thedenverpost--2020-12-15--On Edge: A psychiatrist struggles to absorb her patients’ pain and her own fury amidst a pandemic

Dr. Patricia Westmoreland washes her hands 20 to 30 times each day she does rounds at the Medical Center of Aurora .
That , she says , “ doesn ’ t count sanitizing them who-knows-how-many times more ” as an extra step to protect her patients .
Nor does it count scrubbing herself down in a hot shower when she goes home , before hugging her kids .
“ In prior years , I would have considered the rituals I now do phobic or obsessive .
I would have said that ’ s crazy , ” the psychiatrist says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this constant anxiety and hyper-vigilance where everything you do is dictated by fear of getting or spreading an illness you can ’ t see .
“ So who knows , really , what ’ s crazy anymore ?
” Westmoreland mainly treats patients in the Medical Center ’ s 20-bed women ’ s unit .
They are there for a myriad of reasons but lately there has been a common thread .
“ I can not tell you how many admissions I ’ ve had that , if I had to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Due to COVID .
Due to COVID .
Due to COVID , ’ ” she says .
“ It ’ s come to feel like quicksand out there .
There ’ s more than your average amount of suffering going around .
You see the pain , the loss , the incredible loss in the community that you can ’ t remedy with medication .
You can ’ t bring back somebody ’ s hope when they ’ ve lost everything.
” Westmoreland studied medicine in her native South Africa , works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One ’ s psychiatry program and has served as president of the Colorado Psychiatric Society .
Yet , nothing in 20 years of practice prepared her for trying to treat patients through face shields and N95 masks .
Those barriers , she says , can make people feel more isolated in their illnesses .
Masks also make it hard for her to read patients .
She can see their eyes , but not always what the rest of their faces are saying .
A downcast mouth , a wry smile , or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a psychiatrist .
“ We need to be astute to the most subtle expressions , ” she says .
“ With masks… it ’ s basically like walking through the night blind.
” Nothing in her training , she adds , prepared her for what to say to a patient whose life has been upended by a virus she believes could have been curbed by more aggressive public health policies .
“ How do you tell someone that the ways the government failed them have been colossal and , well , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the western world ?
” Nor , she notes , was she trained to keep her own head above water when she , too , is living through what she calls “ a global crisis and angst , this continuous trauma on a massive scale.
” As she sees it , psychiatry is about “ absorbing people ’ s angst , their trauma , their fears.
” “ Psychiatrists are not generally on the front lines of the COVID virus itself , but we are certainly treating the effects of it .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel like I absorb so much .
There ’ s only so much the human psyche can take.
” And so Westmoreland , proud owner of a T-shirt reading “ COVID doesn ’ t care if you don ’ t believe in science , ” freaked out at a cousin ’ s Facebook friend for posting that wearing masks lowers people ’ s oxygen intake .
This past week , she excoriated five 12-year-old boys for knocking on her door , close together and maskless , to ask if her son could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and then let their parents have it .
And then she posted on her neighborhood blog telling anybody who ’ d listen , she recounts , that she and her fellow “ health professionals are working hard to deal with how COVID is impacting society and it ’ s demeaning , devaluing and heartbreaking that people can ’ t be bothered to put a mask on or keep their kids from roaming the neighborhood.
” “ I just have no words to describe my outrage , ” she admits .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Edge , intended to foster conversation about mental health in Colorado .
It is brought to you by COLab , the Colorado News Collaborative .
Reach Susan Greene at susan @ colabnews.co Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Dr. Patricia Westmoreland washes her hands 20 to 30 times each day she does rounds at the Medical Center of Aurora. That, she says, “doesn’t count sanitizing them who-knows-how-many times more” as an extra step to protect her patients. Nor does it count scrubbing herself down in a hot shower when she goes home, before hugging her kids.
Mental health resources Colorado Crisis Line : 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255.
: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255. Mental Health First Aid : mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond.
: mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention : afsp.org. Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado.
: afsp.org. Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado. Crisis Text Line : crisistextline.org. Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor.
: crisistextline.org. Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor. Second Wind Fund: thesecondwindfund.org. Links students to mental health professionals and pays for up to 12 counseling sessions.
“In prior years, I would have considered the rituals I now do phobic or obsessive. I would have said that’s crazy,” the psychiatrist says. “But now we’re living in this constant anxiety and hyper-vigilance where everything you do is dictated by fear of getting or spreading an illness you can’t see.
“So who knows, really, what’s crazy anymore?”
Westmoreland mainly treats patients in the Medical Center’s 20-bed women’s unit. They are there for a myriad of reasons but lately there has been a common thread.
“I cannot tell you how many admissions I’ve had that, if I had to put a stamp on them, would say ‘Due to COVID. Due to COVID. Due to COVID,’” she says.
“It’s come to feel like quicksand out there. There’s more than your average amount of suffering going around. You see the pain, the loss, the incredible loss in the community that you can’t remedy with medication. You can’t bring back somebody’s hope when they’ve lost everything.”
Westmoreland studied medicine in her native South Africa, works as the residency training director for Health One’s psychiatry program and has served as president of the Colorado Psychiatric Society. Yet, nothing in 20 years of practice prepared her for trying to treat patients through face shields and N95 masks. Those barriers, she says, can make people feel more isolated in their illnesses. Masks also make it hard for her to read patients. She can see their eyes, but not always what the rest of their faces are saying. A downcast mouth, a wry smile, or a tense jaw line can be key for a psychiatrist.
“We need to be astute to the most subtle expressions,” she says. “With masks… it’s basically like walking through the night blind.”
Nothing in her training, she adds, prepared her for what to say to a patient whose life has been upended by a virus she believes could have been curbed by more aggressive public health policies.
“How do you tell someone that the ways the government failed them have been colossal and, well, we’re sort of the laughing stock of the western world?”
Nor, she notes, was she trained to keep her own head above water when she, too, is living through what she calls “a global crisis and angst, this continuous trauma on a massive scale.” As she sees it, psychiatry is about “absorbing people’s angst, their trauma, their fears.”
“Psychiatrists are not generally on the front lines of the COVID virus itself, but we are certainly treating the effects of it. And this has just been so horrible, I feel like I absorb so much. There’s only so much the human psyche can take.”
And so Westmoreland, proud owner of a T-shirt reading “COVID doesn’t care if you don’t believe in science,” freaked out at a cousin’s Facebook friend for posting that wearing masks lowers people’s oxygen intake. This past week, she excoriated five 12-year-old boys for knocking on her door, close together and maskless, to ask if her son could hang out.
She let them have it, and then let their parents have it. And then she posted on her neighborhood blog telling anybody who’d listen, she recounts, that she and her fellow “health professionals are working hard to deal with how COVID is impacting society and it’s demeaning, devaluing and heartbreaking that people can’t be bothered to put a mask on or keep their kids from roaming the neighborhood.”
“I just have no words to describe my outrage,” she admits.
This story is part of the ongoing series On Edge, intended to foster conversation about mental health in Colorado. It is brought to you by COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative. Reach Susan Greene at susan@colabnews.co
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Metro Denver apartment applications rose this year despite pandemic

Metro Denver remains one of the country ’ s strongest apartment markets this year as measured by its increase in rental applications , but not strong enough to avoid rent declines , according to a new study from RENTCafé ’ .
“ The pandemic had another overall effect on this year ’ s renting activity — more people decided to stay in their current apartments .
Ten percent fewer renters applied for new apartments this year , breaking a years-long trend of single-digit increases , ” noted Irina Lupa , in a blog post on the report .
Staying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many renters .
In Memphis , applications were down 21 % , while in Chicago they were off 16 % and in Louisville , Ky. , and Seattle , they fell 11 % .
But Denver renters went the other way , with 11 % more rental applications registered in the city this year than last .
Only Detroit , up 23 % , New York City , up 15 % , and Charlotte , N.C. , up 13 % , experienced bigger gains in apartment rental applications .
Columbus , Ohio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied for fourth with Denver .
Newcomers drove some of the increase in applications .
Denver tied with San Jose , Calif. , at third for the largest gain in apartment renters moving into the market from elsewhere at 16 % , behind El Paso , Texas , at 30 % , and Charlotte , N.C. , at 22 % .
Denver also recorded a 14 % jump in renters moving within the metro area compared to last year , ranking fourth nationally on that measure .
The typical apartment renter landing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 28 and earned a median income of $ 46,164 , meaning they likely held jobs that were less impacted by layoffs during the pandemic .
A separate report from Apartment List offers some insights into where those renters are coming from .
The share of searches from outside into metro Denver decreased from 38 % last year to 37.5 % .
Boulder remains the leading place where those searches are originating , at 5 % , followed by Colorado Springs at 4.8 % , and New York City at 4 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in Denver are looking to move elsewhere , up from 22.3 % last year .
The most popular destination searched was Colorado Springs .
Among those looking to move to Denver , 17.4 % searched for a short-term lease .
Higher rental applications didn ’ t correlate with higher rents , per the RENTCafé ’ study .
New York City saw a 25 % increase in apartment renters leaving .
Landlords responded by dropping rents 10.8 % on average , which resulted in a 15 % surge in new applications this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average rents are down 2.2 % this year to $ 1,636 , according to RENTCafé ’ .
Apartment List is measuring a bigger annual decline of 5 % in apartment rents through November .
“ One trend that has emerged this year is a convergence of rents across and within regions .
In other words , urban cities are getting cheaper while suburban areas are getting more expensive , ” said Rob Warnock , a research associate at Apartment List in an email .

