thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Colorado up to 960 coronavirus deaths as outbreaks at senior living centers continues to rise

Colorado has recorded as many as 960 deaths from the new coronavirus as outbreaks at senior living facilities continue to increase , state health officials said Thursday .
There have been 3,600 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in March , but only 610 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon , state data shows .
At least 40 people since Thursday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
More than 18,800 people have tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said the true number is likely far higher .
Officials recorded more than 5,400 tests on Thursday , as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus as businesses slowly reopen .
The 94.7 tests per 100,000 people per day is significantly higher than the previously week ’ s totals but not quite at the 152 per 100,000 each day pegged by health experts as necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Much of that testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other care homes .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 184 facilities across the state , four more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .

Colorado has recorded as many as 960 deaths from the new coronavirus as outbreaks at senior living facilities continue to increase, state health officials said Thursday.
There have been 3,600 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in March, but only 610 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Thursday afternoon, state data shows. At least 40 people since Thursday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
More than 18,800 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said the true number is likely far higher.
Officials recorded more than 5,400 tests on Thursday, as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus as businesses slowly reopen. The 94.7 tests per 100,000 people per day is significantly higher than the previously week’s totals but not quite at the 152 per 100,000 each day pegged by health experts as necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Much of that testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 184 facilities across the state, four more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Man arrested, accused of sexually assaulting runner on trail in Fort Collins

A man in Fort Collins sexually assaulted a woman who was running on the Poudre River Trail , and the @ @ @ @ @ a bicycle .
The assault happened just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday near the 600 block @ @ @ @ @ according to a news release from the police .
After an initial attack , the @ @ @ @ @ assailant attacked a second time while the woman was on the phone with dispatchers , @ @ @ @ @ fled on a bicycle .
Police contacted a bicyclist matching the description of the assailant @ @ @ @ @ South Lemay Avenue .
Samuel Torres-Martinez , 19 , was arrested on suspicion of sexual @ @ @ @ @ Larimer County jail .
The victim , who suffered minor injuries , was taken to @ @ @ @ @ and released , police said .
“ Thanks to the detailed description the victim provided @ @ @ @ @ quickly locate and arrest the suspect so he can be held accountable for his actions @ @ @ @ @ McCambridge in the release .

A man in Fort Collins sexually assaulted a woman who was running on the Poudre River Trail, and the assailant fled the area on a bicycle.
The assault happened just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday near the 600 block of South Lemay Avenue, according to a news release from the police.
After an initial attack, the victim called 911. The assailant attacked a second time while the woman was on the phone with dispatchers, police said. He then fled on a bicycle.
Police contacted a bicyclist matching the description of the assailant in the 600 block of South Lemay Avenue. Samuel Torres-Martinez, 19, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and taken to the Larimer County jail.
The victim, who suffered minor injuries, was taken to a hospital, treated, and released, police said.
“Thanks to the detailed description the victim provided, officers were able to quickly locate and arrest the suspect so he can be held accountable for his actions,” said Lt. Adam McCambridge in the release.


thedenverpost--2020-05-08--Weld County public health director to retire as area remains a focal point for coronavirus

Dr. Mark Wallace , the director of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment , is retiring from the agency at the end of the month to “ spend more time with family ” and to focus on his health , the agency announced Friday .
As Wallace prepares to leave the department , the county ’ s coronavirus response will move fully under the Emergency Operations Center , according to the news release .
The announcement follows a news report by The NoCo Optimist that Wallace warned the Weld County commissioners against allowing businesses — which had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak — to reopen last month , saying the county had not met the threshold of declining cases .
In contrast to Gov .
Jared Polis ’ “ safer-at-home ” phased approach , Weld County ’ s elected commissioners allowed any businesses to reopen to the public beginning April 27 , following the expiration of the statewide stay-at-home order .
Wallace wrote an email to the commissioners , saying “ any relaxation of restrictions should be cautiously staged given the risk of even wider spread of the disease , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wallace told the board about his plans to retire during a meeting on Wednesday .
“ Obviously , it ’ s a very stressful time , ” he said , adding that the retirement is not related to any disagreement between commissioners and Wallace .
“ I just really think that he felt that it was time , ” Freeman said .
A spokeswoman for Weld County said Wallace was unavailable for an interview on Friday .
Weld County has one of the state ’ s highest infection rates with at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus .
There have been 113 deaths from the disease in the county , meaning it has the third highest number of deaths in the state .
Polis previously has called Weld County a coronavirus “ hot spot , ” and urged a cautious approach to reopening .
When asked about Wallace ’ s concerns regarding the relaxation of social-distancing polices , Freeman said there ’ s few differences between Weld County and what the state is doing .
“ Weld County didn ’ t close any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open any businesses , ” he said .
Weld County has struggled with large outbreaks at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley , where at least 280 employees have tested positive for the disease and seven workers have died .
Centennial Healthcare Center , where at least 40 nursing-home residents have the illness and as many as 20 have died , is also located in the county .
Wallace spent five years as Weld County ’ s public health medical advisor before he became the director of the Department of Public Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release .

Dr. Mark Wallace, the director of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, is retiring from the agency at the end of the month to “spend more time with family” and to focus on his health, the agency announced Friday.
As Wallace prepares to leave the department, the county’s coronavirus response will move fully under the Emergency Operations Center, according to the news release.
The announcement follows a news report by The NoCo Optimist that Wallace warned the Weld County commissioners against allowing businesses — which had been ordered to close due to the coronavirus outbreak — to reopen last month, saying the county had not met the threshold of declining cases.
In contrast to Gov. Jared Polis’ “safer-at-home” phased approach, Weld County’s elected commissioners allowed any businesses to reopen to the public beginning April 27, following the expiration of the statewide stay-at-home order.
Wallace wrote an email to the commissioners, saying “any relaxation of restrictions should be cautiously staged given the risk of even wider spread of the disease,” according to The NoCo Optimist.
Commissioner Mike Freeman said Wallace told the board about his plans to retire during a meeting on Wednesday.
“Obviously, it’s a very stressful time,” he said, adding that the retirement is not related to any disagreement between commissioners and Wallace.
“I just really think that he felt that it was time,” Freeman said.
A spokeswoman for Weld County said Wallace was unavailable for an interview on Friday.
Weld County has one of the state’s highest infection rates with at least 2,042 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. There have been 113 deaths from the disease in the county, meaning it has the third highest number of deaths in the state.
Polis previously has called Weld County a coronavirus “hot spot,” and urged a cautious approach to reopening.
When asked about Wallace’s concerns regarding the relaxation of social-distancing polices, Freeman said there’s few differences between Weld County and what the state is doing.
“Weld County didn’t close any businesses and Weld County didn’t open any businesses,” he said.
Weld County has struggled with large outbreaks at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, where at least 280 employees have tested positive for the disease and seven workers have died. Centennial Healthcare Center, where at least 40 nursing-home residents have the illness and as many as 20 have died, is also located in the county.
Wallace spent five years as Weld County’s public health medical advisor before he became the director of the Department of Public Health and Environment in 2000, according to the news release.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Saunders: MLB’s five-round draft is another blow for minor-league baseball

Minor-league baseball — the dreams it inspires , the smaller cities that embrace it and the talent it develops for major-league teams — is undergoing seismic changes .
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating that change .
News broke Friday that Major League Baseball will cut its 2020 amateur draft from 40 rounds to just five .
There were hopes that the draft would be reduced to 10 rounds , not five , but the owners ’ desires won out .
Eliminating the sixth through 10th rounds will save teams a combined $ 29,578,100 — but that ’ s only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
Many front-office officials across MLB objected to the plan , and many general managers and player-development personnel argue that the draft offers a solid bang for the buck over the long haul .
The owners , however , want savings now .
The new plan will allow teams to sign an unlimited number of undrafted players for $ 20,000 .
The draft is expected to begin June 10 .
Chopping down the draft coincides with the proposed elimination of 25 % of minor league teams , a measure that has drawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountain Vibes , a rookie league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers , could be one of the teams eliminated .
“ It would be a total tragedy it something like this were to happen , ” Colorado Vibes President Chris Phillips told The Denver Post in December .
“ When you think about what ( minor league baseball ) is about , baseball is a part of it , but it ’ s community .
Everything we do is somehow entrenched in engaging with the community .
The proposal would not only affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you multiply that by 42 across the country , it ’ s a big deal.
” The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues , the minor league governing body , is reportedly prepared to agree in September to MLB ’ s proposal to cut the number of affiliations from 160 to 120 for 2021 .
The NAPBL ’ s position is weakened even more by the prospect of no 2020 season because of the coronavirus .
Attendance at minor league games last year was more than 41.5 million , a 2.6 % increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 40 million fans , according to The Associated Press .
But major-league owners , including the Rockies ’ Dick Monfort , say major change is necessary to ensure professional-grade facilities for all minor league players , reduce travel by reorganizing leagues by geography and to improve “ compensation , accommodations , and amenities ” for minor league players .
With news that the draft is being dramatically altered , that means that fewer players will elect to begin a professional career for just a $ 20,000 signing bonus .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college for their senior year , and many more players could end up in junior colleges rather than getting drafted and signing a contract straight out of high school .
“ With a five-round draft , I ’ d fully expect it to be very college heavy because MLB teams will want that longer track record of success than just two-to-four looks from a high school kid , ” an SEC recruiting coordinator told D1baseball.com “ I think this pushes a lot of talent into Division I , but also the JUCO ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stronger than ever because of this.
” Minor-league baseball , however , is due to take another hit .

