thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Evacuations ordered for Grand County residents south of Kremmling due to Spring Creek fire

An evacuation order has been posted for residents in Grand County because of the Spring Creek fire .
The wildfire @ @ @ @ @ along Colorado 9 , according to emergency officials .
The sheriff ’ s office said @ @ @ @ @ should pack and overnight bag with necessary items .
“ Evacuate now.
” Evacuees are @ @ @ @ @ Kremmling Fairgrounds .
The fire has burned about 14 acres , according to the Kremmling @ @ @ @ @ The Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center dispatched three planes , two single-engine tankers and a @ @ @ @ @ to help fight the fire which is burning about nine miles south of Kremmling .

An evacuation order has been posted for residents in Grand County because of the Spring Creek fire.
The wildfire is burning south of Kremmling along Colorado 9, according to emergency officials.
The sheriff’s office said the people under the order should pack and overnight bag with necessary items. “Evacuate now.”
Evacuees are instructed to go to the Kremmling Fairgrounds.
The fire has burned about 14 acres, according to the Kremmling Fire Fire Protection District.
The Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center dispatched three planes, two single-engine tankers and a large-air tanker, Tuesday afternoon to help fight the fire which is burning about nine miles south of Kremmling.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--FAQ: How Colorado high school football plans to return amid the coronavirus pandemic

Colorado high school football games start this week with uncertainty looming over the fall season amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Below are answers to a few questions about the return of prep football in the state .
Q. I thought high school football got pushed to a spring season in Colorado .
What happened ?
A .
The Colorado High School Activities Association , after initially moving prep football to spring , reversed course under new guidance from Gov .
Jared Polis and state health authorities that raised the participation allowance to 50 players per roster for games .
CHSAA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but nearly 80 % of schools across the state ( 218 total ) will play this fall on a revised schedule .
Teams can not play in both seasons and separate state champions will be crowned for fall and spring .
Q .
How will the new fall season be structured ?
A .
Many leagues have temporarily changed membership to accommodate schools that opted for spring football .
Teams will play a six-game regular season with the top-eight schools in the CHSAA Seeding Index for each classification earning a spot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the postseason have the option of playing a seventh game against another non-qualifier .
The first round of the playoffs is scheduled for Nov. 20 with championship games played Dec. 5 .
Q .
What are teams doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ?
A .
State health guidelines mandate that players and coaches are symptom- and temperature-checked before all organized team activities .
Masks are also required for coaches and players ( when not wearing helmets ) .
At practice , players are separated into small pods to limit contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , opposing teams will be socially distanced before and after kickoff with no traditional postgame handshake .
Q .
Will fans be allowed into stadiums for games ?
A .
Yes , but attendance policies vary depending on local guidelines with some counties operating under different public health orders .
The number of fans permitted to watch games range across the state between roughly 75 and 500 , CHSAA assistant commissioner Adam Bright said .
Stadiums are also expected to enforce social distancing measures with separate entrance/exit points and mask requirements .
Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive or is forced into quarantine because of contact tracing ?
A .
Schools on remote learning due to a COVID-19 outbreak are still eligible to play in games .
However , athletic districts and local health authorities will call off games if a significant number of football players/coaches test positive or require a two-week quarantine amid possible exposure — like Mullen ’ s canceled season opener .
Teams must complete at least nine practices before being eligible to play games .
Q .
What happens if a team is unable to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A .
Games canceled because of coronavirus won ’ t be made up at a later date and will be counted as “ no-contests ” that do not impact a team ’ s final standing .
Schools must play in at least four regular-season games to be eligible for the postseason .
Charting all 218 Colorado high schools that will play a fall football season in 2020 listed by classification and league .