Metro Denver remains one of the country’s strongest apartment markets this year as measured by its increase in rental applications, but not strong enough to avoid rent declines, according to a new study from RENTCafé’.
“The pandemic had another overall effect on this year’s renting activity — more people decided to stay in their current apartments. Ten percent fewer renters applied for new apartments this year, breaking a years-long trend of single-digit increases,” noted Irina Lupa, in a blog post on the report.
Staying in place was an increasingly popular approach with many renters. In Memphis, applications were down 21%, while in Chicago they were off 16% and in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle, they fell 11%. But Denver renters went the other way, with 11% more rental applications registered in the city this year than last.
Only Detroit, up 23%, New York City, up 15%, and Charlotte, N.C., up 13%, experienced bigger gains in apartment rental applications. Columbus, Ohio, and Fort Worth, Texas, were tied for fourth with Denver.
Newcomers drove some of the increase in applications. Denver tied with San Jose, Calif., at third for the largest gain in apartment renters moving into the market from elsewhere at 16%, behind El Paso, Texas, at 30%, and Charlotte, N.C., at 22%. Denver also recorded a 14% jump in renters moving within the metro area compared to last year, ranking fourth nationally on that measure.
The typical apartment renter landing in Denver, per the rental applications, is 28 and earned a median income of $46,164, meaning they likely held jobs that were less impacted by layoffs during the pandemic.
A separate report from Apartment List offers some insights into where those renters are coming from. The share of searches from outside into metro Denver decreased from 38% last year to 37.5%. Boulder remains the leading place where those searches are originating, at 5%, followed by Colorado Springs at 4.8%, and New York City at 4%.
About 23.3% of apartment hunters now living in Denver are looking to move elsewhere, up from 22.3% last year. The most popular destination searched was Colorado Springs.
Among those looking to move to Denver, 17.4% searched for a short-term lease.
Higher rental applications didn’t correlate with higher rents, per the RENTCafé’ study. New York City saw a 25% increase in apartment renters leaving. Landlords responded by dropping rents 10.8% on average, which resulted in a 15% surge in new applications this year.
In the case of Denver, average rents are down 2.2% this year to $1,636, according to RENTCafé’. Apartment List is measuring a bigger annual decline of 5% in apartment rents through November.
“One trend that has emerged this year is a convergence of rents across and within regions. In other words, urban cities are getting cheaper while suburban areas are getting more expensive,” said Rob Warnock, a research associate at Apartment List in an email.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Brothers’ labor of love results in safer, “smart” power wheelchair

A labor of love by a father , Barry Dean , and uncle , Jered Dean , has turned into a company employing cutting-edge technology and what is being hailed as one of the year ’ s best inventions .
About three years ago , the brothers began designing and engineering an addition for the motorized wheelchair used by Barry ’ s daughter , Katherine .
The changes were meant to make it safer and “ smart , ” connecting it to the internet so she can interact with the same up-to-date technology a lot of people use .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LUCI was recently named by both TIME magazine and Popular Science as one of the best inventions of 2020 .
And last week , the Deans signed a deal with Numotion , a national wheelchair and rehab technology company , to distribute the product that attaches to power wheelchairs .
“ It was driven by my daughter , Katherine .
We started looking for solutions and we couldn ’ t find them , ” said Barry , an award-winning songwriter who lives in Nashville and is the company ’ s CEO .
Barry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mines professor and the company ’ s Colorado-based chief technology officer , wanted to make a safer , more modern wheelchair for Katherine , 20 , who has cerebral palsy .
They said research showed that accidents , spills and injuries are common in power wheelchairs , which weigh at least 350 pounds .
One study showed that nearly 55 % of the participants reported at least one accident over three years and 16 % reported two or more .
There are many stories of people dropping off the edge of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into walls , not being able to maneuver in their homes and even rolling into ditches .
“ When Katherine got her first chair , she was a little girl , probably 5 or 6 , ” Barry said .
“ The first thing that happened in the clinic is the chair took off down the hall and slammed into a wall .
Thankfully , she wasn ’ t horribly injured.
” After attending a conference to check out the latest in power wheelchairs , the brothers discovered little had changed over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chair .
“ At the very beginning , it was going to be that we ’ ll pull something together for Katherine ’ s wheelchair because surely the real technology exists out there , ” Jered said .
But when it was clear that wasn ’ t the case , the brothers decided to build a more robust version of the add-on made from off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensors and other equipment for Katherine ’ s chair .
LUCI officially launched in June .
The name comes from Katherine ’ s favorite Beatles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Diamonds.
” The use of an “ i ” in the name made it easier to secure web domain names .
The brothers built an engineering team that works with Jered in Arvada and a sales and marketing team based in Nashville .
They found partners and teachers in such fields as precision agriculture and autonomous vehicles as well as experts in technology and design for people with disabilities , including staff at the University of Colorado-Denver Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering .
“ It just had to change , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would turn their attention to and care about the group of people that my daughter was a part of .
But we were just impatient to wait for that , ” Barry said .
The Deans and their teams used data gleaned from thousands of hours of use by Katherine and other testing .
“ We tried to put our pre-COVID hat on .
We had to think about everywhere you would go in a typical week , ” Jered said .
“ What we learned is this was a much more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got into it .
You ’ re working within centimeters of things , working in all environments , day and night , indoor and outdoor , on sidewalks instead of a street where you have a stripe to follow.
” Jered has degrees in mechanical and systems engineering .
He worked for about a decade at Syncroness in Westminster , where he helped develop products .
At LUCI , Jered and his team developed custom , proprietary ultrasonic sensor packages and wave-radar technology .
They work in a large warehouse in Arvada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for a mock-up of a home and other spaces to test drive wheelchairs .
The Deans wanted to give wheelchair users the same opportunities to use technology that other people have .
They added software to connect the chair to the cloud , allowing users to interact with Alexa and Google devices .
For example , people can ask one of the devices to check whether the wheelchair is charged .
A “ smart ” wheelchair can alert people to the user ’ s whereabouts and health issues .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in our cars , and we as a society use these technologies every day without even thinking about it , ” said Becky Breaux , an instructor at the CU-Denver Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering .
People with disabilities have often been left behind , added Breaux , who is an occupational therapist and assistive technology specialist .
One of Breaux ’ s clients is among those who have worked with the Deans to improve LUCI .
The technology allows the young man to do what he hasn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use his power wheelchair in his home .
Before , because of issues with his vision and spatial awareness , the man damaged the walls and furniture to the point that his family didn ’ t want him using the power wheelchair inside , Breaux said .
“ In a manual chair , he can push himself with one hand , but it really takes away quite a bit of his independence.
” In other cases , power wheelchairs without updated safety features can be dangerous to the user , Breaux said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 25 years .
I could tell you a lot of stories about clients I ’ ve had who ’ ve had serious injuries or near misses.
” Breaux said a client who was driving her chair outside had a seizure and woke up in the middle of traffic .
Another client had to have major neck surgery because he rolled his chair in a ravine while on a trail .
High-tech sensors and connection to the internet should help prevent similar accidents and can alert family members and caregivers when help is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sensors , but Breaux said the technology isn ’ t sophisticated enough to judge spaces and people end up tuning out the beeps or turning off the noise out of annoyance .
At this point , LUCI ’ s $ 8,445 price isn ’ t covered by insurance .
Although the cost sounds high , the Deans say power wheelchairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars , depending on their features .
They hope the medical and financial benefits of a safer , smart wheelchair will lead to coverage by insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anecdotally , I can tell you I think the equipment will significantly reduce costs for repairs , ” Breaux said .
“ So it ’ s protecting the equipment itself , but also the medical costs associated with those clients who have these injuries.
” Of course , the most important benefits are for the users themselves , Breaux added .
“ This important safety feature has been considered a luxury up until this point .
Most people say not rolling over in a ditch is not a luxury .
”