Minor-league baseball — the dreams it inspires, the smaller cities that embrace it and the talent it develops for major-league teams — is undergoing seismic changes.
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating that change.
News broke Friday that Major League Baseball will cut its 2020 amateur draft from 40 rounds to just five. There were hopes that the draft would be reduced to 10 rounds, not five, but the owners’ desires won out. Eliminating the sixth through 10th rounds will save teams a combined $29,578,100 — but that’s only a savings of about $1 million per team.
Many front-office officials across MLB objected to the plan, and many general managers and player-development personnel argue that the draft offers a solid bang for the buck over the long haul. The owners, however, want savings now.
The new plan will allow teams to sign an unlimited number of undrafted players for $20,000. The draft is expected to begin June 10.
Chopping down the draft coincides with the proposed elimination of 25% of minor league teams, a measure that has drawn significant criticism. The Colorado Springs-based Rocky Mountain Vibes, a rookie league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, could be one of the teams eliminated.
“It would be a total tragedy it something like this were to happen,” Colorado Vibes President Chris Phillips told The Denver Post in December. “When you think about what (minor league baseball) is about, baseball is a part of it, but it’s community. Everything we do is somehow entrenched in engaging with the community. The proposal would not only affect us here in Colorado Springs, but you multiply that by 42 across the country, it’s a big deal.”
The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the minor league governing body, is reportedly prepared to agree in September to MLB’s proposal to cut the number of affiliations from 160 to 120 for 2021. The NAPBL’s position is weakened even more by the prospect of no 2020 season because of the coronavirus.
Attendance at minor league games last year was more than 41.5 million, a 2.6% increase over 2018 and the 15th consecutive year with more than 40 million fans, according to The Associated Press. But major-league owners, including the Rockies’ Dick Monfort, say major change is necessary to ensure professional-grade facilities for all minor league players, reduce travel by reorganizing leagues by geography and to improve “compensation, accommodations, and amenities” for minor league players.
With news that the draft is being dramatically altered, that means that fewer players will elect to begin a professional career for just a $20,000 signing bonus. Plus, more players will likely return to college for their senior year, and many more players could end up in junior colleges rather than getting drafted and signing a contract straight out of high school.
“With a five-round draft, I’d fully expect it to be very college heavy because MLB teams will want that longer track record of success than just two-to-four looks from a high school kid,” an SEC recruiting coordinator told D1baseball.com “I think this pushes a lot of talent into Division I, but also the JUCO ranks. I think the JC ranks will be stronger than ever because of this.”
Minor-league baseball, however, is due to take another hit.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Help, protection sought for Colorado’s immigrants amid pandemic

Immigrant advocates are working with Colorado lawmakers to provide relief to vulnerable families during the coronavirus crisis .
Activists from the Colorado People ’ s Alliance are asking state leaders to provide cash assistance for undocumented workers who are not eligible for benefits .
They also want immigrant detention facilities held accountable , and immigrant and other populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 included in all worker protection provisions .
“ While Colorado has come a long way thanks to the work of immigrants , immigrant families like mine are still constantly left behind and harmed by our state and nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident Cristina Lopez , a member of the Colorado People ’ s Alliance , in a statement .
“ This has always been true , but the COVID-19 crisis is exposing these issues more than ever.
” The federal government didn ’ t provide stimulus checks to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without Social Security numbers .
Lawmakers haven ’ t developed bills to address all of the concerns , but they say they ’ re working to figure out how to provide some relief .
Sen. Julie Gonzales , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill to expand the state ’ s earned income tax credit to include immigrants who live in the country illegally but pay taxes .
The income tax credit helps reduce taxes for those in qualifying income brackets .
“ What we ’ re trying to navigate right now is that we include all taxpayers regardless of their citizenship status and provide relief to Coloradans who got cut out and left behind by the federal economic recovery assistance , ” she said .
Rep. Adrienne Benavidez , a Commerce City Democrat , is co-sponsoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garnett that calls for giving the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment the authority to inspect facilities that house immigrants , including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center run by the GEO Group in Aurora and the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health ’ s migrant children ’ s shelter in Westminster .
“ We don ’ t have a handle on it at all from the state perspective , ” Benavidez said .
Rep. Jonathan Singer , D-Longmont is working on a couple of bills targeted at helping underserved populations , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve received a program violation for one type of assistance program not to be banned from all types of public assistance .
“ In a public health crisis , I always tell people we ’ re only as healthy as our sickest neighbor , ” he said .

Immigrant advocates are working with Colorado lawmakers to provide relief to vulnerable families during the coronavirus crisis.
Activists from the Colorado People’s Alliance are asking state leaders to provide cash assistance for undocumented workers who are not eligible for benefits. They also want immigrant detention facilities held accountable, and immigrant and other populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 included in all worker protection provisions.
“While Colorado has come a long way thanks to the work of immigrants, immigrant families like mine are still constantly left behind and harmed by our state and nation’s policies,” said Aurora resident Cristina Lopez, a member of the Colorado People’s Alliance, in a statement. “This has always been true, but the COVID-19 crisis is exposing these issues more than ever.”
The federal government didn’t provide stimulus checks to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without Social Security numbers.
Lawmakers haven’t developed bills to address all of the concerns, but they say they’re working to figure out how to provide some relief.
Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat, is working on a bill to expand the state’s earned income tax credit to include immigrants who live in the country illegally but pay taxes. The income tax credit helps reduce taxes for those in qualifying income brackets.
“What we’re trying to navigate right now is that we include all taxpayers regardless of their citizenship status and provide relief to Coloradans who got cut out and left behind by the federal economic recovery assistance,” she said.
Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, a Commerce City Democrat, is co-sponsoring a bill with House Majority Leader Alec Garnett that calls for giving the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment the authority to inspect facilities that house immigrants, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center run by the GEO Group in Aurora and the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s migrant children’s shelter in Westminster.
“We don’t have a handle on it at all from the state perspective,” Benavidez said.
Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont is working on a couple of bills targeted at helping underserved populations, including one that would allow people who’ve received a program violation for one type of assistance program not to be banned from all types of public assistance.
“In a public health crisis, I always tell people we’re only as healthy as our sickest neighbor,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Denver businesses caught between economic realities and health concerns as they weigh reopening

Katy Brown and her husband bought EscapeWorks Denver a year ago to change things up after a career in tech — and until mid-March , business was booming .
Their escape room — where groups are “ locked ” in and must solve a series of puzzles to make their way out — sits in a prime location in downtown Denver , attracting hordes of tourists from the Colorado Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall .
Then the coronavirus pandemic hit and business just stopped .
Brown had to furlough all 12 employees .
Their revenue went to zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red .
“ Things were looking pretty dire for us , ” Brown said .
On Saturday , EscapeWorks will join a host of Denver businesses — from clothing stores to hair salons — opening their doors for the first time in nearly two months as Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s stay-at-home order expires .
Business owners in grim financial straits say it ’ s the only way to stay alive as they try to recoup lost sales while giving their employees a much-needed paycheck .
But despite the go-ahead from city leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their stores dark , at least for now .
Those who have made the choice not to resume walk-in business Saturday — or even Sunday or Monday or Tuesday — say there is simply not enough evidence yet that bringing workers and customers back into their spaces is safe and won ’ t contribute to the spread of COVID-19 .
When Brown closed the Champa Street business on March 16 her income stopped .
But the bills kept coming .
Rent and utilities still needed to be paid and she was forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to customers who had reservations for the coming weeks .
Unlike restaurants , which could at least offer takeout and delivery , escape rooms couldn ’ t be dropped on someone ’ s doorstep .
So with Denver ’ s order set to expire , Brown saw no choice but to reopen .
“ Ultimately , we know our customers will decide if they ’ re ready to do it , ” she said .
“ We just can ’ t afford to make that decision for them.
” Steve Weil , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been able to ship his western apparel to stores around the world for the past two months , but his family-owned business has still taken a hit .
“ It was not a hard decision , ” Weil said about reopening Saturday .
“ It ’ s essential to the well-being of our economy.
” Many of Weil ’ s clients are small businesses themselves so he ’ s seen the effect the virus has had on shops around the globe .
“ It ’ s not gon na be what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But it ’ s very important to have people working , have people buying.
” Retail stores won ’ t be able to just resume normal activity , however .
Shops can only have a limited number of customers browsing at any time , and shoppers all must wear masks and stay 6 feet away from others .
For Wilderness Exchange in Highland , which plans to offer lobby pickup beginning Saturday and in-person shopping on May 15 , the new social-distancing world has meant completely revamping the layout of the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoes and harnesses designed for customer treasure-hunting are a no-go .
Same with consignment gear the store used to accept but can ’ t adequately sanitize .
New cleaning protocols will also have to be enacted .
Some clothing stores , such as Rockmount , will steam their wears after people try them on , while EscapeWorks is limiting their customers to private groups only and will disinfect surfaces after each session .
But even businesses that are able to open will not be able to bring on as many employees as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berkeley normally doubles its workforce for the busy summer season .
But with the expected downturn in customers , owner Jimmy Funkhouser said he no longer thinks that ’ s viable .
Meanwhile , EscapeWorks and Wilderness Exchange say they ’ re only bringing back half of their employees .
“ The largest fear we have currently is that we bring everyone back and there ’ s just not this return to normalcy in retail… and we don ’ t want to get everyone off unemployment , ” said Peter Manley , Wilderness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re definitely moving slowly and carefully.
” But for all the Denver businesses opening up Saturday , there are plenty that aren ’ t yet comfortable bringing back customers .
Denver ’ s Twist & Shout Records has always been a family business for Paul Epstein , who co-owns the music and entertainment standby across the street from East High School with his wife Jill .
That ’ s the viewpoint that drove Epstein to close his doors a day before the city ’ s stay-at-home order was issued and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to keep the doors locked to everyone except employees this weekend and for the foreseeable future .
“ I ’ ve said from the beginning of this : The north star here for me is the safety and health of my employees and the community , ” Epstein said .
“ That ’ s what it has to be .
Anything else is crass.
” Twist & Shout on Monday will begin offering contact-free , curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week .
The record store has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for now , those two functions are as open as the 11,000-square-foot shop will get .
Epstein emphasized he ’ s not passing judgment on business owners feeling financial pressure to open , but with a Paycheck Protection Program loan giving him breathing room , he is going to take things slow and make sure his workers have a say .
“ These are actual human beings that I love and have worked with and I ’ m not going to endanger them or force them to do something they are scared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea that the virus has been contained to the point where it is safe for people to go about their lives as they did back in February is “ magical thinking , ” Epstein said , and not grounded in any of the scientific or medical advice he has seen to date .
Kevin Byrne , owner of Digitiqe Denver , closed his technology repair and retail shop to walk-in customers a week ahead of the city ’ s stay-at-home order in March — even though his location likely fit under a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined in Gov .
Jared Polis ’ April 1 stay-at-home order .
He said he does not have a timeline for when he plans to invite customers back inside after reopening for drop-off repairs on Monday .
“ We ’ re definitely not opening our retail business .
We don ’ t see any reason put our employees in harm ’ s ways if we don ’ t need to , ” Byrne said .
“ I don ’ t really see people really clamoring to go out and browse any retail stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reopening her Bee Sweet hair space in River North this weekend just feels too soon .
The co-owner hopes to wait a bit longer and see how everything plays out over the next few weeks at other hair salons .
But SophiaMarie and her business partner don ’ t want to commit on a reopening date because they don ’ t know when it will feel right .
“ I think that we ’ re gon na be living with the situation of this virus for quite some time , so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re gon na have an indicator that it ’ s safe to go back to work , ” SophiaMarie said .
“ At some point , you make a decision — am I ready to go back to work ?
”

