thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Bridge was their passion, then people started to die: the story of the Colorado Springs Bridge Cente

Bridge was their passion, then people started to die: the story of the Colorado Springs Bridge Center

DENVER — It had already been a grim day .
The governor of Colorado had just announced the state ’ s first coronavirus death , an 83-year-old woman , when public health investigators discovered where she had spent some of her final days : a bridge club .
Leon Kelly , the county coroner in Colorado Springs , felt his stomach drop .
“ It was full-throttle , worst-case scenario , ” he said .
For decades , the Colorado Springs Bridge Center had been a social hub for retirees immersed in the world of trumps , tricks and cutthroat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoons inside their clubhouse overlooking Pikes Peak , snacking on popcorn and celery sticks and showing off photos of their grandchildren while playing hand after hand .
Now , the club had become a new breeding ground for a virus that has carved through family funerals , church gatherings , nursing homes and choir practices across the country , striking groups of older , vulnerable people with cruel efficiency .
That evening on March 13 , Kelly hurriedly called an aunt and asked her : Tell me everything you can about bridge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards do they touch ?
He could already picture the virus spreading as players moved from table to table , passing cards from hand to hand , seeding an invisible course of infection .
Four of the bridge center ’ s members are now dead , and at least 25 others have spent the past month fighting symptoms of the virus .
The clubhouse is empty .
And as members pass their quarantines playing online bridge and sharing updates about who is recovering and who is still in the hospital , some worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together will never feel safe again .
“ Bridge is a very social game , ” said Jeff Rapp , a player who knew the first victim .
“ We speak to each other .
We like to have snacks when we play .
There are so many things connected with duplicate bridge that are now dangerous.
” In duplicate bridge , partners sit across from each other at a four-person table , and the cards are tucked into plastic trays that circulate from table to table .
The game is infinitely complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make a smart bid , and play the best hand you can with the cards you are dealt .
Bridge was a passion for some .
For others , it was a good excuse to get out of the house , keep their minds sharp and connect with friends and neighbors over a $ 5 game .
“ What are the senior citizens going to do for activities ?
” said John Dukellis , who helped coordinate games .
“ It ’ s cheaper than a movie .
It ’ s their social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It hit us blindsided.
” The club ’ s members had barbecues and lunch at one another ’ s homes and ran educational classes to interest young people in bridge ( a tough sell ) .
They posted celebratory photos on their Facebook page when Wayne became a bronze-level life master or when Chris and Susan “ really brought it ” one afternoon .
Members said the coronavirus still seemed like a faraway threat at the end of February , when they got together for some pairs games and a “ 299er @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a five-day stretch .
Some were worried enough about the grim news coming out of the Pacific Northwest that they decided to skip the tournament .
As they sat down at the blue-topped card tables , people in a Seattle-area nursing home were being rushed to a hospital with fevers and coughs , and the nation ’ s death count from the coronavirus , still in the single digits , was ticking up .
Colorado would not announce its first coronavirus cases until March 5 , and like most states , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings or ordering people to stay home .
Rapp , 65 , who ran some of the games , dug around in the clubhouse closet and set out hand sanitizer .
About 150 people showed up to play during those five days from Feb. 27 to March 3 .
During one hand , a woman shielded her face with cards when an opponent sighed heavily .
“ We were aware of coronavirus cases popping up , ” Rapp said .
“ The people who wanted to play came to play.
” The virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Springs say they believe that the 83-year-old woman was the first to bring the virus into the bridge club .
She had not traveled recently , and officials said they did not know how she contracted it .
Club members described her as a beginner player who had recently started attending more games because she was excited about playing in the upcoming 299er tournament .
Her friends and partners said she was excited to play , but public health officials said she began feeling sick as the tournament went on .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minor symptoms like we ’ ve all done before , ” said Kelly , the coroner , who was also drafted to become deputy medical director for the El Paso County ’ s public health agency as the outbreak erupted .
“ This lady is just one more victim in the chain of events .
Not the cause.
” She died in a hospital March 13 , and her coronavirus test came back positive a couple of hours later .
Some of her family was already getting sick .
Public health officials raced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking around infected .
The club provided a list of 100 bridge players , and the county set up a hotline for people who suspected they had been exposed .
The circle kept growing .
One bridge player had gone to a choir practice : Add another 150 names to the list .
The county ’ s four-person epidemiology staff got so swamped that it drafted coroner ’ s investigators to start calling .
Pete Coggeshall , 80 , was one name on the list .
He sat beside the 83-year-old woman March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel a strange cold coming on .
Coca-Cola , which he loved , tasted strange .
He avoided the common communion cup during Sunday services at the Rock of Ages Lutheran Church , and then felt worse after he got home .
He ended up in a hospital for three days .
“ It was like somebody hit me with a brick , ” he said .
Coggeshall and other members have puzzled over how the infection circulated through the games — the plastic boards holding the cards ?
An invisible mist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocked with supermarket cold cuts ?
— but they said there was no way of knowing for sure .
The club started its own list .
A group that was meticulous about tallying scores and the “ master points ” that players earned over a lifetime now had other wins and losses to chart .
They tracked who was waiting on a coronavirus test .
Who was on a ventilator .
Who was fading .
Critical but stable condition , some improvements , still in ICU .
All day in ER .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age , what day it was , etc .
Profoundly weak , needs help eating .
Has lost 20 pounds .
The updates for a 67-year-old player simply said : The players ’ death notices make no mention of the virus , obliquely citing a “ sudden illness ” and noting that memorials and funerals would be sometime in the future .
Their families declined to talk , saying that their loved ones were private people or that the grief was still too raw .
Other players are starting to heal .
Dave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was rushed to the intensive care unit at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs after he began struggling to breathe at home , where he lives alone , often playing bridge online for hours after getting home from the club .
After two weeks in the hospital , he is off the ventilator and can talk again , with difficulty , Dave Luk said .
The club has been closed since news broke of the first death , and members say nobody knows when it may reopen .
Some are optimistic they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and play together .
Rapp , who helped run some games , is less certain .
“ It became ground zero , ” he said .
“ There ’ s no telling how long this is going to go on.
” For now , one task awaits .
Rapp said he planned to collect the cards and burn them .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

DENVER — It had already been a grim day. The governor of Colorado had just announced the state’s first coronavirus death, an 83-year-old woman, when public health investigators discovered where she had spent some of her final days: a bridge club.
Leon Kelly, the county coroner in Colorado Springs, felt his stomach drop. “It was full-throttle, worst-case scenario,” he said.
For decades, the Colorado Springs Bridge Center had been a social hub for retirees immersed in the world of trumps, tricks and cutthroat bidding strategies. The players would spend afternoons inside their clubhouse overlooking Pikes Peak, snacking on popcorn and celery sticks and showing off photos of their grandchildren while playing hand after hand.
Now, the club had become a new breeding ground for a virus that has carved through family funerals, church gatherings, nursing homes and choir practices across the country, striking groups of older, vulnerable people with cruel efficiency.
That evening on March 13, Kelly hurriedly called an aunt and asked her: Tell me everything you can about bridge. How do players sit? How many cards do they touch? He could already picture the virus spreading as players moved from table to table, passing cards from hand to hand, seeding an invisible course of infection.
Four of the bridge center’s members are now dead, and at least 25 others have spent the past month fighting symptoms of the virus. The clubhouse is empty. And as members pass their quarantines playing online bridge and sharing updates about who is recovering and who is still in the hospital, some worry that the simple ritual of playing cards together will never feel safe again.
“Bridge is a very social game,” said Jeff Rapp, a player who knew the first victim. “We speak to each other. We like to have snacks when we play. There are so many things connected with duplicate bridge that are now dangerous.”
In duplicate bridge, partners sit across from each other at a four-person table, and the cards are tucked into plastic trays that circulate from table to table. The game is infinitely complex, but the goal is simple: Make a smart bid, and play the best hand you can with the cards you are dealt.
Bridge was a passion for some. For others, it was a good excuse to get out of the house, keep their minds sharp and connect with friends and neighbors over a $5 game.
“What are the senior citizens going to do for activities?” said John Dukellis, who helped coordinate games. “It’s cheaper than a movie. It’s their social group. It’s their lives. It hit us blindsided.”
The club’s members had barbecues and lunch at one another’s homes and ran educational classes to interest young people in bridge (a tough sell). They posted celebratory photos on their Facebook page when Wayne became a bronze-level life master or when Chris and Susan “really brought it” one afternoon.
Members said the coronavirus still seemed like a faraway threat at the end of February, when they got together for some pairs games and a “299er” tournament for beginner and intermediate players over a five-day stretch.
Some were worried enough about the grim news coming out of the Pacific Northwest that they decided to skip the tournament. As they sat down at the blue-topped card tables, people in a Seattle-area nursing home were being rushed to a hospital with fevers and coughs, and the nation’s death count from the coronavirus, still in the single digits, was ticking up.
Colorado would not announce its first coronavirus cases until March 5, and like most states, it was not yet restricting businesses or social gatherings or ordering people to stay home. Rapp, 65, who ran some of the games, dug around in the clubhouse closet and set out hand sanitizer.
About 150 people showed up to play during those five days from Feb. 27 to March 3. During one hand, a woman shielded her face with cards when an opponent sighed heavily.
“We were aware of coronavirus cases popping up,” Rapp said. “The people who wanted to play came to play.”
The virus came too.
Public health officials in Colorado Springs say they believe that the 83-year-old woman was the first to bring the virus into the bridge club. She had not traveled recently, and officials said they did not know how she contracted it.
Club members described her as a beginner player who had recently started attending more games because she was excited about playing in the upcoming 299er tournament. Her friends and partners said she was excited to play, but public health officials said she began feeling sick as the tournament went on.
“She was just living her life with minor symptoms like we’ve all done before,” said Kelly, the coroner, who was also drafted to become deputy medical director for the El Paso County’s public health agency as the outbreak erupted. “This lady is just one more victim in the chain of events. Not the cause.”
She died in a hospital March 13, and her coronavirus test came back positive a couple of hours later. Some of her family was already getting sick.
Public health officials raced to figure out who else might be walking around infected. The club provided a list of 100 bridge players, and the county set up a hotline for people who suspected they had been exposed.
The circle kept growing. One bridge player had gone to a choir practice: Add another 150 names to the list. The county’s four-person epidemiology staff got so swamped that it drafted coroner’s investigators to start calling.
Pete Coggeshall, 80, was one name on the list. He sat beside the 83-year-old woman March 3. Days later, he started to feel a strange cold coming on. Coca-Cola, which he loved, tasted strange. He avoided the common communion cup during Sunday services at the Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, and then felt worse after he got home. He ended up in a hospital for three days. “It was like somebody hit me with a brick,” he said. Coggeshall and other members have puzzled over how the infection circulated through the games — the plastic boards holding the cards? An invisible mist in the air? The snack table stocked with supermarket cold cuts? — but they said there was no way of knowing for sure.
The club started its own list. A group that was meticulous about tallying scores and the “master points” that players earned over a lifetime now had other wins and losses to chart. They tracked who was waiting on a coronavirus test. Who was on a ventilator. Who was fading.
Critical but stable condition, some improvements, still in ICU.
All day in ER. Not lucid, couldn’t answer her age, what day it was, etc.
Profoundly weak, needs help eating. Has lost 20 pounds.
The updates for a 67-year-old player simply said:
March 15 In hospital
March 19 Died
March 25 Obituary in Gazette.
The players’ death notices make no mention of the virus, obliquely citing a “sudden illness” and noting that memorials and funerals would be sometime in the future. Their families declined to talk, saying that their loved ones were private people or that the grief was still too raw.
Other players are starting to heal. Dave Luk said his 80-year-old father, Joe, was rushed to the intensive care unit at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs after he began struggling to breathe at home, where he lives alone, often playing bridge online for hours after getting home from the club. After two weeks in the hospital, he is off the ventilator and can talk again, with difficulty, Dave Luk said.
The club has been closed since news broke of the first death, and members say nobody knows when it may reopen. Some are optimistic they will be able to reunite and grieve their friends and play together. Rapp, who helped run some games, is less certain.
“It became ground zero,” he said. “There’s no telling how long this is going to go on.”
For now, one task awaits. Rapp said he planned to collect the cards and burn them.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Law firm offers free advice for workers as Colorado economy slowly reopens

