thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Nuggets Mailbag: What sort of offseason trades might Denver be able to swing?

Beat writer Michael Singer opens up the Nuggets Mailbag periodically throughout the offseason .
Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question here .
I think my dream scenario for the Nuggets this offseason is a trade for Victor Oladipo or Jrue Holiday ( I prefer Oladipo although I know most of Nuggets nation seems to prefer Holiday ) .
This would likely come at the expense of Gary Harris , Will Barton , draft picks and maybe Monte Morris from what I ’ ve gathered .
Then I ’ d like them to sign Derrick Favors and either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latter is likely to accept his player option or be too pricey .
Assuming the Nuggets re-sign Jerami Grant , do you think a squad that would be replacing Mason Plumlee ( FA ) , Paul Millsap ( FA ) , Gary Harris , and Will Barton with Oladipo/Holiday , Jordan Clarkson , and Derrick Favors is enough to challenge for an NBA title ?
If not , what tweaks would you make to that proposal ?
Are there better options for rim protection than Favors , or bench sparkplug than Clarkson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connelly , is that you ?
Kudos for one of the most comprehensive mailbag questions we ’ ve ever received .
Let ’ s break this down .
There are several reasons I don ’ t think Oladipo is coming to Denver , beginning with the fact that he didn ’ t look good upon his return from a ruptured quad .
Until he can show he ’ s healthy again , frankly , I think the Pacers will have a hard time moving him for desired value .
Jrue Holiday is enchanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his gravity even without the ball ( 35 % 3-point shooter ) and his locker room presence .
His contract situation is attractive with a player option next offseason , and Connelly will need to decide whether he thinks Holiday is the player to elevate the franchise .
Between Denver and New Orleans , there ’ s likely a difference of opinion regarding how much value Gary Harris has at the moment .
By the same token , trading Will Barton , who missed the entire Orlando bubble with a knee injury , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his unknown status .
The best I can come up with is Harris , Bol Bol , this year ’ s first-round pick and Monte Morris .
If I ’ m the Pelicans , that ’ s what I ask for .
If I ’ m Connelly , I balk at that offer for only one guaranteed year of Holiday .
But to answer your question , with Holiday in a supporting role of Nikola Jokic , Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. , the Nuggets can challenge for a title .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there ’ s one major problem .
The Nuggets aren ’ t going to have much flexibility , even if their free agents leave .
They ’ ll still be hovering around the salary cap with their midlevel exception that ’ s worth $ 9.3 million .
It ’ s very possible Grant , Torrey Craig and either Millsap or Plumlee all return , albeit on substantially lower deals for the latter two .
What the Nuggets do with that midlevel money is contingent on what happens with their big men .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets probably take a hard look at Favors , or guys like Serge Ibaka , Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor .
Lifetime Nuggets fan from Nevada here .
Do you think the Nuggets trade up if a guy like Aaron Nesmith , Saddiq Bey or even Tyrell Terry falls past No .
13 or 14 ?
The Nuggets desperately lack wing shooting and both Nesmith and Bey are pure shooters who look like they have the potential be lockdown defenders , Bey especially .
I think the Nuggets need to draft someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step .
Nesmith and Bey can contribute immediately , Terry would help the second unit ( which struggled heavily throughout the year ) be more dangerous .
Also , do you think they try to sign someone like Markus Howard , Sam Merrill or Ty-Shon Alexander if they go un-drafted ?
I think all of them would be great catch-and-shoot threats off passes from Nikola Jokic .
I would love the Nuggets to leave draft night with someone I mentioned .
Another awesome question .
In short , yes , I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
The reason why is because after the top 10 or so prospects , I think the draft could go haywire .
After the initial wave of prospects , teams have guys ranked all over the board .
If one of the Nuggets targets drops further than expected , Connelly and his staff are always opportunistic .
They pride themselves on preparing for all scenarios ( see Bol Bol last year ) .
I think Nesmith and Bey are both win-now prospects , who could immediately help the Nuggets next season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , might make Craig ( a restricted free agent ) expendable .
Another name to watch , who might be closer to their No .
22 pick : Josh Green .
The Nuggets generally opt for talent over position , but all things being equal , I think they lean toward a wing or a big man over a smaller guard like Terry .
Your coverage of the team has been amazing .
Who do you think is the most realistic trade target/free agency acquisition for the team this offseason ?
I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If it ’ s not Holiday , then I think the Nuggets should at least inquire about two other guards on their roster : Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick .
Ball gives you added size and defense in the backcourt , while Redick offers a veteran shooter the Nuggets could desperately use come playoff time .
New Orleans ’ asking price would be substantially lower than what it would take to get Holiday .
Those who follow the Pelicans closely are expecting a shakeup in the backcourt .
Who are the true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is there any chance MPJ could be traded ?
If any team called and inquired about Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray ’ s availability , Connelly would laugh , hang up the phone and probably not take another call from that team for months .
And unless Milwaukee called and said Giannis wants to come to Denver or Houston said we ’ re shopping James Harden , the same thing would happen regarding calls on Michael Porter Jr. As reported earlier this week , it ’ s highly , highly unlikely Porter is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jamal Murray showed out in a controlled , regimented environment ( in the bubble ) because he ’ s a controlled , regimented player .
Can he sustain when it gets “ back to normal ” ?
This is the central question every NBA team is asking themselves coming out of Orlando .
How real were the developments , or disappointments , that happened in the bubble ?
The Nuggets are no different .
They want to know whether Murray can translate his All-NBA level play to a prolonged regular season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was already trending upward in February and March before the hiatus and then worked diligently in the weight room to get markedly stronger .
The Jazz and the Clippers felt the business end of all of Murray ’ s captivating potential .
Now that he knows he ’ s capable of dominating games , I ’ d expect him to renew his efforts during the real offseason and work toward his first-ever All-Star appearance this coming season .
I keep hearing the narrative that MPJ will be one of the starting five come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this is true ?
Seems to me Michael Malone loves his veteran guys .
Outside of Murray , no one on the Nuggets helped his cause this postseason more than Porter .
He learned what it was like to be targeted on defense and resolved not to be the team ’ s glaring weakness .
That lesson will prove invaluable , not only for his own development but in building trust with Malone .
There ’ s no putting what Porter did during the regular season ( 42 % from 3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 , 6.7 rebounds ) back in the box .
Some questioned Malone ’ s strategy with Porter during his rookie season , and it didn ’ t sit well with the 6-foot-10 forward on occasion .
That ’ s all behind them .
Porter ’ s integral to Denver ’ s future .
I ’ d be shocked if he didn ’ t crack the starting five .