Katy Brown and her husband bought EscapeWorks Denver a year ago to change things up after a career in tech — and until mid-March, business was booming.
Their escape room — where groups are “locked” in and must solve a series of puzzles to make their way out — sits in a prime location in downtown Denver, attracting hordes of tourists from the Colorado Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall.
Then the coronavirus pandemic hit and business just stopped. Brown had to furlough all 12 employees. Their revenue went to zero, then the books plunged into the red.
“Things were looking pretty dire for us,” Brown said.
On Saturday, EscapeWorks will join a host of Denver businesses — from clothing stores to hair salons — opening their doors for the first time in nearly two months as Mayor Michael Hancock’s stay-at-home order expires. Business owners in grim financial straits say it’s the only way to stay alive as they try to recoup lost sales while giving their employees a much-needed paycheck.
But despite the go-ahead from city leaders, many business owners are choosing to keep their stores dark, at least for now. Those who have made the choice not to resume walk-in business Saturday — or even Sunday or Monday or Tuesday — say there is simply not enough evidence yet that bringing workers and customers back into their spaces is safe and won’t contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
When Brown closed the Champa Street business on March 16 her income stopped. But the bills kept coming.
Rent and utilities still needed to be paid and she was forced to refund tens of thousands of dollars to customers who had reservations for the coming weeks.
Unlike restaurants, which could at least offer takeout and delivery, escape rooms couldn’t be dropped on someone’s doorstep.
So with Denver’s order set to expire, Brown saw no choice but to reopen.
“Ultimately, we know our customers will decide if they’re ready to do it,” she said. “We just can’t afford to make that decision for them.”
Opening their doors
Steve Weil, president of Rockmount Ranch Wear in Lower Downtown, has been able to ship his western apparel to stores around the world for the past two months, but his family-owned business has still taken a hit.
“It was not a hard decision,” Weil said about reopening Saturday. “It’s essential to the well-being of our economy.”
Many of Weil’s clients are small businesses themselves so he’s seen the effect the virus has had on shops around the globe.
“It’s not gonna be what it was,” Weil said. “But it’s very important to have people working, have people buying.”
Retail stores won’t be able to just resume normal activity, however. Shops can only have a limited number of customers browsing at any time, and shoppers all must wear masks and stay 6 feet away from others.
For Wilderness Exchange in Highland, which plans to offer lobby pickup beginning Saturday and in-person shopping on May 15, the new social-distancing world has meant completely revamping the layout of the store. Massive bins with various rock climbing shoes and harnesses designed for customer treasure-hunting are a no-go. Same with consignment gear the store used to accept but can’t adequately sanitize.
New cleaning protocols will also have to be enacted. Some clothing stores, such as Rockmount, will steam their wears after people try them on, while EscapeWorks is limiting their customers to private groups only and will disinfect surfaces after each session.
But even businesses that are able to open will not be able to bring on as many employees as they could pre-pandemic.
Feral Mountain Company in Berkeley normally doubles its workforce for the busy summer season. But with the expected downturn in customers, owner Jimmy Funkhouser said he no longer thinks that’s viable. Meanwhile, EscapeWorks and Wilderness Exchange say they’re only bringing back half of their employees.
“The largest fear we have currently is that we bring everyone back and there’s just not this return to normalcy in retail… and we don’t want to get everyone off unemployment,” said Peter Manley, Wilderness Exchange’s assortment manager. “We’re definitely moving slowly and carefully.”
Proceeding cautiously
But for all the Denver businesses opening up Saturday, there are plenty that aren’t yet comfortable bringing back customers.
Denver’s Twist & Shout Records has always been a family business for Paul Epstein, who co-owns the music and entertainment standby across the street from East High School with his wife Jill. That’s the viewpoint that drove Epstein to close his doors a day before the city’s stay-at-home order was issued and it’s what’s driving his decision to keep the doors locked to everyone except employees this weekend and for the foreseeable future.
“I’ve said from the beginning of this: The north star here for me is the safety and health of my employees and the community,” Epstein said. “That’s what it has to be. Anything else is crass.”
Twist & Shout on Monday will begin offering contact-free, curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The record store has a strong online presence, but, for now, those two functions are as open as the 11,000-square-foot shop will get.
Epstein emphasized he’s not passing judgment on business owners feeling financial pressure to open, but with a Paycheck Protection Program loan giving him breathing room, he is going to take things slow and make sure his workers have a say.
“These are actual human beings that I love and have worked with and I’m not going to endanger them or force them to do something they are scared to do,” he said.
The idea that the virus has been contained to the point where it is safe for people to go about their lives as they did back in February is “magical thinking,” Epstein said, and not grounded in any of the scientific or medical advice he has seen to date.
Kevin Byrne, owner of Digitiqe Denver, closed his technology repair and retail shop to walk-in customers a week ahead of the city’s stay-at-home order in March — even though his location likely fit under a few of the “critical business” categories outlined in Gov. Jared Polis’ April 1 stay-at-home order. He said he does not have a timeline for when he plans to invite customers back inside after reopening for drop-off repairs on Monday.
“We’re definitely not opening our retail business. We don’t see any reason put our employees in harm’s ways if we don’t need to,” Byrne said. “I don’t really see people really clamoring to go out and browse any retail stores right now anyway.”
For Abrean SophiaMarie, reopening her Bee Sweet hair space in River North this weekend just feels too soon. The co-owner hopes to wait a bit longer and see how everything plays out over the next few weeks at other hair salons. But SophiaMarie and her business partner don’t want to commit on a reopening date because they don’t know when it will feel right.
“I think that we’re gonna be living with the situation of this virus for quite some time, so, unfortunately, I don’t think we’re gonna have an indicator that it’s safe to go back to work,” SophiaMarie said. “At some point, you make a decision — am I ready to go back to work?”


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Wheat Ridge’s favorite history teacher is retiring after 40 years — and she’s still learning from he

Wheat Ridge’s favorite history teacher is retiring after 40 years — and she’s still learning from her students