A labor of love by a father, Barry Dean, and uncle, Jered Dean, has turned into a company employing cutting-edge technology and what is being hailed as one of the year’s best inventions.
About three years ago, the brothers began designing and engineering an addition for the motorized wheelchair used by Barry’s daughter, Katherine. The changes were meant to make it safer and “smart,” connecting it to the internet so she can interact with the same up-to-date technology a lot of people use.
The project that morphed into a company named LUCI was recently named by both TIME magazine and Popular Science as one of the best inventions of 2020. And last week, the Deans signed a deal with Numotion, a national wheelchair and rehab technology company, to distribute the product that attaches to power wheelchairs.
“It was driven by my daughter, Katherine. We started looking for solutions and we couldn’t find them,” said Barry, an award-winning songwriter who lives in Nashville and is the company’s CEO.
Barry and Jered, a former Colorado School of Mines professor and the company’s Colorado-based chief technology officer, wanted to make a safer, more modern wheelchair for Katherine, 20, who has cerebral palsy. They said research showed that accidents, spills and injuries are common in power wheelchairs, which weigh at least 350 pounds.
One study showed that nearly 55% of the participants reported at least one accident over three years and 16% reported two or more. There are many stories of people dropping off the edge of the sidewalk and into the street, running into walls, not being able to maneuver in their homes and even rolling into ditches.
“When Katherine got her first chair, she was a little girl, probably 5 or 6,” Barry said. “The first thing that happened in the clinic is the chair took off down the hall and slammed into a wall. Thankfully, she wasn’t horribly injured.”
After attending a conference to check out the latest in power wheelchairs, the brothers discovered little had changed over the years. So they started modifying Katherine’s chair.
“At the very beginning, it was going to be that we’ll pull something together for Katherine’s wheelchair because surely the real technology exists out there,” Jered said.
But when it was clear that wasn’t the case, the brothers decided to build a more robust version of the add-on made from off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensors and other equipment for Katherine’s chair.
LUCI officially launched in June. The name comes from Katherine’s favorite Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The use of an “i” in the name made it easier to secure web domain names.
The brothers built an engineering team that works with Jered in Arvada and a sales and marketing team based in Nashville. They found partners and teachers in such fields as precision agriculture and autonomous vehicles as well as experts in technology and design for people with disabilities, including staff at the University of Colorado-Denver Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering.
“It just had to change, and it was inevitable that some day people would turn their attention to and care about the group of people that my daughter was a part of. But we were just impatient to wait for that,” Barry said.
The Deans and their teams used data gleaned from thousands of hours of use by Katherine and other testing.
“We tried to put our pre-COVID hat on. We had to think about everywhere you would go in a typical week,” Jered said. “What we learned is this was a much more of a design challenge than we thought when we got into it. You’re working within centimeters of things, working in all environments, day and night, indoor and outdoor, on sidewalks instead of a street where you have a stripe to follow.”
Jered has degrees in mechanical and systems engineering. He worked for about a decade at Syncroness in Westminster, where he helped develop products.
At LUCI, Jered and his team developed custom, proprietary ultrasonic sensor packages and wave-radar technology. They work in a large warehouse in Arvada that has an office and plenty of room for a mock-up of a home and other spaces to test drive wheelchairs.
The Deans wanted to give wheelchair users the same opportunities to use technology that other people have. They added software to connect the chair to the cloud, allowing users to interact with Alexa and Google devices. For example, people can ask one of the devices to check whether the wheelchair is charged.
A “smart” wheelchair can alert people to the user’s whereabouts and health issues.
“We have all these smart technologies in our homes and in our cars, and we as a society use these technologies every day without even thinking about it,” said Becky Breaux, an instructor at the CU-Denver Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering.
People with disabilities have often been left behind, added Breaux, who is an occupational therapist and assistive technology specialist. One of Breaux’s clients is among those who have worked with the Deans to improve LUCI. The technology allows the young man to do what he hasn’t been able to do for eight years: use his power wheelchair in his home.
Before, because of issues with his vision and spatial awareness, the man damaged the walls and furniture to the point that his family didn’t want him using the power wheelchair inside, Breaux said. “In a manual chair, he can push himself with one hand, but it really takes away quite a bit of his independence.”
In other cases, power wheelchairs without updated safety features can be dangerous to the user, Breaux said. “I’ve been practicing for over 25 years. I could tell you a lot of stories about clients I’ve had who’ve had serious injuries or near misses.”
Breaux said a client who was driving her chair outside had a seizure and woke up in the middle of traffic. Another client had to have major neck surgery because he rolled his chair in a ravine while on a trail.
High-tech sensors and connection to the internet should help prevent similar accidents and can alert family members and caregivers when help is needed, Breaux said. Some chairs have sensors, but Breaux said the technology isn’t sophisticated enough to judge spaces and people end up tuning out the beeps or turning off the noise out of annoyance.
At this point, LUCI’s $8,445 price isn’t covered by insurance. Although the cost sounds high, the Deans say power wheelchairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their features. They hope the medical and financial benefits of a safer, smart wheelchair will lead to coverage by insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid.
“Anecdotally, I can tell you I think the equipment will significantly reduce costs for repairs,” Breaux said. “So it’s protecting the equipment itself, but also the medical costs associated with those clients who have these injuries.”
Of course, the most important benefits are for the users themselves, Breaux added. “This important safety feature has been considered a luxury up until this point. Most people say not rolling over in a ditch is not a luxury.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Weiser and Coffman: Texas’ attempt to undermine our Constitution was rebuked by those who uphold the

Weiser and Coffman: Texas’ attempt to undermine our Constitution was rebuked by those who uphold the rule of law

On Monday , the Electoral College met and finalized the election of our new president-elect , bringing to a close a period of tests for our democratic institutions and the rule of law .
Fortunately , we passed those tests and honored our Constitution ’ s commitment to representative democracy .
This past summer , in the case Colorado Department of State v. Baca , Colorado defended a foundational constitutional principle at the Supreme Court : the states ’ power to manage their own elections , including by mandating that electors follow the will of the people .
This case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to do just that , violating state law and creating a dispute that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court .
Last week , we faced another test of the rule of law and our democratic institutions .
The Texas attorney general asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on Texas ’ objections to how other states managed their elections .
With zero surprise from constitutional experts , the court turned away one state ’ s attempt to overturn other states ’ election results .
But what was a surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its quest to flip other states ’ election outcomes .
When so many public officials choose political expedience over legal norms and the Constitution , it is not only alarming but it is a major challenge for the rule of law .
One leader who rejected this request is our mutual friend Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden .
His moral clarity and commitment to principle is most commendable .
As he stated in explaining his decision : “ I strive to protect the State of Idaho ’ s legal interests .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct decision may not be the politically convenient decision .
But my responsibility is to the State of Idaho and the rule of law.
” Wasden ’ s principled position is rooted in his commitment to our Constitution ’ s doctrine of federalism , which respects the states ’ individual sovereignty .
As Wasden noted , Texas argued for tossing constitutional federalism to the side and pushed the Supreme Court to second guess states ’ power to manage their own elections .
Just as it did unanimously in the Baca case , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their elections responsibly .
The rule of law means that legal principles are not adjusted based on who benefits in a particular case .
As such , the principle reaffirmed in Baca — that states have the constitutional authority to manage elections — was applied faithfully in a series of election cases this fall .
And that ’ s why neither of us were surprised that the Supreme Court turned away Texas ’ s effort to interfere in other states ’ elections .
The commitment to the rule of law is also why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws that differed from our personal preferences .
We believe that the importance of this principle is greater than any personal or political goals .
Our Constitution provides for a system of rules and boundaries between not only the executive , legislative , and judicial branches of the federal government , but also between the federal and state governments .
These constraints protect liberty .
If we allow such constraints to be cast aside in the name of what is best for a political party or a candidate , we undermine the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us and for future generations .
As we look back at this election , we should celebrate how it reaffirmed our commitment to the rule of law .
In the face of a series of legal challenges to the election results , we should take heart that the courts examined them and uniformly rejected them .
Election results can and should only be tested through appropriate legal channels and when evidence supports such cases .
During this time of political polarization , we have some work to do in reaffirming our commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado , we have a strong tradition of bipartisan problem solving and a commitment to election integrity and promoting strong voter turnout .
As our nation turns the page , we in Colorado can be leaders in defending the importance of the rule of law and our democratic institutions .
Phil Weiser , a Democrat , is the attorney general of Colorado .
Cynthia Coffman , a Republican , served as the 38th attorney general of Colorado from 2015-2019 .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit by email or mail .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