Beat writer Michael Singer opens up the Nuggets Mailbag periodically throughout the offseason. Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question here.
I think my dream scenario for the Nuggets this offseason is a trade for Victor Oladipo or Jrue Holiday (I prefer Oladipo although I know most of Nuggets nation seems to prefer Holiday). This would likely come at the expense of Gary Harris, Will Barton, draft picks and maybe Monte Morris from what I’ve gathered. Then I’d like them to sign Derrick Favors and either Jordan Clarkson or Evan Fournier, although the latter is likely to accept his player option or be too pricey. Assuming the Nuggets re-sign Jerami Grant, do you think a squad that would be replacing Mason Plumlee (FA), Paul Millsap (FA), Gary Harris, and Will Barton with Oladipo/Holiday, Jordan Clarkson, and Derrick Favors is enough to challenge for an NBA title? If not, what tweaks would you make to that proposal? Are there better options for rim protection than Favors, or bench sparkplug than Clarkson that the Nuggets could afford?
— Jake, Fort Collins
Tim Connelly, is that you? Kudos for one of the most comprehensive mailbag questions we’ve ever received.
Let’s break this down. There are several reasons I don’t think Oladipo is coming to Denver, beginning with the fact that he didn’t look good upon his return from a ruptured quad. Until he can show he’s healthy again, frankly, I think the Pacers will have a hard time moving him for desired value.
Jrue Holiday is enchanting to Nuggets fans for his defense, his gravity even without the ball (35% 3-point shooter) and his locker room presence. His contract situation is attractive with a player option next offseason, and Connelly will need to decide whether he thinks Holiday is the player to elevate the franchise. Between Denver and New Orleans, there’s likely a difference of opinion regarding how much value Gary Harris has at the moment. By the same token, trading Will Barton, who missed the entire Orlando bubble with a knee injury, wouldn’t be a cakewalk because of his unknown status.
The best I can come up with is Harris, Bol Bol, this year’s first-round pick and Monte Morris. If I’m the Pelicans, that’s what I ask for. If I’m Connelly, I balk at that offer for only one guaranteed year of Holiday. But to answer your question, with Holiday in a supporting role of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets can challenge for a title.
I like your free agent suggestions, but there’s one major problem. The Nuggets aren’t going to have much flexibility, even if their free agents leave. They’ll still be hovering around the salary cap with their midlevel exception that’s worth $9.3 million. It’s very possible Grant, Torrey Craig and either Millsap or Plumlee all return, albeit on substantially lower deals for the latter two. What the Nuggets do with that midlevel money is contingent on what happens with their big men. If Millsap and Plumlee walk, the Nuggets probably take a hard look at Favors, or guys like Serge Ibaka, Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor.
Lifetime Nuggets fan from Nevada here. Do you think the Nuggets trade up if a guy like Aaron Nesmith, Saddiq Bey or even Tyrell Terry falls past No. 13 or 14? The Nuggets desperately lack wing shooting and both Nesmith and Bey are pure shooters who look like they have the potential be lockdown defenders, Bey especially. I think the Nuggets need to draft someone who can can actually help them take another step. Nesmith and Bey can contribute immediately, Terry would help the second unit (which struggled heavily throughout the year) be more dangerous. Also, do you think they try to sign someone like Markus Howard, Sam Merrill or Ty-Shon Alexander if they go un-drafted? I think all of them would be great catch-and-shoot threats off passes from Nikola Jokic. I would love the Nuggets to leave draft night with someone I mentioned.
— Dawson Lamb, Carson City, Nev.
Another awesome question. In short, yes, I think there’s a chance the Nuggets trade up. The reason why is because after the top 10 or so prospects, I think the draft could go haywire. After the initial wave of prospects, teams have guys ranked all over the board. If one of the Nuggets targets drops further than expected, Connelly and his staff are always opportunistic. They pride themselves on preparing for all scenarios (see Bol Bol last year).
I think Nesmith and Bey are both win-now prospects, who could immediately help the Nuggets next season. Bey’s versatility, in particular, might make Craig (a restricted free agent) expendable. Another name to watch, who might be closer to their No. 22 pick: Josh Green. The Nuggets generally opt for talent over position, but all things being equal, I think they lean toward a wing or a big man over a smaller guard like Terry.
Your coverage of the team has been amazing. Who do you think is the most realistic trade target/free agency acquisition for the team this offseason?
— Mason, Denver
I can’t stop thinking about the Pelicans. If it’s not Holiday, then I think the Nuggets should at least inquire about two other guards on their roster: Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick. Ball gives you added size and defense in the backcourt, while Redick offers a veteran shooter the Nuggets could desperately use come playoff time. New Orleans’ asking price would be substantially lower than what it would take to get Holiday. Those who follow the Pelicans closely are expecting a shakeup in the backcourt.
Who are the true “untouchables” on this team? Is there any chance MPJ could be traded?
— Greger, Nashville
If any team called and inquired about Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray’s availability, Connelly would laugh, hang up the phone and probably not take another call from that team for months. And unless Milwaukee called and said Giannis wants to come to Denver or Houston said we’re shopping James Harden, the same thing would happen regarding calls on Michael Porter Jr. As reported earlier this week, it’s highly, highly unlikely Porter is included in any trade talks this summer.
Jamal Murray showed out in a controlled, regimented environment (in the bubble) because he’s a controlled, regimented player. Can he sustain when it gets “back to normal”?
— @ry_garr via Twitter
This is the central question every NBA team is asking themselves coming out of Orlando. How real were the developments, or disappointments, that happened in the bubble? The Nuggets are no different. They want to know whether Murray can translate his All-NBA level play to a prolonged regular season. I’ll just submit that Murray was already trending upward in February and March before the hiatus and then worked diligently in the weight room to get markedly stronger. The Jazz and the Clippers felt the business end of all of Murray’s captivating potential.
Now that he knows he’s capable of dominating games, I’d expect him to renew his efforts during the real offseason and work toward his first-ever All-Star appearance this coming season.
I keep hearing the narrative that MPJ will be one of the starting five come opening night. What evidence is there that this is true? Seems to me Michael Malone loves his veteran guys.
— Joel Morin, Denver-boy living in Grand Rapids
Outside of Murray, no one on the Nuggets helped his cause this postseason more than Porter. He learned what it was like to be targeted on defense and resolved not to be the team’s glaring weakness. That lesson will prove invaluable, not only for his own development but in building trust with Malone. There’s no putting what Porter did during the regular season (42% from 3) or the postseason (38% from 3, 6.7 rebounds) back in the box. Some questioned Malone’s strategy with Porter during his rookie season, and it didn’t sit well with the 6-foot-10 forward on occasion. That’s all behind them. Porter’s integral to Denver’s future. I’d be shocked if he didn’t crack the starting five.
What’s your opening night starting five?
— @EvanPfaff via Twitter
Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr., Jerami Grant and Nikola Jokic.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Pick 6: Odds on Peyton Manning’s golf game, CU Buffs’ March Madness, Broncos’ playoff hopes

Can Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson on the links again ?
The former Broncos quarterback doesn ’ t have Tiger Woods as his partner anymore , instead teaming up with Warriors star Stephen Curry against Mickelson and golf aficionado Charles Barkley in The Match 3 in November .
The odds are pretty evenly split between the two teams : The odds Manning and Curry will win The Match 3 , according to Bovada .
Mickelson and Barkley are -105 to win .
Here ’ s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA Finals , Russell Wilson wins MVP , LeBron James becomes president • Nuggets 2020-21 championship odds : Denver has quite a few teams in front of them to win the NBA Finals • Pick 6 : Odds the CU Buffs win the Pac-12 , Avalanche spends the most money on free agency in October • First look : Inside DraftKings ’ new in-person sportsbook in Black Hawk The odds the Broncos will make the playoffs , according to BetMGM .
The odds the Broncos will score more than 27.5 points against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BetMGM .
The odds the Colorado Buffaloes will win the 2021 NCAA men ’ s basketball tournament , according to BetOnline .
The odds Broncos coach Vic Fangio will be the next NFL head coach to be fired , according to BetOnline .
Jets head coach Adam Gase is favored at -150 .
The odds Khabib Nurmagomedov will beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a UFC sanctioned match , according to Bovada .
Mayweather is the clear underdog at +600 .

Can Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson on the links again?
The former Broncos quarterback doesn’t have Tiger Woods as his partner anymore, instead teaming up with Warriors star Stephen Curry against Mickelson and golf aficionado Charles Barkley in The Match 3 in November.
The odds are pretty evenly split between the two teams:
-135
The odds Manning and Curry will win The Match 3, according to Bovada. Mickelson and Barkley are -105 to win.
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
+900
The odds the Broncos will make the playoffs, according to BetMGM.
+27.5
The odds the Broncos will score more than 27.5 points against the Chiefs on Sunday, according to BetMGM.
+10,000
The odds the Colorado Buffaloes will win the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, according to BetOnline.
+3,300
The odds Broncos coach Vic Fangio will be the next NFL head coach to be fired, according to BetOnline. Jets head coach Adam Gase is favored at -150.
-1,000
The odds Khabib Nurmagomedov will beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a UFC sanctioned match, according to Bovada. Mayweather is the clear underdog at +600.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Ask Amy: Does it work to tell someone how you feel?

Dear Amy : I want to thank you for all your good ( and sometimes quite entertaining ) advice .
Here is the only thing I wonder about : How often does it really work to just TELL people something ?
You frequently say , “ You should say to your friend , ‘ thus and so ’ … ” While the advice might be good , and it ’ s necessary to be upfront and honest with people , I wonder how often saying “ [ whatever ] ” would actually resolve the problem .
Or would it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I basically have a very happy marriage of 45 years duration .
However , my dear husband has a short fuse .
Even though I often mentally dither for hours about how to couch a complaint or suggestion in such a way that it won ’ t offend or upset him , it often doesn ’ t work .
He immediately goes on the defensive , and then on the offensive , and we are in an argument that I had hoped to avoid .
I have sometimes resorted to emailing him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the room from me .
This way , I can take time to “ craft ” my case or my request ; then he can read it at leisure and respond after he ’ s had time to process it .
We can present our “ sides , ” ask questions , and work through issues without having hot words fill the air .
Different strokes for different folks , I guess !
Dear Fan : You have adjusted your communication style in order to elicit comprehension and an effective response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ say ” something , I am really encouraging them to express themselves , in whatever way works best .
I grew up in an extremely creative , expressive , and entertaining family that nonetheless rarely communicated about “ hard ” feelings .
I thought that if I expressed difficult emotions , it meant that I was a “ difficult ” person .
Later in life , I ’ ve learned that – sometimes – it ’ s OK to be difficult .
I have definitely chosen to communicate textually ( text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important to get the words exactly right .
I agree with you that this can often be the most effective way to communicate with a loved one .
Each party has the time and space to take in what is being expressed .
When people choose to verbalize their feelings , it is helpful to choose the right moment and the right words ( sometimes even practicing in advance ) .
That ’ s why I try to inspire people by providing a little script .
As always , however , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the other person to respond authentically – and ( more often than not ) , that person goes off script !
This is why it is so important to not only learn how to talk , but also listen .
Dear Amy : Why is it so acceptable to drink alcohol as an activity ?
Alcohol impairs judgment , disinhibits , often gets paired with other drugs , ruins families , leads to serious health problems , causes traffic and other accidents , and deaths .
Yet , people all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet over drinks , go out drinking , celebrate with drinking , receive bad news by having a drink , boost their confidence with a drink , serve every dinner with a drink , etc .
Why is this necessary ?
I don ’ t understand it any more than I understand why most people drive well over the speed limit .
Dear Curious : It is not necessary to drink alcohol in order to celebrate , socialize , cope with one ’ s boredom , or enhance the flavor of a juicy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alcohol consumption ( and addiction ) is responsible for incalculable damage to individuals , families , and society at large .
And yet people do things all the time that aren ’ t acceptable , necessary , healthy , or good for themselves and others .
Our freedom to make unhealthy mistakes is one of the most challenging aspects of being human .
When we choose to drink alcohol , we are choosing to imbibe a substance that will alter our perceptions .
As an occasional wine drinker , I believe that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , especially when it comes to alcohol , “ in all things , moderation.
” Moderation might be less “ fun , ” but you can look yourself in the eye the next morning .
Dear Amy : “ Worried ” was upset by her good friends ’ 13-year-old daughter ’ s racy postings on Instagram .
Amy , if this girl is posting pornographic photos , it is a matter for the police , not the parents .
Dear Upset : I don ’ t know if these photos were pornographic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but , given the close friendship between both parties , the parents should be consulted before the police are .