As workplaces around Colorado slowly reopen or prepare to do so , workers are contemplating questions around their safety , unemployment claims and more .
Seattle-based Lawfirm HKM Employment Attorneys last month launched pro bono hotlines and email accounts to answer employment law questions from workers in each of the 13 cities in which it has an office , including Denver .
Here are some of the top questions HKM has been fielding from workers in Colorado lately , according to the firm ’ s managing partner , Daniel Kalish .
My workplace is reopening .
Do I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no and lose my job , can I still qualify for unemployment ?
“ If your employer has reopened , they need workers and they invite you back , there a possibility absolutely that they could fire you if you refuse and you could lose your rights to unemployment , ” Kalish said Wednesday .
At Gov .
Jared Polis ’ s direction , the state labor department crafted emergency rules allowing people who are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus to remain on unemployment even if their workplace reopens .
Even without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases like diabetes are disabilities and employees have the right to request a “ reasonable accommodation ” from their employer such as a work-from-home arrangement , Kalish said .
The case law around workers who left jobs because someone they live with is vulnerable to illness is more complicated , Kalish said .
My employer has received a Paycheck Protection Program loan and is calling me back to work .
Can I stay on unemployment ?
“ Again , I would be very cautious for an employee not to go back to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kalish said .
He said employees who believe their employer may be trying to cheat the PPP loan program by bringing back workers they don ’ t need could contact the U.S. Small Business Administration with their concerns but that carries its own set of risks .
I am back at work and people in my workplace are not adhering to health guidelines .
What can I do about it ?
Workers have limited options for dealing with this , according to HKM ’ s analysis .
“ One thing they could do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kalish said .
“ In very severe circumstances , it could be an issue to report to ( the Occupational Saftey and Health Administration ) .
” HKM has a list of frequently asked questions available on its Denver-specific coronavirus website , hkm.com/denver/coronavirus .
To ask the firm a specific question , call 303-816-3164 or email denvercoronavirus @ hkm.com .

As workplaces around Colorado slowly reopen or prepare to do so, workers are contemplating questions around their safety, unemployment claims and more.
Seattle-based Lawfirm HKM Employment Attorneys last month launched pro bono hotlines and email accounts to answer employment law questions from workers in each of the 13 cities in which it has an office, including Denver.
Here are some of the top questions HKM has been fielding from workers in Colorado lately, according to the firm’s managing partner, Daniel Kalish.
My workplace is reopening. Do I have to go to work? If I say no and lose my job, can I still qualify for unemployment?
“If your employer has reopened, they need workers and they invite you back, there a possibility absolutely that they could fire you if you refuse and you could lose your rights to unemployment,” Kalish said Wednesday.
At Gov. Jared Polis’s direction, the state labor department crafted emergency rules allowing people who are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus to remain on unemployment even if their workplace reopens.
Even without the new rules, compromised immune systems and diseases like diabetes are disabilities and employees have the right to request a “reasonable accommodation” from their employer such as a work-from-home arrangement, Kalish said.
The case law around workers who left jobs because someone they live with is vulnerable to illness is more complicated, Kalish said.
My employer has received a Paycheck Protection Program loan and is calling me back to work. Can I stay on unemployment?
“Again, I would be very cautious for an employee not to go back to a job they are eligible for,” Kalish said.
He said employees who believe their employer may be trying to cheat the PPP loan program by bringing back workers they don’t need could contact the U.S. Small Business Administration with their concerns but that carries its own set of risks.
I am back at work and people in my workplace are not adhering to health guidelines. What can I do about it?
Workers have limited options for dealing with this, according to HKM’s analysis.
“One thing they could do is talk to their employers,” Kalish said. “In very severe circumstances, it could be an issue to report to (the Occupational Saftey and Health Administration).”
HKM has a list of frequently asked questions available on its Denver-specific coronavirus website, hkm.com/denver/coronavirus. To ask the firm a specific question, call 303-816-3164 or email denvercoronavirus@hkm.com.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Colorado’s greatest athlete bracket — recapping Final Four, previewing Championship round

And then there were two .
After five rounds of head-to-head battles , The Denver Post ’ s greatest Colorado athlete bracket challenge is down to a pair of Colorado legends — Broncos quarterback John Elway and Avalanche forward Joe Sakic .
The Final Four concluded Wednesday with a couple of fan favorites going down .
Below is a look at the championship round and a look back at the Final Four results : • 3 .
Joe Sakic ( 66.61 % ) def .
1 .
Nolan Arenado ( 33.39 % ) Super Joe does it again , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glove winner in Rockies ’ Nolan Arenado .
• 1 .
John Elway ( 76.26 % ) def .
1 .
Chauncey Billups ( 23.74 % ) The battle of the No .
1 contenders proves that Denver is a football town as Elway ran past the King of Park Hill .
• 1 .
John Elway vs. 3 .
Joe Sakic Elway and Sakic are considered legends in Denver and both have brought championships to the Mile High City , but who will win our championship bracket ?
Fans will determine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship round ends at noon May 6 .
Tap here to vote .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

And then there were two.
After five rounds of head-to-head battles, The Denver Post’s greatest Colorado athlete bracket challenge is down to a pair of Colorado legends — Broncos quarterback John Elway and Avalanche forward Joe Sakic.
The Final Four concluded Wednesday with a couple of fan favorites going down. Below is a look at the championship round and a look back at the Final Four results:
3. Joe Sakic (66.61%) def. 1. Nolan Arenado ( 33.39%)
Super Joe does it again, this time Sakic takes down a six-time Gold Glove winner in Rockies’ Nolan Arenado.
Super Joe does it again, this time Sakic takes down a six-time Gold Glove winner in Rockies’ Nolan Arenado. 1. John Elway (76.26%) def. 1. Chauncey Billups (23.74%)
The battle of the No. 1 contenders proves that Denver is a football town as Elway ran past the King of Park Hill.
Championship round preview
1. John Elway vs. 3. Joe Sakic
Elway and Sakic are considered legends in Denver and both have brought championships to the Mile High City, but who will win our championship bracket? Fans will determine the winner once and for all.
The Championship round ends at noon May 6. Tap here to vote.
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
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thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Who’s the greatest Colorado athlete of all-time? Vote in the Championship round of our bracket.

It is title time as we have reached the championship round of our bracket challenge in determining who is the @ @ @ @ @ .
Through five rounds we have had a number of upsets and had to say @ @ @ @ @ , championship winners , olympians and fan favorites .
The finals features two of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ who both helped bring multiple titles to Denver .
No .
1 ranked John Elway @ @ @ @ @ Joe Sakic in the final round .
That ’ s right , the “ Duke @ @ @ @ @ against “ Super Joe ” for all the marbles .
Make sure to vote and @ @ @ @ @ .
Leave us a comment below telling us why you voted the way you did @ @ @ @ @ voting ends at noon May 6 .
Results will be unveiled Thursday .