On Monday, the Electoral College met and finalized the election of our new president-elect, bringing to a close a period of tests for our democratic institutions and the rule of law. Fortunately, we passed those tests and honored our Constitution’s commitment to representative democracy.
This past summer, in the case Colorado Department of State v. Baca, Colorado defended a foundational constitutional principle at the Supreme Court: the states’ power to manage their own elections, including by mandating that electors follow the will of the people. This case began in 2016 when a Colorado elector refused to do just that, violating state law and creating a dispute that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Last week, we faced another test of the rule of law and our democratic institutions. The Texas attorney general asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on Texas’ objections to how other states managed their elections. With zero surprise from constitutional experts, the court turned away one state’s attempt to overturn other states’ election results. But what was a surprise is that many public officials supported Texas in its quest to flip other states’ election outcomes. When so many public officials choose political expedience over legal norms and the Constitution, it is not only alarming but it is a major challenge for the rule of law.
One leader who rejected this request is our mutual friend Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. His moral clarity and commitment to principle is most commendable. As he stated in explaining his decision: “I strive to protect the State of Idaho’s legal interests. As is sometimes the case, the legally correct decision may not be the politically convenient decision. But my responsibility is to the State of Idaho and the rule of law.”
Wasden’s principled position is rooted in his commitment to our Constitution’s doctrine of federalism, which respects the states’ individual sovereignty. As Wasden noted, Texas argued for tossing constitutional federalism to the side and pushed the Supreme Court to second guess states’ power to manage their own elections. Just as it did unanimously in the Baca case, the court protected states’ power to manage their elections responsibly.
The rule of law means that legal principles are not adjusted based on who benefits in a particular case. As such, the principle reaffirmed in Baca — that states have the constitutional authority to manage elections — was applied faithfully in a series of election cases this fall. And that’s why neither of us were surprised that the Supreme Court turned away Texas’s effort to interfere in other states’ elections. The commitment to the rule of law is also why both of us as attorneys general defended laws that differed from our personal preferences. We believe that the importance of this principle is greater than any personal or political goals.
Our Constitution provides for a system of rules and boundaries between not only the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government, but also between the federal and state governments. These constraints protect liberty. If we allow such constraints to be cast aside in the name of what is best for a political party or a candidate, we undermine the rule of law and threaten liberty for all of us and for future generations.
As we look back at this election, we should celebrate how it reaffirmed our commitment to the rule of law. In the face of a series of legal challenges to the election results, we should take heart that the courts examined them and uniformly rejected them. Election results can and should only be tested through appropriate legal channels and when evidence supports such cases.
During this time of political polarization, we have some work to do in reaffirming our commitment to the rule of law. In Colorado, we have a strong tradition of bipartisan problem solving and a commitment to election integrity and promoting strong voter turnout. As our nation turns the page, we in Colorado can be leaders in defending the importance of the rule of law and our democratic institutions.
Phil Weiser, a Democrat, is the attorney general of Colorado. Cynthia Coffman, a Republican, served as the 38th attorney general of Colorado from 2015-2019.
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thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Broncos Mailbag: What are the keys for Drew Lock over final three games?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .
When Drew Lock took over last season , he really only had the game at Houston where he put up impressive numbers and kind of game-managed the team to a 4-1 finish .
Over the last three games , what do you think is most important for him to solidify being the front-runner next year ?
Personal performance ( stats ) , improved mechanics or simply getting a couple more wins ?
— Steve , Forks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year was at Houston ( 22-of-27 , 309 yards , three touchdowns , one interception ) and his best game this year was Sunday at Carolina ( 21-of-27 , 280 yards , four touchdowns ) .
The common trait from those games : Short-range accuracy .
At Houston , Lock was 15-of-17 on passes that didn ’ t cross the line of scrimmage ( 6-of-6 ) or traveled 1-5 “ air ” yards ( 9-of-11 ) .
At Carolina , Lock was , yep , 15-of-17 on passes that didn ’ t cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or traveled 1-5 “ air ” yards ( 4-of-5 ) .
Everything is important for Lock over the final three games — showing he can be equal parts efficient and big-strike capable and stacking good games together , which he hasn ’ t done this year .
How many times have the Broncos run off tackle on first down this year ?
What is the average gain on those carries ?
It seems like it contributes to our third-and-long problem .
I had to read this question a few times to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushes .
It ’ s a difficult question to address without going through every rushing attempt .
But here ’ s the thing — even then , it ’ s tough to ascertain because , for example , on the first play of the Panthers game , Melvin Gordon appeared to be seeking a lane between the guard and tackle , but had to bounce it outside .
But Mike ’ s lean on the early-down running game struggling is accurate .
Through Sunday ’ s games , the Broncos ’ 3.7-yard first-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Atlanta 3.62 ) , according to Stats , Inc. Is coach Vic Fangio afraid to bench Drew Lock because he was John Elway ’ s top choice ?
Maybe Elway should be gone .
Lock is not the answer .
Thirteen interceptions is not even close to what a starter should do .
— Gerry Bohn , Aspen Here ’ s thinking Gerry submitted this question before the Carolina game … or he is really , really fed up with Lock and nothing is going to change his mind .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , folks .
So what ’ s the point of benching Lock instead of seeing if he can rally , work through his struggles , get better steadily and set a tone for 2021 ?
If the final part of the season goes poorly ( unlikely considering the Broncos finish with Chargers/Raiders ) , then all options are re-opened .
Drew Lock looked like a completely different quarterback against the Panthers .
What changed ?
And KJ Hamler looked like the real deal with those two monster touchdowns .
I ’ m pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year when Courtland Sutton comes back .
What do you think ?
— Charlie , Boulder I refer you to the aforementioned passing stats on attempts that don ’ t cross the line or traveled 1-5 “ air ” yards .
There should be optimism about the Broncos ’ pass-catchers entering 2021 assuming Sutton returns to full strength from his torn ACL ( he will have close to a calendar year between the injury and the ’ 21 opener ) .
Sutton , Jerry Jeudy , Hamler , Tim Patrick — not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like every week we lose one or two more cornerbacks .
Who do we have left ?
Are we going to use Will Parks for nickel and dime packages ?
This has to be a priority position moving into 2021 .
What do you think about using our first-round pick on someone like South Carolina ’ s Jaycee Horn ?
It doesn ’ t look like A.J .
Bouye is coming back to Denver after his suspension .
— Fabien , Denver As of Monday at noon , the available cornerbacks are starters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Parks as the nickel , Alijah Holder as the dime back and recently-acquired Nate Hairston ( signed off Baltimore ’ s practice squad ) .
That ’ s everybody .
The only defensive back on the practice squad is safety Chris Cooper .
Look for the Broncos to add reinforcements this week .
Horn ( 6-foot-1 , 200 ) played three years for South Carolina .
He didn ’ t have an interception his first two years ( 17 pass break-ups in 23 games ) , but intercepted two passes this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prediction for the final three games ?
I think we beat the Chargers and Raiders , but lose to the Bills for a 7-9 finish .
Who do you think has the most to gain ( or lose ) in these final weeks ?
— Keith , Omaha , Neb .
Buffalo : The Bills are rolling and unless they are looking ahead , they should beat the Broncos .
… Chargers : The Broncos needed a 21-point comeback to win the teams ’ first meeting .
This is a toss-up game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
… Raiders : Las Vegas looked playoff-ready when it thumped the Broncos last month .
We ’ ll pick the Broncos .
Outside of Lock , a few players with the most to gain include Ojemudia ( can he be a starter in ’ 21 ? )
, Parks ( can he be a sub-package player ? )
and Elijah Wilkinson ( can he play right tackle well enough to succeed Ja ’ Wuan James ? )
.
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.
When Drew Lock took over last season, he really only had the game at Houston where he put up impressive numbers and kind of game-managed the team to a 4-1 finish. Over the last three games, what do you think is most important for him to solidify being the front-runner next year? Personal performance (stats), improved mechanics or simply getting a couple more wins?
— Steve, Forks, Wash.
Lock’s best game last year was at Houston (22-of-27, 309 yards, three touchdowns, one interception) and his best game this year was Sunday at Carolina (21-of-27, 280 yards, four touchdowns).
The common trait from those games: Short-range accuracy.
At Houston, Lock was 15-of-17 on passes that didn’t cross the line of scrimmage (6-of-6) or traveled 1-5 “air” yards (9-of-11).
At Carolina, Lock was, yep, 15-of-17 on passes that didn’t cross the line of scrimmage (11-of-12) or traveled 1-5 “air” yards (4-of-5).
Everything is important for Lock over the final three games — showing he can be equal parts efficient and big-strike capable and stacking good games together, which he hasn’t done this year.
How many times have the Broncos run off tackle on first down this year? What is the average gain on those carries? It seems like it contributes to our third-and-long problem.
— Mike, Colorado City
I had to read this question a few times to figure out if Mike wants more or fewer off-tackle rushes.
It’s a difficult question to address without going through every rushing attempt. But here’s the thing — even then, it’s tough to ascertain because, for example, on the first play of the Panthers game, Melvin Gordon appeared to be seeking a lane between the guard and tackle, but had to bounce it outside.
But Mike’s lean on the early-down running game struggling is accurate. Through Sunday’s games, the Broncos’ 3.7-yard first-down rushing average was second-worst in the NFL (Atlanta 3.62), according to Stats, Inc.
Is coach Vic Fangio afraid to bench Drew Lock because he was John Elway’s top choice? Maybe Elway should be gone. Lock is not the answer. Thirteen interceptions is not even close to what a starter should do.
— Gerry Bohn, Aspen
Here’s thinking Gerry submitted this question before the Carolina game … or he is really, really fed up with Lock and nothing is going to change his mind.
The Broncos aren’t going to the playoffs, folks. So what’s the point of benching Lock instead of seeing if he can rally, work through his struggles, get better steadily and set a tone for 2021? If the final part of the season goes poorly (unlikely considering the Broncos finish with Chargers/Raiders), then all options are re-opened.
Drew Lock looked like a completely different quarterback against the Panthers. What changed? And KJ Hamler looked like the real deal with those two monster touchdowns. I’m pretty excited for the Broncos’ passing game next year when Courtland Sutton comes back. What do you think?
— Charlie, Boulder
I refer you to the aforementioned passing stats on attempts that don’t cross the line or traveled 1-5 “air” yards.
There should be optimism about the Broncos’ pass-catchers entering 2021 assuming Sutton returns to full strength from his torn ACL (he will have close to a calendar year between the injury and the ’21 opener). Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Hamler, Tim Patrick — not a bad top four.
It seems like every week we lose one or two more cornerbacks. Who do we have left? Are we going to use Will Parks for nickel and dime packages? This has to be a priority position moving into 2021. What do you think about using our first-round pick on someone like South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn? It doesn’t look like A.J. Bouye is coming back to Denver after his suspension.
— Fabien, Denver
As of Monday at noon, the available cornerbacks are starters Michael Ojemudia and De’Vante Bausby, Parks as the nickel, Alijah Holder as the dime back and recently-acquired Nate Hairston (signed off Baltimore’s practice squad). That’s everybody.
The only defensive back on the practice squad is safety Chris Cooper. Look for the Broncos to add reinforcements this week.
Horn (6-foot-1, 200) played three years for South Carolina. He didn’t have an interception his first two years (17 pass break-ups in 23 games), but intercepted two passes this year.
Ryan, what’s your prediction for the final three games? I think we beat the Chargers and Raiders, but lose to the Bills for a 7-9 finish. Who do you think has the most to gain (or lose) in these final weeks?
— Keith, Omaha, Neb.
Buffalo: The Bills are rolling and unless they are looking ahead, they should beat the Broncos. … Chargers: The Broncos needed a 21-point comeback to win the teams’ first meeting. This is a toss-up game, but we’ll pick the Broncos. … Raiders: Las Vegas looked playoff-ready when it thumped the Broncos last month. We’ll pick the Broncos.
Outside of Lock, a few players with the most to gain include Ojemudia (can he be a starter in ’21?), Parks (can he be a sub-package player?) and Elijah Wilkinson (can he play right tackle well enough to succeed Ja’Wuan James?).
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--No evidence of widespread voter fraud uncovered in meeting on Colorado election integrity

