The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
January 27, 2021
Vol 45 Num 4
Athletics Plan Allows More Spectators
An updated plan for school winter sports enables Idaho school districts and charter schools to allow up to 40 percent capacity in school gymnasiums for games and matches, or up to four spectators per student participant, whichever is larger, if physical distancing requirements can be maintained or if masks are worn. The updated plan, developed by the Governor’s office and the office of the State Board of Education, covers the remainder of the 2020-21 winter sports school year and is consistent with the requirements of Governor Brad Little’s Idaho Stage 2 Stay Healthy Order. Participating students including athletes, cheerleaders, band and dance team members will not be included in determining gym capacity during their event. Student body members can attend “Home” games only and Last Thursday, Blue Cross of Idaho announced a $700,000 donation to Camp Rainbow Gold’s will count against the 40 percent capacity. Administrators are capital campaign. The donation is part of a three-year, $2.1 million commitment to help build a required to post the plan’s protocols at the entry doors of the new medical camp at Hidden Paradise, the Camp Rainbow Gold property near Fairfield, Idaho. gymnasium. “This is incredibly exciting news for Idaho’s children battling cancer, their families and other Adjustment Made To School Athletics Event Plan organizations with a need for a medical camp,” said Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO and Executive Director of Camp Rainbow Gold. “Blue Cross of Idaho has recognized this camp is a need in As of January 25, 2021, school districts and charter schools our state and we are thankful for their vision and generosity. With their investment, we can not will no longer be required to clear and clean event areas such as only continue to make progress toward our master plan but more specifically fund construction gymnasiums between games and matches held on the same day. of the Health Center, which will ensure we can provide medical care at a new level to allow even The cleaning requirement was removed by the Board’s executive director based on feedback from districts. The remore fragile children to attend camp.” “Blue Cross of Idaho is committed to investing in Idaho’s children to ensure each has an op- quirement was difficult, particularly for smaller schools who portunity to grow, learn, and most importantly – be a kid,” said Charlene Maher, President and often lack safe spaces for spectators to wait while cleaning CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho. “Camp Rainbow Gold has had one mission for its thirty-seven occurred in gymnasium. year history: provide children with cancer and their families an escape from their illness. We are The updated and revised plan is posted on the State Board of so pleased to partner with them over the next three years and beyond to build their new facility Education’s website: boardofed.idaho.gov/covid-19 near Fairfield – which is the first medical camp in Idaho. I cannot wait to see joyous looks on the faces of children when they see the new camp complete.” Blue Cross of Idaho’s funding will support construction and infrastructure necessary to build By Terry Thompson, Regional Communications Manager a health center on the property, which will support all campers and ensure medically fragile Winter anglers in southern Idaho will have more opportunity children can participate in programs. to pursue rainbow trout because of donations from local fish Due to COVID-19, under the guidance of medical advisors Camp Rainbow Gold is cur- producers. rently accelerating some remodeling and construction plans and hopes to welcome campers for If you’re an angler looking for a winter escape, you are in luck. smaller, modified camp sessions and outdoor activities in July 2021. To learn more about the Local trout processors have an over abundance of fish due to capital campaign, please visit anewplacelikehome.org declining markets. Despite the unfortunate business circum Photo, left to right: Drew Hobby, Senior Vice President, Healthcare Economics, Blue Cross of Idaho, stances, many producers donate their fish to Fish and Game to with Lonni Leavitt-Barker, Elizabeth Lizberg, and Monica Walker of Camp Rainbow Gold bolster public angling opportunities. continued on page 3...
Blue Cross of Idaho Donates $700,000 to Camp Rainbow Gold
Magic Valley Trout Growers Donate Fish