Dear Amy: I want to thank you for all your good (and sometimes quite entertaining) advice.
Here is the only thing I wonder about: How often does it really work to just TELL people something? You frequently say, “You should say to your friend, ‘thus and so’…”
While the advice might be good, and it’s necessary to be upfront and honest with people, I wonder how often saying “[whatever]” would actually resolve the problem. Or would it just start an argument?
My husband and I basically have a very happy marriage of 45 years duration. However, my dear husband has a short fuse. Even though I often mentally dither for hours about how to couch a complaint or suggestion in such a way that it won’t offend or upset him, it often doesn’t work. He immediately goes on the defensive, and then on the offensive, and we are in an argument that I had hoped to avoid.
I have sometimes resorted to emailing him, even though he’s sitting right across the room from me. This way, I can take time to “craft” my case or my request; then he can read it at leisure and respond after he’s had time to process it. We can present our “sides,” ask questions, and work through issues without having hot words fill the air. Different strokes for different folks, I guess!
— Still a Fan
Dear Fan: You have adjusted your communication style in order to elicit comprehension and an effective response. Well done!
When I counsel people to “say” something, I am really encouraging them to express themselves, in whatever way works best.
I grew up in an extremely creative, expressive, and entertaining family that nonetheless rarely communicated about “hard” feelings.
I thought that if I expressed difficult emotions, it meant that I was a “difficult” person. Later in life, I’ve learned that – sometimes – it’s OK to be difficult.
I have definitely chosen to communicate textually (text, email, letter) when it is important to get the words exactly right. I agree with you that this can often be the most effective way to communicate with a loved one. Each party has the time and space to take in what is being expressed.
When people choose to verbalize their feelings, it is helpful to choose the right moment and the right words (sometimes even practicing in advance). That’s why I try to inspire people by providing a little script.
As always, however, when you behave authentically, you must prepare for the other person to respond authentically – and (more often than not), that person goes off script! This is why it is so important to not only learn how to talk, but also listen.
Dear Amy: Why is it so acceptable to drink alcohol as an activity? Alcohol impairs judgment, disinhibits, often gets paired with other drugs, ruins families, leads to serious health problems, causes traffic and other accidents, and deaths.
Yet, people all the time get together to have a drink, meet over drinks, go out drinking, celebrate with drinking, receive bad news by having a drink, boost their confidence with a drink, serve every dinner with a drink, etc.
Why is this necessary? I don’t understand it any more than I understand why most people drive well over the speed limit.
— Curious, in Silver Spring MD
Dear Curious: It is not necessary to drink alcohol in order to celebrate, socialize, cope with one’s boredom, or enhance the flavor of a juicy steak. There is no question that alcohol consumption (and addiction) is responsible for incalculable damage to individuals, families, and society at large.
And yet people do things all the time that aren’t acceptable, necessary, healthy, or good for themselves and others. Our freedom to make unhealthy mistakes is one of the most challenging aspects of being human.
When we choose to drink alcohol, we are choosing to imbibe a substance that will alter our perceptions. As an occasional wine drinker, I believe that can be a pleasurable and positive choice.
However, especially when it comes to alcohol, “in all things, moderation.” Moderation might be less “fun,” but you can look yourself in the eye the next morning.
Dear Amy: “Worried” was upset by her good friends’ 13-year-old daughter’s racy postings on Instagram.
Amy, if this girl is posting pornographic photos, it is a matter for the police, not the parents.
— Upset
Dear Upset: I don’t know if these photos were pornographic (I don’t think so), but, given the close friendship between both parties, the parents should be consulted before the police are.
(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--2020-10-23--Aurora Public Schools reverses course, will move most students in grades 1-8 back to remote learning

Most students in grades 1-8 will transition back to remote learning due to a concerning increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections within the city , Aurora Public Schools said in a letter to parents , teachers and staff Thursday evening .
The announcement from the district comes just three days after APS told thousands of parents their high school kids would have to continue learning remotely until at least mid-November due to the rising number of cases of the novel coronavirus being reported in Aurora .
The transition back to full remote learning for most students in grades 1-8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district said .
The decision was made during a special Board of Education meeting , district officials said , following a review of the latest data which found that APS was still below their internal criteria for implementing what they called social distancing learning – the hybrid model put in place on Oct. 12 for the second quarter of the 2020-2021 school year .
Students with specialized learning needs , including those in Pre-K and Kindergarten , students with special needs on an Individualized Education Plan ( IEP ) , newcomer students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English language development , and career and technical education students at Pickens Technical College , will continue with in-person learning , according to the letter .

Most students in grades 1-8 will transition back to remote learning due to a concerning increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections within the city, Aurora Public Schools said in a letter to parents, teachers and staff Thursday evening.
The announcement from the district comes just three days after APS told thousands of parents their high school kids would have to continue learning remotely until at least mid-November due to the rising number of cases of the novel coronavirus being reported in Aurora.
The transition back to full remote learning for most students in grades 1-8 will start Monday, Oct. 26, the district said.
The decision was made during a special Board of Education meeting, district officials said, following a review of the latest data which found that APS was still below their internal criteria for implementing what they called social distancing learning – the hybrid model put in place on Oct. 12 for the second quarter of the 2020-2021 school year.
Students with specialized learning needs, including those in Pre-K and Kindergarten, students with special needs on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), newcomer students who are in the early stages of English language development, and career and technical education students at Pickens Technical College, will continue with in-person learning, according to the letter.
Read more here.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Carson Wentz rallies Eagles to 22-21 win over Giants

PHILADELPHIA — Carson Wentz threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Boston Scott with 40 seconds remaining and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame an 11-point deficit in the final seven minutes to beat the New York Giants 22-21 on Thursday night .
Daniel Jones shook off a stumble that prevented him from an 88-yard touchdown run and had the Giants leading 21-10 following a 2-yard pass to Sterling Shepard with 6:21 left .
But Wentz led a depleted offense missing eight starters back .
His 3-yard pass to Greg Ward cut it to 21-16 .
After the 2-point conversion failed , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 2:02 to go .
Wentz completed passes of 11 and 30 yards to Richard Rodgers .
On third down from the 5 , a defensive holding penalty gave the Eagles a first down at the 3 .
But three-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce was called for a facemask penalty that pushed it back to the 18 .
Wentz threw a perfect strike to Scott and the backup running back made an excellent catch to give Philadelphia the lead .
The 2-point conversion failed , but Jones was sacked and fumbled on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Giants ( 1-6 ) are right in the mix in the NFC East , led by Dallas ( 2-4 ) .
Wentz threw for 359 yards and two TDs and ran for a score .
Jones had only the end zone ahead of him away when he took off running from the Giants 12 in the third quarter .
He was well ahead of everyone chasing him until he stumbled and got tackled before he could get up at 8 .
A pass interference penalty against Nickell Robey-Coleman on third down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wayne Gallman ran in from the 1 to give them a 14-10 lead .
Jones ’ 80 yard run was the longest by a Giants quarterback and tied for the fourth-longest in team history .
Patrick Mahomes , the 2018 NFL MVP , couldn ’ t resist poking some fun at Jones .
He tweeted : “ I mean i can ’ t even say anything cause i would never be able to run that far either.
” Jones threw a 39-yard TD pass to Golden Tate in the first quarter .
Questionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth quarter .
Wentz completed a 40-yard pass to Travis Fulgham and the Eagles reached the 7 when Jalen Hurts came in to run an option and gained no yards .
After Wentz ran to the 3 , Eagles coach Doug Pederson went for it on fourth down .
The call was a fade to No .
5 tight end Hakeem Butler , who has no career catches .
Logan Ryan broke it up .
The Giants then drove 97 yards to take a 21-10 lead .
Philadelphia ’ s depleted offense picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it scored 22 fourth-quarter points in a 30-28 loss .
Using a no-huddle often on the opening drive , Wentz led the Eagles 75 yards and ran in from the 1 for his fifth TD rushing to make it 7-0 .
Wentz scrambled 3 yards on fourth-and-1 to keep the drive going and connected with Richard Rodgers for 18 yards to the 1 to set up the score .
But the Eagles reverted to their mistake-prone ways until the final 6 1/2 minutes .
Left guard Sua Opeta became the 10th offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season and fourth to make his first NFL start .
Giants : RB Devonta Freeman ( ankle ) left in the second half .
Eagles : WR DeSean Jackson , RT Lane Johnson , DT Hassan Ridgeway ( biceps ) and DB Craig James ( hamstring ) left in the second half .
Giants : Host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 4-2 ) on Monday Night Football on Nov. 2 .
Eagles : Host the Dallas Cowboys ( 2-4 ) on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 1 .

