thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Once a cautionary case study, Tri-State is lauded in report as a standout example among utilities on

Once a cautionary case study, Tri-State is lauded in report as a standout example among utilities on renewables

An organization that once used Tri-State Generation and Transmission in a study to make the case against sticking with coal has a new report saying the utility ’ s plan to add more solar and wind is a standout among similar power providers .
The Rocky Mountain Institute , a research and consulting organization , says in a recently released report that Tri-State ’ s “ forward-thinking plan ” to close coal plants and a coal mine will save its member electric cooperatives more than $ 55 million a year .
What Tri-State calls its “ Responsible Energy Plan ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — of wind and solar projects across its four-state service territory .
The Westminster-based wholesale power supplier has a total of 43 member cooperatives in Colorado , New Mexico , Wyoming and Nebraska .
Mark Dyson , a principal at the Rocky Mountain Institute and a co-author on both reports , described Tri-State ’ s energy plan released early this year a “ fairly abrupt turnaround ” from its previous path .
“ Amid this wave of clean energy progress from cooperative utilities , Tri-State ’ s ( plan ) stands out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yearlong development that included guidance from the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University .
In the past few years , Tri-State has come under fire from some of its members and renewable energy advocates for being too heavily invested in coal .
Two members that negotiated buy-outs of their contracts said the desire to take advantage of the decreasing cost of wind and solar energy was one of the reasons they wanted out .
Brighton-based United Power , Tri-State ’ s largest member , and the La Plata Electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Utilities Commission to make Tri-State propose reasonable exit fees to them .
They ’ ve also complained about rates and said they want more flexibility to produce more of their own electricity rather than buy most of it from Tri-State .
A 2018 report by the Rocky Mountain Institute said Tri-State could save its member electric associations $ 600 million if it closed its coal plants and boosted the use of renewables .
Keeping coal plants open contributed to electric rates in the region that rose more than five times the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
The cost of wind and solar energy has kept dropping since 2018 when the first report was released .
Tri-State said in January that the bids it was getting for renewable energy were 85 % lower than those a decade earlier .
Pressure from members and new state policies on climate change and renewable energy in Colorado and New Mexico have contributed to utilities ’ move from coal , Dyson said .
“ I believe , however , the most important driver is economics , ” Dyson said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take action.
” Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said the average , combined cost of the 1,000 megawatts of wind and solar energy the utility will add is 1.7 cents per kilowatt hour .
“ That ’ s generally lower cost than anything else we can do , in terms of fossil fuel or anything.
” While Highley doesn ’ t think the utility ’ s transition to more renewables has been “ abrupt , ” he said it has been rapid .
“ But it ’ s one the board the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ From the time I started with them in April last year , they gave me clear direction that they wanted to move toward reliable , affordable and responsible energy.
” Ttri-State expects to get 50 % of its power from renewable energy by 2024 , up from the current 31 % .
It projects that by 2030 , the greenhouse-gas emissions produced by its Colorado facilities will drop by 90 % .
Tri-State will close the Escalante coal plant in northwest New Mexico by the end of this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Craig in 2025 and two more by the end of 2029 .
It will also close the ColoWyo mine in northwest Colorado .
Last year , Tri-State closed its Nucla coal plant in western Colorado .
It still has coal facilities in Arizona and Wyoming .
Highley said in addition to working with employees and the communities where the coal operations are located , Tri-State is also building new renewable energy projects in the areas to help create jobs and replace some of the lost property tax revenue .
The wind and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment , he said .
By 2024 , Tri-State expects its wind and solar installations to produce enough electricity to power roughly 850,000 homes .

An organization that once used Tri-State Generation and Transmission in a study to make the case against sticking with coal has a new report saying the utility’s plan to add more solar and wind is a standout among similar power providers.
The Rocky Mountain Institute, a research and consulting organization, says in a recently released report that Tri-State’s “forward-thinking plan” to close coal plants and a coal mine will save its member electric cooperatives more than $55 million a year.
What Tri-State calls its “Responsible Energy Plan” will add 1,000 megawatts — 1 gigawatt — of wind and solar projects across its four-state service territory. The Westminster-based wholesale power supplier has a total of 43 member cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska.
Mark Dyson, a principal at the Rocky Mountain Institute and a co-author on both reports, described Tri-State’s energy plan released early this year a “fairly abrupt turnaround” from its previous path.
“Amid this wave of clean energy progress from cooperative utilities, Tri-State’s (plan) stands out,” the report said, citing its yearlong development that included guidance from the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University.
In the past few years, Tri-State has come under fire from some of its members and renewable energy advocates for being too heavily invested in coal. Two members that negotiated buy-outs of their contracts said the desire to take advantage of the decreasing cost of wind and solar energy was one of the reasons they wanted out.
Brighton-based United Power, Tri-State’s largest member, and the La Plata Electric Association in Durango have asked the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to make Tri-State propose reasonable exit fees to them. They’ve also complained about rates and said they want more flexibility to produce more of their own electricity rather than buy most of it from Tri-State.
A 2018 report by the Rocky Mountain Institute said Tri-State could save its member electric associations $600 million if it closed its coal plants and boosted the use of renewables. Keeping coal plants open contributed to electric rates in the region that rose more than five times the national average between 2007 and 2016, the report said.
The cost of wind and solar energy has kept dropping since 2018 when the first report was released. Tri-State said in January that the bids it was getting for renewable energy were 85% lower than those a decade earlier.
Pressure from members and new state policies on climate change and renewable energy in Colorado and New Mexico have contributed to utilities’ move from coal, Dyson said.
“I believe, however, the most important driver is economics,” Dyson said. “You literally can’t afford not to take action.”
Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said the average, combined cost of the 1,000 megawatts of wind and solar energy the utility will add is 1.7 cents per kilowatt hour. “That’s generally lower cost than anything else we can do, in terms of fossil fuel or anything.”
While Highley doesn’t think the utility’s transition to more renewables has been “abrupt,” he said it has been rapid.
“But it’s one the board the board was ready to make,” Highley said. “From the time I started with them in April last year, they gave me clear direction that they wanted to move toward reliable, affordable and responsible energy.”
Ttri-State expects to get 50% of its power from renewable energy by 2024, up from the current 31%. It projects that by 2030, the greenhouse-gas emissions produced by its Colorado facilities will drop by 90%.
Tri-State will close the Escalante coal plant in northwest New Mexico by the end of this year. It intends to close one coal unit in Craig in 2025 and two more by the end of 2029. It will also close the ColoWyo mine in northwest Colorado.
Last year, Tri-State closed its Nucla coal plant in western Colorado. It still has coal facilities in Arizona and Wyoming.
Highley said in addition to working with employees and the communities where the coal operations are located, Tri-State is also building new renewable energy projects in the areas to help create jobs and replace some of the lost property tax revenue. The wind and solar projects are a $1 billion investment, he said.
By 2024, Tri-State expects its wind and solar installations to produce enough electricity to power roughly 850,000 homes.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Deaths in Colorado jumped nearly 20% during first 2 months of coronavirus pandemic, state data shows