Colorado high school football games start this week with uncertainty looming over the fall season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Below are answers to a few questions about the return of prep football in the state.
Q. I thought high school football got pushed to a spring season in Colorado. What happened?
A. The Colorado High School Activities Association, after initially moving prep football to spring, reversed course under new guidance from Gov. Jared Polis and state health authorities that raised the participation allowance to 50 players per roster for games. CHSAA is still offering a spring football season, but nearly 80% of schools across the state (218 total) will play this fall on a revised schedule. Teams cannot play in both seasons and separate state champions will be crowned for fall and spring.
Q. How will the new fall season be structured?
A. Many leagues have temporarily changed membership to accommodate schools that opted for spring football. Teams will play a six-game regular season with the top-eight schools in the CHSAA Seeding Index for each classification earning a spot in the playoffs. Teams that do not make the postseason have the option of playing a seventh game against another non-qualifier. The first round of the playoffs is scheduled for Nov. 20 with championship games played Dec. 5.
Q. What are teams doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A. State health guidelines mandate that players and coaches are symptom- and temperature-checked before all organized team activities. Masks are also required for coaches and players (when not wearing helmets). At practice, players are separated into small pods to limit contact between different position groups. At games, opposing teams will be socially distanced before and after kickoff with no traditional postgame handshake.
Q. Will fans be allowed into stadiums for games?
A. Yes, but attendance policies vary depending on local guidelines with some counties operating under different public health orders. The number of fans permitted to watch games range across the state between roughly 75 and 500, CHSAA assistant commissioner Adam Bright said. Stadiums are also expected to enforce social distancing measures with separate entrance/exit points and mask requirements.
Q. What happens if a player tests positive or is forced into quarantine because of contact tracing?
A. Schools on remote learning due to a COVID-19 outbreak are still eligible to play in games. However, athletic districts and local health authorities will call off games if a significant number of football players/coaches test positive or require a two-week quarantine amid possible exposure — like Mullen’s canceled season opener. Teams must complete at least nine practices before being eligible to play games.
Q. What happens if a team is unable to play their scheduled game due to COVID-19?
A. Games canceled because of coronavirus won’t be made up at a later date and will be counted as “no-contests” that do not impact a team’s final standing. Schools must play in at least four regular-season games to be eligible for the postseason.
BOYS OF FALL
Charting all 218 Colorado high schools that will play a fall football season in 2020 listed by classification and league.
Class 5A
North: Fairview, Fossil Ridge, Horizon, Legacy, Poudre, Rocky Mountain, Prairie View
Jeffco: Arvada West, Columbine, Lakewood, Mullen, Pomona, Ralston Valley
South: Chaparral, Doherty, Douglas County, Legend, Pine Creek, Regis Jesuit
Douglas County: Castle View, Highlands Ranch, Mountain Vista, Rock Canyon, ThunderRidge, Valor Christian
Centennial: Arapahoe, Cherokee Trail, Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Grandview, Smoky Hill, Overland
Class 4A
Northern 1: Brighton, Broomfield, Eerie, Heritage, Silver Creek, Windsor
Northern 2: Greeley West, Greeley Central, Longmont, Loveland, Monarch, Skyline
Jeffco: Bear Creek, Chatfield, Dakota Ridge, Golden, Standley Lake, Wheat Ridge
Southern: Air Academy, Fountain-Fort Carson, Mesa Ridge, Pueblo West, Rampart, Vista Ridge
Western Slope: Cheyenne Mountain, Fruita Monument, Montrose, Grand Junction Central, Palmer Ridge, Ponderosa
I-25: Cheyenne Mountain, Coronado, Liberty, Palmer, Thornton, Widefield
Class 3A
Northern: Fort Morgan, Frederick, Mead, Mountain View, Northridge, Roosevelt, Thompson Valley
Colorado: Discovery Canyon, Holy Family, Lewis-Palmer, Lutheran, Mitchell, Niwot, Riverdale Ridge
South Central: Canon City, Durango, Pueblo Centennial, Pueblo Central, Pueblo County, Pueblo East, Pueblo South
Western Slope: Battle Mountain, Conifer, Eagle Valley, Evergreen, Green Mountain, Palisade, Summit
Class 2A
Patriot East: Brush, Eaton, Fort Lupton, Platte Valley, Sterling, Valley, Weld Central
Patriot West: Alameda International, Arvada, Berthoud, D’Evelyn, Resurrection Christian, Severance, University
West: Delta, Elizabeth, Englewood, Middle Park, Moffat County, Woodland Park
Southwest: Alamosa, Bayfield, La Junta, Lamar, Manitou Springs, Pagosa Springs
Class 1A
North Central: Holyoke, Wray, Yuma, Burlington, Wiggins, Limon, Highland
Foothills: Jefferson, The Pinnacle, Bennett, Platte Canyon, Strasburg Prospect Ridge Academy, Banning Lewis Prep
Western Slope: Olathe, Paonia, Hotchkiss, Cedaredge, Gunnison, Meeker
Southern Peaks: Dolores, Ignacio, Center, Monte Vista, Centauri, Del Norte
Tri-Peaks: Florence, Rye, Colorado Springs Christian, Rocky Ford, Peyton, Trinidad
8-Man
Arkansas Valley: Fowler, Holly, Crowley County, McClave, Springfield, Wiley
Plains: Akron, Caliche, Dayspring Christian Academy, Haxtun, Merino, Sedgwick County
Mountain: Dove Creek, Mancos, Norwood, Sanford, Sangre de Cristo, Sargent
Southern: Pikes Peak Christian, Simla, Swink, Dolores Huerta Prep, Calhan
Northwest: Gilpin County, Hayden, Rangely, Soroco, West Grand, Vail Christian
Central: Lyons, Elbert, South Park, Byers, Denver Christian
6-Man
North: Briggsdale, Fleming, North Park, Peetz, Prairie
Northeast: Arickaree/Woodlin, Flagler, Idalia, Otis, Weldon Valley
Central: Kiowa, Deer Trail, Hanover, Genoa-Hugo, Miami-Yoder
East: Hi-Plains, Stratton/Liberty, Cheyenne Wells, Kit Carson, Eads
Southeast: Manzanola, Cheraw, Granada, Walsh, Branson/Kim
Southwest: Cotopaxi, La Veta, Sierra Grande, Mountain Valley, Cripple Creek-Victor