It is title time as we have reached the championship round of our bracket challenge in determining who is the greatest Colorado athlete of all-time.
Through five rounds we have had a number of upsets and had to say goodbye to hall of famers, championship winners, olympians and fan favorites. The finals features two of Colorado’s best and athletes who both helped bring multiple titles to Denver.
No. 1 ranked John Elway takes on No. 3 Joe Sakic in the final round. That’s right, the “Duke of Denver” is going against “Super Joe” for all the marbles. Make sure to vote and share with friends and family. Leave us a comment below telling us why you voted the way you did.
The Championship round of voting ended at noon May 6. Results will be unveiled Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Colorado new oil and gas permits plunge by 96% in April from a year earlier

Colorado will delay hearings on a major revamp of its oil and gas regulations by several weeks , even as concerns mount about how much of the state ’ s petroleum industry will be left to regulate .
Some environmental groups are sounding the alarm about the damage that could result if oil and gas producers go under in large numbers because of severe financial pressures .
“ We have serious concerns that the failing market could cause an increase in distressed operators in Colorado and other associated issues , including impacts to workers and everyday Coloradans losing their jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sierra Club , the Western Colorado Alliance and the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans sent the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission on Tuesday .
Other issues include increased flaring and venting of natural gas , abandoned infrastructure , orphaned wells , and noncompliance with existing rules designed to protect public health , safety and the environment .
“ All of these issues come with associated human health and environmental impacts , ” the groups warned .
Falling demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a glut of supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Saudi Arabia and Russia only exacerbated .
Domestic oil prices have collapsed , from above $ 60 a barrel at the start of last year to under $ 15 , bringing the state ’ s already struggling petroleum industry to its knees .
Colorado producers sought only 21 permits to drill new wells this month .
A year ago in April , they submitted 522 .
Producers withdrew 33 permits , more than they submitted .
The number of rigs actively drilling in the state has fallen from 22 at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , according to Baker-Hughes , and layoffs in the industry are widespread .
Storage facilities are rapidly filling up , which could force producers to shut-in their wells or face having to pay someone to take on what they produce .
More producers and service firms are expected to seek bankruptcy protection or fold up , resulting in a surge of orphaned wells .
While oil companies must apply to drill a well , they don ’ t have to inform the state when they are shutting one down , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her “ stymied.
” “ There should be a form or report or something of shut-in wells so we can track issues with wells that aren ’ t properly shut-in , ” she protested .
“ There are a myriad of issues.
” State regulators started a technical study or white paper on Monday to look at the ramifications of more well shut-ins .
They will be in a position to answer specific questions at a May 11 meeting , said Jeff Robbins , director of the COGCC .
“ That is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big of a concern are orphan wells becoming ?
” he said .
“ At this point , I don ’ t see it as a big concern .
We will keep our eyes on it If it becomes an issue , and we will certainly address it.
” Last year , the Colorado legislature passed SB 19-181 , which required a major revamp of oil and gas regulations in the state and a redefinition of the mission of the COGCC from primarily promoting oil and gas production to protecting public health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers , have worked on the rule changes .
But just as they were getting to redefining the COGCC ’ s core mission , the COVID-19 outbreak delayed public meetings .
The heavy lifting will now fall to a professional committee with seven paid members that takes over July 1 , per state statute .
Robbins said his goal is to hold public hearings from Aug. 24 to Sept. 10 , provided the rules are loosened enough to allow that .
But the rule changes have a passionate following .
More than 240 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted on Zoom .
A virtual meeting complicates the exchange of opinions and arguments , but the COGCC is ready to conduct virtual hearings if it doesn ’ t have any other alternatives .
Lynn Granger , executive director of the API Colorado , an industry group , thanked Robbins and the commission for delaying the hearings so more of the public could participate .
“ These are challenging days for our community , but we stand ready to work collaboratively and in good faith with all parties and stakeholders at the appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said the state ’ s petroleum industry would continue to emphasize compliance even as it faced unprecedented financial challenges .
“ We and our members will continue to work diligently with state agencies to ensure that any actions taken prioritize public health , safety and the environment , ” she said .
Robbins expects the final rules will be ready by Nov. 1 , ahead of the election .
One goal of that deadline is to head off ballot measures that will be addressed in the new rules .
He also expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to see the rulemaking all the way through .
“ I am disappointed this is the recommendation that I feel is the right recommendation at this point , ” he said .

Colorado will delay hearings on a major revamp of its oil and gas regulations by several weeks, even as concerns mount about how much of the state’s petroleum industry will be left to regulate.
Some environmental groups are sounding the alarm about the damage that could result if oil and gas producers go under in large numbers because of severe financial pressures.
“We have serious concerns that the failing market could cause an increase in distressed operators in Colorado and other associated issues, including impacts to workers and everyday Coloradans losing their jobs,” Conservation Colorado, the Colorado Sierra Club, the Western Colorado Alliance and the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans sent the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission on Tuesday.
Other issues include increased flaring and venting of natural gas, abandoned infrastructure, orphaned wells, and noncompliance with existing rules designed to protect public health, safety and the environment.
“All of these issues come with associated human health and environmental impacts,” the groups warned.
Falling demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a glut of supply, which a price war last month between Saudi Arabia and Russia only exacerbated. Domestic oil prices have collapsed, from above $60 a barrel at the start of last year to under $15, bringing the state’s already struggling petroleum industry to its knees.
Colorado producers sought only 21 permits to drill new wells this month. A year ago in April, they submitted 522. Producers withdrew 33 permits, more than they submitted. The number of rigs actively drilling in the state has fallen from 22 at the start of the year to 15 as of last week, according to Baker-Hughes, and layoffs in the industry are widespread.
Storage facilities are rapidly filling up, which could force producers to shut-in their wells or face having to pay someone to take on what they produce. More producers and service firms are expected to seek bankruptcy protection or fold up, resulting in a surge of orphaned wells.
While oil companies must apply to drill a well, they don’t have to inform the state when they are shutting one down, something COGCC commissioner Brenda Haun said Thursday left her “stymied.”
“There should be a form or report or something of shut-in wells so we can track issues with wells that aren’t properly shut-in,” she protested. “There are a myriad of issues.”
State regulators started a technical study or white paper on Monday to look at the ramifications of more well shut-ins. They will be in a position to answer specific questions at a May 11 meeting, said Jeff Robbins, director of the COGCC.
“That is something we will be working on: How big of a concern are orphan wells becoming?” he said. “At this point, I don’t see it as a big concern. We will keep our eyes on it If it becomes an issue, and we will certainly address it.”
Last year, the Colorado legislature passed SB 19-181, which required a major revamp of oil and gas regulations in the state and a redefinition of the mission of the COGCC from primarily promoting oil and gas production to protecting public health and the environment.
Nine commissioners, mostly volunteers, have worked on the rule changes. But just as they were getting to redefining the COGCC’s core mission, the COVID-19 outbreak delayed public meetings. The heavy lifting will now fall to a professional committee with seven paid members that takes over July 1, per state statute.
Robbins said his goal is to hold public hearings from Aug. 24 to Sept. 10, provided the rules are loosened enough to allow that. But the rule changes have a passionate following. More than 240 participants were on Thursday’s hearing conducted on Zoom.
A virtual meeting complicates the exchange of opinions and arguments, but the COGCC is ready to conduct virtual hearings if it doesn’t have any other alternatives.
Lynn Granger, executive director of the API Colorado, an industry group, thanked Robbins and the commission for delaying the hearings so more of the public could participate.
“These are challenging days for our community, but we stand ready to work collaboratively and in good faith with all parties and stakeholders at the appropriate time,” she said.
She also said the state’s petroleum industry would continue to emphasize compliance even as it faced unprecedented financial challenges.
“We and our members will continue to work diligently with state agencies to ensure that any actions taken prioritize public health, safety and the environment,” she said.
Robbins expects the final rules will be ready by Nov. 1, ahead of the election. One goal of that deadline is to head off ballot measures that will be addressed in the new rules. He also expressed remorse that the commissioners wouldn’t get to see the rulemaking all the way through.
“I am disappointed this is the recommendation that I feel is the right recommendation at this point,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Ask Amy: Mom doesn’t like gifts from “the other woman”