Colorado recorded a nearly 20 % increase in deaths in March and April as the novel coronavirus swept the state , according to state data that provides an early glimpse of the broader impact of the pandemic .
The data from the state health department shows deaths in Colorado are on the rise from 2019 levels , largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 respiratory disease .
However , medical and public health experts cautioned it ’ s still too early to measure the pandemic ’ s full toll .
“ That ’ s something that will be argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dr. Leon Kelly , El Paso County ’ s coroner , who also has served as deputy medical director for the county ’ s public health department during the coronavirus crisis .
“ What price did we truly pay as a society for the pandemic ?
” Overall , deaths are on the rise in 2020 , as January and February also saw slight jumps .
There were 7,102 deaths statewide during those two months , up from 6,725 in January and February of 2019 , according to provisional death certificate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .
But the increases in March and April were more significant .
In 2019 , 6,761 people died in Colorado during those two months , but this year the number of deaths in that same time frame increased by 1,341 to an estimated 8,102 deaths .
But there ’ s a lag in death certificate data , meaning the number of deaths in April could still rise further .
Kirk Bol , manager of the state health department ’ s vital statistics program , said the increase in deaths this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as Colorado ’ s growing and aging population .
The most recent death certificate data shows there were 644 COVID-19 deaths in Colorado in March and April .
That ’ s more than the 461 individuals who died in Colorado from influenza or pneumonia in all of 2019 , according to the death certificate data .
Unlike that breakdown of coronavirus fatalities in the death certificate data , the Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s tally includes more recent information , and shows the number of deaths reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,091 people had died from COVID-19 in Colorado since the virus was first confirmed in the state in early March , according to the agency .
The additional numbers also could include those who died indirectly from the outbreak , such as people who didn ’ t seek needed medical treatment .
The pandemic is affecting every part of society , meaning it could alter mortality rates in multiple ways , said Dr. Lisa Miller , professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health .
For example , she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence as more people stay home ?
Or are there fewer heart attacks or severe asthma attacks because the air is cleaner from fewer cars on the road ?
“ I certainly think it ’ s something to investigate , ” Miller said .
“ The list of things to investigate is long.
” Tracking the number of people who died either directly or indirectly as a result of the outbreak is complex , and therefore , the numbers from public health officials are more of an estimate , according to the experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been around for decades , the number of deaths each year is estimated — not calculated precisely — because public health officials know that they can ’ t capture them all as not everyone is tested for the flu , Miller said .
With COVID-19 , testing has been limited since the start of the outbreak and there are far more cases of COVID-19 in Colorado than have been confirmed .
It ’ s also widely believed the novel coronavirus likely was in Colorado as early as January .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are COVID-19 deaths that were missed and classified as something else .
Likewise , there are deaths that could be counted as COVID-19 that were caused by another illness , according to medical experts .
“ You ’ ve got a brand new disease and to think that this is a straightforward issue would be naive , ” Miller said .
“ It ’ s not straightforward.
” The death count from the new coronavirus provides government officials and the public with an understanding of the severity of the disease and the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become a political flashpoint as some individuals claim the numbers are inflated , saying people with underlying health conditions died from those illnesses rather that the coronavirus .
People with underlying health conditions , such as heart and lung disease or diabetes , are among those at a high risk of complications from COVID-19 .
Such complications include pneumonia , hypoxemic respiratory failure and sepsis , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If somebody with diabetes tests positive for the new coronavirus and dies after developing pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record it as a COVID-19 death , said Dr. Stephen Cobb , chief medical officer of Centura Health ’ s Denver metro group .
The reason that the cause of death is attributed to COVID-19 is because that person would not have died at that time or place unless they had the new coronavirus , said Kelly , who added that it would be the same for anyone with a lung or heart illness .
Cobb said it ’ s harder to make the cause of death determination when someone has COVID-19 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the symptoms and signs of the two are the same .
“ Where we have a risk of not having correct COVID numbers , it ’ s not because we ’ ve over-contributed the deaths , ” Kelly said .
“ It ’ s undoubtedly , in some places , undercounted deaths.
” Overall toll of the pandemic There are concerns about the indirect impact of the pandemic .
If there was a surge in coronavirus cases , more police and firefighters could become sick and that could lead to more deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to potentially life-threatening situations .
Or if sanitation workers become sick , then it makes it more difficult for cities to manage their waste .
Physicians increasingly are worried that patients are not seeking care when they become sick because they are afraid of contracting the new coronavirus .
So far , the medical examiner ’ s office in El Paso County , which also serves 20 other counties , has not yet seen a large increase in individuals dying from heart attacks , other preventable deaths or suicides , Kelly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was an initial drop in homicides and car-crash deaths as social-distancing policies first rolled out earlier this year .
It ’ s in the last three to four weeks that those deaths have started to increase , he said .
There were no big changes in the number of homicides in the state until April , when the number of such deaths dropped from 17 in March to eight in April .
That is down from 24 homicides in April 2019 , according to the death certificate data .
“ Everyone was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our total cases kind of topped off.
” Likewise , Centura Health has experienced a decrease in trauma cases across its health system .
Since March 1 , the system ’ s doctors have treated about 99 patients for injuries from car crashes , down from 169 patients during the same period last year .
Another 91 patients were treated for injuries from skiing and other winter activities , a decrease from 289 patients last year , according to data provided by Centura Health .
“ It truly is premature to draw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the true mortality rate , ” Cobb said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado recorded a nearly 20% increase in deaths in March and April as the novel coronavirus swept the state, according to state data that provides an early glimpse of the broader impact of the pandemic.
The data from the state health department shows deaths in Colorado are on the rise from 2019 levels, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 respiratory disease. However, medical and public health experts cautioned it’s still too early to measure the pandemic’s full toll.
“That’s something that will be argued and debated undoubtedly for a generation,” said Dr. Leon Kelly, El Paso County’s coroner, who also has served as deputy medical director for the county’s public health department during the coronavirus crisis. “What price did we truly pay as a society for the pandemic?”
Overall, deaths are on the rise in 2020, as January and February also saw slight jumps. There were 7,102 deaths statewide during those two months, up from 6,725 in January and February of 2019, according to provisional death certificate data provided to The Denver Post by the state.
But the increases in March and April were more significant. In 2019, 6,761 people died in Colorado during those two months, but this year the number of deaths in that same time frame increased by 1,341 to an estimated 8,102 deaths. But there’s a lag in death certificate data, meaning the number of deaths in April could still rise further.
Kirk Bol, manager of the state health department’s vital statistics program, said the increase in deaths this year can be attributed largely to the coronavirus, as well as Colorado’s growing and aging population.
The most recent death certificate data shows there were 644 COVID-19 deaths in Colorado in March and April. That’s more than the 461 individuals who died in Colorado from influenza or pneumonia in all of 2019, according to the death certificate data.
Unlike that breakdown of coronavirus fatalities in the death certificate data, the Department of Public Health and Environment’s tally includes more recent information, and shows the number of deaths reported into May.
As of Wednesday, 1,091 people had died with COVID-19 in Colorado since the virus was first confirmed in the state in early March, according to the agency.
Pandemic altering mortality rates
The additional numbers also could include those who died indirectly from the outbreak, such as people who didn’t seek needed medical treatment.
The pandemic is affecting every part of society, meaning it could alter mortality rates in multiple ways, said Dr. Lisa Miller, professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health.
For example, she said, has there been an increase in domestic violence as more people stay home? Or are there fewer heart attacks or severe asthma attacks because the air is cleaner from fewer cars on the road?
“I certainly think it’s something to investigate,” Miller said. “The list of things to investigate is long.”
Tracking the number of people who died either directly or indirectly as a result of the outbreak is complex, and therefore, the numbers from public health officials are more of an estimate, according to the experts.
Even with influenza, a disease that has been around for decades, the number of deaths each year is estimated — not calculated precisely — because public health officials know that they can’t capture them all as not everyone is tested for the flu, Miller said.
With COVID-19, testing has been limited since the start of the outbreak and there are far more cases of COVID-19 in Colorado than have been confirmed. It’s also widely believed the novel coronavirus likely was in Colorado as early as January.
As a result, it’s possible there are COVID-19 deaths that were missed and classified as something else. Likewise, there are deaths that could be counted as COVID-19 that were caused by another illness, according to medical experts.
“You’ve got a brand new disease and to think that this is a straightforward issue would be naive,” Miller said. “It’s not straightforward.”
Counting direct COVID-19 deaths
The death count from the new coronavirus provides government officials and the public with an understanding of the severity of the disease and the response to the outbreak.
But the tally has become a political flashpoint as some individuals claim the numbers are inflated, saying people with underlying health conditions died from those illnesses rather that the coronavirus.
People with underlying health conditions, such as heart and lung disease or diabetes, are among those at a high risk of complications from COVID-19. Such complications include pneumonia, hypoxemic respiratory failure and sepsis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If somebody with diabetes tests positive for the new coronavirus and dies after developing pneumonia and respiratory failure, a physician will record it as a COVID-19 death, said Dr. Stephen Cobb, chief medical officer of Centura Health’s Denver metro group.
The reason that the cause of death is attributed to COVID-19 is because that person would not have died at that time or place unless they had the new coronavirus, said Kelly, who added that it would be the same for anyone with a lung or heart illness.
Cobb said it’s harder to make the cause of death determination when someone has COVID-19 and an illness such as congestive heart failure because the symptoms and signs of the two are the same.
“Where we have a risk of not having correct COVID numbers, it’s not because we’ve over-contributed the deaths,” Kelly said. “It’s undoubtedly, in some places, undercounted deaths.”
Overall toll of the pandemic
There are concerns about the indirect impact of the pandemic. If there was a surge in coronavirus cases, more police and firefighters could become sick and that could lead to more deaths if they aren’t able to respond to potentially life-threatening situations. Or if sanitation workers become sick, then it makes it more difficult for cities to manage their waste.
Physicians increasingly are worried that patients are not seeking care when they become sick because they are afraid of contracting the new coronavirus.
So far, the medical examiner’s office in El Paso County, which also serves 20 other counties, has not yet seen a large increase in individuals dying from heart attacks, other preventable deaths or suicides, Kelly said.
In fact, he said, there was an initial drop in homicides and car-crash deaths as social-distancing policies first rolled out earlier this year. It’s in the last three to four weeks that those deaths have started to increase, he said.
There were no big changes in the number of homicides in the state until April, when the number of such deaths dropped from 17 in March to eight in April. That is down from 24 homicides in April 2019, according to the death certificate data.
“Everyone was staying home,” Kelly said. “Our total cases kind of topped off.”
Likewise, Centura Health has experienced a decrease in trauma cases across its health system.
Since March 1, the system’s doctors have treated about 99 patients for injuries from car crashes, down from 169 patients during the same period last year. Another 91 patients were treated for injuries from skiing and other winter activities, a decrease from 289 patients last year, according to data provided by Centura Health.
“It truly is premature to draw any conclusions about what we know of the true mortality rate,” Cobb said.
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thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Nearly half of Colorado counties seek easing of state’s coronavirus restrictions — but few requests

Nearly half of Colorado counties seek easing of state’s coronavirus restrictions — but few requests have been granted