PHILADELPHIA — Carson Wentz threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Boston Scott with 40 seconds remaining and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame an 11-point deficit in the final seven minutes to beat the New York Giants 22-21 on Thursday night.
Daniel Jones shook off a stumble that prevented him from an 88-yard touchdown run and had the Giants leading 21-10 following a 2-yard pass to Sterling Shepard with 6:21 left.
But Wentz led a depleted offense missing eight starters back. His 3-yard pass to Greg Ward cut it to 21-16. After the 2-point conversion failed, the Eagles got the ball at their 29 with 2:02 to go.
Wentz completed passes of 11 and 30 yards to Richard Rodgers. On third down from the 5, a defensive holding penalty gave the Eagles a first down at the 3. But three-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce was called for a facemask penalty that pushed it back to the 18.
No big deal.
Wentz threw a perfect strike to Scott and the backup running back made an excellent catch to give Philadelphia the lead. The 2-point conversion failed, but Jones was sacked and fumbled on the ensuing possession.
The Eagles (2-4-1) and Giants (1-6) are right in the mix in the NFC East, led by Dallas (2-4).
Wentz threw for 359 yards and two TDs and ran for a score.
Jones had only the end zone ahead of him away when he took off running from the Giants 12 in the third quarter. He was well ahead of everyone chasing him until he stumbled and got tackled before he could get up at 8.
A pass interference penalty against Nickell Robey-Coleman on third down gave the Giants another try, and Wayne Gallman ran in from the 1 to give them a 14-10 lead.
Jones’ 80 yard run was the longest by a Giants quarterback and tied for the fourth-longest in team history. Patrick Mahomes, the 2018 NFL MVP, couldn’t resist poking some fun at Jones. He tweeted: “I mean i can’t even say anything cause i would never be able to run that far either.”
Jones threw a 39-yard TD pass to Golden Tate in the first quarter.
Questionable play-calling cost the Eagles early in the fourth quarter. Wentz completed a 40-yard pass to Travis Fulgham and the Eagles reached the 7 when Jalen Hurts came in to run an option and gained no yards. After Wentz ran to the 3, Eagles coach Doug Pederson went for it on fourth down. The call was a fade to No. 5 tight end Hakeem Butler, who has no career catches. Logan Ryan broke it up.
The Giants then drove 97 yards to take a 21-10 lead.
Philadelphia’s depleted offense picked up where it left off against Baltimore when it scored 22 fourth-quarter points in a 30-28 loss. Using a no-huddle often on the opening drive, Wentz led the Eagles 75 yards and ran in from the 1 for his fifth TD rushing to make it 7-0. Wentz scrambled 3 yards on fourth-and-1 to keep the drive going and connected with Richard Rodgers for 18 yards to the 1 to set up the score.
But the Eagles reverted to their mistake-prone ways until the final 6 1/2 minutes.
REVOLVING DOOR
Left guard Sua Opeta became the 10th offensive lineman to start for the Eagles this season and fourth to make his first NFL start.
INJURIES
Giants: RB Devonta Freeman (ankle) left in the second half.
Eagles: WR DeSean Jackson, RT Lane Johnson, DT Hassan Ridgeway (biceps) and DB Craig James (hamstring) left in the second half.
UP NEXT
Giants: Host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) on Monday Night Football on Nov. 2.
Eagles: Host the Dallas Cowboys (2-4) on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 1.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--PHOTOS: East Troublesome fire grows as residents evacuate near Granby

The East Troublesome Fire which had been estimated to be around 19,000 acres in size Wednesday — burned into Rocky @ @ @ @ @ southwest , raising the possibility for a time that it could merge with the Cameron @ @ @ @ @ previously had burned into the park from the north .
The entire park was closed @ @ @ @ @ by strong winds and racing through dry fuels and timber , the East Troublesome fire @ @ @ @ @ rage Thursday , growing to 170,000 acres as it crossed the Continental Divide and forced @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire , which burned a yet-undetermined number of homes and buildings while threatening @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary 150,000 acres in size Wednesday night and Thursday to become the second-largest wildfire in @ @ @ @ @ .
Get the latest on Colorado ’ s wildfires here .

The East Troublesome Fire which had been estimated to be around 19,000 acres in size Wednesday — burned into Rocky Mountain National Park from the southwest, raising the possibility for a time that it could merge with the Cameron Peak fire, as it previously had burned into the park from the north. The entire park was closed to the public.
Driven by strong winds and racing through dry fuels and timber, the East Troublesome fire in Grand County continued to rage Thursday, growing to 170,000 acres as it crossed the Continental Divide and forced new evacuations around Estes Park.
The fire, which burned a yet-undetermined number of homes and buildings while threatening Grand Lake, increased an extraordinary 150,000 acres in size Wednesday night and Thursday to become the second-largest wildfire in Colorado’s recorded history. Get the latest on Colorado’s wildfires here.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Colorado high school football: How CHSAANow Top 10 teams fared in Week 3

3 .
Columbine ( 2-0 ) at Lakewood , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Mullen , Oct. 29 4 .
Pomona ( 2-0 ) vs. No .
6 Ralston Valley , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Arvada West , Oct. 31 5 .
Eaglecrest ( 2-0 ) vs. Overland , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Arapahoe , Oct. 30 6 .
Ralston Valley ( 2-0 ) at No .
4 Pomona , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Lakewood , Oct. 29 7 .
Regis Jesuit ( 2-0 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Douglas County , Oct. 30 8 .
Grandview ( 1-2 ) lost to No .
1 Cherry Creek , 37-0 .
Next week : vs. Smoky Hill , Oct. 30 10 .
Legend ( 2-0 ) at No .
7 Regis Jesuit , 6 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Chaparral , Oct. 30 2 .
Palmer Ridge ( 2-0 ) vs. Grand Junction Central , 5 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. No .
6 Montrose , Oct. 30 3 .
Pine Creek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Doherty , Oct. 31 4 .
Ponderosa ( 2-0 ) vs. Fruita Monument , 1 p.m. Saturday .
Next week : at Grand Junction , Oct. 31 5 .
Loveland ( 2-0 ) at Greeley West , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Monarch , Oct. 30 6 .
Montrose ( 2-0 ) vs. Grand Junction , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at No .
2 Palmer Ridge , Oct. 30 7 .
Broomfield ( 2-0 ) at Silver Creek , 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heritage , Oct. 30 8 .
Pueblo West ( 2-0 ) at Mesa Ridge , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. No .
9 Fountain-Fort Carson , Oct. 30 9 .
Fountain-Fort Carson ( 2-0 ) vs. Air Academy , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at No .
8 Pueblo West , Oct. 30 10 .
Skyline ( 2-0 ) vs. Longmont , 7:30 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Greeley Central , Oct. 30

Class 5A
1. Cherry Creek (3-0) beat Grandview, 37-0. Julian Hammond III threw four touchdown passes — two each to Chase Penry and Gunnar Helm. Next week: at Overland, Oct. 30
2. Valor Christian (3-0) beat Mountain Vista, 46-0. Gavin Sawchuk ran for 249 yards and three touchdowns, putting him at 577 and nine, respectively, three weeks into the season. Next week: vs. Castle View, Oct. 30
3. Columbine (3-0) beat Lakewood, 38-22. Wesley Jones and Seth Cromwell both ran for a pair of touchdowns. Next week: vs. Mullen, Oct. 29
4. Pomona (3-0) beat No. 6 Ralston Valley, 17-14. Joevannie Rosales’ 40-yard field at the buzzer gave the Panthers their first win over the Mustangs since 2017. Next week: at Arvada West, Oct. 31
5. Eaglecrest (3-0) beat Overland, 55-13. Langston Williams scored three touchdowns, and the Raptors have now scored 160 points through three games. Next week: at Arapahoe, Oct. 30
RELATED: Colorado high school football scoreboard: Week 3
6. Ralston Valley (2-1) lost to No. 4 Pomona, 17-14. Quarterback Zach Friedman ran for one touchdown and threw for another as Mustangs’ 14-game regular-season win streak came to an end. Next week: vs. Lakewood, Oct. 29
7. Regis Jesuit (2-1) lost to No. 10 Legend, 31-7. David Dody ran in the Raiders’ lone touchdown. Next week: at Douglas County, Oct. 30
8. Grandview (1-2) lost to No. 1 Cherry Creek, 37-0. Wolves shut out for the first time since Oct. 18, 2013, which also came against Cherry Creek. Next week: vs. Smoky Hill, Oct. 30
9. Fairview (3-0) beat Fossil Ridge, 47-0. Liam O’Brien threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns, and the Knights defense posted its second shutout of the season. Next week: vs. Legacy, Oct. 30
10. Legend (3-0) beat No. 7 Regis Jesuit, 31-7. Titans scored the game’s first three touchdowns and handed Raiders their first league defeat in five years. Next week: vs. Chaparral, Oct. 30
Class 4A
1. Dakota Ridge (3-0) beat Standley Lake, 42-0. Charlie Offerdahl ran in three touchdowns as the Eagles rumbled for 242 yards on the ground. Next week: at Wheat Ridge, Oct. 30
2. Palmer Ridge (3-0) beat Grand Junction Central, 55-0. Bears scored 35 points in the first quarter, including two touchdowns passing and one running from quarterback Luke McAllister. Next week: vs. No. 6 Montrose, Oct. 30
3. Pine Creek (1-0) beat Chaparral, 17-7. After two weeks of cancellations, the defending 4A state champions get a win in their first game of the season. Next week: vs. Doherty, Oct. 31
4. Ponderosa (3-0) beat Fruita Monument, 28-21. Mustangs rallied from a 21-14 halftime deficit to remain perfect on the season. Next week: at Grand Junction, Oct. 31
5. Loveland (3-0) beat Greeley West, 58-13. The Indians topped 50 points for the second straight week, running their season total to 158 points. Next week: vs. Monarch, Oct. 30
6. Montrose (3-0) beat Grand Junction, 48-6. Next week: at No. 2 Palmer Ridge, Oct. 30
7. Broomfield (3-0) beat Silver Creek, 38-14. Eagles have now won 15 straight regular-season games dating back to Oct. 18, 2018. Next week: vs. Heritage, Oct. 30
8. Pueblo West (3-0) beat Mesa Ridge, 42-20. Cyclones pulled away in the second half, outscoring Mesa Ridge 28-13 in the final two quarters. Next week: vs. No. 9 Fountain-Fort Carson, Oct. 30
9. Fountain-Fort Carson (3-0) beat Air Academy, 46-0. Q Jones ran for 228 yards and three touchdowns, putting the running back over 500 yards rushing in his last two games. Next week: at No. 8 Pueblo West, Oct. 30
10. Skyline (3-0) beat Longmont, 51-38. Chase Silva had a hand in six touchdowns, running for four and throwing for two, while Grayden Bridwell ran for 384 yards. Next week: at Greeley Central, Oct. 30