Dear Amy : I am recently divorced .
My ex-husband and I share custody of our 8-year-old daughter .
As we were working out the conditions of our divorce , my ex was cultivating a “ friendship ” with “ Cindy , ” the wife of our workout trainer .
At the time , he and I were still intimate sometimes , and the divorce was looking like it would be amicable .
Cindy was seeing him regularly .
She furnished his new apartment and bought him a new wardrobe .
It was weird , but I didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day he told me he had made out with Cindy , and that he was afraid that he might end up having sex with her .
I asked if Cindy ’ s husband knew , and my ex said no .
I was really upset .
I didn ’ t want her husband to get cheated on , and so I told him .
I wasn ’ t very tactful .
Cindy told him that she was just a friend , and that I am blaming her for our divorce .
Her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the doubt.
” I was disgusted .
Now , I only interact with my ex regarding our daughter .
Recently , Cindy has been offering to babysit our daughter when my ex picks up work during his custody times .
She has also taken to buying gifts for her .
I haven ’ t reacted when my daughter told me who is buying her these things .
It is really getting to me though .
I can ’ t fathom why Cindy is doing this , other than to overcompensate for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Dear Momma : This episode might be teaching you some important lessons about divorce : You should not sleep with your ex while you are in the process of “ working out the details.
” Continued sexual intimacy does not lead to an amicable divorce – it keeps you involved with one another at a time when you should be learning how to detach from one another .
The second lesson is harder : Your now ex-husband has the right to cultivate other relationships , and unless you two agreed to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during custody , you are both free to do so .
You seem to know “ Cindy ” quite well .
You tried to derail the relationship with your ex by reporting it to her husband , but that didn ’ t work out for you .
It rankles to see another woman grow close to your child .
But – if these interactions are positive and benign – then you will have to learn to tolerate them .
If you suspect that these interactions are not benign , then you should contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your daughter qualifies as “ benign.
” ) Do not discourage your daughter from developing a friendship with Cindy .
The last thing you want to do is to encourage her to keep her experiences while with her father a secret , for fear of how you might react .
Dear Amy : My husband and I have been married for over 50 years .
We were young , and I guess didn ’ t really know each other .
We have little in common .
I don ’ t have any feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about anything for me when I ’ m ill. We don ’ t argue .
But we don ’ t agree on where to go and what to do on trips .
He ’ d rather walk around while I want to be more active — sailing , hiking , skiing , and traveling the world .
At times I ’ ve thought of leaving , but I can ’ t afford to live on my own .
We went to counseling many years ago , but he wasn ’ t into it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than working things out .
I ’ m not totally unhappy , just very sad .
I feel as if my life is wasted .
Any suggestions for navigating this long-term relationship with my husband ?
Dear Stuck : At the risk of echoing your long-ago counselor , I suggest that the long-term relationship you really need to work on is the one you have with yourself .
You can lead a fulfilling life , even with an unfulfilling marriage .
Concentrate now on becoming the person you ’ ve always wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Overworked ” was a hardworking mom who confronted a household mess at the end of her workday .
The mother said : “ The sink is full of snacking dishes.
” Your advice : “ .
.
.
they have until 5 p.m. to lie in their own filth.
” They might be lazy , or irresponsible , or returning to childhood to be taken care of .
.
.
but they are not pigs .
Dear Upset : I think a few parents would beg to differ .

Dear Amy: I am recently divorced. My ex-husband and I share custody of our 8-year-old daughter.
As we were working out the conditions of our divorce, my ex was cultivating a “friendship” with “Cindy,” the wife of our workout trainer. At the time, he and I were still intimate sometimes, and the divorce was looking like it would be amicable.
Cindy was seeing him regularly. She furnished his new apartment and bought him a new wardrobe. It was weird, but I didn’t think too much of it.
One day he told me he had made out with Cindy, and that he was afraid that he might end up having sex with her. I asked if Cindy’s husband knew, and my ex said no.
I was really upset. I didn’t want her husband to get cheated on, and so I told him. I wasn’t very tactful. Cindy told him that she was just a friend, and that I am blaming her for our divorce. Her husband decided to give everyone the “benefit of the doubt.”
I was disgusted. Now, I only interact with my ex regarding our daughter.
Recently, Cindy has been offering to babysit our daughter when my ex picks up work during his custody times. She has also taken to buying gifts for her.
I haven’t reacted when my daughter told me who is buying her these things. It is really getting to me though. I can’t fathom why Cindy is doing this, other than to overcompensate for her behavior.
How should I handle this?
— Unsweetened Momma
Dear Momma: This episode might be teaching you some important lessons about divorce: You should not sleep with your ex while you are in the process of “working out the details.” Continued sexual intimacy does not lead to an amicable divorce – it keeps you involved with one another at a time when you should be learning how to detach from one another.
The second lesson is harder: Your now ex-husband has the right to cultivate other relationships, and unless you two agreed to a limit on friends interacting with your daughter during custody, you are both free to do so.
You seem to know “Cindy” quite well. You tried to derail the relationship with your ex by reporting it to her husband, but that didn’t work out for you.
It rankles to see another woman grow close to your child. But – if these interactions are positive and benign – then you will have to learn to tolerate them. If you suspect that these interactions are not benign, then you should contact your lawyer. (Giving gifts to your daughter qualifies as “benign.”)
Do not discourage your daughter from developing a friendship with Cindy. The last thing you want to do is to encourage her to keep her experiences while with her father a secret, for fear of how you might react.
Dear Amy: My husband and I have been married for over 50 years. We were young, and I guess didn’t really know each other.
We have little in common. I don’t have any feelings toward him.
He will do just about anything for me when I’m ill. We don’t argue. But we don’t agree on where to go and what to do on trips. He’d rather walk around while I want to be more active — sailing, hiking, skiing, and traveling the world.
At times I’ve thought of leaving, but I can’t afford to live on my own. We went to counseling many years ago, but he wasn’t into it and the counselor focused on my leaving rather than working things out.
I’m not totally unhappy, just very sad. I feel as if my life is wasted. Any suggestions for navigating this long-term relationship with my husband?
— Stuck
Dear Stuck: At the risk of echoing your long-ago counselor, I suggest that the long-term relationship you really need to work on is the one you have with yourself. You can lead a fulfilling life, even with an unfulfilling marriage. Concentrate now on becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Dear Amy: “Overworked” was a hardworking mom who confronted a household mess at the end of her workday.
The mother said: “The sink is full of snacking dishes.”
Your advice: “. . . they have until 5 p.m. to lie in their own filth.”
They might be lazy, or irresponsible, or returning to childhood to be taken care of . . . but they are not pigs.
— Upset
Dear Upset: I think a few parents would beg to differ.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--CU Buffs football position overview: Defensive backs

As true freshmen last fall , Tarik Luckett , Mark Perry and KJ Trujillo went into Colorado ’ s football season preparing to redshirt .
Luckett , in fact , was expected to not only redshirt , but to spend his days at practice running routes as a receiver .
All three wound up becoming important pieces to the Buffaloes ’ secondary .
The spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 has created stay-at-home orders around the country and uncertainty about the 2020 football season , but CU continues to prepare and BuffZone is previewing each position group for the Buffs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defensive backs .
Season-ending injuries to cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon and Chris Miller and the mid-season departure of safety Aaron Maddox forced the true freshmen into action last season .
They went through growing pains , but also had plenty of good moments .
“ I think that will benefit us a lot , just being able to get early experience and we ’ ve still got plenty of time here at Colorado , ” Trujillo said after last season .
“ So through our next few years , we ’ ll definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at corner last season , while Luckett made two starts late in the year .
Perry played as a reserve in the nickel/Star role and made his impact felt during the second half of the season .
When the Buffs return to the field , they ’ ll have not only the experienced youngsters , who are now sophomores , but the return of their veterans , as Blackmon and Miller should be healthy .
“ With Chris and Mekhi coming back , I think we ’ re going to have a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They help us out a lot .
So we ’ re going to have a strong , solid secondary , I believe.
” How the secondary puzzle comes together is a mystery , however .
At cornerback , the Buffs have Blackmon and Miller as experienced veterans , as well as Trujillo as a returning starter .
Trujillo , who didn ’ t play the first three games last season , is now the Buffs ’ most experienced corner and he got better as the season went along .
Miller has shown great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but injuries have limited him to four starts and only 308 snaps played in his career .
If healthy , he could be the Buffs ’ best corner .
Blackmon , a junior college transfer in 2018 , has started five games over the last two years and has played well as a nickel corner .
Luckett and Dylan Thomas , who both came to CU as receivers , moved to corner last year and should compete for playing time .
Nigel Bethel will also join the mix .
After transferring from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to practice , but not play .
Now , he ’ s eligible and gives the Buffs another quality option at corner .
DJ Oats , who redshirted last year , will hope to compete , as well , and true freshman Christian Gonzalez was a four-star recruit who could start out at corner .
At safety , the Buffs return starter Derrion Rakestraw .
The lone senior in the secondary group , Rakestraw has been a receiver and corner at CU , but has settled in at safety and seized the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackles and three interceptions .
Aside from Rakestraw , however , Perry ( 196 snaps last season ) and junior Isaiah Lewis ( 29 career snaps ) are the only safeties with experience at CU .
Perry is sure to be on the field if healthy .
He figures to be a front-runner for the Star role ( a safety/linebacker hybrid ) , but he can play safety , as well .
Lewis has experience in the program and that will help his quest for a starting job , but he ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Striker was listed as a cornerback when he signed , but at 6-foot-3 , 195 pounds , he could find himself playing safety .
The 6-foot-3 Luckett and 6-foot-2 Thomas could wind up at safety , too , as could Gonzalez .
True freshman Toren Pittman is projected as a safety and , while he could need some time to develop , last year proved that he might need to be ready for action .
As the Buffs look ahead to next season , they have more overall depth in the secondary than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting for spots on the depth chart .
Fiuring out the best combination of players will be one of defensive coordinator Tyson Summers ’ main tasks .
Here ’ s an initial look at the projected defensive backs for the 2020 season : Sophomores : Nigel Bethel Jr. , 6-0 , 170 ( sat out 2019 season after transfer ) ; Tarik Luckett , 6-3 , 190 ( 2 starts , 161 snaps , 8 tackles ) ; Mark Perry , 6-0 , 200 ( 1 start , 196 snaps , 12 tackles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss , 3 pass breakups ) ; Jaylen Striker , 6-3 , 195 ( junior college transfer ) ; Dylan Thomas , 6-2 , 185 ( 7 snaps , 1 tackle ) ; KJ Trujillo , 6-0 , 165 ( 7 starts , 438 snaps , 21 tackles , 6 pass breakups , 1 interception ) ; Dustin Johnson , 6-1 , 185 ( walk-on ; injured in 2019 ) ; Anthony Lyle , 6-1 , 185 ( walk-on ) ; Ryan Travis , 6-0 , 200 ( walk-on ) .