Nearly half of Colorado ’ s 64 counties are asking the state to ease some “ safer-at-home ” restrictions in their jurisdictions , but only a handful of requests have been approved since the second phase of the governor ’ s coronavirus response plan began in late April .
At least five counties have been allowed to loosen local restrictions imposed by the statewide public health order : Moffat , Rio Blanco , Eagle , Mesa and Sedgwick counties all have had variances granted , according to data collected by The Denver Post and Colorado Counties Inc. , a nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
At least 23 other counties are in the process of making requests or have made requests that are pending or were initially denied , including to information collected by The Post and Colorado Counties .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Thursday did not provide The Post with requested information on variances that have been granted or denied by the state to date .
In the granted requests , Colorado health officials gave permission for churches , gyms , restaurants and even movie theaters to open in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety measures , including screening customers for COVID-19 symptoms and requiring employees to wear masks .
Movie theaters in Moffat County can reopen with customers from different parties seated at least three seats apart , alternating every other row , according to a letter from the state .
In Rio Blanco County , restaurants can open at 30 % capacity but can ’ t allow patrons to wait in their lobbies for a table ; reservations should be taken instead , according to another letter from the state to the county .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , frustration is mounting in counties where similar requests have been denied .
“ We are dying out here , ” said Jane Bauder , a Logan County commissioner .
“ We can ’ t go any longer without these businesses being open.
” Logan County , in the northeastern corner of Colorado with a population of 12 people per square mile , asked the state on April 29 to lift some “ safer-at-home ” restrictions , including allowing restaurants , gyms , churches and movie theaters to open with reduced capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied May 12 , with state officials pointing to the large outbreak of COVID-19 at Sterling Correctional Facility , Bauder said .
At least 440 inmates and 16 staff members have tested positive for the disease , and two inmates have died from it , according to data maintained by the state health department .
The agency was concerned that employees at the prison might create community spread , Commissioner Byron Pelton said , but he and others believe the outbreak is contained to the prison , which is run by the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excellent job , ” he said .
“ As soon as they find out it is an employee , they get on them , making sure they are doing quarantine for 14 days .
We know where the cases are after they ’ ve been tested.
” Of the five counties that have received permission to loosen restrictions , three have very low case counts : Sedgwick County has zero confirmed cases , Rio Blanco County has one , Moffat County has six .
Logan County has 483 total cases — only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the prison .
Yuma County , which Pelton said also had a variance request denied , has 11 confirmed cases .
Logan County commissioners will be among officials from several counties to seek clarification from the state health department Friday on what , exactly , the state is looking for in variance requests , which can give counties some flexibility in dealing with the pandemic locally .
Colorado counties also can impose more strict restrictions than those outlined in the statewide order , and at least 15 counties have done so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variance , state health officials have said counties must meet several conditions , including showing they have low or declining rates of COVID-19 infections , a plan in place to deal with any surges , and approval from the local health agency , hospitals and elected officials .
“ It ’ s not an easy process , ” said John Swartout , executive director of Colorado Counties Inc. “ And that ’ s not a criticism .
It ’ s just everyone wants to make sure that if they ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely.
” Officials in El Paso County spent three-and-a-half hours in a public meeting Thursday going over their proposed variance request to the state , which seeks to allow restaurants to open for dine-in service with some restrictions .
Much of the debate centered on a single paragraph in the proposal — 2C — that initially required one adult in every party that dined in a restaurant to provide a phone number and name in case county health officials later discovered the novel coronavirus was spreading in the restaurant and needed to alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voluntary , giving restaurants the choice of whether to collect and maintain that information .
If restaurants collect it , they should keep the records for 21 days and must provide them to the county health department on request , according to the resolution , which passed by a unanimous vote .
El Paso County still needs approval from the state on the proposal .
In Garfield County , elected officials are working to close a restaurant — Shooters Grill in Rifle — that opened to in-person dining in defiance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneously preparing to ask Gov .
Jared Polis for a variance that would allow eateries to legally open at reduced capacity .
Friday ’ s conference call between state and county officials is a way for Colorado health officials to efficiently answer questions from several counties instead of handling inquiries individually , Swartout said .
The state has been working with counties , even those that have initially been denied , to find a way to get requests approved , he said .
Logan County commissioners plan to resubmit a variance request Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , ‘ What do we need to do to get the yes ?
’ ” Swartout said .
“ And it is frustrating .
But on the other side , you have health directors and CDPHE trying to do what they can to slow the spread of this , and they have a tough job , too.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Nearly half of Colorado’s 64 counties are asking the state to ease some “safer-at-home” restrictions in their jurisdictions, but only a handful of requests have been approved since the second phase of the governor’s coronavirus response plan began in late April.
At least five counties have been allowed to loosen local restrictions imposed by the statewide public health order: Moffat, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Mesa and Sedgwick counties all have had variances granted, according to data collected by The Denver Post and Colorado Counties Inc., a nonprofit organization that represents 61 counties across the state.
At least 23 other counties are in the process of making requests or have made requests that are pending or were initially denied, including to information collected by The Post and Colorado Counties.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Thursday did not provide The Post with requested information on variances that have been granted or denied by the state to date.
In the granted requests, Colorado health officials gave permission for churches, gyms, restaurants and even movie theaters to open in some counties — with reduced capacity and strict safety measures, including screening customers for COVID-19 symptoms and requiring employees to wear masks.
Movie theaters in Moffat County can reopen with customers from different parties seated at least three seats apart, alternating every other row, according to a letter from the state. In Rio Blanco County, restaurants can open at 30% capacity but can’t allow patrons to wait in their lobbies for a table; reservations should be taken instead, according to another letter from the state to the county.
Mounting frustration
But as some parts of the state open up, frustration is mounting in counties where similar requests have been denied.
“We are dying out here,” said Jane Bauder, a Logan County commissioner. “We can’t go any longer without these businesses being open.”
Logan County, in the northeastern corner of Colorado with a population of 12 people per square mile, asked the state on April 29 to lift some “safer-at-home” restrictions, including allowing restaurants, gyms, churches and movie theaters to open with reduced capacity and social-distancing measures.
The request was denied May 12, with state officials pointing to the large outbreak of COVID-19 at Sterling Correctional Facility, Bauder said. At least 440 inmates and 16 staff members have tested positive for the disease, and two inmates have died from it, according to data maintained by the state health department.
The agency was concerned that employees at the prison might create community spread, Commissioner Byron Pelton said, but he and others believe the outbreak is contained to the prison, which is run by the state.
“Our health department has done an excellent job,” he said. “As soon as they find out it is an employee, they get on them, making sure they are doing quarantine for 14 days. We know where the cases are after they’ve been tested.”
Of the five counties that have received permission to loosen restrictions, three have very low case counts: Sedgwick County has zero confirmed cases, Rio Blanco County has one, Moffat County has six.
Logan County has 483 total cases — only about 25 of which are not connected to the prison. Yuma County, which Pelton said also had a variance request denied, has 11 confirmed cases.
Logan County commissioners will be among officials from several counties to seek clarification from the state health department Friday on what, exactly, the state is looking for in variance requests, which can give counties some flexibility in dealing with the pandemic locally. Colorado counties also can impose more strict restrictions than those outlined in the statewide order, and at least 15 counties have done so, according to Colorado Counties Inc.
To receive a variance, state health officials have said counties must meet several conditions, including showing they have low or declining rates of COVID-19 infections, a plan in place to deal with any surges, and approval from the local health agency, hospitals and elected officials.
“It’s not an easy process,” said John Swartout, executive director of Colorado Counties Inc. “And that’s not a criticism. It’s just everyone wants to make sure that if they’re going to reopen, they can do it safely.”
“They have a tough job”
Officials in El Paso County spent three-and-a-half hours in a public meeting Thursday going over their proposed variance request to the state, which seeks to allow restaurants to open for dine-in service with some restrictions.
Much of the debate centered on a single paragraph in the proposal — 2C — that initially required one adult in every party that dined in a restaurant to provide a phone number and name in case county health officials later discovered the novel coronavirus was spreading in the restaurant and needed to alert patrons.
County officials opted to make that voluntary, giving restaurants the choice of whether to collect and maintain that information. If restaurants collect it, they should keep the records for 21 days and must provide them to the county health department on request, according to the resolution, which passed by a unanimous vote. El Paso County still needs approval from the state on the proposal.
In Garfield County, elected officials are working to close a restaurant — Shooters Grill in Rifle — that opened to in-person dining in defiance of the state’s public health order while simultaneously preparing to ask Gov. Jared Polis for a variance that would allow eateries to legally open at reduced capacity.
Friday’s conference call between state and county officials is a way for Colorado health officials to efficiently answer questions from several counties instead of handling inquiries individually, Swartout said. The state has been working with counties, even those that have initially been denied, to find a way to get requests approved, he said. Logan County commissioners plan to resubmit a variance request Friday.
“There’s a sense of, ‘What do we need to do to get the yes?’ ” Swartout said. “And it is frustrating. But on the other side, you have health directors and CDPHE trying to do what they can to slow the spread of this, and they have a tough job, too.”
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thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Rockies Insider: From the Braves to the Dodgers, Colorado has history of being little brother in NL

Rockies Insider: From the Braves to the Dodgers, Colorado has history of being little brother in NL West