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--Tri-State announces plan to cut wholesale electric rates 8% over three years, give members more flex

Tri-State announces plan to cut wholesale electric rates 8% over three years, give members more flexibility

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association , which has taken heat from members for rates and what they say is a lack of flexibility , said Wednesday that it will cut rates by 8 % and allow individual electric associations to produce more of their own power .
Building on a previously announced plan to boost its use of renewable energy , Tri-State said its goal is to lower wholesale electric rates by 8 % by the end of 2023 .
And the Westminster-based power supplier said starting in early 2021 , member cooperatives can say they want to generate more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the utility ’ s four-state territory .
A longtime 5 % cap on the amount of power individual cooperatives could generate has been a point of contention among Tri-State ’ s members and one of the reasons given by cooperatives that have cut ties with the utility or want to .
Tri-State CEO Duane Highley and Wednesday ’ s announcements are part of ongoing efforts to increase the utility ’ s use of renewable energy and to cut its carbon emissions .
He called the planned rate reduction a “ green energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates and legislators have criticized Tri-State for relying too much on coal and limiting members ’ ability to pursue their own renewable energy projects .
In the past few years , the utility has added more wind and solar power to its system and closed or announced plans to close some of its coal-fired power plants .
In January , Tri-State unveiled its “ Responsible Energy Plan.
” It includes goals of boosting its renewable energy sources to 50 % by 2024 and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions by 90 % by 2030 from Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Bill Ritter is director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University .
He and his staff worked with Tri-State on the energy plan , convening what he said was a large and diverse group of people to give input .
“ It demonstrates to me that Tri-State ’ s commitment is not just a paper commitment but a concrete commitment to how they will be part of the clean energy transition , not just in Colorado but in the United States , ” Ritter said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , conservation groups have said Tri-State ’ s energy plan won ’ t meet the target set by the Colorado General Assembly of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 50 % below 2005 levels by 2030 .
In a filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission , Western Resource Advocates said the plan will result in only a 34 % reduction by that time .
Highley said the utility is on track to achieve the goals in its energy plan and that the state has told Tri-State that the plan will support overall carbon-reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not finished and we ’ re looking for ways to achieve additional carbon dioxide reductions , ” Highley said .
Tri-State must file an electric resource plan with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission by the end of the year and the filing will address lowering carbon emissions , Highley added .

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, which has taken heat from members for rates and what they say is a lack of flexibility, said Wednesday that it will cut rates by 8% and allow individual electric associations to produce more of their own power.
Building on a previously announced plan to boost its use of renewable energy, Tri-State said its goal is to lower wholesale electric rates by 8% by the end of 2023. And the Westminster-based power supplier said starting in early 2021, member cooperatives can say they want to generate more power locally, up to 300 megawatts across the utility’s four-state territory.
A longtime 5% cap on the amount of power individual cooperatives could generate has been a point of contention among Tri-State’s members and one of the reasons given by cooperatives that have cut ties with the utility or want to.
The utility’s 42 members includs 17 electric cooperatives in Colorado.
Tri-State CEO Duane Highley and Wednesday’s announcements are part of ongoing efforts to increase the utility’s use of renewable energy and to cut its carbon emissions. He called the planned rate reduction a “green energy dividend.”
Some member cooperatives, environmental advocates and legislators have criticized Tri-State for relying too much on coal and limiting members’ ability to pursue their own renewable energy projects. In the past few years, the utility has added more wind and solar power to its system and closed or announced plans to close some of its coal-fired power plants.
In January, Tri-State unveiled its “Responsible Energy Plan.” It includes goals of boosting its renewable energy sources to 50% by 2024 and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions by 90% by 2030 from Colorado facilities it owns or operates.
Former Gov. Bill Ritter is director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. He and his staff worked with Tri-State on the energy plan, convening what he said was a large and diverse group of people to give input.
“It demonstrates to me that Tri-State’s commitment is not just a paper commitment but a concrete commitment to how they will be part of the clean energy transition, not just in Colorado but in the United States,” Ritter said during a call with Tri-State and reporters.
However, conservation groups have said Tri-State’s energy plan won’t meet the target set by the Colorado General Assembly of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. In a filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, Western Resource Advocates said the plan will result in only a 34% reduction by that time.
Highley said the utility is on track to achieve the goals in its energy plan and that the state has told Tri-State that the plan will support overall carbon-reduction goals.
“But we’re not finished and we’re looking for ways to achieve additional carbon dioxide reductions,” Highley said.
Tri-State must file an electric resource plan with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission by the end of the year and the filing will address lowering carbon emissions, Highley added.


