Congratulations to Karma Metzler Fitzgerald, Class 41, who was sworn in as a Fire Commissioner for the Shoshone City and Rural Fire Protection District on Monday, March 8. She is representing Sub District 1. Karma is active in several community activities, so this is one more important role for her to fill.

Congratulations to Patxi Larrocea-Phillips, Class 41 and his wife, Alex, on the birth of their daughter Amaia Lou Phillips born on March 7 weighing 9 lbs. 2 oz. and 20.5” long. Patxi is employed at Association Management Group, Sawtooth Law and works on the family ranch in Star. The proud grandparents are Frank “Flip” Phillips, Class 3 and Susi Larrocea, Class 4. Flip and Susi own and operate Phillips Cattle Company near Star.

Congratulations to Dan Safford, Class 28, who retired on February 26 from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture after 28 years of working for the Department. Dan has served 16 years on the board for the Idaho Hay and Forage Association. Dan specifically worked in the Plant Division of ISDA and has been responsible for several special programs through the years.

John Zietz, Class 34, Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain – North America has recently been re-elected Secretary/Treasurer of the National Sunflower Association. John is based out of Minnesota.

Sympathy is extended to Matt, Class 29, and Kristie, Class 35, Dorsey on the recent passing of Matt’s mother, Dana Lee Dorsey on February 10. Matt and Kristie are engaged in a farming operation near Caldwell and Kristie teaches at Homedale High School.

​Class 41 – held their Idaho Falls Session the last week of February since that was the week they were scheduled for the Boise Session and they had the week clear in their calendar. The class is in Twin Falls this week, March 8-12, for their Twin Falls Session which was to have been in early January. Plans are to have the Boise session the third week of January 2022 in hopes that the legislature has returned to a more normal mode of operation.

Thanks to Alumni members who stepped forward to be speech coaches for the Idaho Falls Session: Mark Pratt, Class 11; Logan Schmidt, Class 37; Derek Reed, Class 31; Janice Stimpson, Class 17; Malia Miller, Class 36 and Kyle Wangemann, Class 36.

The LIA Virtual Auction was a great success. When the decision was made for the auction to be virtual, the Board of Trustees reduced the goal of the auction to $75,000. To date, the auction has surpassed $117,000 in income. Thanks to everyone who donated, supported, and helped transport items and supplies to make the auction a success. The network of LIA paid off big time in all of the support and cooperation.

Congratulations to LIA Class 40. When they learned that fellow classmate Chelicy Wanders had some complications with the birth of a baby and that she and Derek were living at the Ronald McDonald House in Boise, the class went to work planning a strategy. In the end, the class generated just under $600 that was sent to the Wanders to help with meals and expenses while they continue to care for Juliet. Here is an update from Chelicy: “We are currently in the Nampa NICU and working on her feedings. She must be able to eat 80% of her total bottle feedings to get her feeding tube out and when that is completed it is the last step in getting her home. Her breathing has finally evened out and she has been doing great with that! We are hoping and praying to get her out by her due date which is March 4th.” Juliet was born on January 18 weighing only 4lbs 7 oz. We are all thrilled with the great report.

Dear LIA Alumni:

Here is a great opportunity to listen to Congressman Mike Simpson about his recent proposal to remove dams on the Lower Snake River:

Congressman Mike Simpson
“Energy and Salmon Concept”
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 – 10:00 AM (MT)
Zoom

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has proposed removing four hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest as part of a sweeping new plan to address the decades-long problem of how to save salmon populations without upending a system that provides power to millions of people. 

The $33.5 billion proposal would breach four dams on the Lower Snake River by the end of the next decade, freeing up the waterway for long-ranging salmon that are also a key food source for orcas. The plan, which was unveiled late Saturday, would pay for finding ways to replace the dams' key roles in energy, agriculture and transportation.

Simpson has spent much of his time in Washington, D.C. working on protections for the state's lands and wildlife. This new proposal may be his biggest undertaking yet.

He says not removing the dams would mean condemning Idaho salmon into extinction. Simpson calls the plan "The Northwest in Transition." The most immediate action includes removing the four dams on the Lower Snake River: 

• Lower Granite Dam
• Little Goose Dam
• Lower Monumental Dam
• Ice Harbor Dam

Zoom meeting information has been emailed to alumni.