Stephanie Rossi is that teacher .
You know the kind .
The 61-year-old Wheat Ridge High School educator hops on school desks when she ’ s excited .
She wakes sleeping students with a squirt gun .
Three couches serve as alternative seats in her classroom .
Her reputation is so legendary , kids who haven ’ t even reached high school cross their fingers to one day receive her homework assignment .
Former students stay in touch with her 20 years after graduation .
She ’ s known as Rossi Woman or Mama Rossi .
This was supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lasts ” — the culmination of her 40-year teaching career , of which she spent the last 26 years at Wheat Ridge High .
The pandemic , spurring a rapid transition to remote learning and the closure of school buildings in a bid to ease the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus , had other plans .
“ Somebody took a picture of me on my last first day , ” Rossi said .
“ My last parent teacher conference .
Last homecoming .
When we got into March and there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would go the rest of the year .
But the lasts just stopped.
” Rossi , like many teachers across the country , is forced to bid adieu to the great passion of her life from her kitchen counter , her energy and full-body teaching style crammed into the four walls of a video conference streaming from her laptop .
“ I feel like I ’ m on the ‘ Hollywood Squares , ’ ” Rossi said .
Initially , Rossi mourned the anticlimactic fizzle to what should have been a grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a former student put it into a perspective that healed the heart of the longtime history teacher .
“ I told her , ‘ What did you expect ?
’ ” said Melanie ( Holt ) Adams , a 2000 graduate of Wheat Ridge High .
“ ‘ You ’ re a history teacher .
You get to go out with a historical pandemic .
Not everybody gets to retire that way .
You don ’ t get to retire the normal way because you ’ re not a normal teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an extraordinary teacher.
’ ” Rossi taught through the Challenger explosion .
She remembers the fear in the classroom during the AIDs epidemic .
She was a Jefferson County teacher during the Columbine tragedy .
Now she closes out her career with a pandemic .
Since Adams ’ counsel , Rossi has a new outlook on her historic departure .
She is grateful to be with her students during a chaotic time in the nation , giving them her best .
“ She did for me what I have done for students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck and they can ’ t move , ” Rossi said .
“ It ’ s one of those exchanges where my students become my teachers .
They teach me something every day.
” Rossi embraced the rapid switch to remote learning as best she could , insistent on continuing live classes via video chat .
Class begins with 25 push-ups to get everyone moving .
Rossi mailed cards to each of her students , letting them know how much they mean to her .
She prioritizes mental health .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rossi said .
“ They ’ re bewildered .
I think some are depressed , sad .
I ’ ve had a few kids contact me to talk outside of class .
I make it known we can talk.
” Adams is a testament to Rossi ’ s genuine offers to be invested in her students ’ lives .
Since graduating 20 years ago , Rossi has tailgated with Adams and former students for Wheat Ridge High football games , attended students ’ weddings and been a highlight at class reunions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , ” said Austin White , who took Rossi ’ s class in 2012 .
“ I remember coming into high school , I knew I wanted her as a teacher.
” White recalled learning about American imperialism with Rossi , donning a crown and scepter , walking along his classmates ’ desks pretending to take them over .
“ When the Broncos signed Peyton Manning , my friend raised his hand and told her the news , and she stopped class to go tell her teacher friends around the hall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate , ” White said .
Although celebrations and goodbyes won ’ t be the same , the academic year is quickly coming to a close .
The school year ends in a couple weeks .
Rossi plans to bring a friend to help her pack up her time capsule of a classroom , complete with years of photographs of her students adorned on the walls .
She looks forward to being Wheat Ridge High ’ s graduation speaker at a delayed commencement ceremony in August .
“ I get the privilege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this senior class , ” Rossi said .
Finally , Rossi feels at peace with her decision to retire this year .
“ You never really know what kind of impact you ’ re having on students , ” Rossi said .
“ You ’ re planting seeds along the way , and I just love watching that come to fruition .
To my students of 2020 : It ’ s been an honor to be your teacher .
I am so humbled by your trust and your love .
I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I love you and congratulations to the class of 2020 .
And you ’ ll be alright .
You ’ ll be OK .
”

Stephanie Rossi is that teacher. You know the kind.
The 61-year-old Wheat Ridge High School educator hops on school desks when she’s excited. She wakes sleeping students with a squirt gun. Three couches serve as alternative seats in her classroom.
Her reputation is so legendary, kids who haven’t even reached high school cross their fingers to one day receive her homework assignment. Former students stay in touch with her 20 years after graduation. She’s known as Rossi Woman or Mama Rossi.
This was supposed to be Mama Rossi’s “year of lasts” — the culmination of her 40-year teaching career, of which she spent the last 26 years at Wheat Ridge High. The pandemic, spurring a rapid transition to remote learning and the closure of school buildings in a bid to ease the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, had other plans.
“Somebody took a picture of me on my last first day,” Rossi said. “My last parent teacher conference. Last homecoming. When we got into March and there were rumors this might happen, nobody thought it would go the rest of the year. But the lasts just stopped.”
Rossi, like many teachers across the country, is forced to bid adieu to the great passion of her life from her kitchen counter, her energy and full-body teaching style crammed into the four walls of a video conference streaming from her laptop.
“I feel like I’m on the ‘Hollywood Squares,’ ” Rossi said.
Initially, Rossi mourned the anticlimactic fizzle to what should have been a grand exit full of hugs and in-person celebrations, but a former student put it into a perspective that healed the heart of the longtime history teacher.
“I told her, ‘What did you expect?’ ” said Melanie (Holt) Adams, a 2000 graduate of Wheat Ridge High. “‘You’re a history teacher. You get to go out with a historical pandemic. Not everybody gets to retire that way. You don’t get to retire the normal way because you’re not a normal teacher. You’re an extraordinary person and an extraordinary teacher.’ ”
Rossi taught through the Challenger explosion. She remembers the fear in the classroom during the AIDs epidemic. She was a Jefferson County teacher during the Columbine tragedy. Now she closes out her career with a pandemic.
Since Adams’ counsel, Rossi has a new outlook on her historic departure. She is grateful to be with her students during a chaotic time in the nation, giving them her best.
“She did for me what I have done for students in the past when they’re stuck and they can’t move,” Rossi said. “It’s one of those exchanges where my students become my teachers. They teach me something every day.”
Rossi embraced the rapid switch to remote learning as best she could, insistent on continuing live classes via video chat. Class begins with 25 push-ups to get everyone moving. Rossi mailed cards to each of her students, letting them know how much they mean to her. She prioritizes mental health.
“I can see their faces looking back at me,” Rossi said. “They’re bewildered. I think some are depressed, sad. I’ve had a few kids contact me to talk outside of class. I make it known we can talk.”
Adams is a testament to Rossi’s genuine offers to be invested in her students’ lives.
Since graduating 20 years ago, Rossi has tailgated with Adams and former students for Wheat Ridge High football games, attended students’ weddings and been a highlight at class reunions.
“She’s changed my life,” said Austin White, who took Rossi’s class in 2012. “I remember coming into high school, I knew I wanted her as a teacher.”
White recalled learning about American imperialism with Rossi, donning a crown and scepter, walking along his classmates’ desks pretending to take them over.
“When the Broncos signed Peyton Manning, my friend raised his hand and told her the news, and she stopped class to go tell her teacher friends around the hall and just let us have a few minutes to celebrate,” White said.
Although celebrations and goodbyes won’t be the same, the academic year is quickly coming to a close. The school year ends in a couple weeks. Rossi plans to bring a friend to help her pack up her time capsule of a classroom, complete with years of photographs of her students adorned on the walls.
She looks forward to being Wheat Ridge High’s graduation speaker at a delayed commencement ceremony in August.
“I get the privilege to say goodbye to my school and this senior class,” Rossi said.
Finally, Rossi feels at peace with her decision to retire this year.
“You never really know what kind of impact you’re having on students,” Rossi said. “You’re planting seeds along the way, and I just love watching that come to fruition. To my students of 2020: It’s been an honor to be your teacher. I am so humbled by your trust and your love. I can’t imagine retiring with anybody but you. I love you and congratulations to the class of 2020. And you’ll be alright. You’ll be OK.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Final-ish Colorado 2019-20 winter snowfall totals

Don ’ t take it to the bank , but it is starting to look like the last flakes have @ @ @ @ @ for the winter .
Of course , you can never say never when it comes @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s more than safe to say that the overwhelming majority of the @ @ @ @ @ already fallen .
So without further ado , here ’ s look back at how @ @ @ @ @ up this winter , based on official data from the National Weather Service : One @ @ @ @ @ totals are often inflated and vary compared to city and town measurements , the totals @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service sites :

Don’t take it to the bank, but it is starting to look like the last flakes have flown across much of Colorado for the winter.
Of course, you can never say never when it comes to Colorado snowfall. But, it’s more than safe to say that the overwhelming majority of the season’s snow has already fallen. So without further ado, here’s look back at how Colorado towns and cities stacked up this winter, based on official data from the National Weather Service:
One note: because ski resort totals are often inflated and vary compared to city and town measurements, the totals listed below are only from National Weather Service sites:
Colorado Snow Totals, 2019-20:
Winter Park (town): 248.9 inches
Steamboat Springs (town): 210.4 inches
Breckenridge (town): 183.5 inches
Grand Lake: 158.1 inches
Boulder: 152.0 inches
Crested Butte: 151.9 inches
Hayden: 151.1 inches
Yampa: 143.6 inches
Estes Park: 113.0 inches
Georgetown: 111.7 inches
Evergreen: 102.6 inches
Wheat Ridge: 100.2 inches
Craig: 99.1 inches
Bailey: 96.2 inches
Loveland: 90.5 inches
Lakewood: 88.7 inches
Walsenburg: 87.4 inches
Castle Rock: 83.5 inches
Sedalia: 80.5 inches
Longmont: 75.8 inches
Fort Collins: 73.9 inches
Northglenn: 72.0 inches
Denver (Stapleton): 71.4 inches
Fairplay: 66.0 inches
Denver (DIA): 57.6 inches
Colorado Springs: 56.4 inches
Kremmling: 55.9 inches
Brighton: 47.5 inches
Salida: 42.1 inches
Alternbern: 40.2 inches
Gunnison: 37.5 inches
Pueblo: 36.2 inches
Holyoke: 28.0 inches
Montrose: 25.0 inches
Byers: 23.3 inches
Genoa: 21.3 inches
Julesburg: 20.8 inches
Lamar: 17.5 inches
Alamosa: 16.8 inches
Grand Junction: 13.1 inches


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Why Colorado school districts are serving fewer meals during coronavirus closures

One of the first considerations for any school district thinking about closing school , even for a single snow day is : How will children eat ?
As schools across Colorado closed in March to slow the spread of coronavirus , food service directors and cafeteria workers swung into action , setting up an extensive network that has handed out hundreds of thousands of meals , many of them to families short on food for the first time .
But despite extensive efforts and growing need , these meals remain millions short of what districts would have served in normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach pre-pandemic meal counts for a range of reasons , including confusion over the rules , lack of transportation , and narrow pickup windows that don ’ t meet the needs of harried parents .
The districts that have bucked this trend , like Westminster Public Schools , have done so by leveraging strong community networks and ramping up delivery options .
A Chalkbeat analysis of data from the first month of food distribution found that many metro area school districts are serving less than half of the meals they would have served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases much less .
During the first month of school closure , Denver Public Schools served just 12 % of the student meals it usually serves while Jeffco Public Schools served just 16 % of what it normally would have served to students .
Some districts are reaching a larger share of students , like Aurora Public Schools at 34 % and Adams 12 Five Star Schools at 57 % of their normal meals .
Westminster Public Schools , meanwhile , is providing 125 % of the student meals it did when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a nonprofit news organization covering education issues .
For more , visit chalkbeat.org/co .