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--MLB starts process of taking over minors’ governance

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is moving ahead with planning to eliminate the separate governing body of minor league baseball as part of a project to shrink affiliations from 160 to 120 .
MLB said Wednesday it had retained Peter B. Freund and Trinity Sports Consultants to work on the transition .
The Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues expired Sept. 30 without a successor deal following a year of acrimonious negotiations .
The National Association was founded in 1901 and Pat O ’ Conner , the National Association president for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his retirement effective Dec. 31 .
The National Association office has been in St. Petersburg , Florida , and MLB intends to move minor league governance to the commissioner ’ s office in New York .
Freund is principal owner of the Memphis Redbirds , the St. Louis Cardinals ’ Triple-A farm team in the Pacific Coast League , and of the Williamsport ( Pennsylvania ) Crosscutters , a Philadelphia Phillies ’ Class A team in the short-season New York-Penn League that has hosted big league games in recent summers .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) RiverDogs , a New York Yankees ’ Class A team in the South Atlantic League , and is a New York Yankees limited partner .
He also helps run two soccer clubs : He is principal owner of Memphis in the second-tier United Soccer League and executive chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge in England ’ s fifth-tier National League .
MLB said in a statement he will “ help develop the framework for a more cohesive and efficient model for the development of players.
” While the minors did not play this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received $ 400 weekly stipends , MLB has announced salary increases of 38-72 % for 2021 .
MLB has said intends to retain baseball in the minor league cities losing affiliations .
It has announced the Appalachian League will convert next year to a college summer circuit for rising freshmen and sophomores .
Identities of all teams losing affiliations have not been announced , and MLB anticipates it will take several months to work out details on the transition to a system of licenses for minor league affiliates .
The minors drew 41.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 15 leagues , averaging 4,044 fans per game .

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is moving ahead with planning to eliminate the separate governing body of minor league baseball as part of a project to shrink affiliations from 160 to 120.
MLB said Wednesday it had retained Peter B. Freund and Trinity Sports Consultants to work on the transition.
The Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues expired Sept. 30 without a successor deal following a year of acrimonious negotiations. The National Association was founded in 1901 and Pat O’Conner, the National Association president for the past 13 years, last month announced his retirement effective Dec. 31. The National Association office has been in St. Petersburg, Florida, and MLB intends to move minor league governance to the commissioner’s office in New York.
Freund is principal owner of the Memphis Redbirds, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A farm team in the Pacific Coast League, and of the Williamsport (Pennsylvania) Crosscutters, a Philadelphia Phillies’ Class A team in the short-season New York-Penn League that has hosted big league games in recent summers. He is co-owner of the Charleston (South Carolina) RiverDogs, a New York Yankees’ Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and is a New York Yankees limited partner.
He also helps run two soccer clubs: He is principal owner of Memphis in the second-tier United Soccer League and executive chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge in England’s fifth-tier National League.
MLB said in a statement he will “help develop the framework for a more cohesive and efficient model for the development of players.”
While the minors did not play this year and players with minor league contracts received $400 weekly stipends, MLB has announced salary increases of 38-72% for 2021 .
MLB has said intends to retain baseball in the minor league cities losing affiliations. It has announced the Appalachian League will convert next year to a college summer circuit for rising freshmen and sophomores.
Identities of all teams losing affiliations have not been announced, and MLB anticipates it will take several months to work out details on the transition to a system of licenses for minor league affiliates.
The minors drew 41.5 million fans in 2019 for 176 teams in 15 leagues, averaging 4,044 fans per game.