As true freshmen last fall, Tarik Luckett, Mark Perry and KJ Trujillo went into Colorado’s football season preparing to redshirt.
Luckett, in fact, was expected to not only redshirt, but to spend his days at practice running routes as a receiver.
All three wound up becoming important pieces to the Buffaloes’ secondary.
The spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 has created stay-at-home orders around the country and uncertainty about the 2020 football season, but CU continues to prepare and BuffZone is previewing each position group for the Buffs. In this installment, we look at the defensive backs.
Season-ending injuries to cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon and Chris Miller and the mid-season departure of safety Aaron Maddox forced the true freshmen into action last season. They went through growing pains, but also had plenty of good moments.
“I think that will benefit us a lot, just being able to get early experience and we’ve still got plenty of time here at Colorado,” Trujillo said after last season. “So through our next few years, we’ll definitely be prepared.”
Trujillo started seven games at corner last season, while Luckett made two starts late in the year. Perry played as a reserve in the nickel/Star role and made his impact felt during the second half of the season.
When the Buffs return to the field, they’ll have not only the experienced youngsters, who are now sophomores, but the return of their veterans, as Blackmon and Miller should be healthy.
“With Chris and Mekhi coming back, I think we’re going to have a good secondary,” Trujillo said. “They help us out a lot. So we’re going to have a strong, solid secondary, I believe.”
How the secondary puzzle comes together is a mystery, however.
At cornerback, the Buffs have Blackmon and Miller as experienced veterans, as well as Trujillo as a returning starter. Trujillo, who didn’t play the first three games last season, is now the Buffs’ most experienced corner and he got better as the season went along.
Miller has shown great potential during his three years at CU, but injuries have limited him to four starts and only 308 snaps played in his career. If healthy, he could be the Buffs’ best corner.
Blackmon, a junior college transfer in 2018, has started five games over the last two years and has played well as a nickel corner.
Luckett and Dylan Thomas, who both came to CU as receivers, moved to corner last year and should compete for playing time.
Nigel Bethel will also join the mix. After transferring from Miami last year, he was able to practice, but not play. Now, he’s eligible and gives the Buffs another quality option at corner.
DJ Oats, who redshirted last year, will hope to compete, as well, and true freshman Christian Gonzalez was a four-star recruit who could start out at corner.
At safety, the Buffs return starter Derrion Rakestraw. The lone senior in the secondary group, Rakestraw has been a receiver and corner at CU, but has settled in at safety and seized the starting role last year and racked up 38 tackles and three interceptions.
Aside from Rakestraw, however, Perry (196 snaps last season) and junior Isaiah Lewis (29 career snaps) are the only safeties with experience at CU.
Perry is sure to be on the field if healthy. He figures to be a front-runner for the Star role (a safety/linebacker hybrid), but he can play safety, as well.
Lewis has experience in the program and that will help his quest for a starting job, but he’ll have competition. Junior college transfer Jaylen Striker was listed as a cornerback when he signed, but at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, he could find himself playing safety. The 6-foot-3 Luckett and 6-foot-2 Thomas could wind up at safety, too, as could Gonzalez.
True freshman Toren Pittman is projected as a safety and, while he could need some time to develop, last year proved that he might need to be ready for action.
As the Buffs look ahead to next season, they have more overall depth in the secondary than a year ago and several talented players fighting for spots on the depth chart. Fiuring out the best combination of players will be one of defensive coordinator Tyson Summers’ main tasks.
Here’s an initial look at the projected defensive backs for the 2020 season:
Position: Defensive backs
Seniors (2019 statistics): Derrion Rakestraw, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds (9 starts; 601 snaps played, 38 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups).
Juniors: Mekhi Blackmon, 6-0, 165 (2 starts, 199 snaps, 9 tackles, 1 sack); Isaiah Lewis, 6-2, 200 (22 snaps, 4 tackles); Chris Miller, 6-0, 190 (2 starts, 168 snaps, 10 tackles, 1 interception); Curtis Appleton, 6-1, 180 (walk-on; 4 games played on special teams).
Sophomores: Nigel Bethel Jr., 6-0, 170 (sat out 2019 season after transfer); Tarik Luckett, 6-3, 190 (2 starts, 161 snaps, 8 tackles); Mark Perry, 6-0, 200 (1 start, 196 snaps, 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups); Jaylen Striker, 6-3, 195 (junior college transfer); Dylan Thomas, 6-2, 185 (7 snaps, 1 tackle); KJ Trujillo, 6-0, 165 (7 starts, 438 snaps, 21 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 interception); Dustin Johnson, 6-1, 185 (walk-on; injured in 2019); Anthony Lyle, 6-1, 185 (walk-on); Ryan Travis, 6-0, 200 (walk-on).
Redshirt freshmen: DJ Oats, 5-10, 180.
True freshmen: Christian Gonzalez, 6-1, 195; Toren Pittman, 6-4, 190.
Players lost: Delrick Abrams Jr., 6-3, 185 (graduated; 11 starts, 722 snaps, 54 tackles, 7 pass breakups); Lucas Cooper, 5-10, 185 (graduated; 1 start, 52 snaps, 8 tackles); Uryan Hudson, 5-9, 160 (graduated; walk-on); Aaron Maddox, 6-1, 205 (transferred; 3 starts, 210 snaps, 23 tackles); Mikial Onu, 5-11, 205 (11 starts, 706 snaps, 67 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 4 interceptions); Trey Udoffia, 6-0, 200 (transferred; 7 games played on special teams).


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Pikes Peak now accepting cash, credit cards for entry fees

Pikes Peak will resume accepting cash and credit cards from visitors beginning Friday , but officials urge the purchase of online tickets as a continuing safety measure because of the ongoing pandemic .
“ To minimize interaction between visitors and ( the ) staff , a 20 % discount will be available to guests who purchase tickets online in May , ” according to a news release .
While Pikes Peak is open to visit , sections of the mountain — including the The Summit House , Glen Cove and all picnic areas — are closed through June 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines and wear masks in populated areas such as parking lots and restrooms .
Anyone who doesn ’ t feel well is asked visit at another time , when they ’ re feeling better .
The North Slope Recreation Area opens for fishing Friday .
To purchase tickets online visit the Pikes Peak website and use the code “ May20 ” to receive the discount .
Gateway hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. , and access is dependent on weather .
Call 719-385-7325 for the latest road conditions .
Ticket purchase refunds @ @ @ @

Pikes Peak will resume accepting cash and credit cards from visitors beginning Friday, but officials urge the purchase of online tickets as a continuing safety measure because of the ongoing pandemic.
“To minimize interaction between visitors and (the) staff, a 20% discount will be available to guests who purchase tickets online in May,” according to a news release.
While Pikes Peak is open to visit, sections of the mountain — including the The Summit House, Glen Cove and all picnic areas — are closed through June 1.
Visitors are urged to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks in populated areas such as parking lots and restrooms. Anyone who doesn’t feel well is asked visit at another time, when they’re feeling better. The North Slope Recreation Area opens for fishing Friday.
To purchase tickets online visit the Pikes Peak website and use the code “May20” to receive the discount. Gateway hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and access is dependent on weather. Call 719-385-7325 for the latest road conditions. Ticket purchase refunds are not available.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Rockies’ ticket policy includes individual refunds and 10% bonus plan for season-ticket holders

Get your money back now or wait for more baseball in the future .
That ’ s the essence of the ticket policy the Rockies unveiled Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has wiped out the first two months of the Major League Baseball season .
“ As we navigate through this unprecedented time , we appreciate your unwavering commitment and patience more than ever , ” the club wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders .
“ We have been working closely with Major League Baseball on a variety of contingency plans with the goal of playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Field this season.
” The Rockies have already lost 28 home games scheduled for April and May , and it remains to be seen if fans will be able to view any games at Coors this season .
But as of now , the club will issue refunds for single-game ticket holders , while season-ticket holders will receive automatic credit on future games , with a 10 % bonus to their account for 2020-21 use .
According to the “ frequently asked questions ” section at Rockies.com , single-game ticket holders who purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May games will automatically be refunded on the credit or debit card used to make that purchase .
Single-game ticket holders who purchased tickets via the Coors Field ticket office or Rockies Dugout Stores by cash or check , and all single-game ticket holders who purchased via King Soopers ( regardless of payment method ) , must return their tickets for a refund via mail to Coors Field , 2001 Blake St. , Denver , CO. 80205 .
Season-ticket holders — or those who purchased tickets through a mini-plan , a suite or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit for games not played .
They will also be given a 10 % bonus credit that will be added to any credits remaining on accounts once the 2020 schedule is finalized .
“ This bonus credit can be used towards additional tickets for any 2020 regular-season home game , or carried forward to the 2021 season ( e.g .
a $ 1,000 credit for games not played will turn into a $ 1,100 credit ) , ” the Rockies said in the letter to season-ticket holders .
That letter does not spell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season-ticket holders are eligible for refunds if they so desire .
Jim Noland , an original Rockies season-ticket holder , emailed the Rockies ’ ticket office and received this response : “ The Rockies are in fact currently offering a refund option to Plan Holders for either the full season or April/May games .
If you would like to request a refund , rather than the credit + 10 % bonus offer , please let us know and we can send you the refund request form to be completed.
” All major league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for games scheduled through April , while some , like the Rockies , have extended that period through May .
More refunds are likely to be needed as the likelihood of baseball being played in front of fans in June or even later this summer diminishes .
There is a chance that baseball will be played in empty stadiums this season or at sites other than teams ’ home ballparks .
While television revenue is critical for MLB , ticket sales and other local revenue comprise an estimated 40 % of baseball ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue , according to a Forbes report .
It ’ s not surprising , then , that a majority of club emails or online posts outlining their coronavirus postponement policies are highlighting the credit option .