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Colorado high school football scoreboard: Week 3

Bethany Michalak began this cross country season at Air Academy with no expectation to win a state title .
She @ @ @ @ @ .
The Class 4A girls ’ field is stacked .

Jeff Bailey joined The Denver Post in 2013. Prior to his time at The Post he spent a year and a half with MediaNews Group. Before MNG, he spent time working as a clubhouse assistant for the Colorado Rockies. He graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in journalism.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Colorado high school football: How CHSAANow Top 10 teams fared in Week 3

1 .
Cherry Creek ( 3-0 ) beat Grandview , 37-0 .
Julian Hammond III threw four touchdown passes — two each to Chase Penry and Gunnar Helm .
Next week : at Overland , Oct. 30 2 .
Valor Christian ( 3-0 ) beat Mountain Vista , 46-0 .
Gavin Sawchuk ran for 249 yards and three touchdowns , putting him at 577 and nine , respectively , three weeks into the season .
Next week : vs. Castle View , Oct. 30 3 .
Columbine ( 2-0 ) at Lakewood , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pomona ( 2-0 ) vs. No .
6 Ralston Valley , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Arvada West , Oct. 31 5 .
Eaglecrest ( 2-0 ) vs. Overland , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Arapahoe , Oct. 30 6 .
Ralston Valley ( 2-0 ) at No .
4 Pomona , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Lakewood , Oct. 29 7 .
Regis Jesuit ( 2-1 ) lost to No .
10 Legend , 31-7 .
Next week : at Douglas County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) lost to No .
1 Cherry Creek , 37-0 .
Wolves shut out for the first time since Oct. 18 , 2013 , which also came against Cherry Creek .
Next week : vs. Smoky Hill , Oct. 30 9 .
Fairview ( 3-0 ) beat Fossil Ridge , 47-0 .
Liam O ’ Brien threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns , and the Knights defense posted its second shutout of the season .
Next week : vs. Legacy , Oct. 30 10 .
Legend ( 3-0 ) beat No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week : vs. Chaparral , Oct. 30 1 .
Dakota Ridge ( 3-0 ) beat Standley Lake , 42-0 .
Charlie Offerdahl ran in three touchdowns as the Eagles rumbled for 242 yards on the ground .
Next week : at Wheat Ridge , Oct. 30 2 .
Palmer Ridge ( 3-0 ) beat Grand Junction Central , 55-0 .
Bears scored 35 points in the first quarter , including two touchdowns passing and one running from quarterback Luke McAllister .
Next week : vs. No .
6 Montrose , Oct. 30 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chaparral , 6 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Doherty , Oct. 31 4 .
Ponderosa ( 2-0 ) vs. Fruita Monument , 1 p.m. Saturday .
Next week : at Grand Junction , Oct. 31 5 .
Loveland ( 2-0 ) at Greeley West , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. Monarch , Oct. 30 6 .
Montrose ( 2-0 ) vs. Grand Junction , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at No .
2 Palmer Ridge , Oct. 30 7 .
Broomfield ( 3-0 ) beat Silver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won 15 straight regular-season games dating back to Oct. 18 , 2018 .
Next week : vs. Heritage , Oct. 30 8 .
Pueblo West ( 2-0 ) at Mesa Ridge , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : vs. No .
9 Fountain-Fort Carson , Oct. 30 9 .
Fountain-Fort Carson ( 2-0 ) vs. Air Academy , 7 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at No .
8 Pueblo West , Oct. 30 10 .
Skyline ( 2-0 ) vs. Longmont , 7:30 p.m. Friday .
Next week : at Greeley @ @ @ @


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Drew Moor was called on to serve as Rapids player-coach

In a year of the unexpected , the phone call Drew Moor received from coach Robin Fraser certainly ranks .
Fraser had some specifics , but the main question to Moor : “ Are you ready ?
” Moor was ready .
And he packed his whistle .
For the next few days , Moor pulled into Fraser ’ s parking spot at Dick ’ s Sporting Goods Park .
He joked with teammates he would play himself the full 90 and award the captain armband to himself .
That ’ s right .
The 36-year-old center back was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fraser had come down with COVID-19 , which spread quickly through Colorado ’ s coaching staff .
This forced Fraser ’ s assistants to contact quarantine , meaning there was no coaching staff .
Several players were also infected or sidelined on quarantine , meaning the Rapids only had three available center backs .
Not only would the Rapids have to get creative if they were to play in Portland on Oct. 3 — a game that was ultimately canceled by the team-wide virus outbreak — but they would also need any body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moor wasn ’ t alone .
A couple of veteran players stepped up to help run practice , coaches watched live video feeds from home , and developmental academy technical director Chris Cartlidge was called up for support .
“ If we were to go to Portland that weekend , I would have been the main voice on the sidelines and was prepared to do it , ” Moor said .
“ It never actually happened , but there were a couple of training sessions that I had to be the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the point of figuring out the lineup , which still would ’ ve been selected by Fraser .
But Moor , along with Cartlidge and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC General Manager Brian Crookham , would have had authority to make changes once the game started .
“ Nobody knows what we do better than someone inside of our circle , ” Fraser said .
“ For Drew it would have just been an extension of what he does anyway .
He ’ s so natural at leading , he has a player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding .
I wasn ’ t really worried about the situation at all.
” The true chaos of preparing for games that didn ’ t happen — as a COVID outbreak hit the team facility — is hard to know .
But amid the Rapids ’ nearly 20 positive cases of coronavirus and scheduling congestion , they came extremely close to having a player-coach on the field — possibly the franchise ’ s first since Roy Wegerle served as one in 1996 .
“ I was prepared to make an appearance on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” Moore said .
“ But I was mainly prepared to be the voice on the sidelines.
” Moor is toward the end of his playing days , which started in MLS in 2005 .
The highly accomplished defender said he ’ s considered coaching once those days are done .
But for a few practices , and almost for a competitive match , Moor had his potential future career overlap with his current one .
“ One thing I learned even just in this fun and different experience was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant something to these guys and I always feel like it does even as a teammate , ” Moor said .
“ But when you become a coach for a week or so it was nice to see that I did have some of that respect .
Hopefully , that spells some positivity for the future moving forward , because I ’ ve been told I can ’ t play forever .
”