Here ’ s the unfortunate truth that Denver sports fans must face : the city ’ s football and baseball teams are the little brothers in their respective divisions .
The Broncos are in the shadow of Patrick Mahomes and the world champion Chiefs in the AFC West , while the Rockies play second fiddle ( or third or fourth fiddle ) to the seven-time defending National League West champion Dodgers .
How Denver has dropped nine straight games to the four-time defending divisional champion Chiefs is a topic for a Broncos story , but while we ’ re on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The Rockies were a paltry 4-15 against the Dodgers last year ( .211 winning percentage ) .
Ipso facto , the boys in blue absolutely owned Colorado .
To compete within the division this year , even in an 82-game shortened season , Colorado ’ s obviously going to have to play a lot better against Los Angeles than that .
But last year was far from the first time the Rockies have been owned within the NL West .
Here ’ s a look at the eight other instances in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular divisional opponent over the course of a season .
In an all-time display of divisional ineptitude in the Rockies ’ inaugural season in which they finished 67-95 , Colorado went 0-13 against the Braves in 1993 .
Colorado ’ s inability to pull out a single victory against the Braves kept the Giants from the divisional title , something that season ’ s NL MVP , Barry Bonds , never forgot .
“ They didn ’ t beat them one single game — and ( the Braves ) won 104 , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
“ That ’ s my lasting memory of the Rockies.
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Try the first month for just 99¢ Rockies Mailbag : Should Colorado fans just embrace the lovable loser mentality ?
Saunders : I don ’ t think the Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for a couple of reasons .
Read more… Newman : Shorter season means better odds for Rockies to contend for postseason 2020 is proposed to be shortened to about 82 games , and the playoffs expanded with two wild cards added in each league .
Read more… With universal designated hitter likely for 2020 , Rockies face a strategy adjustment Momentum to bring the designated hitter to the National League has grown stronger in recent years , and it appears the rule change will get a one-year trial run for Colorado in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB ’ s five-round draft is another blow for minor-league baseball + Rockies player rep Scott Oberg talks owners ’ proposal for 2020 : “ Number one issue is going to be health and safety ” + Rockies players ready for spring training 2.0 , but when and where remain unclear + Rockies ’ Jon Gray , healthy and confident , itching to pitch in 2020 + Giants outlast Rockies in Coors Field slugfest in MLB The Show 20 + Want to chat about the Rockies ?
Ask to join our closed discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bud Black on owners ’ proposal for 2020 , possibility of season without fans and whether Michael Jordan would ’ ve made the majors The Rockies manager also shared his opinions on the proposed expanded playoffs and the universal designated hitter .
Listen here… Colorado is a longshot to win the 2020 World Series at 160-to-1 odds , according to oddsmaker SportsBettingDime , which places them 23rd among the 30 MLB teams .
Read more… If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tweet me @ beetbailey .

Here’s the unfortunate truth that Denver sports fans must face: the city’s football and baseball teams are the little brothers in their respective divisions. The Broncos are in the shadow of Patrick Mahomes and the world champion Chiefs in the AFC West, while the Rockies play second fiddle (or third or fourth fiddle) to the seven-time defending National League West champion Dodgers.
How Denver has dropped nine straight games to the four-time defending divisional champion Chiefs is a topic for a Broncos story, but while we’re on the subject of little brotherdom, consider: The Rockies were a paltry 4-15 against the Dodgers last year (.211 winning percentage). Ipso facto, the boys in blue absolutely owned Colorado.
To compete within the division this year, even in an 82-game shortened season, Colorado’s obviously going to have to play a lot better against Los Angeles than that. But last year was far from the first time the Rockies have been owned within the NL West.
Here’s a look at the eight other instances in which Colorado’s been dominated by a particular divisional opponent over the course of a season.
2012: (64-98, 5th) — 4-14 (.222) against San Francisco
2011: (73-89, 4th) — 5-13 (.278) against San Francisco, 5-13 (.278) against Arizona
2009: (92-70, 2nd) — 4-14 (.222) against Los Angeles
2008: (74-88, 3rd) — 3-15 (.167) against Arizona
2006: (76-86, 4th) — 4-15 (.211) against Los Angeles
2002: (73-89, 4th) — 5-14 (.263) against Arizona
In an all-time display of divisional ineptitude in the Rockies’ inaugural season in which they finished 67-95, Colorado went 0-13 against the Braves in 1993. Colorado’s inability to pull out a single victory against the Braves kept the Giants from the divisional title, something that season’s NL MVP, Barry Bonds, never forgot.
“They didn’t beat them one single game — and (the Braves) won 104, we won 103,” Bonds told me in 2018. “That’s my lasting memory of the Rockies.”
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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Must-Read
Saunders: I don’t think the Rockies will ever be loveable losers in Colorado, for a couple of reasons. Read more…
2020 is proposed to be shortened to about 82 games, and the playoffs expanded with two wild cards added in each league. Read more…
Momentum to bring the designated hitter to the National League has grown stronger in recent years, and it appears the rule change will get a one-year trial run for Colorado in 2020. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Saunders: MLB’s five-round draft is another blow for minor-league baseball
+ Rockies player rep Scott Oberg talks owners’ proposal for 2020: “Number one issue is going to be health and safety”
+ Rockies players ready for spring training 2.0, but when and where remain unclear
+ Kindred spirits: Rockies’ Kyle Freeland leaning on Bud Black’s experience
+ Rockies’ Jon Gray, healthy and confident, itching to pitch in 2020
+ Rockies offer a salute of appreciation on Mother’s Day
+ Giants outlast Rockies in Coors Field slugfest in MLB The Show 20
+ Want to chat about the Rockies? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
By The Numbers
Ep. 145
The Rockies manager also shared his opinions on the proposed expanded playoffs and the universal designated hitter. Listen here…
Parting Shot
Colorado is a longshot to win the 2020 World Series at 160-to-1 odds, according to oddsmaker SportsBettingDime, which places them 23rd among the 30 MLB teams. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me @beetbailey.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Justin Gaethje beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. What’s next for the former UNC Bears wrestler?

It ’ s been quite a ride for Justin Gaethje these past eight months .
After beating Donald Cerrone via technical knockout in September 2019 , the former Northern Colorado all-American wrestler called out the winner of a future Tony Ferguson-Khabib Nurmagomedov fight .
A month later when Conor McGregor was looking for an opponent , Gaethje ( 22-2 ) threw his name into the hat .
McGregor overlooked him in favor of Cerrone .
And the eternally cursed Ferguson-Nurmagomedov bout was once again canceled .
But that opened up an opportunity for Gaethje , who was a last-minute substitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson last Saturday for the interim UFC lightweight title .
Now the cards are in his hand .
So , what ’ s next for Gaethje ?
A bout against McGregor would certain be a big payday .
The Irish fighter already took to Twitter to talk trash : “ Justin , there is no danger in a man that hugs legs , we all know .
Try and dance around what the real threat is here all you want .
I am going to ( expletive ) butcher you .
Your teeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them on a ( expletive ) necklace.
” But UFC president Dana White has other plans .
“ We ’ re talking about doing Gaethje vs. Khabib in September , ” White said in a post-fight press conference Wednesday .
“ … I talked to Khabib yesterday and he said ‘ September , I ’ m ready to go in September . '
” Gaethje shared similar thoughts in the press conference after UFC 249 : “ No , I want the biggest challenge in the world and that ’ s Khabib.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 .
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+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
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+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

It’s been quite a ride for Justin Gaethje these past eight months.
After beating Donald Cerrone via technical knockout in September 2019, the former Northern Colorado all-American wrestler called out the winner of a future Tony Ferguson-Khabib Nurmagomedov fight. A month later when Conor McGregor was looking for an opponent, Gaethje (22-2) threw his name into the hat.
McGregor overlooked him in favor of Cerrone. And the eternally cursed Ferguson-Nurmagomedov bout was once again canceled. But that opened up an opportunity for Gaethje, who was a last-minute substitute in for lightweight champion Nurmagomedov and defeated Ferguson last Saturday for the interim UFC lightweight title.
Now the cards are in his hand. So, what’s next for Gaethje?
A bout against McGregor would certain be a big payday. The Irish fighter already took to Twitter to talk trash: “Justin, there is no danger in a man that hugs legs, we all know. Try and dance around what the real threat is here all you want. I am going to (expletive) butcher you. Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a (expletive) necklace.”
But UFC president Dana White has other plans.
“We’re talking about doing Gaethje vs. Khabib in September,” White said in a post-fight press conference Wednesday. “… I talked to Khabib yesterday and he said ‘September, I’m ready to go in September.'”
Gaethje shared similar thoughts in the press conference after UFC 249: “No, I want the biggest challenge in the world and that’s Khabib.”
— Joe Nguyen, 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.
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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.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Broncos film study: How Albert Okwuegbunam could be matchup nightmare at tight end

