LIA Briefs

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.