Another attempt by Colorado Republicans to call for an audit of Colorado ’ s election systems was defeated Tuesday evening after Republican motions failed on party line votes .
GOP lawmakers called for the bipartisan Legislative Audit Committee meeting on election integrity , citing concerns about Dominion Voting Systems and about Colorado ’ s election process , though there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud .
The allegations have mirrored national rhetoric by President Donald Trump ’ s campaign , and his legal adviser Jenna Ellis , a Colorado native , testified remotely to the committee Tuesday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She did not provide proof of fraud in Colorado , though she attempted to cast doubt about Jefferson County ’ s election .
“ If our legal systems and our election laws in Colorado and throughout the country are not followed and they ’ re open for fraud , irregularity or all manner of hijacking , then we we never have a free and fair election in the state of Colorado or in any other state in the union , ” Ellis said .
County clerks and former secretaries of state also spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk-limiting audits and the security of a system recognized as the “ gold standard.
” Although some proposed changes to procedures , they repeatedly lauded the system overall .
Former Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams , a Republican , told committee members that Coloradans can be confident that their elections are free and fair , and instances of fraud that may have been successful are in the dozens , not hundreds of thousands .
The motions by Republicans — one to launch an audit of the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auditor to research a potential performance audit — failed on tie votes of 5-5 .
Sen. Paul Lundeen , a Monument Republican , told The Denver Post that while the meeting didn ’ t uncover massive voter fraud , every person ’ s vote should be protected .
He added that he hopes the legislature can address some of the dozen or more recommendations from clerks for improvements related to ballot security and registration .
“ This is the protection of our republic , the protection of every person , every Coloradan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and counted , and as close to perfect as we can get it , ” he said .
But Democrats called the meeting an abuse of the committee ’ s purpose , and Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp , D-Arvada , said the evidence doesn ’ t support a fishing expedition into the Secretary of State ’ s Office .
“ I think legislators lifting up conspiracy theorists for political gain hurts all of us , ” added Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet , D-Commerce City .

Another attempt by Colorado Republicans to call for an audit of Colorado’s election systems was defeated Tuesday evening after Republican motions failed on party line votes.
GOP lawmakers called for the bipartisan Legislative Audit Committee meeting on election integrity, citing concerns about Dominion Voting Systems and about Colorado’s election process, though there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud.
The allegations have mirrored national rhetoric by President Donald Trump’s campaign, and his legal adviser Jenna Ellis, a Colorado native, testified remotely to the committee Tuesday morning, calling for such an audit. She did not provide proof of fraud in Colorado, though she attempted to cast doubt about Jefferson County’s election.
“If our legal systems and our election laws in Colorado and throughout the country are not followed and they’re open for fraud, irregularity or all manner of hijacking, then we we never have a free and fair election in the state of Colorado or in any other state in the union,” Ellis said.
County clerks and former secretaries of state also spoke about Colorado’s processes, its risk-limiting audits and the security of a system recognized as the “gold standard.” Although some proposed changes to procedures, they repeatedly lauded the system overall.
Former Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican, told committee members that Coloradans can be confident that their elections are free and fair, and instances of fraud that may have been successful are in the dozens, not hundreds of thousands.
The motions by Republicans — one to launch an audit of the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and another to direct the state auditor to research a potential performance audit — failed on tie votes of 4-4.
Sen. Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, told The Denver Post that while the meeting didn’t uncover massive voter fraud, every person’s vote should be protected. He added that he hopes the legislature can address some of the dozen or more recommendations from clerks for improvements related to ballot security and registration.
“This is the protection of our republic, the protection of every person, every Coloradan’s confidence that every vote is meaningful and counted, and as close to perfect as we can get it,” he said.
But Democrats called the meeting an abuse of the committee’s purpose, and Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada, said the evidence doesn’t support a fishing expedition into the Secretary of State’s Office.
“I think legislators lifting up conspiracy theorists for political gain hurts all of us,” added Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Denver Broncos to wear Color Rush uniforms against Buffalo Bills in Week 15

The Denver Broncos are bringing back the classic Broncos “ D ” logo for Saturday ’ s home game .
@ @ @ @ @ over the Panthers on Sunday , Denver has its sights set on the Buffalo Bills @ @ @ @ @ ( 5-8 ) looks to ride Drew Lock and Co. to an upset win over @ @ @ @ @ .
One thing is guaranteed , the Broncos will look stunning in their Color Rush @ @ @ @ @ the update on Twitter Tuesday night .

Color Rush uniforms have returned!
The Denver Broncos are bringing back the classic Broncos “D” logo for Saturday’s home game.
Following the Broncos’ win over the Panthers on Sunday, Denver has its sights set on the Buffalo Bills in Week 15.
Denver (5-8) looks to ride Drew Lock and Co. to an upset win over the Bills (10-3). One thing is guaranteed, the Broncos will look stunning in their Color Rush uniforms.
The Broncos announced the update on Twitter Tuesday night.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--DU Pioneers hockey skates past Western Michigan Broncos, 3-2

Denver goaltender Corbin Kaczperski claimed a win in his DU hockey debut , as the Pioneers knocked off Western Michigan @ @ @ @ @ in Omaha , Neb.
, on Tuesday .
Denver scored a pair of goals in @ @ @ @ @ a 2-1 lead , with Cole Guttman tapping in a power play goal on the @ @ @ @ @ of the game and defenseman Kyle Mayhew netting a chip-shot score .
After a scoreless @ @ @ @ @ Pios kill three power plays , Western Michigan ’ s Pal Washe scored on a @ @ @ @ @ third to even the score .
The tie didn ’ t last long , however @ @ @ @ @ Olischefski scored within minutes .
Kaczperski kept the puck out of the net the rest @ @ @ @ @ the Pios ( 3-4-0 ) secure their third win in four games .
Denver returns @ @ @ @ @ Miami ( Ohio ) at 6:35 p.m .

Denver goaltender Corbin Kaczperski claimed a win in his DU hockey debut, as the Pioneers knocked off Western Michigan 3-2 inside the NCHC pod in Omaha, Neb., on Tuesday.
Denver scored a pair of goals in the first period to take a 2-1 lead, with Cole Guttman tapping in a power play goal on the Pios’ first power play of the game and defenseman Kyle Mayhew netting a chip-shot score.
After a scoreless second period that saw the Pios kill three power plays, Western Michigan’s Pal Washe scored on a breakaway 33 seconds into the third to even the score. The tie didn’t last long, however, as DU forward Kohen Olischefski scored within minutes. Kaczperski kept the puck out of the net the rest of the way to help the Pios (3-4-0) secure their third win in four games.
Denver returns to the ice Thursday against Miami (Ohio) at 6:35 p.m.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Mackenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, donates $20 million to the Mile High United Way

MacKenzie Scott has donated $ 20 million to Mile High United Way , the largest single donation in the nonprofit ’ s 133-year history .
Scott , the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos , announced Tuesday that she ’ s “ donated more than $ 4.1 billion over the past four months to nearly 400 organizations helping fulfill basic needs for many Americans struggling in the pandemic , ” according to Forbes .
Scott ’ s contribution to Mile High United Way will be “ transformational , according to a news release , “ serving Colorado children and families in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mile High United Way was the first United Way worldwide , the release said .
“ We are humbled and beyond grateful to Ms. Scott for this transformational gift , and the strong belief in the power of our work that it demonstrates , ” Christine Benero , president and CEO of Mile High United Way , said in the release .
“ This gift is a testament to our community — staff , board , donors , volunteers and partners — for all that has been done collectively to position Mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recognition.
” Scott , an award-winning writer , billionaire and philanthropist , divorced Bezos in 2019 .
The couple were married in 1993 .
Scott received a reported $ 38 billion divorce settlement .