By Erica Meltzer, Yesenia Robles, and Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee
One of the first considerations for any school district thinking about closing school, even for a single snow day is: How will children eat?
As schools across Colorado closed in March to slow the spread of coronavirus, food service directors and cafeteria workers swung into action, setting up an extensive network that has handed out hundreds of thousands of meals, many of them to families short on food for the first time.
But despite extensive efforts and growing need, these meals remain millions short of what districts would have served in normal times. Districts have been unable to approach pre-pandemic meal counts for a range of reasons, including confusion over the rules, lack of transportation, and narrow pickup windows that don’t meet the needs of harried parents.
The districts that have bucked this trend, like Westminster Public Schools, have done so by leveraging strong community networks and ramping up delivery options.
A Chalkbeat analysis of data from the first month of food distribution found that many metro area school districts are serving less than half of the meals they would have served if school were in session, in some cases much less.
During the first month of school closure, Denver Public Schools served just 12% of the student meals it usually serves while Jeffco Public Schools served just 16% of what it normally would have served to students. Some districts are reaching a larger share of students, like Aurora Public Schools at 34% and Adams 12 Five Star Schools at 57% of their normal meals. Westminster Public Schools, meanwhile, is providing 125% of the student meals it did when school is in session.
Read more at Chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat Colorado is a nonprofit news organization covering education issues. For more, visit chalkbeat.org/co.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--10 offensive tackles the Broncos should watch for in the 2021 NFL draft

Are the two offensive tackles who will start for the Broncos in 2021 on the current roster ?
It seems increasingly unlikely .
• In memo , Broncos reiterate refund-or-credit option should games be canceled or played without fans • Keeler : With Tom Brady and Big Ben on the docket for the Broncos ’ September , Drew Lock needs to pick up where he left off • Broncos to open season vs. Tennessee on “ Monday Night Football ” • WATCH : Peyton Manning pokes fun at Tom Brady , wanted to play golf in Boston “ where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That much became clear in recent weeks when general manager John Elway eschewed the position despite having 10 draft picks and shortly thereafter declined the fifth-year option of former first-round pick Garett Bolles .
Bolles is expected to compete with Elijah Wilkinson for the starting left tackle job this season , assuming right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James can remain healthy and play right tackle .
Beyond that , Bolles and Wilkinson will become unrestricted free agents and the Broncos can save $ 8 million by moving on from James prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be expected at one or both tackle spots .
And that means it is never too early to look ahead to the options the Broncos will have at one of the few offensive positions they did not address this offseason .
Welcome to the 2021 Offensive Tackle Position Watch .
Here are 10 early contenders .
What to know : If an NFL team with an established quarterback has the No .
1 pick , Sewell could be the selection .
Of course , the Broncos hope to not be in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left tackle as a true sophomore last season and won the Outland Trophy over semifinalists Tyler Biadasz , Derrick Brown , John Simpson , Andrew Thomas and Tristan Wirfs .
Three of those five — Thomas ( No .
4 ) , Brown ( No .
7 ) and Wirfs ( No .
13 ) — went on to become first-round picks .
Listed at 6-foot-6 , 330 pounds , Sewell joined quarterback Marcus Mariota ( 2014 ) and running back LaMichael James ( 2010 ) as the third Oregon player to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lone red flag is Sewell missed six games as a freshman with a high ankle sprain .
He ’ s legit .
What to know : A possible first-round pick had he declared for last month ’ s draft , Leatherwood opted to return to Alabama for his senior season .
Leatherwood ( 6-6/310 ) started all 13 games at left tackle as a junior after making 15 starts at right guard as a sophomore .
He is better in pass protection than run blocking , though neither is considered a weakness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cringe after watching Bolles struggle with penalties early in his NFL career : Leatherwood was flagged nine times last season , according to 247Sports .
He needs to clean that up .
What to know : A season-ending knee injury in Stanford ’ s opener against Northwestern on Aug. 31 required surgery and derailed Little ’ s chances of being a first-round pick in 2020 .
The setback came after two impressive seasons in which Little became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Cardinal since 2000 and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Little ( 6-7/320 ) made the smart decision to return to school and prove to NFL teams that he can get back to his pre-injury form .
What to know : Why should Broncos fans have a Sept. 26 game between Notre Dame and Wake Forest circled on their calendars ?
It will be a chance to watch Eichenberg square off against defensive end Carlos Basham Jr. , another potential early draft pick who had 11 sacks last season .
Eichenberg ( 6-6/305 ) has started all 26 games at left tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering his redshirt senior year .
While he isn ’ t considered the same level of prospect as former Notre Dame standouts Ronnie Stanley and Mike McGlinchey , he should be a top-100 pick .
Like Leatherwood , Eichenberg needs to clean up his penalty issues after getting called for eight false starts last season , per Pro Football Focus .
What to know : After taking a redshirt year , Cosmi started 13 games at right tackle in 2018 before moving to left tackle and starting all 13 games last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which allows him to get his hands on opposing linemen .
He struggled at times against LSU ’ s K ’ Lavon Chaisson ( No .
20 pick by Jacksonville ) last September , though he was not responsible for Chaisson ’ s lone sack of quarterback Sam Ehlinger , which came on a second-quarter stunt .
Texas has had just one offensive lineman ( Connor Williams in 2018 ) drafted since 2008 .
Cosmi will change that .
What to know : One of the Big Ten ’ s most experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 38 career games and starting 26 games at left tackle over the past two seasons .
Munford ( 6-6/315 ) missed the Rose Bowl after the 2018 season because of a back injury that required surgery .
He returned to start all but one game last year .
A fully healthy season from Munford could solidify him as a first-round pick .
What to know : Four of Michigan ’ s five starting offensive linemen from 2019 were drafted last month .
Mayfield returns for his redshirt sophomore year after starting all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mayfield ( 6-5/319 ) held his own when matched up against Ohio State ’ s Chase Young ( No .
2 pick by Washington ) and shows solid athleticism when in space .
He is expected to stick at right tackle this season .
What to know : Carman has maybe the most important job in college football : Protect the blind side of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence , who has won a national championship and played for another in his two seasons .
That ’ s the role Carman ( 6-5/345 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all 15 games at left tackle as a sophomore after working in a reserve role the previous year .
Carman is the only returning starter along Clemson ’ s offensive line .
What to know : Overshadowed by Wirfs , Jackson ( 6-6/320 ) has made 34 starts at left tackle since taking a redshirt year in 2016 .
He missed three games last season after suffering a knee injury in the opener against Miami ( Ohio ) that seemed to trouble him the rest of the year .
Jackson said he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right decision .
What to know : Vera-Tucker started all 13 games at left guard last season and has primarily worked inside during his time at Southern Cal .
As a redshirt junior , he will compete to replace left tackle Austin Jackson ( No .
18 pick to Miami ) .
Vera-Tucker ( 6-4/315 ) was among the best guards in pass protection last year .
If he shows the necessary footwork and technical skills to flourish at left tackle , he will make himself a lot of money .

