LIA Briefs

Dear Alumni,

​Congratulations to Julie Eavenson, Class 18, who was recently selected as the third commissioner for the Meridian Cemetery District. Also elected as Chairman of the Board is Drew Eggers, Class 12. The third member of the Cemetery District Board is Rick Waitley, Class 8.  The Meridian cemetery is one of the largest District cemeteries in Idaho.
 
Congratulations are also extended to Drew Eggers, Class 12, and his wife Debra who became the proud grandparents of a little girl, Colbi, born on September 14. Colbi now joins an older sister. Colbi's mom is Bri Eggers, Boise Channel 7 meteorologist.
 
Congratulations to Chelicy Wanders, Class 40. She and her husband, Derek found out a few weeks ago that they are going to finally celebrate the arrival of a baby, however, not one, not two, but triplets. This may be one of the first set of triplets born to an LIA alumni member. Line up if you are interested in babysitting for Chelicy and Derek.
 
We have good reports on Cleo Miller, Class 3, who had double bypass surgery on September 16. Cleo farms in the Nampa area. We wish him the best for a speedy recovery.
 
Sympathy is extended to Sid Cellan, Class 32, in the passing of his wife, Janet, on September 14. Sid farms in the Soda Springs area and has been active in leadership positions with the grain industry in Idaho.
 
The LIA office received notification from some Magic Valley Alumni that LIA Lifetime Member, Jerry Bashaw, Class 19, passed away earlier this month. Jerry ranched in the Picabo, Idaho area with his son.
 
The LIA Board of Trustees met on Friday, September 11, to select candidates for LIA Class 41. The process went fairly quickly. Trustees reported that there were some excellent candidates who had submitted an application. A total of 29 individuals were selected for the class. We are not ready to release the names at this point since we are still doing final communication to confirm that those selected will be in the class. Executive Director, Rick Waitley, noted several in the class are family members of LIA alumni.
 
LIA Development Director, Kendra Dustin, Class 32, was in Idaho last week for a series of meetings related to sponsorships for LIA Class 41. Kendra reported that the Idaho Beef Council will again sponsor the regional events and will feature new beef recipes at each location as the major entrée. Now, the challenge is, to figure out how to facilitate the regional events with the COVID guidelines in place in each of the four locations. There will be more on that later as we draw closer to the time. Keep your ear to the ground to hear what is planned.
 
The wildfires in the west have caused a great deal of stress and anxiety for many LIA alumni. Some have been directly involved in fires because of their affiliation with specific agencies; others have family members as firefighters. Sad to say, some have been directly involved in protecting property of loved ones and some have suffered some difficult losses of animals, structures and even homes.

The 2020-2021 LIA Alumni Directory is off to the printer. Soon we will be receiving back a draft copy to review. NOTE: If you have any last minute address changes, employment or other changes of information for the directory, please write to Gloria ASAP at [email protected].
 
Many county fair auctions throughout the state have been held virtually. LIA Alumni have children and grandchildren involved in 4-H and FFA who have sold animals under these unusual circumstances. The reports are very positive as parents and local businesses have continued to financially support the hard work and efforts of these young people.
 
Rick Waitley
Executive Director