One of Drew Lock ’ s best passes as Missouri ’ s quarterback in 2018 came on a two-point-conversion attempt … following a delay-of-game penalty … in a game the Tigers lost by 14 points .
But for Broncos fans , the connection between Lock and recently drafted tight end Albert Okwuegbunam that September day against second-ranked Georgia should generate excitement .
The penalty allowed Lock to line up in shotgun at the 8-yard line .
Using the additional space to survey the end zone , Lock stood in a clean pocket and watched as Okwuegbunam used a double move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired a dart to him before safety J.R. Reed could arrive to break it up .
The successful conversion displayed Lock ’ s strong arm and the 6-foot-5 Okwuegbunam ’ s matchup problems but was otherwise a footnote in a 43-29 loss .
However , it doesn ’ t require much imagination to envision the throw-and-catch playing on a loop in Broncos general manager John Elway ’ s office .
A year after trading up in the second round to draft Lock , the Broncos selected Okwuegbunam in last month ’ s fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okwuegbunam , whose production dipped from 43 catches for 466 yards as a sophomore ( with Lock ) to 26 catches for 306 yards as a junior ( without him ) .
Confident with the response he was given , Elway made his move and added Okwuegbunam to an already loaded position group led by Noah Fant and includes Nick Vannett , Jeff Heuerman and former fifth-round picks Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli .
Andrew Beck is expected to be a tight end/H-back/fullback option .
“ When Drew gave him the seal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our target in the fourth round , ” Elway said .
“ Plus , to put him on the other side from Noah , he ’ s a 4.49 guy that can really run at 258 pounds , and a big target in the red zone.
” It ’ s no surprise Lock would sign off on his big tight end .
He and Okwuegbunam established a connection at Missouri from the moment they stepped on the field together .
As a redshirt freshman in 2017 , Okwuegbunam caught a 27-yard touchdown pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
That was the first of his 11 touchdowns , which included a 10-yard scoring reception against Arkansas that gave Lock the SEC ’ s single-season record for touchdown passes .
At Missouri , Okwuegbunam averaged a touchdown once every 4.3 catches .
“ I think what makes Albert so special is how smart he is and how he finds open spots on the field , ” Lock said .
“ Really , him in the red zone , you can find a lot of clips of us at Mizzou on corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and letting him go get it.
” Corner routes may have been their bread and butter , but what stood out from games against Arkansas in 2017 and Georgia in 2018 was the many ways Missouri coaches utilized Okwuegbunam .
In a 48-45 win against the Razorbacks , he lined up … on the right end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off ( 19 yards ) … on the left end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off ( 15 yards ) … on the right end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secondary ( 10-yard TD ) … on the left end and ran an over route ( 11 yards ) … on the right end and ran a corner route ( eight-yard TD ) .
Okwuegbunam ’ s performance in the win capped a ridiculous stretch in which he caught 10 touchdowns over five games , including four straight games with at least two touchdown grabs .
Ten months later , Missouri ’ s coaching staff really unleashed Okwuegbunam against Georgia .
In addition to his two-point conversion , he caught passes lined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran a jerk route toward the sideline ( nine yards before fumbling ) … on the right end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off ( seven yards ) … as one of three receivers to the right and ran a dig route ( eight yards ) … on the right end and ran a crossing route ( nine yards ) … split out to the right and ran a dig ( eight yards ) … split out to the right and caught a back-shoulder pass ( 16 yards ) … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of Lock for a dump-off ( 10 yards ) … split out to the left and ran a crisp slant route ( 12 yards ) … split out to the left and ran a stop route ( seven yards ) .
Lock showed trust in Okwuegbunam as a security blanket underneath — a design that often involved him faking a hand-off , reading the defensive end and quickly getting the ball out .
That ’ s a wrinkle Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur should consider using with Okwuegbunam and Fant as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple reads and throws .
Lock also believed in Okwuegbunam as a vertical threat and was willing to go to him regardless of whether he was covered by a linebacker , cornerback or safety .
Lock ’ s back-shoulder pass against Georgia was reminiscent of a throw he would make to receiver Courtland Sutton .
“ He is a massive human being , ” Lock said .
“ He is very athletic , can go up and get the ball and moves really well.
” Okwuegbunam ’ s production dropped in 2019 while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his usage in a 34-14 win over South Carolina showed why .
He caught passes when he lined up on the right end and ran a route into the flat ( three-yard TD ) , as part of a three-receiver set to the left and ran a stop route ( six yards ) and another three-receiver set to the left and ran an out route ( 10 yards ) .
Missouri ’ s offense functioned differently with Bryant than Lock , most noticeably in the first quarter when the Tigers ran and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-yard line .
On both plays , Okwuegbunam was getting single coverage from cornerback R.J. Roderick , who was giving up five inches in the matchup .
It ’ s impossible to say for sure that Lock would have looked for Okwuegbunam on one or both of those plays , but it sure seems plausible .
As Okwuegbunam enters the NFL , he is unlikely to unseat Fant as the starting tight end , but his connection with Lock should help him contribute early on .

One of Drew Lock’s best passes as Missouri’s quarterback in 2018 came on a two-point-conversion attempt … following a delay-of-game penalty … in a game the Tigers lost by 14 points.
But for Broncos fans, the connection between Lock and recently drafted tight end Albert Okwuegbunam that September day against second-ranked Georgia should generate excitement.
The penalty allowed Lock to line up in shotgun at the 8-yard line. Using the additional space to survey the end zone, Lock stood in a clean pocket and watched as Okwuegbunam used a double move to beat cornerback Tyrique McGhee. Lock fired a dart to him before safety J.R. Reed could arrive to break it up.
The successful conversion displayed Lock’s strong arm and the 6-foot-5 Okwuegbunam’s matchup problems but was otherwise a footnote in a 43-29 loss. However, it doesn’t require much imagination to envision the throw-and-catch playing on a loop in Broncos general manager John Elway’s office.
A year after trading up in the second round to draft Lock, the Broncos selected Okwuegbunam in last month’s fourth round.
Elway consulted with Lock about Okwuegbunam, whose production dipped from 43 catches for 466 yards as a sophomore (with Lock) to 26 catches for 306 yards as a junior (without him). Confident with the response he was given, Elway made his move and added Okwuegbunam to an already loaded position group led by Noah Fant and includes Nick Vannett, Jeff Heuerman and former fifth-round picks Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli. Andrew Beck is expected to be a tight end/H-back/fullback option.
“When Drew gave him the seal of approval, we were glad he was our target in the fourth round,” Elway said. “Plus, to put him on the other side from Noah, he’s a 4.49 guy that can really run at 258 pounds, and a big target in the red zone.”
It’s no surprise Lock would sign off on his big tight end. He and Okwuegbunam established a connection at Missouri from the moment they stepped on the field together. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, Okwuegbunam caught a 27-yard touchdown pass against Missouri State in his first college game. That was the first of his 11 touchdowns, which included a 10-yard scoring reception against Arkansas that gave Lock the SEC’s single-season record for touchdown passes.
At Missouri, Okwuegbunam averaged a touchdown once every 4.3 catches.
“I think what makes Albert so special is how smart he is and how he finds open spots on the field,” Lock said. “Really, him in the red zone, you can find a lot of clips of us at Mizzou on corner routes, putting it up high to him and letting him go get it.”
Corner routes may have been their bread and butter, but what stood out from games against Arkansas in 2017 and Georgia in 2018 was the many ways Missouri coaches utilized Okwuegbunam.
In a 48-45 win against the Razorbacks, he lined up … on the right end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off (19 yards) … on the left end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off (15 yards) … on the right end, faked a block and trickled into the secondary (10-yard TD) … on the left end and ran an over route (11 yards) … on the right end and ran a corner route (eight-yard TD).
Okwuegbunam’s performance in the win capped a ridiculous stretch in which he caught 10 touchdowns over five games, including four straight games with at least two touchdown grabs.
Ten months later, Missouri’s coaching staff really unleashed Okwuegbunam against Georgia.
In addition to his two-point conversion, he caught passes lined up … on the left end and ran a jerk route toward the sideline (nine yards before fumbling) … on the right end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off (seven yards) … as one of three receivers to the right and ran a dig route (eight yards) … on the right end and ran a crossing route (nine yards) … split out to the right and ran a dig (eight yards) … split out to the right and caught a back-shoulder pass (16 yards) … on the left end and ran in front of Lock for a dump-off (10 yards) … split out to the left and ran a crisp slant route (12 yards) … split out to the left and ran a stop route (seven yards).
Lock showed trust in Okwuegbunam as a security blanket underneath — a design that often involved him faking a hand-off, reading the defensive end and quickly getting the ball out. That’s a wrinkle Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur should consider using with Okwuegbunam and Fant as a run-pass option that allows Lock to make simple reads and throws.
Lock also believed in Okwuegbunam as a vertical threat and was willing to go to him regardless of whether he was covered by a linebacker, cornerback or safety. Lock’s back-shoulder pass against Georgia was reminiscent of a throw he would make to receiver Courtland Sutton.
“He is a massive human being,” Lock said. “He is very athletic, can go up and get the ball and moves really well.”
Okwuegbunam’s production dropped in 2019 while playing with quarterback Kelly Bryant, and his usage in a 34-14 win over South Carolina showed why. He caught passes when he lined up on the right end and ran a route into the flat (three-yard TD), as part of a three-receiver set to the left and ran a stop route (six yards) and another three-receiver set to the left and ran an out route (10 yards).
Missouri’s offense functioned differently with Bryant than Lock, most noticeably in the first quarter when the Tigers ran and were stopped on third- and fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. On both plays, Okwuegbunam was getting single coverage from cornerback R.J. Roderick, who was giving up five inches in the matchup. It’s impossible to say for sure that Lock would have looked for Okwuegbunam on one or both of those plays, but it sure seems plausible.
As Okwuegbunam enters the NFL, he is unlikely to unseat Fant as the starting tight end, but his connection with Lock should help him contribute early on.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Life-threatening coronavirus complication not seen in Colorado kids — but doctors are on alert