In a year of the unexpected, the phone call Drew Moor received from coach Robin Fraser certainly ranks.
Fraser had some specifics, but the main question to Moor: “Are you ready?”
Moor was ready. And he packed his whistle.
For the next few days, Moor pulled into Fraser’s parking spot at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. He joked with teammates he would play himself the full 90 and award the captain armband to himself.
That’s right. The 36-year-old center back was about to become the Rapids’ player-coach.
Fraser had come down with COVID-19, which spread quickly through Colorado’s coaching staff. This forced Fraser’s assistants to contact quarantine, meaning there was no coaching staff. Several players were also infected or sidelined on quarantine, meaning the Rapids only had three available center backs.
Not only would the Rapids have to get creative if they were to play in Portland on Oct. 3 — a game that was ultimately canceled by the team-wide virus outbreak — but they would also need any body they could muster to take the field.
Moor wasn’t alone. A couple of veteran players stepped up to help run practice, coaches watched live video feeds from home, and developmental academy technical director Chris Cartlidge was called up for support.
“If we were to go to Portland that weekend, I would have been the main voice on the sidelines and was prepared to do it,” Moor said. “It never actually happened, but there were a couple of training sessions that I had to be the main voice during.”
The Rapids never got to the point of figuring out the lineup, which still would’ve been selected by Fraser. But Moor, along with Cartlidge and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC General Manager Brian Crookham, would have had authority to make changes once the game started.
“Nobody knows what we do better than someone inside of our circle,” Fraser said. “For Drew it would have just been an extension of what he does anyway. He’s so natural at leading, he has a player’s respect and such a good understanding. I wasn’t really worried about the situation at all.”
The true chaos of preparing for games that didn’t happen — as a COVID outbreak hit the team facility — is hard to know. But amid the Rapids’ nearly 20 positive cases of coronavirus and scheduling congestion, they came extremely close to having a player-coach on the field — possibly the franchise’s first since Roy Wegerle served as one in 1996.
“I was prepared to make an appearance on the field, I was prepared to do that,” Moore said. “But I was mainly prepared to be the voice on the sidelines.”
Moor is toward the end of his playing days, which started in MLS in 2005. The highly accomplished defender said he’s considered coaching once those days are done. But for a few practices, and almost for a competitive match, Moor had his potential future career overlap with his current one.
“One thing I learned even just in this fun and different experience was that when I speak I felt like it meant something to these guys and I always feel like it does even as a teammate,” Moor said. “But when you become a coach for a week or so it was nice to see that I did have some of that respect. Hopefully, that spells some positivity for the future moving forward, because I’ve been told I can’t play forever.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Colorado sports wagers top $200M in September, thanks to kick from football season

Are you ready for some football ?
Coloradans were in September , according to sports betting figures released by the Colorado Division of Gaming on Friday .
Fans wagered more than $ 207 million on all sports during the month , up 61 % compared to August .
Baseball led the way with more than $ 47 million in placed bets , followed by football ( $ 38.6 million ) , basketball ( $ 37.7 million ) and ice hockey ( $ 11.4 million ) .
Table tennis , which dominated betting earlier in the year , rounded out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 million .
The state collected $ 69,771 in taxes from gaming revenue in September , the division reported .
Colorado ’ s sports betting industry debuted May 1 amid a global pandemic that halted most professional sports , but it has consistently picked up speed throughout the year .
“ Colorado is nowhere near maturity as a market , and yet its gains continue to put it among the top markets in the U.S. , ” said Dustin Gouker , lead analyst for PlayColorado.com .
“ Interest in the Denver Broncos was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL ’ s first few weeks .
But September still managed to outpace what we could have reasonably expected just two months ago.
” Although 98 % of bets were placed digitally using apps and online platforms in September , residents also have the ability to place bets in person since casinos and retail sportsbooks such as DraftKings ’ in Black Hawk opened in recent months .

Are you ready for some football? Coloradans were in September, according to sports betting figures released by the Colorado Division of Gaming on Friday.
Fans wagered more than $207 million on all sports during the month, up 61% compared to August. Baseball led the way with more than $47 million in placed bets, followed by football ($38.6 million), basketball ($37.7 million) and ice hockey ($11.4 million). Table tennis, which dominated betting earlier in the year, rounded out the top five sports at more than $5 million.
The state collected $69,771 in taxes from gaming revenue in September, the division reported.
Colorado’s sports betting industry debuted May 1 amid a global pandemic that halted most professional sports, but it has consistently picked up speed throughout the year.
“Colorado is nowhere near maturity as a market, and yet its gains continue to put it among the top markets in the U.S.,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayColorado.com. “Interest in the Denver Broncos was bound to help spur interest in the NFL’s first few weeks. But September still managed to outpace what we could have reasonably expected just two months ago.”
Although 98% of bets were placed digitally using apps and online platforms in September, residents also have the ability to place bets in person since casinos and retail sportsbooks such as DraftKings’ in Black Hawk opened in recent months.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Emergency alerts: How to stay informed about Colorado wildfire evacuations in your area

As wildfires ravage the state , engulfing homes and forcing thousands to flee the flames , Coloradans should know there are ways to make sure they ’ re informed about potential evacuation notices — but it all depends on where they live .
“ It is not universal across all of Colorado , ” said Kimberly Culp , chief executive officer of the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority .
“ Every county has their own alerting processes and systems in place.
” And this patchwork of systems hasn ’ t always been the most effective tool .
A 2012 examination by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the Front Range found thousands of disconnected or no-longer-in-service phone numbers in databases updated every few months .
Typically , the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding wildfires , from evacuation notices to sign-ups for emergency alerts , can be found through a resident ’ s county emergency management team .
These teams are charged with planning and coordinating a wide range of activities to help prepare for , respond to , and recover from disasters and large-scale emergencies including wildfires , floods and hazardous materials incidents .
Culp oversees the Larimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervising agency for all things 911-related in Larimer County , where the Cameron Peak fire has burned more than 200,000 acres .
LETA is in charge of crafting and sending out emergency alerts , such as wildfire evacuation notices .
All Larimer County citizens ’ landline phone numbers are automatically signed up to receive reverse-dialed 911 calls letting them know of an imminent threat to their life — like urgent wildfire evacuation warnings .
“ But how many people have landline phones anymore ?
” Culp said .
“ Definitely limited.
” Larimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted by county authorities through a cellphone , email or even a pager must voluntarily sign up to receive the emergency notifications through leta911.org .
Those alerts are tied to a submitted address , meaning if a fire is getting close enough to residents ’ homes to warrant evacuation notices , LETA can alert the endangered residents ’ cellphones .
Anyone who has trouble signing up but still wants to receive the notifications can call or text 970-962-2173 , Culp said .
“ We really encourage people to do it , ” Culp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you.
” To reach tourists or folks who don ’ t have a permanent address in Larimer County , Culp said LETA also resorts to sending out Amber Alert-style warnings through cellphone towers that notify anyone in the impacted area .
All the pertinent information lives on the website nocoalert.org , where people can search to see how close the fires are to their homes , whether they ’ re under voluntary or mandatory evacuations , and other important information , Culp said .
Similarly , in Boulder County , residents living near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can sign up at boco911alert.com to receive emergency alerts .
And in Grand County , where the East Troublesome fire has raged , officials urge residents and visitors to sign up for CodeRED alerts delivering cellphone or text messages in emergencies through the county ’ s website .
As a last-ditch effort to reach those who may not have access to technology or if infrastructure isn ’ t operating properly due to the disaster at hand , Culp said the Larimer County Sheriff ’ s Office does its best to reach as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event of evacuations .
One snag to watch out for , Culp said , is that some cellphone providers classify emergency notification phone calls as spam on a caller ’ s phone , making some hesitant to pick up .
“ What the citizen can do is create an account in the system and identify our caller ID as a number that is a contact .
That way they know it ’ s an emergency alert , and then it won ’ t be flagged as spam , ” Culp said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so great , she added .
“ We just appreciate how wonderful they ’ ve been in such an uncomfortable situation .
”

As wildfires ravage the state, engulfing homes and forcing thousands to flee the flames, Coloradans should know there are ways to make sure they’re informed about potential evacuation notices — but it all depends on where they live.
“It is not universal across all of Colorado,” said Kimberly Culp, chief executive officer of the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority. “Every county has their own alerting processes and systems in place.”
And this patchwork of systems hasn’t always been the most effective tool. A 2012 examination by The Denver Post of 911 reverse-dialing systems across the Front Range found thousands of disconnected or no-longer-in-service phone numbers in databases updated every few months.
Typically, the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding wildfires, from evacuation notices to sign-ups for emergency alerts, can be found through a resident’s county emergency management team.
These teams are charged with planning and coordinating a wide range of activities to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and large-scale emergencies including wildfires, floods and hazardous materials incidents.
Culp oversees the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority, which is the supervising agency for all things 911-related in Larimer County, where the Cameron Peak fire has burned more than 200,000 acres.
LETA is in charge of crafting and sending out emergency alerts, such as wildfire evacuation notices.
All Larimer County citizens’ landline phone numbers are automatically signed up to receive reverse-dialed 911 calls letting them know of an imminent threat to their life — like urgent wildfire evacuation warnings.
“But how many people have landline phones anymore?” Culp said. “Definitely limited.”
Larimer County residents who would like to be contacted by county authorities through a cellphone, email or even a pager must voluntarily sign up to receive the emergency notifications through leta911.org. Those alerts are tied to a submitted address, meaning if a fire is getting close enough to residents’ homes to warrant evacuation notices, LETA can alert the endangered residents’ cellphones.
Anyone who has trouble signing up but still wants to receive the notifications can call or text 970-962-2173, Culp said.
“We really encourage people to do it,” Culp said. “We want to reach you.”
To reach tourists or folks who don’t have a permanent address in Larimer County, Culp said LETA also resorts to sending out Amber Alert-style warnings through cellphone towers that notify anyone in the impacted area.
All the pertinent information lives on the website nocoalert.org, where people can search to see how close the fires are to their homes, whether they’re under voluntary or mandatory evacuations, and other important information, Culp said.
Similarly, in Boulder County, residents living near the CalWood or now-contained Lefthand Canyon fires can sign up at boco911alert.com to receive emergency alerts.
And in Grand County, where the East Troublesome fire has raged, officials urge residents and visitors to sign up for CodeRED alerts delivering cellphone or text messages in emergencies through the county’s website.
As a last-ditch effort to reach those who may not have access to technology or if infrastructure isn’t operating properly due to the disaster at hand, Culp said the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office does its best to reach as many people as possible by going door-to-door in the event of evacuations.
One snag to watch out for, Culp said, is that some cellphone providers classify emergency notification phone calls as spam on a caller’s phone, making some hesitant to pick up.
“What the citizen can do is create an account in the system and identify our caller ID as a number that is a contact. That way they know it’s an emergency alert, and then it won’t be flagged as spam,” Culp said.
“Our citizens have been so patient and so great, she added. “We just appreciate how wonderful they’ve been in such an uncomfortable situation.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Tips for Safe, Smart, Saving