Get your money back now or wait for more baseball in the future.
That’s the essence of the ticket policy the Rockies unveiled Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has wiped out the first two months of the Major League Baseball season.
“As we navigate through this unprecedented time, we appreciate your unwavering commitment and patience more than ever,” the club wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders. “We have been working closely with Major League Baseball on a variety of contingency plans with the goal of playing games, with fans, at Coors Field this season.”
The Rockies have already lost 28 home games scheduled for April and May, and it remains to be seen if fans will be able to view any games at Coors this season. But as of now, the club will issue refunds for single-game ticket holders, while season-ticket holders will receive automatic credit on future games, with a 10% bonus to their account for 2020-21 use.
According to the “frequently asked questions” section at Rockies.com, single-game ticket holders who purchased directly from the club for April and May games will automatically be refunded on the credit or debit card used to make that purchase.
Single-game ticket holders who purchased tickets via the Coors Field ticket office or Rockies Dugout Stores by cash or check, and all single-game ticket holders who purchased via King Soopers (regardless of payment method), must return their tickets for a refund via mail to Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver, CO. 80205.
Season-ticket holders — or those who purchased tickets through a mini-plan, a suite or as a group — will automatically receive credit for games not played. They will also be given a 10% bonus credit that will be added to any credits remaining on accounts once the 2020 schedule is finalized.
“This bonus credit can be used towards additional tickets for any 2020 regular-season home game, or carried forward to the 2021 season (e.g. a $1,000 credit for games not played will turn into a $1,100 credit),” the Rockies said in the letter to season-ticket holders.
That letter does not spell out an option for refunds, but season-ticket holders are eligible for refunds if they so desire.
Jim Noland, an original Rockies season-ticket holder, emailed the Rockies’ ticket office and received this response:
“The Rockies are in fact currently offering a refund option to Plan Holders for either the full season or April/May games. If you would like to request a refund, rather than the credit + 10% bonus offer, please let us know and we can send you the refund request form to be completed.”
All major league teams are offering credit or refund options for games scheduled through April, while some, like the Rockies, have extended that period through May. More refunds are likely to be needed as the likelihood of baseball being played in front of fans in June or even later this summer diminishes.
There is a chance that baseball will be played in empty stadiums this season or at sites other than teams’ home ballparks. While television revenue is critical for MLB, ticket sales and other local revenue comprise an estimated 40% of baseball’s estimated $10.7 billion in annual revenue, according to a Forbes report. It’s not surprising, then, that a majority of club emails or online posts outlining their coronavirus postponement policies are highlighting the credit option.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Nuggets and Avalanche charging 2020-21 season-ticket payments during pandemic

Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holders have continued to be charged for future seats — despite widespread economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic — with a lack of clear guidance provided by the Kroenke-owned sports teams .
Recently , Nuggets fans who opted into the 2020-21 season ticket program received a mixed message .
One example began : “ From the Denver Nuggets family to yours , we hope this email finds you in good health .
Your Denver Nuggets players and staff are all looking forward to a day very soon when the NBA can resume and we can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 47 , is a Centennial resident and Nuggets season-ticket holder of three years who received a similar email .
Stratton appreciated the thoughtful introduction .
But the next ( slightly redacted ) paragraph caught him off guard .
“ I ’ m reaching out to notify you that the second of XX installments in the amount of $ XXX will be automatically processed on April 1st of your 2020-21 Denver Nuggets season membership.
” “ I was like , ‘ Woah , hold on a second , ’ ” Stratton said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ re already talking about billing me for next year.
” When the coronavirus pandemic postponed major sports indefinitely , many teams across the NBA and NHL took proactive measures in early April to alert season-ticket holders of their options .
The Nashville Predators announced fans could “ choose to keep the lowest monthly payment possible ” or even delay the start “ until June 1 and move into an 11-month payment plan.
” The New York Knicks did not automatically begin 2020-21 season ticket plans for fans using its auto-renewal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make a renewal decision at a time when they have less uncertainty.
” The Avalanche and Nuggets , though , have not provided updated public guidance to their season-ticket holders since the pandemic began .
The Denver Post requested policy information this week — from the Nuggets , Avalanche and Kroenke Sports — regarding payment-plan options available for 2020-21 season ticket holders .
All three entities told The Post : “ No comment at this time.
” Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holders have been provided relief from monthly payments — but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several fans and the Kroenke ticket office , received and verified by The Post , shows the Avalanche and Nuggets are willing to defer payments for up to two months .
However , without official team policy publicly available , it is currently unknown how many season-ticket holders qualify for a similar exemption .
Chris Fuselier , the owner of Blake Street Tavern in LoDo , is a longtime Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holder .
Fuselier contacted his ticket representatives after receiving a payment-reminder email , and he was able to postpone his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teams were “ very accommodating ” with his request .
Then again , Fuselier considers himself lucky .
“ In a lot of cases , I forget to read their emails , ” Fuselier said .
“ Then , it ’ s like , ‘ Where did this charge come from ?
’ But in my case , it was a good experience .
”

Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holders have continued to be charged for future seats — despite widespread economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic — with a lack of clear guidance provided by the Kroenke-owned sports teams.
Recently, Nuggets fans who opted into the 2020-21 season ticket program received a mixed message.
One example began: “From the Denver Nuggets family to yours, we hope this email finds you in good health. Your Denver Nuggets players and staff are all looking forward to a day very soon when the NBA can resume and we can see you all in person.”
Kelly Stratton, 47, is a Centennial resident and Nuggets season-ticket holder of three years who received a similar email. Stratton appreciated the thoughtful introduction. But the next (slightly redacted) paragraph caught him off guard.
“I’m reaching out to notify you that the second of XX installments in the amount of $XXX will be automatically processed on April 1st of your 2020-21 Denver Nuggets season membership.”
“I was like, ‘Woah, hold on a second,’” Stratton said. “It’s really bad form that you’re already talking about billing me for next year.”
When the coronavirus pandemic postponed major sports indefinitely, many teams across the NBA and NHL took proactive measures in early April to alert season-ticket holders of their options.
The Nashville Predators announced fans could “choose to keep the lowest monthly payment possible” or even delay the start “until June 1 and move into an 11-month payment plan.” The New York Knicks did not automatically begin 2020-21 season ticket plans for fans using its auto-renewal system, so that “all members can make a renewal decision at a time when they have less uncertainty.”
The Avalanche and Nuggets, though, have not provided updated public guidance to their season-ticket holders since the pandemic began. The Denver Post requested policy information this week — from the Nuggets, Avalanche and Kroenke Sports — regarding payment-plan options available for 2020-21 season ticket holders.
All three entities told The Post: “No comment at this time.”
Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holders have been provided relief from monthly payments — but only upon specific request. Email correspondence between several fans and the Kroenke ticket office, received and verified by The Post, shows the Avalanche and Nuggets are willing to defer payments for up to two months. However, without official team policy publicly available, it is currently unknown how many season-ticket holders qualify for a similar exemption.
Chris Fuselier, the owner of Blake Street Tavern in LoDo, is a longtime Avalanche and Nuggets season-ticket holder. Fuselier contacted his ticket representatives after receiving a payment-reminder email, and he was able to postpone his plan for another month. Fuselier said the teams were “very accommodating” with his request.
Then again, Fuselier considers himself lucky.
“In a lot of cases, I forget to read their emails,” Fuselier said. “Then, it’s like, ‘Where did this charge come from?’ But in my case, it was a good experience.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Denver sweeps homeless camps despite CDC advice to leave them during pandemic