MacKenzie Scott has donated $20 million to Mile High United Way, the largest single donation in the nonprofit’s 133-year history.
Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, announced Tuesday that she’s “donated more than $4.1 billion over the past four months to nearly 400 organizations helping fulfill basic needs for many Americans struggling in the pandemic,” according to Forbes.
Scott’s contribution to Mile High United Way will be “transformational, according to a news release, “serving Colorado children and families in the seven-county metro Denver area.”
When founded, Mile High United Way was the first United Way worldwide, the release said.
“We are humbled and beyond grateful to Ms. Scott for this transformational gift, and the strong belief in the power of our work that it demonstrates,” Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way, said in the release. “This gift is a testament to our community — staff, board, donors, volunteers and partners — for all that has been done collectively to position Mile High United Way for this significant gift and recognition.”
Scott, an award-winning writer, billionaire and philanthropist, divorced Bezos in 2019. The couple were married in 1993. Scott received a reported $38 billion divorce settlement.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Pueblo County deploys refrigerated truck to store bodies as COVID-19 deaths increase statewide

The Pueblo County Coroner ’ s Office said Tuesday that it has set up a mobile morgue in a semitrailer to store extra bodies as COVID-19 deaths continue to climb across Colorado .
The use of the refrigerated truck comes just a day after hope reverberated throughout the state with the arrival of the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine , but reflects just how deadly the third wave of the pandemic has become .
Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter said the truck was activated Saturday and can store 40 bodies .
It ’ s the first time the coroner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morgue in the pandemic , he said .
“ We ’ re reaching critical capacity in morgue spaces in the county right now , ” Cotter said , adding , “ There ’ s an overall increase in deaths .
I wouldn ’ t want to speculate why that is.
” Pueblo County has one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in Colorado , recording 141 fatalities per 100,000 people .
After going most of the year with fewer than 12 coronavirus-related deaths per month , Pueblo County has logged nearly 200 across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 death rate is 84.9 per 100,000 people , according to the state Department of Public Health and Environment .
Colorado ’ s health department has recorded more than 4,000 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began , most of which are directly due to the disease .
More than one in four of the state ’ s total deaths — or 999 fatalities — occurred within a three-week period ending on Dec. 6 .
The refrigerator truck will help health care providers , funeral homes and others in the county temporarily store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office .
“ It will be used for the short-term storage of recently deceased persons awaiting final arrangements , ” the Pueblo County Coroner ’ s Office said in a tweet .
The coroner could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday evening .

The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office said Tuesday that it has set up a mobile morgue in a semitrailer to store extra bodies as COVID-19 deaths continue to climb across Colorado.
The use of the refrigerated truck comes just a day after hope reverberated throughout the state with the arrival of the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, but reflects just how deadly the third wave of the pandemic has become.
Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter said the truck was activated Saturday and can store 40 bodies. It’s the first time the coroner’s office has used a mobile morgue in the pandemic, he said.
“We’re reaching critical capacity in morgue spaces in the county right now,” Cotter said, adding, “There’s an overall increase in deaths. I wouldn’t want to speculate why that is.”
Pueblo County has one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in Colorado, recording 141 fatalities per 100,000 people. After going most of the year with fewer than 12 coronavirus-related deaths per month, Pueblo County has logged nearly 200 across November and December.
In Denver, the COVID-19 death rate is 84.9 per 100,000 people, according to the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado’s health department has recorded more than 4,000 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began, most of which are directly due to the disease. More than one in four of the state’s total deaths — or 999 fatalities — occurred within a three-week period ending on Dec. 6.
The Pueblo County Coroner's Office has activated it's Deployable Morgue Unit. The unit is staged and operating in support of the Healthcare and Deathcare providers in the County. It will be used for the short-term storage of recently deceased persons awaiting final arrangements. pic.twitter.com/pL8L7ueTEy — Pueblo County Coroner (@CoronerPueblo) December 15, 2020
The refrigerator truck will help health care providers, funeral homes and others in the county temporarily store bodies, according to the coroner’s office.
“It will be used for the short-term storage of recently deceased persons awaiting final arrangements,” the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office said in a tweet.
The coroner could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday evening.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--CSU Rams coach Steve Addazio voices frustration over inability to find opponent: “We’re dying to pla

CSU Rams coach Steve Addazio voices frustration over inability to find opponent: “We’re dying to play”

Colorado State football coach Steve Addazio has a simple message for every college football team not scheduled to play this weekend : The Rams are ready for you .
“ We ’ re dying to play another game — anybody , anyplace , anytime , anywhere , ” Addazio told reporters during a Tuesday video news conference .
“ Those are the facts.
” Last weekend , CSU suffered its fourth game cancelation of the season — stemming from a Utah State player boycott unrelated to COVID-19 ) — erasing half of the Rams ’ eight-game season .
CSU athletic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searched the past several days from “ coast-to-coast ” to contact potential opponents , including the University of Colorado , but were unsuccessful in scheduling a game this weekend .
“ We talked to autonomous five schools , we talked to group-of-five schools , we talked to partners in the bowl space and the conference office , ” Parker said .
“ We ran down every lead we possibly could to come up with really no alternatives , no options for our team to continue its season.
” Addazio would not rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : “ I ’ ve learned not to shut the door on anything , ever.
” But the first-year coach is not holding practice this week .
CSU ’ s inability to schedule a game against CU was especially difficult for Addazio to accept .
Buffs linebacker Akil Jones told reporters on Tuesday that the team ’ s choice to not play a non-conference game was “ decided as a collective group ” — while CU sits idle as a potential fill-in for the Pac-12 championship game .
The Rocky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
“ I felt like we ’ ve had two matchup opportunities ( against CU ) , but I don ’ t walk in anybody else ’ s shoes , ” Addazio said .
“ I would have loved to have seen that kind of game .
We ’ re up the street .
There ’ s a lot of interest.
” Parker confirmed he reached out to CU athletic director Rick George to discuss the possibility of rescheduling the Rocky Mountain Showdown this weekend .
The Buffs declined .
“ Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the best interests of their student-athletes , ” Parker said .
“ I ’ m sure every program , including CU , has to factor in many things .
They are a program right now that has played enough games and had enough wins to be considered for postseason play .
In our case , an opportunity to play this week or sometime beyond would have been extremely meaningful , just for our program development , but they have that ( bowl ) opportunity .
We ’ re faced trying to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to line up and develop our program .
They know they have one more ( game ) .
“ It ’ s hard to assess how each school is going to react to different situations , but Rick and I consult each other a lot and have conversations that , hopefully , over time align with us being able to play , in not just football , but multiple sports.
” Addazio wasn ’ t all doom-and-gloom as the Rams ’ season is more than likely over .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build a championship culture .
But Addazio has also grown visibly frustrated by how the pandemic has shifted the priorities for many college football teams .
“ If I didn ’ t have two fake knees , I would try to go down to the YMCA and play pickup basketball games , ” Addazio said .
“ Play the game .
Stop worrying about who you ’ re playing and what ’ s the perception and ‘ What if we lose ?
’ This is what I hear a lot going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all strategic based .
I ’ m like , are you kidding me ?
How about the spirit of college football ?
Let ’ s go .
I ’ ll move on , but right now I ’ m a little irritated ( about ) our sport all around the country right now .
“ I don ’ t want to act like I ’ m not sympathetic .
I am .
I understand these are unbelievably hard times .
I ’ m not acting like that .
But , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you play .
If you can ’ t , you can ’ t .
But I ’ d love to play .
How about we leave it like that ?
”

Colorado State football coach Steve Addazio has a simple message for every college football team not scheduled to play this weekend: The Rams are ready for you.
“We’re dying to play another game — anybody, anyplace, anytime, anywhere,” Addazio told reporters during a Tuesday video news conference. “Those are the facts.”
Last weekend, CSU suffered its fourth game cancelation of the season — stemming from a Utah State player boycott unrelated to COVID-19) — erasing half of the Rams’ eight-game season. CSU athletic director Joe Parker said the program has searched the past several days from “coast-to-coast” to contact potential opponents, including the University of Colorado, but were unsuccessful in scheduling a game this weekend.
The Rams are 1-3.
“We talked to autonomous five schools, we talked to group-of-five schools, we talked to partners in the bowl space and the conference office,” Parker said. “We ran down every lead we possibly could to come up with really no alternatives, no options for our team to continue its season.”
Addazio would not rule out the possibility of playing again in 2020. He said: “I’ve learned not to shut the door on anything, ever.” But the first-year coach is not holding practice this week.
CSU’s inability to schedule a game against CU was especially difficult for Addazio to accept. Buffs linebacker Akil Jones told reporters on Tuesday that the team’s choice to not play a non-conference game was “decided as a collective group” — while CU sits idle as a potential fill-in for the Pac-12 championship game. The Rocky Mountain Showdown was also canceled earlier this season.
“I felt like we’ve had two matchup opportunities (against CU), but I don’t walk in anybody else’s shoes,” Addazio said. “I would have loved to have seen that kind of game. We’re up the street. There’s a lot of interest.”
Parker confirmed he reached out to CU athletic director Rick George to discuss the possibility of rescheduling the Rocky Mountain Showdown this weekend. The Buffs declined.
“Everyone has got to make decisions that are in the best interests of their student-athletes,” Parker said. “I’m sure every program, including CU, has to factor in many things. They are a program right now that has played enough games and had enough wins to be considered for postseason play. In our case, an opportunity to play this week or sometime beyond would have been extremely meaningful, just for our program development, but they have that (bowl) opportunity. We’re faced trying to find one more (game) just for a chance to line up and develop our program. They know they have one more (game).
“It’s hard to assess how each school is going to react to different situations, but Rick and I consult each other a lot and have conversations that, hopefully, over time align with us being able to play, in not just football, but multiple sports.”
Addazio wasn’t all doom-and-gloom as the Rams’ season is more than likely over. He said the program has “real foundational blocks” to build a championship culture. But Addazio has also grown visibly frustrated by how the pandemic has shifted the priorities for many college football teams.
“If I didn’t have two fake knees, I would try to go down to the YMCA and play pickup basketball games,” Addazio said. “Play the game. Stop worrying about who you’re playing and what’s the perception and ‘What if we lose?’ This is what I hear a lot going on in the country right now. It’s all strategic based. I’m like, are you kidding me? How about the spirit of college football? Let’s go. I’ll move on, but right now I’m a little irritated (about) our sport all around the country right now.
“I don’t want to act like I’m not sympathetic. I am. I understand these are unbelievably hard times. I’m not acting like that. But, you know, if you can play, you play. If you can’t, you can’t. But I’d love to play. How about we leave it like that?”