Are the two offensive tackles who will start for the Broncos in 2021 on the current roster? It seems increasingly unlikely.
That much became clear in recent weeks when general manager John Elway eschewed the position despite having 10 draft picks and shortly thereafter declined the fifth-year option of former first-round pick Garett Bolles.
Bolles is expected to compete with Elijah Wilkinson for the starting left tackle job this season, assuming right tackle Ja’Wuan James can remain healthy and play right tackle. Beyond that, Bolles and Wilkinson will become unrestricted free agents and the Broncos can save $8 million by moving on from James prior to the 2021 season.
Translation: Turnover should be expected at one or both tackle spots. And that means it is never too early to look ahead to the options the Broncos will have at one of the few offensive positions they did not address this offseason.
Welcome to the 2021 Offensive Tackle Position Watch. Here are 10 early contenders.
Penei Sewell, Oregon
What to know: If an NFL team with an established quarterback has the No. 1 pick, Sewell could be the selection. Of course, the Broncos hope to not be in that position. Sewell started 13 games at left tackle as a true sophomore last season and won the Outland Trophy over semifinalists Tyler Biadasz, Derrick Brown, John Simpson, Andrew Thomas and Tristan Wirfs. Three of those five — Thomas (No. 4), Brown (No. 7) and Wirfs (No. 13) — went on to become first-round picks. Listed at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Sewell joined quarterback Marcus Mariota (2014) and running back LaMichael James (2010) as the third Oregon player to be a unanimous first-team All-America selection. The lone red flag is Sewell missed six games as a freshman with a high ankle sprain. He’s legit.
Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
What to know: A possible first-round pick had he declared for last month’s draft, Leatherwood opted to return to Alabama for his senior season. Leatherwood (6-6/310) started all 13 games at left tackle as a junior after making 15 starts at right guard as a sophomore. He is better in pass protection than run blocking, though neither is considered a weakness. One stat that will make Broncos fans cringe after watching Bolles struggle with penalties early in his NFL career: Leatherwood was flagged nine times last season, according to 247Sports. He needs to clean that up.
Walker Little, Stanford
What to know: A season-ending knee injury in Stanford’s opener against Northwestern on Aug. 31 required surgery and derailed Little’s chances of being a first-round pick in 2020. The setback came after two impressive seasons in which Little became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Cardinal since 2000 and was named first-team All-Pac 12 as a sophomore. Little (6-7/320) made the smart decision to return to school and prove to NFL teams that he can get back to his pre-injury form.
Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
What to know: Why should Broncos fans have a Sept. 26 game between Notre Dame and Wake Forest circled on their calendars? It will be a chance to watch Eichenberg square off against defensive end Carlos Basham Jr., another potential early draft pick who had 11 sacks last season. Eichenberg (6-6/305) has started all 26 games at left tackle over the past two seasons and is entering his redshirt senior year. While he isn’t considered the same level of prospect as former Notre Dame standouts Ronnie Stanley and Mike McGlinchey, he should be a top-100 pick. Like Leatherwood, Eichenberg needs to clean up his penalty issues after getting called for eight false starts last season, per Pro Football Focus.
Samuel Cosmi, Texas
What to know: After taking a redshirt year, Cosmi started 13 games at right tackle in 2018 before moving to left tackle and starting all 13 games last season. Cosmi (6-7/310) has good length, which allows him to get his hands on opposing linemen. He struggled at times against LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson (No. 20 pick by Jacksonville) last September, though he was not responsible for Chaisson’s lone sack of quarterback Sam Ehlinger, which came on a second-quarter stunt. Texas has had just one offensive lineman (Connor Williams in 2018) drafted since 2008. Cosmi will change that.
Thayer Munford, Ohio State
What to know: One of the Big Ten’s most experienced offensive linemen, Munford returns after playing in 38 career games and starting 26 games at left tackle over the past two seasons. Munford (6-6/315) missed the Rose Bowl after the 2018 season because of a back injury that required surgery. He returned to start all but one game last year. A fully healthy season from Munford could solidify him as a first-round pick.
Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
What to know: Four of Michigan’s five starting offensive linemen from 2019 were drafted last month. Mayfield returns for his redshirt sophomore year after starting all 13 games at right tackle last season. Mayfield (6-5/319) held his own when matched up against Ohio State’s Chase Young (No. 2 pick by Washington) and shows solid athleticism when in space. He is expected to stick at right tackle this season.
Jackson Carman, Clemson
What to know: Carman has maybe the most important job in college football: Protect the blind side of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has won a national championship and played for another in his two seasons. That’s the role Carman (6-5/345) served last season when he started all 15 games at left tackle as a sophomore after working in a reserve role the previous year. Carman is the only returning starter along Clemson’s offensive line.
Alaric Jackson, Iowa
What to know: Overshadowed by Wirfs, Jackson (6-6/320) has made 34 starts at left tackle since taking a redshirt year in 2016. He missed three games last season after suffering a knee injury in the opener against Miami (Ohio) that seemed to trouble him the rest of the year. Jackson said he did not consider going pro, which was the right decision.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
What to know: Vera-Tucker started all 13 games at left guard last season and has primarily worked inside during his time at Southern Cal. As a redshirt junior, he will compete to replace left tackle Austin Jackson (No. 18 pick to Miami). Vera-Tucker (6-4/315) was among the best guards in pass protection last year. If he shows the necessary footwork and technical skills to flourish at left tackle, he will make himself a lot of money.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Ask Amy: Estranged husband should cut the knot

Dear Amy : I am 72 .
I ’ ve been married for 50 years to the same woman .
Three years ago , I moved out of our beautiful home of 35 years because she became verbally abusive .
She has been a harsh , judgmental person , driven by worry , for most of our lives .
I concluded that I was enabling her behavior by trying too hard to make her happy .
We raised two beautiful , productive , professional “ kids ” in our partnership , who are now in their 40s .
We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen in love with a 71-year-old woman who is quite the opposite of my harsh spouse .
She is warm , generous , positive , and hopeful .
Her longtime husband is an alcoholic .
She has adult children and grandkids that she loves and that depend on her .
This woman and I have had a deeply serious emotional , physical , sexual , and intellectual relationship for the last two years .
I will not close the door on this “ end of life ” renewal with this spiritually beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentionally hurt her extended family relationships , nor do I want to hurt my wife .
What do you think we should do ?
How will this end ?
Dear Torn : My crystal ball is on the fritz , and so I don ’ t know how this will end , but I assume it will end the way most complicated entanglements end – with a variety of responses and reactions across a wide spectrum .
You have already left your wife , and perhaps you should complete the process by legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this hurt her ?
Probably .
Will she blame you for her hurt ?
Definitely .
Given what you describe about your affair partner and her tight family , she may choose to stay in her marriage .
Many huge life choices boil down to the tension inherent in the need to live in relationship to others — and yet not be controlled by them .
I would never want to judge or deny any two good people a beautiful late life love .
But to conduct your relationship with integrity , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices , understanding that your choices will hurt some other people .
Dear Amy : I suppose everyone reacts to the stress of this pandemic in different ways , but I am finding myself very annoyed and resentful — even hurt — by the way that “ friends ” and relatives are coming out of the woodwork to call , email or text , wanting to be in touch .
I even got a message yesterday from a woman I haven ’ t seen or heard from since high school ( 55 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” These are the same people who could never be bothered to respond to cards , calls , emails in the past because their lives were “ so busy.
” Trust me , my life was as busy as theirs , but I could make time to reach out to people .
They now open a call or email : “ I ’ m so bored I thought I would call you.
” Or “ I have nothing better to do so I thought we could email back and forth.
” REALLY ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good or glad to hear from them ?
I would have been very happy to stay in touch over the years because I once cared for these people .
But I certainly don ’ t feel valued or important to them now if the only reason they are in touch is because they need something to do to relieve their boredom .
I don ’ t know how to respond .
Do I ignore them ?
Do I pretend that I ’ m happy to hear from them ?
— Too Little , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are feeling defensive about the way people from your long-off past are reaching out , but before you blow them off , you should examine your own reaction to determine if you are perhaps shooting yourself in the foot .
You might be denying connections and reconnections that would be fulfilling for you .
However , if someone contacts you after more than 50 years and their opening line is , “ I ’ m so bored I thought I would call you , ” ( and you definitely don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could respond , “ Well , I ’ m not quite bored enough.
” Dear Amy : Thank you for running the amusing letters from “ Mr .
and Mrs. Smith , ” who reported on their coronavirus quirks .
It really made me smile .
I ’ ve been learning to bake bread , which makes everybody else smile – because my “ fails ” are hilarious .
Dear Baked : The best part of baking fails is that you get to eat the evidence .

Dear Amy: I am 72. I’ve been married for 50 years to the same woman.
Three years ago, I moved out of our beautiful home of 35 years because she became verbally abusive. She has been a harsh, judgmental person, driven by worry, for most of our lives. I concluded that I was enabling her behavior by trying too hard to make her happy.
We raised two beautiful, productive, professional “kids” in our partnership, who are now in their 40s. We don’t have grandchildren.
Now I have fallen in love with a 71-year-old woman who is quite the opposite of my harsh spouse. She is warm, generous, positive, and hopeful. Her longtime husband is an alcoholic.
She has adult children and grandkids that she loves and that depend on her.
This woman and I have had a deeply serious emotional, physical, sexual, and intellectual relationship for the last two years. I will not close the door on this “end of life” renewal with this spiritually beautiful woman. But I would also never intentionally hurt her extended family relationships, nor do I want to hurt my wife.
What do you think we should do? How will this end?
— Torn
Dear Torn: My crystal ball is on the fritz, and so I don’t know how this will end, but I assume it will end the way most complicated entanglements end – with a variety of responses and reactions across a wide spectrum.
You have already left your wife, and perhaps you should complete the process by legally dissolving your very long marriage. Will this hurt her? Probably. Will she blame you for her hurt? Definitely.
Given what you describe about your affair partner and her tight family, she may choose to stay in her marriage.
Many huge life choices boil down to the tension inherent in the need to live in relationship to others — and yet not be controlled by them.
I would never want to judge or deny any two good people a beautiful late life love. But to conduct your relationship with integrity, you will both have to make some tough choices, understanding that your choices will hurt some other people.
Dear Amy: I suppose everyone reacts to the stress of this pandemic in different ways, but I am finding myself very annoyed and resentful — even hurt — by the way that “friends” and relatives are coming out of the woodwork to call, email or text, wanting to be in touch.
I even got a message yesterday from a woman I haven’t seen or heard from since high school (55 years ago) wanting to “catch up.” These are the same people who could never be bothered to respond to cards, calls, emails in the past because their lives were “so busy.”
Trust me, my life was as busy as theirs, but I could make time to reach out to people. They now open a call or email: “I’m so bored I thought I would call you.” Or “I have nothing better to do so I thought we could email back and forth.” REALLY? Is that supposed to make me feel good or glad to hear from them?
I would have been very happy to stay in touch over the years because I once cared for these people. But I certainly don’t feel valued or important to them now if the only reason they are in touch is because they need something to do to relieve their boredom.
I don’t know how to respond. Do I ignore them? Do I pretend that I’m happy to hear from them?
— Too Little, Too Late
Dear Too Late: You are feeling defensive about the way people from your long-off past are reaching out, but before you blow them off, you should examine your own reaction to determine if you are perhaps shooting yourself in the foot.
You might be denying connections and reconnections that would be fulfilling for you.
However, if someone contacts you after more than 50 years and their opening line is, “I’m so bored I thought I would call you,” (and you definitely don’t want to talk to them), you could respond, “Well, I’m not quite bored enough.”
Dear Amy: Thank you for running the amusing letters from “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” who reported on their coronavirus quirks.
It really made me smile. I’ve been learning to bake bread, which makes everybody else smile – because my “fails” are hilarious.
— Half Baked
Dear Baked: The best part of baking fails is that you get to eat the evidence.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--MLB to cut amateur draft from 40 rounds to 5, AP source says

