations to John Zietz, Class 34, who announced his retirement from Cargill on October 5 after 42.5 years of service. John says his schedule now reads: “time with the grandkids, traveling a bit and enjoying the lake in the summer.” John resides in Detroit Lakes, MN.
 
Congratulations to Vic Mason, Class 27, who announced his retirement from ISDA at the end of October after 27 years of working for the Department. Vic has been serving as the Ag Resources Administrator at ISDA. Vic says it was meant to be when you have 27 years and you were in Class 27.
 
Congratulations to Ben Schumacher, Class 39, and his wife, Tia, on the birth of Harlow Jean, born on October 7 weighing in at 6 lbs and 10 oz. Harlow was two weeks early.
 
Also arriving on October 7, and also two weeks early, was Michael Rutan, born to parents Dennis and Rebecca, Class 33, Rutan. Rebecca works for Northwest Farm Credit Services in Nampa and the special gift arrived days before her birthday on October 13.
 
Sympathy is extended to Gayle Batt, Class 18, on the recent passing of her 93-year old Grandmother – a true Matriarch of the family. Gayle is a homemaker in the Wilder area.
 
Sympathy is extended to Brenda Thomasson, Class 19, on the recent loss of son-in-law, Joe, to COVID. Brenda’s daughter Tiffani, wife of Joe, is expecting a baby any day. Thanks to the many LIA alumni who responded in support of Brenda and her family.
 
Sympathy is extended to the family of Mike Aardema, Class 19, who passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 24. Mike was the owner and operator of Oak Valley Dairy & Pure Grain Commodities located near Kimberly. LIA, Idaho Ag in the Classroom and other groups have toured Mike’s operation often over the years.
 
There is still time to get your name on the list as a sponsor for a break, meal or participant in LIA Class 42. If you are interested, please give the office a call and we will provide you the necessary information. Your name will be listed in the session schedule, placard placed at the event you sponsor and your name listed in the Graduation Program.

Heidi Martin, Class 28, shared Dairy West recently announced two open positions in their organization: a Communications Manager position and a Retail Outreach Manager position. The job descriptions can be found on the Dairy West website at https://dairywest.com/careers . Heidi is Vice President of Health and Wellness for Dairy West. 

The next generation of LIA is making it big with front cover publicity. Johanna Hyink, Class 41, had all four of her boys on the front cover of Southern Idaho KIDS October issue. Brooks (9), Korbin (11), Bentley (12) and Maverik (7). This was also a proud moment for Grandpa Willie Bokma, Class 37. ​

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While in the Treasure Valley, Hadley (3) made the front cover of Parent’s Guide daughter of Nic, Class 37, and Kyra, Class 35, Gibson. The Lowe Family Farmstead is owned and managed by Jim Lowe, Class 31, and his wife, Hillary, and is located southeast of Kuna, Idaho. 

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