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Co-defendant in Lakewood robbery that ended in fatal car crash to appear in court

A co-defendant in a case involving a fatal crash as robbery suspects fled Lakewood police is scheduled to appear in Jefferson County District Court on Wednesday .
William Kenny Mays , 40 , has been charged with robbery , theft and menacing , according to the Jefferson County District Attorney ’ s Office .
His appearance Wednesday is for an advisement hearing .
Mays and co-defendants Donna Carol Smith , 50 , and Logan Jay Doutrich , 44 , on Dec. 4 were allegedly fleeing a robbery at an Ulta Beauty store when the vehicle , driven by Doutrich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Avery .
The crash happened at West First Avenue and Harland Street .
Avery died at the scene and the three suspects were taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot , the affidavit said .
Prior to the crash , Mays and Smith had entered the Ulta store , 498 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
, where the pair filled bags with bottles of perfumes and dashed to a waiting Mitsubishi Galant , with Doutrich behind the wheel , according to an arrest affidavit .
Mays and Smith allegedly threatened staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The pair is suspected of twice robbing the same store , in the same fashion , once on Aug. 23 and again on Sept. 6 .
Employees told investigators they recognized the couple .
Just under $ 8,000 in perfume was robbed during the two earlier incidents .
Smith , according to the affidavit , yelled at employees that she would “ shoot ” them if they attempted to intervene .
Mays kept one hand in a pocket as if he was armed with a gun or knife .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mitsubishi was pulling away from the store .
Officers were advised that the suspect where possibly “ armed , ” the affidavit said .
Police pursued the car eastbound on West Alameda Avenue at 72 mph , according to the affidavit , and the pursuit was quickly called off because of the high speed .
The escape vehicle crashed a short time later .
Smith , like Mays , has been charged with robbery , theft and menacing .
Doutrich has been charged with vehicular homicide reckless driving , vehicular eluding with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doutrich have a preliminary hearing scheduled on Jan. 7 .

A co-defendant in a case involving a fatal crash as robbery suspects fled Lakewood police is scheduled to appear in Jefferson County District Court on Wednesday.
William Kenny Mays, 40, has been charged with robbery, theft and menacing, according to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. His appearance Wednesday is for an advisement hearing.
Mays and co-defendants Donna Carol Smith, 50, and Logan Jay Doutrich, 44, on Dec. 4 were allegedly fleeing a robbery at an Ulta Beauty store when the vehicle, driven by Doutrich, crashed into a Honda, killing 74-year-old Christopher Avery.
The crash happened at West First Avenue and Harland Street. Avery died at the scene and the three suspects were taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot, the affidavit said.
Prior to the crash, Mays and Smith had entered the Ulta store, 498 S. Wadsworth Blvd., where the pair filled bags with bottles of perfumes and dashed to a waiting Mitsubishi Galant, with Doutrich behind the wheel, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mays and Smith allegedly threatened staff and shoppers in the store, the affidavit said. The pair is suspected of twice robbing the same store, in the same fashion, once on Aug. 23 and again on Sept. 6. Employees told investigators they recognized the couple. Just under $8,000 in perfume was robbed during the two earlier incidents.
Smith, according to the affidavit, yelled at employees that she would “shoot” them if they attempted to intervene. Mays kept one hand in a pocket as if he was armed with a gun or knife.
During the December robbery, Lakewood police arrived as the Mitsubishi was pulling away from the store. Officers were advised that the suspect where possibly “armed,” the affidavit said.
Police pursued the car eastbound on West Alameda Avenue at 72 mph, according to the affidavit, and the pursuit was quickly called off because of the high speed. The escape vehicle crashed a short time later.
Smith, like Mays, has been charged with robbery, theft and menacing. Doutrich has been charged with vehicular homicide reckless driving, vehicular eluding with death, and theft. Smith and Doutrich have a preliminary hearing scheduled on Jan. 7.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Oklahoma City company selling oil, gas operations in North Park for $47 million

SandRidge Energy is selling its operations in Colorado ’ s North Park for $ 47 million to Gondola Resources .
The Oklahoma City company said in a statement Monday that the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021 .
SandRidge operates on 93,000 acres in the Niobrara formation in Jackson County in northern Colorado , according to its website .
More than 80 % of the minerals produced is oil .
SandRidge said its North Park Basin assets accounted for less than 10 % of its production during the quarter that ended Sept. 30 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was less than 10 % of its proved developed reserves at the end of last year .
Carl Giesler , SandRidge president and CEO , said in a statement that the transaction monetizes an asset that doesn ’ t fit with the company ’ s shift to a “ cash optimization-focused strategy.
” “ I think we ’ ll see a lot of this .
Companies are scaling back ” on capital spending , said Andrew Dittmar , senior mergers and acquisitions analyst for Enverus .
“ Everyone ’ s very clash-flow driven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think lot of companies are going to look to sell off whatever smaller pieces of their portfolio are still hanging in there , ” Dittmar added .
And Dittmar said he expects to see more private equity companies step in and acquire assets .
“ There ’ s not a lot of appetite in the public market to go out and make acquisitions right now.
” The sale of the North Park assets follow ’ s the company ’ s recent sale of its headquarters in Oklahoma City for $ 35 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s bankruptcy case , filed in 2016 , was closed in November .
The buyer , Gondola Resources , is based in Frisco , Texas , and is backed by Fulcrum Energy Capital Funds .

SandRidge Energy is selling its operations in Colorado’s North Park for $47 million to Gondola Resources.
The Oklahoma City company said in a statement Monday that the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. SandRidge operates on 93,000 acres in the Niobrara formation in Jackson County in northern Colorado, according to its website.
More than 80% of the minerals produced is oil.
SandRidge said its North Park Basin assets accounted for less than 10% of its production during the quarter that ended Sept. 30. The company said the area’s production was less than 10% of its proved developed reserves at the end of last year.
Carl Giesler, SandRidge president and CEO, said in a statement that the transaction monetizes an asset that doesn’t fit with the company’s shift to a “cash optimization-focused strategy.”
SandRidge didn’t return a request for comment Tuesday.
“I think we’ll see a lot of this. Companies are scaling back” on capital spending, said Andrew Dittmar, senior mergers and acquisitions analyst for Enverus. “Everyone’s very cash-flow driven and cash-flow-focused at the moment.”
“I think lot of companies are going to look to sell off whatever smaller pieces of their portfolio are still hanging in there,” Dittmar added.
And Dittmar said he expects to see more private equity companies step in and acquire assets. “There’s not a lot of appetite in the public market to go out and make acquisitions right now.”
The sale of the North Park assets follow’s the company’s recent sale of its headquarters in Oklahoma City for $35 million to the state of Oklahoma. The company’s bankruptcy case, filed in 2016, was closed in November.
The buyer is Denver-based Gondola Resources LLC.
Updated Jan. 11, 2020: The article has been corrected to show that Gondola Resources is a Colorado company.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--CU Buffs set to welcome 2021 recruiting class