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball will cut its amateur draft from 40 rounds to five this year , a move that figures to save teams about $ 30 million .
Clubs gained the ability to reduce the draft as part of their March 26 agreement with the players ’ association and MLB plans to finalize a decision next week to go with the minimum , a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press .
The person spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because no decision was announced .
There will be just 160 players drafted , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started in 1965 , and the combined value of their signing bonus pools is $ 235,906,800 .
The amount of signing bonus pool money eliminated is $ 29,578,100 .
Teams made the move with the season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and the sport trying to cut expenses to cope with revenue loss .
“ Particularly given the negligible economic impact to what ’ s already a cheap acquisition cost , this approach is is grossly shortsighted , ” said agent Jeff Berry , co-head of CAA Baseball .
“ To drastically reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it stunts growth and diversity at all levels and is really a self-inflicted sabotage of the long-term health and popularity of the game.
” The start date of the draft will remain June 10 and the deadline to sign likely will be pushed back from July 10 to Aug. 1 , the person said .
The draft will be cut from three days to two .
As part of the agreement with the union , slot values to determine signing bonus pools will remain at 2019 levels and players passed over in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 20,000 or less .
That might cause more high school players elect to go to college .
And because of the NCAA ’ s limit of 11.7 baseball scholarships , the change may lead to more prospects attending junior college .
“ You can ’ t afford to live when you sign for $ 20,000 in the minor leagues , ” agent Scott Boras said .
“ They also may develop in college to be first rounders , which is the category we ’ re looking for .
So so it gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounders.
” Berry said the decision was part of “ furtherance down that slippery slope of diminishing the value and the importance of players ” and linked it to other moves players decry and to the Houston Astros ’ cheating scandal .
“ For any ownership group that supports this course of action as advisable or frankly , is so cash- strapped that this mid-six-figure savings is a financial necessity , they should do everyone a favor , including their fellow owners , and sell their franchises , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big of an ethical jump from hijacking the draft , tanking and service manipulation to hidden cameras and banging on trash cans ?
All those behaviors and attitudes , they ’ re not analytic or intelligent or efficient , they ’ re just unethical , and they reveal a lack of respect for players and fans.
” All but six of last year ’ s sixth-round picks signed for $ 200,000 or more .
Chicago Cubs catcher/first baseman Ethan Hearn had the highest bonus of the round at $ 950,000 , deciding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco signed right-hander John McDonald , selected 326th on the 11th round , for $ 797,500 , and Arizona gave left-hander Avery Short , picked 362nd on the 12th round , $ 922,500 .
Among 1,082 players who were in a big league game last year after coming through the draft , 180 were first-round picks and 589 were selected during the first five rounds , according to the commissioner ’ s office .
There were 204 from rounds six to 10 , 102 from rounds 11-15 and 63 from rounds 16-20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and only 50 from rounds 31-50 .
Once unlimited , the draft was cut to 50 rounds in 1998 and to 40 rounds in 2012 .
“ On every major league team , development and scouting departments are extremely upset about this , ” Boras said .
“ This is strictly about minimal short-term economic benefit that could cost millions of dollars , with the loss of a No .
1 pick being injured or a No .
1 pick not developing to the full stature of his potential.
” Signing bonus pools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money teams can spend .
Each slot in the first 10 rounds is a signed a value — the range last year was $ 8,415,300 down to $ 142,200 — and each team ’ s values are added to a form a pool .
Signing bonuses in the first 10 rounds count against the pool along with the amounts above $ 125,000 of players selected after the 10th round or who were bypassed in the draft and then signed .
A team that exceeds its pool is taxed , and a club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round draft pick the next year — a threshold never reached .
Players turned down a proposal last week that would have kept rounds 6-10 in exchange for cutting their slot values in half .
Teams drafted 1,217 players over 40 rounds last June and have signed 960 at a total bonus cost of $ 316,560,984 .
In addition , 159 players passed over in the draft signed for $ 1,514,700 .
As part of the deal with the union , teams have the right to cut the 2021 draft to as few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB ’ s proposal to cut their minimum minor league affiliations from 160 to 120 in 2021 , allowing each organization to drop one farm team .
For both 2020 and ’ 21 , only up to $ 100,000 of each signing bonus is due within 30 days of approval and 50 % of the remainder on July 1 in both 2020 and ’ 21 .

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball will cut its amateur draft from 40 rounds to five this year, a move that figures to save teams about $30 million.
Clubs gained the ability to reduce the draft as part of their March 26 agreement with the players’ association and MLB plans to finalize a decision next week to go with the minimum, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because no decision was announced.
There will be just 160 players drafted, by far the fewest since the annual selection started in 1965, and the combined value of their signing bonus pools is $235,906,800. The amount of signing bonus pool money eliminated is $29,578,100.
Teams made the move with the season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and the sport trying to cut expenses to cope with revenue loss.
“Particularly given the negligible economic impact to what’s already a cheap acquisition cost, this approach is is grossly shortsighted,” said agent Jeff Berry, co-head of CAA Baseball. “To drastically reduce opportunity and talent and talent pools, it stunts growth and diversity at all levels and is really a self-inflicted sabotage of the long-term health and popularity of the game.”
The start date of the draft will remain June 10 and the deadline to sign likely will be pushed back from July 10 to Aug. 1, the person said. The draft will be cut from three days to two.
As part of the agreement with the union, slot values to determine signing bonus pools will remain at 2019 levels and players passed over in the draft are limited to signing bonuses of $20,000 or less. That might cause more high school players elect to go to college. And because of the NCAA’s limit of 11.7 baseball scholarships, the change may lead to more prospects attending junior college.
“You can’t afford to live when you sign for $20,000 in the minor leagues,” agent Scott Boras said. “They also may develop in college to be first rounders, which is the category we’re looking for. So so it gives you more opportunity to have more first rounders.”
Berry said the decision was part of “furtherance down that slippery slope of diminishing the value and the importance of players” and linked it to other moves players decry and to the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal.
“For any ownership group that supports this course of action as advisable or frankly, is so cash- strapped that this mid-six-figure savings is a financial necessity, they should do everyone a favor, including their fellow owners, and sell their franchises,” he said. “Does anyone think it’s that big of an ethical jump from hijacking the draft, tanking and service manipulation to hidden cameras and banging on trash cans? All those behaviors and attitudes, they’re not analytic or intelligent or efficient, they’re just unethical, and they reveal a lack of respect for players and fans.”
All but six of last year’s sixth-round picks signed for $200,000 or more. Chicago Cubs catcher/first baseman Ethan Hearn had the highest bonus of the round at $950,000, deciding to sign rather than attend Mississippi State.
San Francisco signed right-hander John McDonald, selected 326th on the 11th round, for $797,500, and Arizona gave left-hander Avery Short, picked 362nd on the 12th round, $922,500.
Among 1,082 players who were in a big league game last year after coming through the draft, 180 were first-round picks and 589 were selected during the first five rounds, according to the commissioner’s office. There were 204 from rounds six to 10, 102 from rounds 11-15 and 63 from rounds 16-20. Just 74 were from rounds 21-30 and only 50 from rounds 31-50.
Once unlimited, the draft was cut to 50 rounds in 1998 and to 40 rounds in 2012.
“On every major league team, development and scouting departments are extremely upset about this,” Boras said. “This is strictly about minimal short-term economic benefit that could cost millions of dollars, with the loss of a No. 1 pick being injured or a No. 1 pick not developing to the full stature of his potential.”
Signing bonus pools started in 2012 and limit the amount of money teams can spend. Each slot in the first 10 rounds is a signed a value — the range last year was $8,415,300 down to $142,200 — and each team’s values are added to a form a pool. Signing bonuses in the first 10 rounds count against the pool along with the amounts above $125,000 of players selected after the 10th round or who were bypassed in the draft and then signed.
A team that exceeds its pool is taxed, and a club more than 5% above loses a first-round draft pick the next year — a threshold never reached.
Players turned down a proposal last week that would have kept rounds 6-10 in exchange for cutting their slot values in half.
Teams drafted 1,217 players over 40 rounds last June and have signed 960 at a total bonus cost of $316,560,984. In addition, 159 players passed over in the draft signed for $1,514,700.
As part of the deal with the union, teams have the right to cut the 2021 draft to as few as 20 rounds. That fits in MLB’s proposal to cut their minimum minor league affiliations from 160 to 120 in 2021, allowing each organization to drop one farm team.
For both 2020 and ’21, only up to $100,000 of each signing bonus is due within 30 days of approval and 50% of the remainder on July 1 in both 2020 and ’21.


thedenverpost--2020-05-09--Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy dies from coronavirus at 75