Tips for Safe, Smart, Saving

As the United States continues to cope with the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) and all of the social changes it brings , it ’ s important to pause and get some peace of mind where we can find it .
Fortunately , the safety and security of your money is one thing that you don ’ t need to worry about .
Banks and credit unions remain the safest places to hold your savings .
Financial institutions , under the guidelines of their overseeing agencies , develop extensive business plans for situations just like this .
While no one could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial institution likely already had a plan in place .
Additionally , banks and credit unions are covered by some form of insurance .
If your savings are deposited in a bank , the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has them covered .
If you ’ re with a credit union , the National Credit Union Administration has them covered .
The details of coverage vary by agency , and depending on whether you have multiple accounts in different forms ( IRAs , Trusts , Joint Accounts , etc . )
the insurance coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be higher .
You can always visit your insurer ’ s website for more information , and the FDIC provides an insurance calculator at https : //edie.fdic.gov .
For information on how the NCUA insures credit unions , visit https : //www.ncua.gov .
Now that you know your financial institution is still the safest place for your money , what are some additional steps you can take to continue saving confidently ?
Your financial institution is there for you 24/7 , and if you haven ’ t discovered online banking , now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lieu of going into your bank or credit union branch can help free up branch staff , and means you can manage your account and access your funds from your couch .
Online service also equates to less exposure to someone who may be sick , and more time for branches to clean and sanitize commonly touched surfaces .
No matter what type of banking you ’ re doing online , it ’ s important to remember not to share your login credentials , or any personal information , if you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it .
One of the simplest strategies to avoid the risk of identity theft is to call the financial institution back at a number you know belongs to them .
A customer service representative with a legitimate request for information will be happy to have you take that additional security step .
Looking Out For False Claims More broadly speaking , identifying the source of information is incredibly important at this time .
The Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) has recently noted a rise in Coronavirus-related activity concerning fraudulent claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information allegedly coming from the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) .
If you ’ re ever uncertain about the validity of a product being offered or information you find online , visit the CDC website directly .
Although there ’ s a lot of uncertainty out there , you don ’ t have to let it get you down .
By trusting the stability of our institutions and practicing self-quarantine by banking online , you can help everyone in your community .
In the event that you have specific concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s financial planning or making payments on time , reach out to your financial institution – they will be able to help !
Bellco Credit Union is proud to partner with The Denver Post to bring you the Finances FYI series .
As a local not-for-profit cooperative , Bellco has been passionate about providing individuals and businesses with financial products and services to meet their specific needs since 1936 .
Bellco is Federally Insured by NCUA .
Finances FYI is a one-stop-shop for answers to your everyday financial questions from retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To see how Bellco is helping address their member ’ s needs in regards to Coronavirus , visit www.bellco.org/covid-19 The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

As the United States continues to cope with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and all of the social changes it brings, it’s important to pause and get some peace of mind where we can find it. Fortunately, the safety and security of your money is one thing that you don’t need to worry about. Banks and credit unions remain the safest places to hold your savings.
Wang Shao Chun via canva.com
Financial Planning
Financial institutions, under the guidelines of their overseeing agencies, develop extensive business plans for situations just like this. While no one could have seen this pandemic coming, your financial institution likely already had a plan in place. Additionally, banks and credit unions are covered by some form of insurance.
Coverage
If your savings are deposited in a bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has them covered. If you’re with a credit union, the National Credit Union Administration has them covered. The details of coverage vary by agency, and depending on whether you have multiple accounts in different forms (IRAs, Trusts, Joint Accounts, etc.) the insurance coverage you’re able to get could be higher. You can always visit your insurer’s website for more information, and the FDIC provides an insurance calculator at https://edie.fdic.gov. For information on how the NCUA insures credit unions, visit https://www.ncua.gov.
Now that you know your financial institution is still the safest place for your money, what are some additional steps you can take to continue saving confidently?
Unknown via canva.com
Online Banking
Your financial institution is there for you 24/7, and if you haven’t discovered online banking, now is the time. Using online tools in lieu of going into your bank or credit union branch can help free up branch staff, and means you can manage your account and access your funds from your couch. Online service also equates to less exposure to someone who may be sick, and more time for branches to clean and sanitize commonly touched surfaces.
Fraud Protection
No matter what type of banking you’re doing online, it’s important to remember not to share your login credentials, or any personal information, if you’re not certain about who’s asking for it. One of the simplest strategies to avoid the risk of identity theft is to call the financial institution back at a number you know belongs to them. A customer service representative with a legitimate request for information will be happy to have you take that additional security step.
Lensdrop via canva.com
Looking Out For False Claims
More broadly speaking, identifying the source of information is incredibly important at this time. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently noted a rise in Coronavirus-related activity concerning fraudulent claims of products, advertisements for vaccines, and information allegedly coming from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). If you’re ever uncertain about the validity of a product being offered or information you find online, visit the CDC website directly.
Although there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, you don’t have to let it get you down. By trusting the stability of our institutions and practicing self-quarantine by banking online, you can help everyone in your community. In the event that you have specific concerns about your finances in this environment, whether it’s financial planning or making payments on time, reach out to your financial institution – they will be able to help!
Bellco Credit Union is proud to partner with The Denver Post to bring you the Finances FYI series. As a local not-for-profit cooperative, Bellco has been passionate about providing individuals and businesses with financial products and services to meet their specific needs since 1936. Bellco is Federally Insured by NCUA.
Finances FYI is a one-stop-shop for answers to your everyday financial questions from retirement and savings goals to home equity loans.
To see how Bellco is helping address their member’s needs in regards to Coronavirus, visit www.bellco.org/covid-19
Bellco is Federally Insured by NCUA.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Coloradans displaced by wildfires can return ballots across the state

Coloradans who have been affected by the state ’ s wildfires have multiple options to ensure their votes are counted in the Nov. 3 election , according to the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s Office .
Those who haven ’ t returned their ballots can request a new one by mail by Monday or pick up a replacement from a polling center in their county .
Those who have been displaced can pick up ballots in other counties and return them to any drop box in the state .
Voters displaced because of evacuation orders and first responders working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by contacting their county clerk ’ s office .
Anyone returning their ballot via the U.S .
Postal Service should do so by Monday to ensure its timely arrival , according to the Secretary of State ’ s Office .
After that , voters can either drop them off in ballot boxes or in person at voting centers .
Locations can be found at www.govotecolorado.gov .
The wildfires spreading across the state have put elections officials to the test to ensure everyone ’ s ballots are protected .
CPR reported Thursday that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot box in Grand County to ensure ballots were not lost in the East Troublesome fire .

Coloradans who have been affected by the state’s wildfires have multiple options to ensure their votes are counted in the Nov. 3 election, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.
Those who haven’t returned their ballots can request a new one by mail by Monday or pick up a replacement from a polling center in their county. Those who have been displaced can pick up ballots in other counties and return them to any drop box in the state.
Voters displaced because of evacuation orders and first responders working the fires can get emergency ballots electronically by contacting their county clerk’s office.
Anyone returning their ballot via the U.S. Postal Service should do so by Monday to ensure its timely arrival, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. After that, voters can either drop them off in ballot boxes or in person at voting centers. Locations can be found at www.govotecolorado.gov.
The wildfires spreading across the state have put elections officials to the test to ensure everyone’s ballots are protected. CPR reported Thursday that a bipartisan elections team collected ballots and locked the ballot box in Grand County to ensure ballots were not lost in the East Troublesome fire.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Westminster teacher who called special needs students by a slur has been fired

A Westminster Public Schools teacher who made what Superintendent Pamela Swanson called “ despicable and appalling ” comments about students @ @ @ @ @ fired .
The district began investigating Peter Mandell , a teacher at Skyline Vista Elementary @ @ @ @ @ posted comments on social media that referred to students with special needs by a derogatory @ @ @ @ @ home during the pandemic because “ they were ( slur ) before Covid they ’ @ @ @ @ @ ) after.
” Administrators also began preparing dismissal charges at that time .
In a @ @ @ @ @ school board made Mandell ’ s termination official .
“ For the reasons set forth @ @ @ @ @ s recommendation , Peter Mandell is hereby dismissed from his employment with the school district @ @ @ @ @ , board vice president .

