Help support cancer patients by participating in Angel Wings walk/run

During the month of October each year, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health sponsors a Mayor’s Walking Challenge to promote healthy living. For the Idaho mayors that choose to participate and more importantly complete the challenge, the Foundation donates $1,000 to the mayor’s city to be used to encourage children to be more physically active.
 In the past, the Foundation required 5,000 steps a day to earn the $1,000: now they require 10,000 steps.
 Last year the funds were used to go toward the exercise equipment that Weiser Memorial Hospital employees and other donors paid for that will be going into Weiser City Park. This year, I have talked to the Weiser School District office about using the funds for a program of their choice at one of the schools. So, if you see me randomly walking around town this month, I’m not lost, just walking for a good cause.
 Speaking of walking, the Angel Wings Network is having their main fundraising event this Saturday. If you are unaware, Angel Wings provide essential local support for cancer patients and those affected by cancer. Please support them in their generous efforts by participating in Saturday’s walk. You can find more information on their website anglewingsnetwork.net.
 These next comments are not easy to say. Nationally it has been reported that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is deadlier than the prior strains. We are experiencing this locally. In the last 30 days Washington County has had 14 deaths caused by COVID-19.
 Considering that the entire toll since the beginning of the pandemic has been 39 deaths, 14 in one month is devastating.
 Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and loved ones who have been affected by this scourge. Please take all precautions possible to protect yourselves and your loved ones from this terrible disease.
 In City news this week, the City Fire Department is hosting an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fire Station at the corner of West First St. and Court St. There will be food and tours of the fire station for the public. Come on down to meet and show your appreciation for the men and women who respond at all hours to protect you and your property in an emergency.
 The Library will be hosting the second in their series of lectures on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The speaker will be Amy Pence Brown talking about body positivity. This promises to be a very interesting topic from someone with strong personal ties to Weiser. Please come out for an informative evening discussion and refreshments.
 Also, Jhonna Eldridge, our Recreation Department office manager, wanted me to let you know about registration deadlines coming up for basketball.
 There will be a boy’s basketball clinic for first and second graders and a girls’ clinic for first through sixth graders with registration deadline on Oct. 13.    
 Third through sixth grade boys interested in playing in the basketball league need to register by Oct. 13.
 A girl’s league, for third through sixth grade will have a registration deadline of Dec. 29.    
 The deadline for registration for the men’s league is Oct. 20.
 For more information on dates, fees, etc. please contact Jhonna at 208-414-0301.
 Well, that’s it for this week. Please stay safe out there and protect yourself, loved ones, and your neighbors.