LAS VEGAS — Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy , the duo whose extraordinary magic tricks astonished millions until Horn was critically injured in 2003 by one of the act ’ s famed white tigers , has died .
He was 75 .
Horn died of complications from the coronavirus on Friday in a Las Vegas hospital , according to a statement released by publicist Dave Kirvin .
“ Today , the world has lost one of the greats of magic , but I have lost my best friend , ” Siegfried Fischbacher said in the statement .
“ From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roy and I , together , would change the world .
There could be no Siegfried without Roy , and no Roy without Siegfried.
” He was injured in October 2003 when a tiger named Montecore attacked him on stage at the Mirage hotel-casino in Las Vegas .
He had severe neck injuries , lost a lot of blood and later suffered a stroke .
He underwent lengthy rehabilitation , but the attack ended the long-running Las Vegas Strip production .
The darker-haired of the flashy duo , Horn was credited with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pet cheetah — to the magic act .
“ Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days , ” Fischbacher said .
“ I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors , nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy ’ s life.
” The two became an institution in Las Vegas , where their magic and artistry consistently attracted sellout crowds .
The pair performed six shows a week , 44 weeks per year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 for what was billed as their one and only comeback performance , to raise funds for the new Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas .
The brief performance , which included Montecore , became the basis of an episode of the ABC television show “ 20/20.
” Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher , both natives of Germany , had first teamed up in 1957 and made their Las Vegas debut a decade later .
Siegfried & Roy began performing at the Mirage in 1990 .
When they signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2001 , it was estimated they had performed 5,000 shows at the casino for 10 million fans since 1990 and had grossed more than $ 1 billion .
That comes on top of thousands of shows at other venues in earlier years .
“ Throughout the history of Las Vegas , no artists have meant more to the development of Las Vegas ’ global reputation as the entertainment capital of the world than Siegfried and Roy , ” Terry Lanni , chairman of MGM Mirage , the casino ’ s parent company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gained international recognition for helping to save rare white tigers and white lions from extinction .
Their $ 10 million compound was home to dozens of rare animals over the years .
The white lions and white tigers were the result of a preservation program that began in the 1980s .
“ The good news is that the white tigers and white lions are going into the 21st century , ” Horn said in a 1999 interview with The Associated Press .
“ The bad news is that if we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wild , they will disappear.
” Siegfried & Roy ’ s show , incorporating animal antics and magic tricks , included about 20 white tigers and lions , the number varying depending on the night .
The show also had other exotic animals , including an elephant .
“ Their show is so fast-paced the viewer has time only to gasp before the next dazzlement , ” an Associated Press reviewer wrote in 1989 when they brought their act to New York .
“ A white car drives on stage — as Liberace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white tiger and three cubs .
Roy rides an elephant , which disappears , then reappears .
At the end , a 650-pound white tiger climbs atop a globe .
With Roy on his back , they ’ re pulled into the air.
” “ It ’ s a Las Vegas show and it ’ s nonstop entertainment .
New Yorkers aren ’ t too sophisticated for this.
” A later spectacular developed for the Mirage opened with a flashy “ Star Wars ” scenario and Horn and Fischbacher arriving in their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horn sitting atop a 30-foot ( 9.1-meter ) pyramid that was “ destroyed ” by an explosion and fire , leaving him levitated high above the stage .
It was halfway during a performance Oct. 3 , 2003 , when Horn was alone on stage with the tiger that it suddenly lunged at him .
Horn , who had turned 59 that day , had never been injured during a show before , “ not a scratch , not by an animal , ” Bernie Yuman , the pair ’ s longtime manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he thought Montecore , a 7-year-old male , got distracted by something in the audience and Horn was trying to calm him .
Horn himself said later that he fainted and the tiger was trying to help him by dragging him offstage , though animal experts disputed that possibility .
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture explored a variety of theories but was unable to reach a conclusion on what caused the tiger to attack .
In its final report , the USDA also said the show ’ s producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no barrier separating the exotic animals from the crowd .
In October 2006 , three years after the attack , Horn and Fischbacher attended their induction into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars .
Horn ’ s speech was sluggish at times and he walked a bit slow , but he called the event “ a deeply emotional experience.
” Born in Nordenham , Germany , Horn met Fischbacher on a cruise ship in 1957 .
Fischbacher performed the magic tricks , while Horn became his assistant , eventually suggesting using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honed their animal-magic show in small clubs in Germany and Switzerland in the mid-1960s .
Their break came in a Monte Carlo casino when an agent in the audience invited them to Las Vegas .
The pair made their debut at the Tropicana hotel-casino in the late 1960s .
The illusionists became popular in the 1970s , receiving their first star billing in 1978 as headliners of the Stardust ’ s “ Lido de Paris.
” Their show “ Beyond Belief ” opened in 1981 at the Frontier and played to thousands over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became U.S. citizens in 1988 , an elated Horn said , “ Being an American means all the things we believe in.
” Horn once hand-fed a white lion cub born prematurely , starting with an eyedropper .
But when a cub was donated to a zoo , Horn said he was heartbroken .
“ When you love something , the hardest thing is to let it go , ” he said .
“ But this is what Siegfried and Roy do .
We live our dreams , and we fulfill our destiny.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an expected public memorial .

LAS VEGAS — Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy, the duo whose extraordinary magic tricks astonished millions until Horn was critically injured in 2003 by one of the act’s famed white tigers, has died. He was 75.
Horn died of complications from the coronavirus on Friday in a Las Vegas hospital, according to a statement released by publicist Dave Kirvin.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,” Siegfried Fischbacher said in the statement. “From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried.”
He was injured in October 2003 when a tiger named Montecore attacked him on stage at the Mirage hotel-casino in Las Vegas. He had severe neck injuries, lost a lot of blood and later suffered a stroke. He underwent lengthy rehabilitation, but the attack ended the long-running Las Vegas Strip production.
The darker-haired of the flashy duo, Horn was credited with the idea of introducing an exotic animal — his pet cheetah — to the magic act.
“Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days,” Fischbacher said. “I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy’s life.”
The two became an institution in Las Vegas, where their magic and artistry consistently attracted sellout crowds. The pair performed six shows a week, 44 weeks per year.
They returned to the stage in February 2009 for what was billed as their one and only comeback performance, to raise funds for the new Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. The brief performance, which included Montecore, became the basis of an episode of the ABC television show “20/20.”
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher, both natives of Germany, had first teamed up in 1957 and made their Las Vegas debut a decade later. Siegfried & Roy began performing at the Mirage in 1990.
When they signed a lifetime contract with the Mirage in 2001, it was estimated they had performed 5,000 shows at the casino for 10 million fans since 1990 and had grossed more than $1 billion. That comes on top of thousands of shows at other venues in earlier years.
“Throughout the history of Las Vegas, no artists have meant more to the development of Las Vegas’ global reputation as the entertainment capital of the world than Siegfried and Roy,” Terry Lanni, chairman of MGM Mirage, the casino’s parent company, said after the attack.
The pair gained international recognition for helping to save rare white tigers and white lions from extinction. Their $10 million compound was home to dozens of rare animals over the years. The white lions and white tigers were the result of a preservation program that began in the 1980s.
“The good news is that the white tigers and white lions are going into the 21st century,” Horn said in a 1999 interview with The Associated Press. “The bad news is that if we don’t do something about the tigers in the wild, they will disappear.”
Siegfried & Roy’s show, incorporating animal antics and magic tricks, included about 20 white tigers and lions, the number varying depending on the night. The show also had other exotic animals, including an elephant.
“Their show is so fast-paced the viewer has time only to gasp before the next dazzlement,” an Associated Press reviewer wrote in 1989 when they brought their act to New York.
“A white car drives on stage — as Liberace used to do — bringing a mother white tiger and three cubs. Roy rides an elephant, which disappears, then reappears. At the end, a 650-pound white tiger climbs atop a globe. With Roy on his back, they’re pulled into the air.”
“It’s a Las Vegas show and it’s nonstop entertainment. New Yorkers aren’t too sophisticated for this.”
A later spectacular developed for the Mirage opened with a flashy “Star Wars” scenario and Horn and Fischbacher arriving in their own mini space capsules. Another segment had Horn sitting atop a 30-foot (9.1-meter) pyramid that was “destroyed” by an explosion and fire, leaving him levitated high above the stage.
It was halfway during a performance Oct. 3, 2003, when Horn was alone on stage with the tiger that it suddenly lunged at him.
Horn, who had turned 59 that day, had never been injured during a show before, “not a scratch, not by an animal,” Bernie Yuman, the pair’s longtime manager, said at the time.
He said he thought Montecore, a 7-year-old male, got distracted by something in the audience and Horn was trying to calm him. Horn himself said later that he fainted and the tiger was trying to help him by dragging him offstage, though animal experts disputed that possibility.
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture explored a variety of theories but was unable to reach a conclusion on what caused the tiger to attack. In its final report, the USDA also said the show’s producers had failed to protect the audience because there was no barrier separating the exotic animals from the crowd.
In October 2006, three years after the attack, Horn and Fischbacher attended their induction into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. Horn’s speech was sluggish at times and he walked a bit slow, but he called the event “a deeply emotional experience.”
Born in Nordenham, Germany, Horn met Fischbacher on a cruise ship in 1957. Fischbacher performed the magic tricks, while Horn became his assistant, eventually suggesting using the cheetah in the act.
They honed their animal-magic show in small clubs in Germany and Switzerland in the mid-1960s. Their break came in a Monte Carlo casino when an agent in the audience invited them to Las Vegas. The pair made their debut at the Tropicana hotel-casino in the late 1960s.
The illusionists became popular in the 1970s, receiving their first star billing in 1978 as headliners of the Stardust’s “Lido de Paris.” Their show “Beyond Belief” opened in 1981 at the Frontier and played to thousands over seven years.
When Horn and Fischbacher became U.S. citizens in 1988, an elated Horn said, “Being an American means all the things we believe in.”
Horn once hand-fed a white lion cub born prematurely, starting with an eyedropper. But when a cub was donated to a zoo, Horn said he was heartbroken.
“When you love something, the hardest thing is to let it go,” he said. “But this is what Siegfried and Roy do. We live our dreams, and we fulfill our destiny.”
Funeral service will be private, with an expected public memorial.