A Westminster Public Schools teacher who made what Superintendent Pamela Swanson called “despicable and appalling” comments about students with special needs has been fired.
The district began investigating Peter Mandell, a teacher at Skyline Vista Elementary, in July after he posted comments on social media that referred to students with special needs by a derogatory slur and suggested they stay home during the pandemic because “they were (slur) before Covid they’ll still be (slur) after.”
Administrators also began preparing dismissal charges at that time. In a special meeting Friday, the school board made Mandell’s termination official.
“For the reasons set forth by the hearing officer’s recommendation, Peter Mandell is hereby dismissed from his employment with the school district,” said Joe Davidek, board vice president.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Denver South High School adopts new mascot, retires Rebels nickname

Nearly 100 years after Denver South High School ’ s founding , the school is adopting a new mascot .
DSHS is now officially home of the Ravens , according to an announcement Friday .
The new mascot replaces the Rebels , which harkens back to the days of the Confederacy .
In a statement , Principal Bobby Thomas said the old emblem no longer seemed “ appropriate , acceptable , or an accurate representation of what South stands for.
” Over the last six months , the school conducted focus groups and online surveys and created a committee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are smart , clever birds that are known to be strategic problem solvers .
They are empathetic , loyal creatures that form lifelong bonds , ” Thomas said .
“ And importantly , the raven is an inclusive animal — it has a long history of being held in high regard both in Native American culture and others throughout the world , and ravens are not associated with any particular gender or race.
” Denver Public Schools Board Member Tay Anderson applauded the decision , saying he hopes other schools will take note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s also telling us and our children for generations to come that we learned from our mistakes and we will no longer enable a white supremacist culture in our school system , ” Anderson said .
The mascot change follows other district initiatives to build a more inclusive culture .
DPS recently announced it would revamp its curriculums to include more Black , Native American and Lantix history .
Students at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr .
Early College also started a racial justice podcast that lends a youth voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equality in America .

Nearly 100 years after Denver South High School’s founding, the school is adopting a new mascot.
DSHS is now officially home of the Ravens, according to an announcement Friday. The new mascot replaces the Rebels, which harkens back to the days of the Confederacy. In a statement, Principal Bobby Thomas said the old emblem no longer seemed “appropriate, acceptable, or an accurate representation of what South stands for.”
Over the last six months, the school conducted focus groups and online surveys and created a committee to determine the new mascot.
“Ravens are smart, clever birds that are known to be strategic problem solvers. They are empathetic, loyal creatures that form lifelong bonds,” Thomas said. “And importantly, the raven is an inclusive animal — it has a long history of being held in high regard both in Native American culture and others throughout the world, and ravens are not associated with any particular gender or race.”
Denver Public Schools Board Member Tay Anderson applauded the decision, saying he hopes other schools will take note.
“It’s symbolic, but it’s also telling us and our children for generations to come that we learned from our mistakes and we will no longer enable a white supremacist culture in our school system,” Anderson said.
The mascot change follows other district initiatives to build a more inclusive culture. DPS recently announced it would revamp its curriculums to include more Black, Native American and Lantix history. Students at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College also started a racial justice podcast that lends a youth voice to the national conversation about race and equality in America.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--6 Smart Ways to Use Your Home’s Equity

6 Smart Ways to Use Your Home’s Equity

If you ’ ve been a homeowner for the last few years , you ’ ve likely seen significant growth in your home ’ s equity .
Thanks to rising home prices and today ’ s landscape of low borrowing rates , that equity growth could offer you an opportunity to make improvements you ’ ve been considering for years .
Whether those are improvements in your financial life or actual home upgrades , only you and your financial advisor know if tapping into your home ’ s equity makes smart financial sense .
Here are 6 situations where your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected and great opportunity .
Persistent low-interest rates have been great for buyers , but you may not be feeling it if you have existing debt .
Leveraging some of your home equity as part of a comprehensive financial plan could significantly lower your monthly payments for personal loans , credit cards , and even auto loans .
Paying off high balance credit cards can more than cover the origination fees of a home equity loan and still save you significant money in the long run , especially if it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowing .
It may seem counterintuitive to take out a home equity loan if you ’ re considering selling that very home , but research shows that the largest return on investment improvements are also the most affordable .
Something as simple as a new front door , new siding , updated appliances , or a fresh coat of paint can be done inexpensively and easily .
By combining a handful of aesthetic improvements in and outside your home , you can add thousands to your sales price .
Plus , since you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will likely be looking at a short-term loan , you have more opportunities to tap your home ’ s equity through lines of credit , which simplify the lending process and reduce costs .
The big improvements , like new kitchens and expansive bathroom remodels , typically represent the lowest return on investment because buyers want their dream home , not yours .
But if you ’ re planning on staying put , your growing equity and low borrowing costs could make today the perfect time to start on that project you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tapping into your equity could allow you to enjoy those big-ticket improvements for years to come , which means it ’ s okay to consider that luxurious home spa !
Use Your Equity as a Bridge A home equity loan doesn ’ t have to be used to improve your home or finances–it can also be used to help address significant short-term financial needs .
A “ Bridge Loan ” is typically a short-term loan that ’ s used in anticipation of long-term financing or a planned infusion of cash .
Depending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home equity could be used to start a new business or start a big project while you line up financing .
A home equity loan could also help family members who have assets but need liquidity , like covering a down payment while your family member waits for their old home to sell .
Just because you have the equity doesn ’ t mean you have to use it .
Your home equity can be a great resource in the event of an emergency , especially if you ’ re able to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which allows easy access to your built-up equity .
Knowing that resource is available at a moment ’ s notice can offer peace of mind .
Instead of worrying that an unplanned medical expense could translate into high credit card debt , you ’ ll know that you ’ ve got a low rate line of credit to fall back on .
Rising home values are the largest wealth generators for most Americans who own homes .
While you ’ ll want to avoid high-risk investments , tapping into your home equity could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for an investment or rental property , or even a vacation home .
Talking with a financial professional is a great first step in determining whether your financial picture supports using some of your growing equity to invest .
With rates still low and home prices rising , it ’ s a good time to consider whether tapping into your home ’ s equity is the right step for you !
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

If you’ve been a homeowner for the last few years, you’ve likely seen significant growth in your home’s equity. Thanks to rising home prices and today’s landscape of low borrowing rates, that equity growth could offer you an opportunity to make improvements you’ve been considering for years. Whether those are improvements in your financial life or actual home upgrades, only you and your financial advisor know if tapping into your home’s equity makes smart financial sense. Here are 6 situations where your home’s equity can be an unexpected and great opportunity.
©Syda Productions via canva.com
Consolidating Other Loans
Persistent low-interest rates have been great for buyers, but you may not be feeling it if you have existing debt. Leveraging some of your home equity as part of a comprehensive financial plan could significantly lower your monthly payments for personal loans, credit cards, and even auto loans. Paying off high balance credit cards can more than cover the origination fees of a home equity loan and still save you significant money in the long run, especially if it’s just one part of a path to responsible borrowing.
Home Improvements (If You’re Selling)
It may seem counterintuitive to take out a home equity loan if you’re considering selling that very home, but research shows that the largest return on investment improvements are also the most affordable. Something as simple as a new front door, new siding, updated appliances, or a fresh coat of paint can be done inexpensively and easily. By combining a handful of aesthetic improvements in and outside your home, you can add thousands to your sales price. Plus, since you’re in the process of selling and will likely be looking at a short-term loan, you have more opportunities to tap your home’s equity through lines of credit, which simplify the lending process and reduce costs.
©Pattanaphong Khuankaew via canva.com
Home Improvements (If You’re Staying in Place)
The big improvements, like new kitchens and expansive bathroom remodels, typically represent the lowest return on investment because buyers want their dream home, not yours. But if you’re planning on staying put, your growing equity and low borrowing costs could make today the perfect time to start on that project you’ve always wanted to do. Tapping into your equity could allow you to enjoy those big-ticket improvements for years to come, which means it’s okay to consider that luxurious home spa!
Use Your Equity as a Bridge
A home equity loan doesn’t have to be used to improve your home or finances–it can also be used to help address significant short-term financial needs. A “Bridge Loan” is typically a short-term loan that’s used in anticipation of long-term financing or a planned infusion of cash. Depending on your needs and financial picture, your home equity could be used to start a new business or start a big project while you line up financing. A home equity loan could also help family members who have assets but need liquidity, like covering a down payment while your family member waits for their old home to sell.
©bernardbodo via canva.com
In Case of Emergency
Just because you have the equity doesn’t mean you have to use it. Your home equity can be a great resource in the event of an emergency, especially if you’re able to establish a home equity line of credit, which allows easy access to your built-up equity. Knowing that resource is available at a moment’s notice can offer peace of mind. Instead of worrying that an unplanned medical expense could translate into high credit card debt, you’ll know that you’ve got a low rate line of credit to fall back on.
Limited Investments
Rising home values are the largest wealth generators for most Americans who own homes. While you’ll want to avoid high-risk investments, tapping into your home equity could provide you with the down payment you need for an investment or rental property, or even a vacation home. Talking with a financial professional is a great first step in determining whether your financial picture supports using some of your growing equity to invest.
With rates still low and home prices rising, it’s a good time to consider whether tapping into your home’s equity is the right step for you!
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.