Denver officials cleared a large homeless encampment downtown Thursday morning contrary to Centers for Disease Control guidelines for handling the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The move comes as more than 200 people experiencing homelessness have tested positive for COVID-19 and at least two have died .
It also puts Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s administration further at odds with the homeless community and advocates who say the so-called cleanup breaks a promise city officials made to leave encampments untouched during the pandemic .
City officials said clearing the public right of way was necessary to protect public health as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In all , employees of Denver ’ s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure cleared and cleaned about 12 city blocks from 20th to 23rd streets between Welton and Curtis streets .
An estimated 95 tents lined those streets the day before with as many as 350 people living in them .
Some swore during the cleanup .
Others cried .
A few held banners saying “ Housing not sweeps.
” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control does not recommend clearing encampments during the pandemic unless “ individual housing units are available.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers , ” the CDC says online .
“ This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.
” Denver does not have enough individual rooms to house each of those that had been living in the encampment .
According to daily status reports from city officials , Denver had about 151 individual rooms available Wednesday night .
But many of them are reserved for those who are exhibiting symptoms or are recovering from the virus .
The CDC ’ s recommendations are not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Common sense and balance must be considered when interpreting any guidance , and our priority is to protect public and environmental health in Denver , ” she said .
That ’ s just an excuse , said Tristia Bauman , a senior attorney with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty .
Most of Denver ’ s general population remains under a stay-at-home order until May 8 and has minimal contact with the encampments , if any .
Pushing people out of the encampments needlessly uproots their lives and places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , she said .
Denver officials would be better served encouraging proper distancing within the encampments and providing dumpsters , showers and other cleaning facilities , she said .
“ It ’ s disgusting that the city of Denver would use a public health justification for sweeping people either to other public spaces or into less safe congregate settings… when all of the public health guidance has recommended opposite actions , ” Bauman said .
“ This is a matter of life and death , there ’ s no time for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she added .
The end result is that those living in the encampments are scattered and either forced to move to a different street or to a group shelter .
Space is tight in Denver ’ s shelters .
A recently opened shelter for men at the National Western Center ’ s Hall of Education added 600 beds but was overcrowded the first weekend it was open .
Vince Martinez said he won ’ t go to a shelter .
He fears for his safety in shelters after being attacked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martinez said Wednesday , he ’ ll just move a few blocks away .
The cleanups force everyone in the encampments from the area .
In the homeless community , and throughout much of the rest of town , they ’ re known as sweeps .
“ They say if you don ’ t go we ’ ll … destroy everything you got , ” Martinez said .
“ There ain ’ t nothing I can do about it .
It ’ s rough .
We just deal with it.
” As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus and two have died , Kuhn confirmed .
Days before the cleanup , Terese Howard of Denver Homeless Out Loud emailed city officials and reminded them that they committed to letting the encampments stay during the city ’ s state of emergency .
“ Unfortunately , since that time , we have seen certain encampments deteriorate substantially in public health and safety conditions , ” Strott said .
In addition to disregarding the CDC ’ s guidance on homeless camps , Bauman said , the city is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelters , such as that barriers be placed between sleeping spaces .
Kuhn didn ’ t respond to a question about whether barriers have been installed , but there weren ’ t any when the shelter opened in mid-April .
Multiple cities across the country have disavowed the cleanups , Bauman noted .
People in the encampments should be given the tools to keep the area and themselves clean , she said — otherwise the city is forcing them to places where they ’ re at higher risk of contracting the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go fend for themselves in some other location does not protect public health — in fact , it threatens public health , ” Bauman said .
“ It ’ s not charity .
These are important public health measures .
”

Denver officials cleared a large homeless encampment downtown Thursday morning contrary to Centers for Disease Control guidelines for handling the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes as more than 200 people experiencing homelessness have tested positive for COVID-19 and at least two have died. It also puts Mayor Michael Hancock’s administration further at odds with the homeless community and advocates who say the so-called cleanup breaks a promise city officials made to leave encampments untouched during the pandemic.
City officials said clearing the public right of way was necessary to protect public health as the camps grow larger during the ongoing pandemic.
In all, employees of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure cleared and cleaned about 12 city blocks from 20th to 23rd streets between Welton and Curtis streets. An estimated 95 tents lined those streets the day before with as many as 350 people living in them.
Some swore during the cleanup. Others cried. A few held banners saying “Housing not sweeps.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control does not recommend clearing encampments during the pandemic unless “individual housing units are available.”
“Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers,” the CDC says online. “This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”
Denver does not have enough individual rooms to house each of those that had been living in the encampment. According to daily status reports from city officials, Denver had about 151 individual rooms available Wednesday night. But many of them are reserved for those who are exhibiting symptoms or are recovering from the virus.
The CDC’s recommendations are not a mandate, said city spokesperson Nancy Kuhn.
“Common sense and balance must be considered when interpreting any guidance, and our priority is to protect public and environmental health in Denver,” she said.
That’s just an excuse, said Tristia Bauman, a senior attorney with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. Most of Denver’s general population remains under a stay-at-home order until May 8 and has minimal contact with the encampments, if any. Pushing people out of the encampments needlessly uproots their lives and places them further at risk of contracting the virus, she said.
Denver officials would be better served encouraging proper distancing within the encampments and providing dumpsters, showers and other cleaning facilities, she said.
“It’s disgusting that the city of Denver would use a public health justification for sweeping people either to other public spaces or into less safe congregate settings… when all of the public health guidance has recommended opposite actions,” Bauman said.
“This is a matter of life and death, there’s no time for political maneuvering or ignoring the best available science,” she added.
The end result is that those living in the encampments are scattered and either forced to move to a different street or to a group shelter.
Space is tight in Denver’s shelters. A recently opened shelter for men at the National Western Center’s Hall of Education added 600 beds but was overcrowded the first weekend it was open.
Vince Martinez said he won’t go to a shelter. He fears for his safety in shelters after being attacked in one, he said. Instead, Martinez said Wednesday, he’ll just move a few blocks away.
The cleanups force everyone in the encampments from the area. In the homeless community, and throughout much of the rest of town, they’re known as sweeps.
“They say if you don’t go we’ll … destroy everything you got,” Martinez said. “There ain’t nothing I can do about it. It’s rough. We just deal with it.”
As of Thursday, 203 people experiencing homelessness have tested positive for the virus and two have died, Kuhn confirmed.
Days before the cleanup, Terese Howard of Denver Homeless Out Loud emailed city officials and reminded them that they committed to letting the encampments stay during the city’s state of emergency.
City spokesperson Mike Strott confirmed that commitment.
“Unfortunately, since that time, we have seen certain encampments deteriorate substantially in public health and safety conditions,” Strott said.
In addition to disregarding the CDC’s guidance on homeless camps, Bauman said, the city is likely also falling short in its recommendation for shelters, such as that barriers be placed between sleeping spaces. Kuhn didn’t respond to a question about whether barriers have been installed, but there weren’t any when the shelter opened in mid-April.
Multiple cities across the country have disavowed the cleanups, Bauman noted. People in the encampments should be given the tools to keep the area and themselves clean, she said — otherwise the city is forcing them to places where they’re at higher risk of contracting the virus.
“Displacing them from where they are to go fend for themselves in some other location does not protect public health — in fact, it threatens public health,” Bauman said. “It’s not charity. These are important public health measures.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Keeler: Nick Saban on why he thought Broncos’ Jerry Jeudy might be first receiver taken in NFL draft

Honestly ?
Nick Saban didn ’ t expect Jerry Jeudy to still be sitting there at No .
15 , either .
“ I actually thought Jerry might be the first receiver picked in the draft , ” the venerated Alabama coach said Thursday in a Zoom interview .
“ We were happy to see our other guy , ( Henry ) Ruggs , picked as well .
They were both fine players.
” The first wideout selected in the 2020 NFL draft turned out to be Ruggs , Jeudy ’ s Alabama teammate , who got plucked by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay and San Francisco went with offensive tackle and defensive tackle at picks 13 and 14 , respectively , and the rest is history .
“ I tell our players all the time , ‘ It ’ s not about where you get drafted , ’ ” Saban said of Jeudy , the 2018 Biletnikoff Award-winner who was taken by Broncos GM John Elway with the 15th pick of the draft .
“ ’ It ’ s what you do with the opportunity that you get because you got drafted .
And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make you have a great career , so that ’ s what you need to focus on.
’ And I think Jerry will do that.
” Like a lot of pundits , Saban thinks Elway and the Broncos bagged a steal right out of the chute .
When he sees Jeudy , he sees a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur , an old protégé who worked for Saban as an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1995-97 .
He sees the second coming , at worst , of Keenan McCardell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young player , he had the unique ability to drop his weight and get out of a break , ” Saban said of the former Pro Bowl wideout and current Jaguars wide receiver coach , with whom he worked as a member of the Cleveland Browns ’ staff in the early ‘ 90s .
“ You win on the route in two areas : You win on the release , and if they ’ re playing press against you , you win coming out of the break .
And the players that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight , change direction and accelerate out of a break — you know , some of it ’ s God-given , some of it is learned .
But Jerry ( has ) a unique ability to do that extremely well.
” And do it at top speed .
The Crimson Tide coach , whose squads have played in seven of the past 11 national title games , winning five , likened a good receiving corps to a starting five in basketball .
And likened Jeudy to Jamal Murray .
“ You ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ 2 ’ guard , you got a swing forward , you got a power forward , ” Saban explained .
“ And I think a combination of those kind of guys really makes for a good receiver corps .
“ Jerry ’ s certainly going to be the point guard or the ‘ 2 ’ guard , because he can do a lot of things well : Run option routes , be a possession guy .
But he can also get on top of you if he needs to.
” Forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hard time picturing Jeudy even scraping the bugger .
“ I never saw Jerry ( have ) , I call it a hang-dog ( look ) , you know , and get frustrated and let that affect his performance , ” the coach noted .
“ And some people do that and then they disappear a little bit .
I never really saw that in him .
“ And you know , ( if ) he dropped a couple of balls ( last fall , he ’ d ) bounce right back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
Maybe I don ’ t have the experience of seeing him fail much .
But if he failed that much , y ’ all wouldn ’ t have picked him.
” Like the man said , it ’ s what you do with the opportunity .
Saban imagines Jeudy taking this one and running with it , full-tilt , all the way to daylight .