So far , there ’ s no sign a life-threatening syndrome that appears to be linked to the new coronavirus has hit Colorado children , but experts are looking for possible cases so they can be treated early .
Three children in New York have died and at least 73 have been hospitalized with the newly discovered condition , which has the unwieldy name “ pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-COV-2 , ” or PIMS-TS .
Dozens of cases have been reported in Europe , and at least some appear to be linked to COVID-19 infections , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously known illness that ’ s been misidentified .
Much remains unknown about how exactly PIMS-TS develops , but it ’ s related to the body ’ s attempts to fight an invader — in this case , the new coronavirus , said Dr. Sam Dominguez , a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children ’ s Hospital Colorado .
When a person is sick or injured , the body responds with inflammation , which we usually experience as pain , swelling and heat .
Too much inflammation can damage blood vessels and organs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as similar to Kawasaki disease , another disease caused by inflammation that only affects children , Dominguez said , but there are some important differences .
Kawasaki disease tends to hit children younger than 5 , while PIMS-TS seems at least as likely to hit older kids as toddlers .
Also , not all kids with PIMS-TS are getting classic Kawasaki symptoms like a red tongue and lips , and they seem to be at higher risk of developing low blood pressure , he said .
If left untreated , both diseases can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart , Dominguez said .
In some cases , PIMS-TS also affects other organs like the liver or kidneys , he said .
Adults also can experience an immune overreaction to COVID-19 infections , but this particular syndrome has only been found in kids so far .
“ We don ’ t really know why we ’ re seeing this in kids versus adults , ” Dominguez said .
Parents don ’ t need to panic if their children show signs of a COVID-19 infection , because most kids only have minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , they should be on the lookout for symptoms associated with Kawasaki disease , as well as other signs a child needs medical help , he said .
• Swelling in the hand and feet • Irritation and redness in the mouth , lips and throat Other possible signs of the new syndrome include : Fortunately , while researchers are still learning about the new syndrome , there are treatments that appear to be effective , Dominguez said .
Most hospitals are having good results treating kids with immunoglobulin — antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — while others are using steroids or other drugs to temporarily tamp down the immune response , he said .
“ If your child needs medical attention , it is safe to bring them to the hospital , ” he said .
“ We ’ re ready to care for ( kids with the new syndrome ) if and when they appear.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

So far, there’s no sign a life-threatening syndrome that appears to be linked to the new coronavirus has hit Colorado children, but experts are looking for possible cases so they can be treated early.
Three children in New York have died and at least 73 have been hospitalized with the newly discovered condition, which has the unwieldy name “pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-COV-2,” or PIMS-TS.
Dozens of cases have been reported in Europe, and at least some appear to be linked to COVID-19 infections, though it’s possible others are a previously known illness that’s been misidentified.
Much remains unknown about how exactly PIMS-TS develops, but it’s related to the body’s attempts to fight an invader — in this case, the new coronavirus, said Dr. Sam Dominguez, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. When a person is sick or injured, the body responds with inflammation, which we usually experience as pain, swelling and heat. Too much inflammation can damage blood vessels and organs, however.
PIMS-TS has been described as similar to Kawasaki disease, another disease caused by inflammation that only affects children, Dominguez said, but there are some important differences. Kawasaki disease tends to hit children younger than 5, while PIMS-TS seems at least as likely to hit older kids as toddlers. Also, not all kids with PIMS-TS are getting classic Kawasaki symptoms like a red tongue and lips, and they seem to be at higher risk of developing low blood pressure, he said.
If left untreated, both diseases can cause damage to the blood vessels supplying the heart, Dominguez said. In some cases, PIMS-TS also affects other organs like the liver or kidneys, he said.
Adults also can experience an immune overreaction to COVID-19 infections, but this particular syndrome has only been found in kids so far.
“We don’t really know why we’re seeing this in kids versus adults,” Dominguez said.
Parents don’t need to panic if their children show signs of a COVID-19 infection, because most kids only have minor symptoms, Dominguez said. At the same time, they should be on the lookout for symptoms associated with Kawasaki disease, as well as other signs a child needs medical help, he said.
Symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:
Fever that lasts multiple days
Rash
Swelling in the hand and feet
Red eyes
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Irritation and redness in the mouth, lips and throat
Other possible signs of the new syndrome include:
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain
Persistent gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Fortunately, while researchers are still learning about the new syndrome, there are treatments that appear to be effective, Dominguez said. Most hospitals are having good results treating kids with immunoglobulin — antibodies taken from many donors and given intravenously — while others are using steroids or other drugs to temporarily tamp down the immune response, he said.
“If your child needs medical attention, it is safe to bring them to the hospital,” he said. “We’re ready to care for (kids with the new syndrome) if and when they appear.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--With universal designated hitter likely for 2020, Rockies face a strategy adjustment

Momentum to bring the designated hitter to the National League has grown stronger in recent years , and it appears the rule change will get a one-year trial run for Colorado in 2020 .
The universal DH is part of the owners ’ proposal for an amended season .
While there is still much to hash out regarding the safety and financial aspects of a season amid the coronavirus pandemic , Bud Black and the Rockies are preparing for an unexpected rule change that the manager acknowledged “ puts us at a little bit of a disadvantage.
” “ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the roster construction , ” Black said .
“ When you put together a National League team , there ’ s no doubt about it , you don ’ t focus on just one offensive player or a big bat in your lineup — the Nelson Cruz-type players , and going back in history , David Ortiz and Edgar Martinez , those types of offensive players.
” With a geographical schedule proposed by the owners , the Rockies would play National League West opponents as well as interleague opponents in a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angles and Oakland A ’ s ) .
Black noted the universal DH would “ obviously affect us in interleague play.
” It could also potentially increase the gap between Colorado and the seven-time defending divisional champion Dodgers , whose offensive depth is unrivaled within the West .
So what would the Rockies ’ DH strategy look like ?
“ All our main guys who are everyday players — Nolan ( Arenado ) , Trevor ( Story ) , Charlie ( Blackmon ) , David ( Dahl ) , ( Daniel ) Murphy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and will DH ) , ” Black said .
“ And ironically , all of them don ’ t like to DH — they ’ d rather play.
” The most obvious choices to be the team ’ s main designated hitters in 2020 would be Murphy , Blackmon and Ian Desmond .
All three turned in sub-average seasons defensively in 2019 , per sabermetric standards ( outs above average and outfielder jump ) from Baseball Savant .
Projected starting second baseman Ryan McMahon gives the team defensive flexibility at first base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran bat in the lineup at DH ( Brendan Rodgers or Garrett Hampson could play second in that scenario ) .
And Blackmon , 33 , and Desmond , 34 , will surely see plenty of games at DH seeing as Colorado has young , talented corner outfield depth in Raimel Tapia and Sam Hilliard .
“ We have a lot of versatility — ( McMahon ) can go play first base , go play third , ” Black said .
“ Hampson can move around the diamond .
Almost all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center fielder David ) Dahl , Tapia and Hilliard .
We ’ d sort of like to keep Charlie in right and Desmond in left , but we have a lot of versatility in our group , and with expanded rosters ( as another part of the owners ’ proposal ) there will be even more versatility.
” While the DH has been in the American League since 1973 , many baseball traditionalists decry the rule ’ s infiltration into the NL as tantamount to sacrilege .
They mourn the loss of double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions due to the presence of a universal DH .
Those on the other side of the argument welcome more intrigue from the pitcher ’ s spot in the batting order .
After all , for every solid-swinging pitcher like Colorado right-hander German Marquez , who won a Silver Slugger Award in 2018 , there is overall ineptitude : NL pitchers slashed .131/.161/.168 at the dish last year .
“ It ’ s exciting to have another offensive player join the lineup , but at the same time , I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , ” Blackmon said .
“ It ’ s also exciting to have a league where you have pitchers up there trying to hit , trying to bunt , coming up in big situations like with runners in scoring position and the manager has to make a decision ( to keep him in ) .
“ Plus I want to have as big of an impact on the game as I can .
I want to make a good defensive play and I want to come up ( big ) at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit there for half the time , doing nothing , and then all of a sudden I ’ ve got to get ready to hit .
I don ’ t feel like as much of a baseball player when I ’ m the DH.
” But Blackmon said he would embrace the role when called upon nonetheless , and acknowledged it could serve to help the team ’ s older players perform more consistently over the grind of a condensed schedule that might feature minimal off-days as well as more doubleheaders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — my numbers , Nolan ’ s numbers — when guys have a day off ( from the field ) , it seems like they play really well the next day , ” Blackmon said .
“ Strategically spelling certain players ( with the DH ) can help our team .
And yeah , older guys probably need a little bit more rest than the guys who are 24 years old.
” In theory , the DH would also make Coors Field even more of an offensive ballpark — provided games can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by last year ’ s more aerodynamic baseball , the stadium averaged 12.88 runs per game in 2019 , in the same realm as the “ Coors Canaveral ” atmosphere that led to 13.4 runs per game in the stadium ’ s last pre-humidor year , 2001 .
And while Rockies player rep Scott Oberg believes “ people aren ’ t going to be be tearing down the doors one way or another ” on the issue of the DH during a pandemic in which the nation simply wants baseball back , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the rule change wouldn ’ t necessarily be permanent .
“ This year , some crazy circumstances that I hope never happen again led to this , so if the NL has a DH this year , that does not mean it ’ s here to stay , ” Blackmon said .