During his elementary school years , Erik Olsen developed an appreciation for watching Pac-12 football , and the Colorado Buffaloes in particular .
“ All those schools were close to home and I felt like I could relate to those schools , especially CU , ” Olsen said .
“ CU was right there , so I went to a few of their games .
That ’ s where I really started to become a fan of CU.
” On Wednesday , Olsen will officially become a Colorado Buffalo .
Rated among the top tight end recruits in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign his national letter of intent on the first day of the three-day early signing period .
“ CU definitely enticed me because it had a great mix of everything I was looking for , ” Olsen said .
“ It ’ s a super fun and great coaching staff , especially ( tight ends coach Taylor ) Embree .
I was able to connect with him as soon as that first phone call came through , and ever since then , it ’ s been a great relationship .
“ Obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , some of the other schools I was looking at , they weren ’ t the best .
CU also has a great engineering department , which is what I ’ m going to be majoring in.
” CU ’ s highest-rated player in the 2021 class , according to 247Sports.com , Olsen is one of about 19 players expected to sign NLIs with the Buffs on Wednesday .
That will nearly fill the class , CU ’ s first with head coach Karl Dorrell .
Per NCAA rules , coaches are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until they sign , but Dorrell said , “ We feel our recruiting class for 2021 and the kids coming in this summer are outstanding .
We really do .
“ I believe we just created such a great class of guys that are going to be impact players that can help us right away , just like some of these freshmen came in and helped us this year .
To a man , I am very , very excited about this class.
” This has been a recruiting cycle filled with challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , the past nine months have been a recruiting “ dead period , ” meaning no in-person visits , evaluations or one-on-one time .
That dead period has been extended to April 15 , 2021 .
“ We spent a lot of time on them , a lot of Zoom meetings , ” Dorrell said .
“ Zoom home meetings with family , the kids , and just the parents .
We have done a number of Zoom communication with all of these recruits.
” Despite the challenges of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together a solid class , although one that lacks the star appeal of the 2020 class .
As of Tuesday , CU ’ s class ranked sixth in the Pac-12 and 51st nationally by Rivals.com .
At 247Sports.com , the Buffs ’ class ranked seventh in the Pac-12 and 56th nationally .
The Buffs ’ conference rankings are the same as the 2020 class , but the average player rating of 0.8416 at 247Sports.com is CU ’ s lowest since 2016 .
It is a class , however , that covers many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes in the roster as the Buffs look forward to the future .
“ They are going to give us more depth in certain areas , ” Dorrell said .
“ I have been preaching that all season , about trying to develop our depth and these guys are going to be part of that equation going into 2021.
” Olsen , in particular , helps the Buffs at a position that is important to the offense , but has been depleted by injuries this season .
Also , previous coaches didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Dorrell does in his offense and he ’ s trying to build the depth there .
“ It ’ s definitely been hard this year with ( starter Brady Russell ) out and not having a truly versatile tight end , ” Olsen said of watching the Buffs this year .
“ Definitely , the idea of me coming in there and being able to do lots of those things that they ’ ve been missing from their offense this year is extremely exciting.
” Olsen is rated as a top-25 tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of position , in the state .
He has 19 total scholarship offers , including eight in the Pac-12 .
At 6-foot-5 , 240 pounds , Olsen already has good size for a college tight end , and he ’ s eager to get to Boulder .
He is graduating from Heritage this month and will enroll at CU in January .
“ It ’ s so exciting to know that I ’ m about to start the next chapter in my life , ” he said .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is so cool to think about .
“ I need to get up there and start putting in the work and seeing myself progress in terms of strength and some of the facets of football that I need to work on .
I ’ m excited to get up there and start working on those.
” A look at the players committed to Colorado for the 2020 football recruiting cycle :

During his elementary school years, Erik Olsen developed an appreciation for watching Pac-12 football, and the Colorado Buffaloes in particular.
“All those schools were close to home and I felt like I could relate to those schools, especially CU,” Olsen said. “CU was right there, so I went to a few of their games. That’s where I really started to become a fan of CU.”
On Wednesday, Olsen will officially become a Colorado Buffalo. Rated among the top tight end recruits in the country, the Heritage High School star will sign his national letter of intent on the first day of the three-day early signing period.
“CU definitely enticed me because it had a great mix of everything I was looking for,” Olsen said. “It’s a super fun and great coaching staff, especially (tight ends coach Taylor) Embree. I was able to connect with him as soon as that first phone call came through, and ever since then, it’s been a great relationship.
“Obviously, CU has a great fan base, which, some of the other schools I was looking at, they weren’t the best. CU also has a great engineering department, which is what I’m going to be majoring in.”
CU’s highest-rated player in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports.com, Olsen is one of about 19 players expected to sign NLIs with the Buffs on Wednesday. That will nearly fill the class, CU’s first with head coach Karl Dorrell.
Per NCAA rules, coaches are not permitted to talk about specific recruits until they sign, but Dorrell said, “We feel our recruiting class for 2021 and the kids coming in this summer are outstanding. We really do.
“I believe we just created such a great class of guys that are going to be impact players that can help us right away, just like some of these freshmen came in and helped us this year. To a man, I am very, very excited about this class.”
This has been a recruiting cycle filled with challenges for coaches and players. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the past nine months have been a recruiting “dead period,” meaning no in-person visits, evaluations or one-on-one time. That dead period has been extended to April 15, 2021.
“We spent a lot of time on them, a lot of Zoom meetings,” Dorrell said. “Zoom home meetings with family, the kids, and just the parents. We have done a number of Zoom communication with all of these recruits.”
Despite the challenges of this recruiting cycle, the Buffs have put together a solid class, although one that lacks the star appeal of the 2020 class.
As of Tuesday, CU’s class ranked sixth in the Pac-12 and 51st nationally by Rivals.com. At 247Sports.com, the Buffs’ class ranked seventh in the Pac-12 and 56th nationally.
The Buffs’ conference rankings are the same as the 2020 class, but the average player rating of 0.8416 at 247Sports.com is CU’s lowest since 2016.
It is a class, however, that covers many of CU’s positional needs, filling holes in the roster as the Buffs look forward to the future.
“They are going to give us more depth in certain areas,” Dorrell said. “I have been preaching that all season, about trying to develop our depth and these guys are going to be part of that equation going into 2021.”
Olsen, in particular, helps the Buffs at a position that is important to the offense, but has been depleted by injuries this season. Also, previous coaches didn’t emphasize the tight end much, but Dorrell does in his offense and he’s trying to build the depth there.
“It’s definitely been hard this year with (starter Brady Russell) out and not having a truly versatile tight end,” Olsen said of watching the Buffs this year. “Definitely, the idea of me coming in there and being able to do lots of those things that they’ve been missing from their offense this year is extremely exciting.”
Olsen is rated as a top-25 tight end recruit nationally and a top-five player, regardless of position, in the state. He has 19 total scholarship offers, including eight in the Pac-12.
At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Olsen already has good size for a college tight end, and he’s eager to get to Boulder. He is graduating from Heritage this month and will enroll at CU in January.
“It’s so exciting to know that I’m about to start the next chapter in my life,” he said. “It’s really just right around the corner, which is so cool to think about.
“I need to get up there and start putting in the work and seeing myself progress in terms of strength and some of the facets of football that I need to work on. I’m excited to get up there and start working on those.”
Colorado’s 2021 class
A look at the players committed to Colorado for the 2020 football recruiting cycle:
High school players, hometown (high school)
OL Edgar Amaya, Russellville, Ala. (Russellville)
OL Jackson Anderson, Mineola, Tex. (Mineola)
DE Allan Baugh, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
K Cole Becker, Rocklin, Calif. (Rocklin)
QB Drew Carter, Portland, Ore. (Tigard)
P Ashton Logan, Orange, Calif. (Orange Lutheran)
ILB Zephaniah Maea, Henderson, Nev. (Liberty)
OLB Zion Magalei, Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler)
DT Tyas Martin, Jacksonville, Ark. (Jacksonville)
ATH Kaylin Moore, Westlake Village, Calif. (Oaks Christian)
TE Erik Olsen, Littleton (Heritage)
OLB T.J. Patu, La Habra, Calif. (La Habra)
WR Chase Penry, Englewood (Cherry Creek)
ATH Nikko Reed, Hayward, Calif. (Moreau Catholic)
ATH Ty Robinson, Aurora (Eaglecrest)
S Tyrin Taylor, Cornelius, N.C. (William Amos Hough)
DT Ryan Williams, Pearland, Tex. (Shadow Creek)
S Trevor Woods, Katy, Tex. (Taylor)
Junior college transfers
S Trustin Oliver, Council Bluffs, Iowa (Iowa Western C.C.)


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Gloria Gaynor to perform at Times Square New Year’s Eve

NEW YORK — The New Year ’ s Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance , honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem , “ I Will Survive , ” organizers said Tuesday .
They had announced previously that the annual event will be virtual this year , with no public audience as in other years , and aimed at broadcast viewers .
The broadcasts that usually set up shop in Times Square will be there , including “ Dick Clark ’ s New Year ’ s Rockin ’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance from Jennifer Lopez .
Other performers include Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter .
Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “ Heroes of 2020″ and designate a group of them as Special Guests , an annual tradition since the 1990s .
Tim Tompkins , president of the Times Square Alliance , said in a statement , “ This year , it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength , determination and poise .
”

NEW YORK — The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance, honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem, “I Will Survive,” organizers said Tuesday.
They had announced previously that the annual event will be virtual this year, with no public audience as in other years, and aimed at broadcast viewers.
The broadcasts that usually set up shop in Times Square will be there, including “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021,” which will have a performance from Jennifer Lopez. Other performers include Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter.
Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “Heroes of 2020″ and designate a group of them as Special Guests, an annual tradition since the 1990s.
Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement, “This year, it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength, determination and poise.”