Honestly? Nick Saban didn’t expect Jerry Jeudy to still be sitting there at No. 15, either.
“I actually thought Jerry might be the first receiver picked in the draft,” the venerated Alabama coach said Thursday in a Zoom interview. “We were happy to see our other guy, (Henry) Ruggs, picked as well. They were both fine players.”
The first wideout selected in the 2020 NFL draft turned out to be Ruggs, Jeudy’s Alabama teammate, who got plucked by the Raiders at No. 12. Tampa Bay and San Francisco went with offensive tackle and defensive tackle at picks 13 and 14, respectively, and the rest is history.
“I tell our players all the time, ‘It’s not about where you get drafted,’” Saban said of Jeudy, the 2018 Biletnikoff Award-winner who was taken by Broncos GM John Elway with the 15th pick of the draft. “’It’s what you do with the opportunity that you get because you got drafted. And that’s what’s going to make you have a great career, so that’s what you need to focus on.’ And I think Jerry will do that.”
Like a lot of pundits, Saban thinks Elway and the Broncos bagged a steal right out of the chute. When he sees Jeudy, he sees a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, an old protégé who worked for Saban as an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1995-97. He sees the second coming, at worst, of Keenan McCardell.
“When (McCardell) was a young player, he had the unique ability to drop his weight and get out of a break,” Saban said of the former Pro Bowl wideout and current Jaguars wide receiver coach, with whom he worked as a member of the Cleveland Browns’ staff in the early ‘90s.
“You win on the route in two areas: You win on the release, and if they’re playing press against you, you win coming out of the break. And the players that have a unique ability to drop the weight, change direction and accelerate out of a break — you know, some of it’s God-given, some of it is learned. But Jerry (has) a unique ability to do that extremely well.”
And do it at top speed. The Crimson Tide coach, whose squads have played in seven of the past 11 national title games, winning five, likened a good receiving corps to a starting five in basketball. And likened Jeudy to Jamal Murray.
“You’ve got a point guard, you got a ‘2’ guard, you got a swing forward, you got a power forward,” Saban explained. “And I think a combination of those kind of guys really makes for a good receiver corps.
“Jerry’s certainly going to be the point guard or the ‘2’ guard, because he can do a lot of things well: Run option routes, be a possession guy. But he can also get on top of you if he needs to.”
Forget hitting the rookie wall. Saban has a hard time picturing Jeudy even scraping the bugger.
“I never saw Jerry (have), I call it a hang-dog (look), you know, and get frustrated and let that affect his performance,” the coach noted. “And some people do that and then they disappear a little bit. I never really saw that in him.
“And you know, (if) he dropped a couple of balls (last fall, he’d) bounce right back and make a big play the next play. Maybe I don’t have the experience of seeing him fail much. But if he failed that much, y’all wouldn’t have picked him.”
Like the man said, it’s what you do with the opportunity. Saban imagines Jeudy taking this one and running with it, full-tilt, all the way to daylight.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Bank robber dubbed the “Glamour Shot Bandit” pleads guilty in Denver court

A prolific bank robber , dubbed the “ Glamour Shot Bandit , ” pleaded guilty Thursday in Denver District Court to aggravated robbery .
Brianna Casias , 20 , wore flamboyant disguises to conceal her identity while she committed multiple robberies and attempted robberies , according to the Denver District Attorney ’ s Office .
She will be sentenced on May 18 .
During each robbery the bandit never spoke , but instead “ handed the bank teller a hand-written note demanding ” cash , a news release said .
The loss from the robberies was $ 16,861 .
Casias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggravated robbery , felony menacing , felony theft , five counts of robbery , two counts criminal attempt to commit robbery , and tampering with physical evidence .
She escalated a violent pattern eventually brandishing a hand gun and committing multiple robberies in one day , prosecutors said .
Dates of the 2019 robberies and banks victimized in the case were : • None May 8 : Bank of the West , 2050 S. Downing St. , Denver ( Attempt ) Casias used a variety of disguises , according an an arrest affidavit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sun glasses , sun hats , baseball caps and scarves .
The robber typically wore latex gloves and carried a shoulder bag or purse .
Two stolen vehicles , both older-model Honda Civic sedans , were used during at least four the robberies , the affidavit said .
A Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip on April 18 , 2019 led investigators to Casias as a suspect .
A second crime stoppers tip , identifying Casias , was received on April 23 , 2019 .
She had previously been arrested on suspicion of assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest and theft .

A prolific bank robber, dubbed the “Glamour Shot Bandit,” pleaded guilty Thursday in Denver District Court to aggravated robbery.
Brianna Casias, 20, wore flamboyant disguises to conceal her identity while she committed multiple robberies and attempted robberies, according to the Denver District Attorney’s Office. She will be sentenced on May 18.
During each robbery the bandit never spoke, but instead “handed the bank teller a hand-written note demanding” cash, a news release said. The loss from the robberies was $16,861.
Casias was charged in May of 2019 with aggravated robbery, felony menacing, felony theft, five counts of robbery, two counts criminal attempt to commit robbery, and tampering with physical evidence. She escalated a violent pattern eventually brandishing a hand gun and committing multiple robberies in one day, prosecutors said.
Dates of the 2019 robberies and banks victimized in the case were:
March 22: Vectra Bank, 3600 Quebec St., Denver
April 1: Key Bank, 6405 E. Hampden Ave., Denver
April 5: Key Bank, 3410 E. 1st Ave., Denver
April 9: Liberty Savings Bank, 6460 E. Yale Ave., Denver (Attempt)
April 9: First Bank, 8901 E. Hampden Ave., Denver
April 9: TCF Bank, 18520 Green Valley Ranch Blvd., Denver
May 8: Bank of the West, 2050 S. Downing St., Denver (Attempt)
May 8: TCF Bank, 2690 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton
Casias used a variety of disguises, according an an arrest affidavit in the case, including glasses, sun glasses, sun hats, baseball caps and scarves. The robber typically wore latex gloves and carried a shoulder bag or purse.
Two stolen vehicles, both older-model Honda Civic sedans, were used during at least four the robberies, the affidavit said.
A Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip on April 18, 2019 led investigators to Casias as a suspect. A second crime stoppers tip, identifying Casias, was received on April 23, 2019.
She had previously been arrested on suspicion of assault, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest and theft.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Avalanche signs 20-year-old Finnish goalie Justus Annunen

The Avalanche on Thursday signed impressive young goalie Justus Annunen to a three-year , entry-level contract .
Annunen , a @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s fourth goalie under contract for next season , along with NHLers Pavel @ @ @ @ @ minor-league regular Adam Werner .
The 6-foot-4 Annunen likely will compete with Werner for the @ @ @ @ @ the AHL ’ s Colorado Eagles next season .
Annunen is already a proven pro @ @ @ @ @ Karpat in Finland ’ s top professional league , ranking first in both save percentage @ @ @ @ @ average ( 1.77 ) .
He set the league record for longest shutout streak of @ @ @ @ @ , from Sept 21 to Oct. 23 .
Annunen was selected by Colorado 64th overall @ @ @ @ @ and starred for Finland at the recent World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic .
@ @ @ @ @ to upset Team USA 1-0 in the Jan. 2 quarterfinals .
Shortly before being drafted @ @ @ @ @ helped Finland capture the gold medal at the 2018 U18 World Championship .

The Avalanche on Thursday signed impressive young goalie Justus Annunen to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Annunen, a 20-year-old Finnish professional, is Colorado’s fourth goalie under contract for next season, along with NHLers Pavel Francouz and Philipp Grubauer and minor-league regular Adam Werner.
The 6-foot-4 Annunen likely will compete with Werner for the No. 1 job for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles next season.
Annunen is already a proven pro. He is 15-5-3 for Karpat in Finland’s top professional league, ranking first in both save percentage (.929) and goals-against average (1.77). He set the league record for longest shutout streak of 302 minutes, five seconds, from Sept 21 to Oct. 23.
Annunen was selected by Colorado 64th overall in the 2018 NHL draft and starred for Finland at the recent World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic. He had a 30-save shutout to upset Team USA 1-0 in the Jan. 2 quarterfinals.
Shortly before being drafted by the Avs, Annunen helped Finland capture the gold medal at the 2018 U18 World Championship.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Colorado tops 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, sees 777 deaths

There are now 15,284 lab-confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Colorado , and 777 people have died after contracting the virus , according to state data released Thursday .
About 756 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus , and 58 patients have been discharged or transferred to lower levels of care in the past 24 hours , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , which releases daily updates .
Officials believe the number of coronavirus cases in the state is several times higher than those confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been tested for the disease as of Thursday , according to the agency .
The state is working to ramp up its testing during the month of May , Gov .
Jared Polis said Wednesday .
Officials hope to go from testing between 2,000 and 3,000 people a day to testing between 5,000 and 10,000 per day as the state begins to reopen .
Polis on Monday began loosening restrictions as the state ’ s stay-at-home order expired , moving the state into a new phase of pandemic response dubbed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restrictions on travel and commerce do not apply in counties or cities with local stay-at-home orders , and is the case across much of the Front Range , including in Denver , as well as Pitkin , Broomfield , Jefferson , Adams , Arapahoe , Boulder and Gilpin counties .
Those areas have extended their orders into May , most until May 8 .

There are now 15,284 lab-confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Colorado, and 777 people have died after contracting the virus, according to state data released Thursday.
About 756 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and 58 patients have been discharged or transferred to lower levels of care in the past 24 hours, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which releases daily updates.
Officials believe the number of coronavirus cases in the state is several times higher than those confirmed by lab testing.
At least 72,390 people have been tested for the disease as of Thursday, according to the agency. The state is working to ramp up its testing during the month of May, Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday. Officials hope to go from testing between 2,000 and 3,000 people a day to testing between 5,000 and 10,000 per day as the state begins to reopen.
Polis on Monday began loosening restrictions as the state’s stay-at-home order expired, moving the state into a new phase of pandemic response dubbed, “Safer at home.”
The easing of restrictions on travel and commerce do not apply in counties or cities with local stay-at-home orders, and is the case across much of the Front Range, including in Denver, as well as Pitkin, Broomfield, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder and Gilpin counties. Those areas have extended their orders into May, most until May 8.