Momentum to bring the designated hitter to the National League has grown stronger in recent years, and it appears the rule change will get a one-year trial run for Colorado in 2020.
The universal DH is part of the owners’ proposal for an amended season. While there is still much to hash out regarding the safety and financial aspects of a season amid the coronavirus pandemic, Bud Black and the Rockies are preparing for an unexpected rule change that the manager acknowledged “puts us at a little bit of a disadvantage.”
“That’s the big thing for me is the roster construction,” Black said. “When you put together a National League team, there’s no doubt about it, you don’t focus on just one offensive player or a big bat in your lineup — the Nelson Cruz-type players, and going back in history, David Ortiz and Edgar Martinez, those types of offensive players.”
With a geographical schedule proposed by the owners, the Rockies would play National League West opponents as well as interleague opponents in a similar area (i.e. the Los Angeles Angles and Oakland A’s). Black noted the universal DH would “obviously affect us in interleague play.” It could also potentially increase the gap between Colorado and the seven-time defending divisional champion Dodgers, whose offensive depth is unrivaled within the West.
So what would the Rockies’ DH strategy look like?
“All our main guys who are everyday players — Nolan (Arenado), Trevor (Story), Charlie (Blackmon), David (Dahl), (Daniel) Murphy — those guys will need a blow (and will DH),” Black said. “And ironically, all of them don’t like to DH — they’d rather play.”
The most obvious choices to be the team’s main designated hitters in 2020 would be Murphy, Blackmon and Ian Desmond. All three turned in sub-average seasons defensively in 2019, per sabermetric standards (outs above average and outfielder jump) from Baseball Savant.
Projected starting second baseman Ryan McMahon gives the team defensive flexibility at first base while keeping the 35-year-old Murphy’s veteran bat in the lineup at DH (Brendan Rodgers or Garrett Hampson could play second in that scenario). And Blackmon, 33, and Desmond, 34, will surely see plenty of games at DH seeing as Colorado has young, talented corner outfield depth in Raimel Tapia and Sam Hilliard.
“We have a lot of versatility — (McMahon) can go play first base, go play third,” Black said. “Hampson can move around the diamond. Almost all of our outfielders are very versatile, especially (center fielder David) Dahl, Tapia and Hilliard. We’d sort of like to keep Charlie in right and Desmond in left, but we have a lot of versatility in our group, and with expanded rosters (as another part of the owners’ proposal) there will be even more versatility.”
While the DH has been in the American League since 1973, many baseball traditionalists decry the rule’s infiltration into the NL as tantamount to sacrilege. They mourn the loss of double switches, bunt scenarios and other strategic decisions due to the presence of a universal DH.
Those on the other side of the argument welcome more intrigue from the pitcher’s spot in the batting order. After all, for every solid-swinging pitcher like Colorado right-hander German Marquez, who won a Silver Slugger Award in 2018, there is overall ineptitude: NL pitchers slashed .131/.161/.168 at the dish last year.
Blackmon remains “on the fence about it.”
“It’s exciting to have another offensive player join the lineup, but at the same time, I’m not a big proponent of change in the game,” Blackmon said. “It’s also exciting to have a league where you have pitchers up there trying to hit, trying to bunt, coming up in big situations like with runners in scoring position and the manager has to make a decision (to keep him in).
“Plus I want to have as big of an impact on the game as I can. I want to make a good defensive play and I want to come up (big) at the plate. I don’t like to sit there for half the time, doing nothing, and then all of a sudden I’ve got to get ready to hit. I don’t feel like as much of a baseball player when I’m the DH.”
But Blackmon said he would embrace the role when called upon nonetheless, and acknowledged it could serve to help the team’s older players perform more consistently over the grind of a condensed schedule that might feature minimal off-days as well as more doubleheaders.
“If you look at career numbers — my numbers, Nolan’s numbers — when guys have a day off (from the field), it seems like they play really well the next day,” Blackmon said. “Strategically spelling certain players (with the DH) can help our team. And yeah, older guys probably need a little bit more rest than the guys who are 24 years old.”
In theory, the DH would also make Coors Field even more of an offensive ballpark — provided games can be played there in 2020. Helped out by last year’s more aerodynamic baseball, the stadium averaged 12.88 runs per game in 2019, in the same realm as the “Coors Canaveral” atmosphere that led to 13.4 runs per game in the stadium’s last pre-humidor year, 2001.
And while Rockies player rep Scott Oberg believes “people aren’t going to be be tearing down the doors one way or another” on the issue of the DH during a pandemic in which the nation simply wants baseball back, the traditionalist in Blackmon is holding out hope that the rule change wouldn’t necessarily be permanent.
“This year, some crazy circumstances that I hope never happen again led to this, so if the NL has a DH this year, that does not mean it’s here to stay,” Blackmon said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Great Sand Dunes National Park to phase in reopening starting early June

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will begin a phased reopening next month after a shutdown because of coronavirus safety measures .
The park will increase recreational access beginning June 3 in accordance with guidance from the White House , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , and state and local public health officials , according to a news release .
Great Sand Dunes , located in Alamosa and Saguache counties , currently follows the Colorado “ Safer at Home ” guidelines .
Great Sand Dunes will implement Phase 1 , on June 3 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the collection of fees if authorized “ We are excited to welcome visitors back to the park and support our local communities , ” said Park Superintendent Pamela Rice in the release .
“ As the public returns to the park , we ask that they practice social distancing and follow national and state guidance to keep park staff , local residents and the general public safe.
” Areas and facilities that will remain temporarily closed , for health considerations , include the Visitor Center and Pinon Flats Campground .
Closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later phases , according to the release .
Park Rangers will be on hand outside the Visitor Center to provide information and assistance , according to the release .
Park functions and use will be monitored and visitors must comply with CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 .
Additional information is available online at www.nps.gov/grsa .

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will begin a phased reopening next month after a shutdown because of coronavirus safety measures.
The park will increase recreational access beginning June 3 in accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health officials, according to a news release. The park, in Alamosa and Saguache counties, currently follows the Colorado “Safer at Home” guidelines.
The Great Sand Dunes will implement Phase 1, on June 3, and reopen access to:
The main park road.
The entrance station, including the collection of fees, if authorized.
The dunes parking area.
These trails: Mosca Pass, Montville Nature, Sand Sheet Loop, Wellington Ditch, Dunes Overlook, Sand Ramp, Medano Lake and Music Pass.
Overlook, Sand Ramp, Medano Lake and Music Pass. These picnic areas: Mosca Creek, Sand Pit and Castle Creek.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to the park and support our local communities,” said Park Superintendent Pamela Rice in the release. “As the public returns to the park, we ask that they practice social distancing and follow national and state guidance to keep park staff, local residents and the general public safe.”
Areas and facilities that will remain temporarily closed, for health considerations, include the visitor center and Pinon Flats Campground. Closed areas of the park will reopen in later phases, according to the release.
Park Rangers will be on hand outside the visitor center to provide information and assistance, according to the release. Park functions and use will be monitored, and visitors must comply with CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the spread of COVID-19.
Additional information is available online at www.nps.gov/grsa.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Denver will repost sheriff job, delaying hire

Denver will expand its search for a new sheriff and repost the job after conducting interviews with candidates this week , dashing hopes that a permanent hire would be selected by early May .
The selection committee was scheduled to present finalists to Mayor Michael Hancock next week but instead opted to broaden their search , Denver Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Kelli Christensen said .
“ It ’ s not a rejection of the people interviewed thus far , they just want to talk to more candidates before they advance applicants to their mayor , ” Christensen said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were interviewed for the position or who they were .
She said there was not a new timeline for hiring a sheriff .
The city had planned to have a new sheriff in place by early May to replace former Sheriff Patrick Firman , who resigned from the position in September and took another high-paying city job .
Interim Sheriff Frances Gomez has led the department since Firman ’ s resignation .
With the original timeline now out the window , the selection committee of city staff , council members and community advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to recruit more diverse applicants .
It ’ s unclear whether the committee will bring in an outside firm to conduct a national search , as the city did when it hired Firman .
“ They think maybe this process has been impacted by the pandemic , ” Christensen said .
“ It ’ s a weird time to be looking for such a big position.
” Members of the search committee contacted Friday by The Denver Post did not return requests for interviews or declined to comment , citing confidentiality agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff position listed a salary of $ 194,476 and said the ideal sheriff candidate will have a master ’ s degree and at least five years of executive-level experience in a law enforcement agency about the same size and of the same complexity as the Denver jails .
The public safety department hosted meetings with sheriff department staff and city residents in November and December to hear feedback on what qualities were wanted in a new sheriff .
Sheriff department staff said they wanted an internal candidate who was familiar with the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills , Department of Public Safety memos show .
They wanted a leader who would “ Stand up to Political Leaders and City Department Heads , ” the memo states .
Many of the comments from the community showed a desire for a sheriff who understood criminal justice reform , would focus on inmate re-entry and mental health needs , and would be present in the community .
Unlike most other Colorado counties , Denver ’ s sheriff is appointed by the mayor instead of being elected by voters .
The delay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city searches for two other high-profile public safety positions following the resignations of the fire chief and the director of the public safety department .

Denver will expand its search for a new sheriff and repost the job after conducting interviews with candidates this week, dashing hopes that a permanent hire would be selected by early May.
The selection committee was scheduled to present finalists to Mayor Michael Hancock next week but instead opted to broaden their search, Denver Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Kelli Christensen said.
“It’s not a rejection of the people interviewed thus far, they just want to talk to more candidates before they advance applicants to their mayor,” Christensen said.
Christensen declined to say how many people were interviewed for the position or who they were. She said there was not a new timeline for hiring a sheriff.
The city had planned to have a new sheriff in place by early May to replace former Sheriff Patrick Firman, who resigned from the position in September and took another high-paying city job. Interim Sheriff Frances Gomez has led the department since Firman’s resignation.
With the original timeline now out the window, the selection committee of city staff, council members and community advocates will rework the job posting and find ways to recruit more diverse applicants. It’s unclear whether the committee will bring in an outside firm to conduct a national search, as the city did when it hired Firman.
“They think maybe this process has been impacted by the pandemic,” Christensen said. “It’s a weird time to be looking for such a big position.”
Members of the search committee contacted Friday by The Denver Post did not return requests for interviews or declined to comment, citing confidentiality agreements.
The original job posting for the sheriff position listed a salary of $194,476 and said the ideal sheriff candidate will have a master’s degree and at least five years of executive-level experience in a law enforcement agency about the same size and of the same complexity as the Denver jails.
The public safety department hosted meetings with sheriff department staff and city residents in November and December to hear feedback on what qualities were wanted in a new sheriff.
Sheriff department staff said they wanted an internal candidate who was familiar with the city’s jails and had strong leadership skills, Department of Public Safety memos show. They wanted a leader who would “Stand up to Political Leaders and City Department Heads,” the memo states.
Many of the comments from the community showed a desire for a sheriff who understood criminal justice reform, would focus on inmate re-entry and mental health needs, and would be present in the community.
Unlike most other Colorado counties, Denver’s sheriff is appointed by the mayor instead of being elected by voters.
The delay in the search for a sheriff comes as the city searches for two other high-profile public safety positions following the resignations of the fire chief and the director of the public safety department.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Census workers returning to the field next week in Colorado

Census Bureau workers in Colorado will head back out into mostly rural neighborhoods across the state next week after holding off for two months because of the novel coronavirus outbreak .
“ For the health and safety of Census employees and the public , field staff will observe social distancing protocols and will wear personal protective equipment , ” said Laurie Cipriano , a media specialist with the bureau .
Field workers were supposed to hand-deliver census packets in March to homes lacking direct mail delivery , ahead of the official count day of April 1 .
That didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who haven ’ t already received a census form , who live in a rural area and who lack a “ city-style ” address to hold off until the packet is delivered .
Cipriano said field workers will not ring doorbells or knock .
They will drop off packets with information on how to complete the census form online , as well as a paper form for those who prefer to mail in their responses .
Once the packets arrive , those who receive them should respond as quickly as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of April 1 , the effective date of the count .
For example , a baby born on April 2 or later shouldn ’ t be included in a household count .
Overall , Colorado ’ s census response rate was 62.1 % as of May 15 , which ranks 17th among U.S. states .
Across the state , response rates vary widely , which will have implications for how federal funding and political representation are allocated .
As of May 15 , three counties in the state had response rates above 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jefferson at 74 % and Broomfield at 70.5 % .
Four counties had response rates below 10 % .
They include Grand at 8.8 % , Jackson at 8 % and Hinsdale at 7.1 % .
But there ’ s still time .
The July 31 deadline to complete the census has been extended to Oct. 31 .

Census Bureau workers in Colorado will head back out into mostly rural neighborhoods across the state next week after holding off for two months because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“For the health and safety of Census employees and the public, field staff will observe social distancing protocols and will wear personal protective equipment,” said Laurie Cipriano, a media specialist with the bureau.
Field workers were supposed to hand-deliver census packets in March to homes lacking direct mail delivery, ahead of the official count day of April 1. That didn’t happen. The bureau is urging people who haven’t already received a census form, who live in a rural area and who lack a “city-style” address to hold off until the packet is delivered.
Cipriano said field workers will not ring doorbells or knock. They will drop off packets with information on how to complete the census form online, as well as a paper form for those who prefer to mail in their responses.
Once the packets arrive, those who receive them should respond as quickly as possible. Any responses should reflect the situation as of April 1, the effective date of the count. For example, a baby born on April 2 or later shouldn’t be included in a household count.
Overall, Colorado’s census response rate was 62.1% as of May 15, which ranks 17th among U.S. states.
Across the state, response rates vary widely, which will have implications for how federal funding and political representation are allocated.
As of May 15, three counties in the state had response rates above 70%, including Douglas at 74.8%, Jefferson at 74% and Broomfield at 70.5%. Four counties had response rates below 10%. They include Grand at 8.8%, Jackson at 8% and Hinsdale at 7.1%.
But there’s still time. The July 31 deadline to complete the census has been extended to Oct. 31.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Denver parking enforcement will restart June 1 after coronavirus hiatus

Some parking regulations that Denver stopped enforcing when the coronavirus pandemic struck will resume next month .
Starting June 1 @ @ @ @ @ be operational between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. , according to a @ @ @ @ @ meters will be free from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m .
Parking meters outside downtown @ @ @ @ @ at the prices , times and time limits posted , the release said .
Enforcement @ @ @ @ @ spaces and residential parking programs will also resume .
Residents eligible for residential parking permits @ @ @ @ @ check eligibility online and find more parking information at www.parksmartdenver.com .
Enforcement of of street @ @ @ @ @ 1 , according to the release .
School bus loading zones will not be enforced @ @ @ @ @ session .

Some parking regulations that Denver stopped enforcing when the coronavirus pandemic struck will resume next month.
Starting June 1, downtown-area parking meters will be operational between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., according to a Denver news release. Downtown meters will be free from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Parking meters outside downtown will be on and operate at the prices, times and time limits posted, the release said.
Enforcement of time-limited, non-metered parking spaces and residential parking programs will also resume. Residents eligible for residential parking permits should apply now and can check eligibility online and find more parking information at www.parksmartdenver.com.
Enforcement of of street sweeping postings will resume July 1, according to the release. School bus loading zones will not be enforced until school is back in session.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Eagle County seeks state permission to allow limited restaurant dining, reopening of hotels and pool

Eagle County seeks state permission to allow limited restaurant dining, reopening of hotels and pools

Eagle County , the first Colorado county to get permission to ease the state ’ s stay-at-home restrictions , has proposed revisions and submitted a new request to further ease public health rules in the county .
“ Work is underway to create the next iteration of Eagle County ’ s public health order in response to COVID-19 , ” county officials said in a Friday news release .
Transitioning to what the county described as the “ Blue Phase ” will “ loosen some restrictions that have been in place since April 27 , ” the release said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for May 25 and is contingent on keeping the spread of COVID-19 at manageable levels and on the continued practice of social distancing in the general public and at businesses .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will have to approve the plan , and its contingencies , in order for the phase to be implemented .
Provisions of the Blue Phase will include : • The number of people allowed to gather together will be raised to 50 • Six-feet distancing will still be required between non-household members • Dine-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed at a reduced capacity • Indoor dining seating will be limited to 50 % of seating capacity • Outdoor dining seating capacity will be unlimited , providing 6-foot distancing is met Lodging — hotels and motels — in the county will reopen at 50 % capacity , according to the plan , and discussions are underway about vacation rental properties .
Outdoor recreation businesses and guided tours will reopen with compliance to social distancing requirements .
Areas and businesses with high-touch equipment , such as playgrounds , will open with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to open with mitigating measures including size limitations , cleaning guidelines , and symptom screenings for teachers , counselors and attendees .
Swimming pools that use chlorine or bromine will reopen at 50 % capacity .
Saltwater pools will remain closed .
County plans for a “ Black Phase , ” with further easements , are targeted for June 22 .
Eagle County guidance on face coverings remains consistent with the current Green Phase , which strongly recommends the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces .
It also requires mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 feet of social distancing can ’ t be maintained .
Residents are urged to wash their hands often , stay at home when sick , and seek immediate testing if COVID-19 symptoms surface .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Eagle County, the first Colorado county to get permission to ease the state’s stay-at-home restrictions, has proposed revisions and submitted a new request to further ease public health rules in the county.
“Work is underway to create the next iteration of Eagle County’s public health order in response to COVID-19,” county officials said in a Friday news release.
Transitioning to what the county described as the “Blue Phase” will “loosen some restrictions that have been in place since April 27,” the release said.
The Blue Phase effective date is planned for May 25 and is contingent on keeping the spread of COVID-19 at manageable levels and on the continued practice of social distancing in the general public and at businesses.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will have to approve the plan, and its contingencies, in order for the phase to be implemented.
Provisions of the Blue Phase will include:
The number of people allowed to gather together will be raised to 50
Six-feet distancing will still be required between non-household members
Dine-in service at restaurants and bars will be allowed at a reduced capacity
Indoor dining seating will be limited to 50% of seating capacity
Outdoor dining seating capacity will be unlimited, providing 6-foot distancing is met
Lodging — hotels and motels — in the county will reopen at 50% capacity, according to the plan, and discussions are underway about vacation rental properties.
Outdoor recreation businesses and guided tours will reopen with compliance to social distancing requirements. Areas and businesses with high-touch equipment, such as playgrounds, will open with social distancing compliance required.
Summer camps will be allowed to open with mitigating measures including size limitations, cleaning guidelines, and symptom screenings for teachers, counselors and attendees. Swimming pools that use chlorine or bromine will reopen at 50% capacity. Saltwater pools will remain closed.
County plans for a “Black Phase,” with further easements, are targeted for June 22.
Eagle County guidance on face coverings remains consistent with the current Green Phase, which strongly recommends the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces. It also requires mask use for employees in certain professions where 6 feet of social distancing can’t be maintained.
Residents are urged to wash their hands often, stay at home when sick, and seek immediate testing if COVID-19 symptoms surface.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.