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--Brooks Koepka to return next week in Las Vegas for CJ Cup

LAS VEGAS — Brooks Koepka is ready to get back to golf , announcing Wednesday he will play next week in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas .
Koepka has not played since he missed the cut in the Wyndham Championship on Aug. 14 .
He withdrew ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs because of lingering injuries with his leg , hopeful time off would allow him to play in the U.S. Open .
Instead , he had to withdraw because he wasn ’ t fully healthy .
“ I ’ m excited to get back out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release announcing he was playing , along with PGA champion Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele .
“ It ’ s been a challenging but productive two months of rehabbing my injury .
Looking forward to starting the new season in Vegas !
” It was the CJ Cup last year in South Korea when Koepka ’ s injuries first started to mount .
He slipped on a wet slab of concrete walking off a tee box and aggravated an injury in his left knee , forcing him to miss three months .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dhabi , he played only two months before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down golf for three months .
Koepka was runner-up at the World Golf Championship in Tennessee and was in contention for a third straight PGA Championship title when he faltered in the final round .
Koepka won the CJ Cup in 2018 when he first rose to No .
1 in the world .
With time off from injury and the pandemic , and mediocre results until the summer , he has dropped to No .
10 .
The CJ Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving this year from South Korea because of the pandemic .
The field is stacked with most of the top players in the world , including Dustin Johnson , Jon Rahm , Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy .

LAS VEGAS — Brooks Koepka is ready to get back to golf, announcing Wednesday he will play next week in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
Koepka has not played since he missed the cut in the Wyndham Championship on Aug. 14. He withdrew ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs because of lingering injuries with his leg, hopeful time off would allow him to play in the U.S. Open. Instead, he had to withdraw because he wasn’t fully healthy.
“I’m excited to get back out there,” Koepka said in a release announcing he was playing, along with PGA champion Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele. “It’s been a challenging but productive two months of rehabbing my injury. Looking forward to starting the new season in Vegas! ”
It was the CJ Cup last year in South Korea when Koepka’s injuries first started to mount. He slipped on a wet slab of concrete walking off a tee box and aggravated an injury in his left knee, forcing him to miss three months.
When he finally returned to competition in Abu Dhabi, he played only two months before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down golf for three months.
Koepka was runner-up at the World Golf Championship in Tennessee and was in contention for a third straight PGA Championship title when he faltered in the final round.
Koepka won the CJ Cup in 2018 when he first rose to No. 1 in the world. With time off from injury and the pandemic, and mediocre results until the summer, he has dropped to No. 10.
The CJ Cup is Oct. 15-18 at Shadow Creek, moving this year from South Korea because of the pandemic. The field is stacked with most of the top players in the world, including Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy.


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--Colorado and Indian state of Karnataka look to business opportunities

Gov .
Jared Polis played up Colorado ’ s expertise in aerospace , biotech , renewable energy and agriculture during a business roundtable to discuss closer commercial ties with India , and in particular with the state of Karnataka .
“ I am deeply committed to advocating for and growing the relationship between India and Colorado , ” Polis told political and business leaders from both countries during a video call Wednesday morning .
Polis , on his first trade mission as governor last year , visited Mumbai and Bangalore , building on the ties forged by his predecessor John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on technology , helping land an investment from Tata Consultancy Services , a global technology company , that now employs about 600 people in Colorado , primarily in metro Denver .
“ We see a good potential as we go forward in our relationships , ” said Surya Kant , chairman of Tata Consultancy Services in North America , during the call .
Polis , aware that many other states are playing the technology card , emphasized the potential for Colorado and Karnataka to cooperate more closely when it comes to aviation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in aerospace .
Colorado ’ s aerospace companies are at the forefront of space travel and innovation , ” said Taranjit Singh Sandhu , India ’ s ambassador to the U.S. Colorado universities and companies also have expertise in renewable energy , water management and agriculture , which could be helpful in the densely populated and water-constrained state of 65 million people .
India ’ s burdensome regulatory system and insular economy have kept U.S. companies from making inroads in the country .
But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed through reforms to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise to prosper in the country of 1.35 billion people .
Reforms include changes that will make it easier for foreign universities to establish a presence in the country .
“ India is one of the most important countries for higher education , ” said Mark Kennedy , president of the University of Colorado System .
Polis has worked on forging closer ties with specific states in other countries as a way to boost Colorado ’ s exports and economy .
Last month , he hosted a call with the governor of the @ @ @ @ @

Gov. Jared Polis played up Colorado’s expertise in aerospace, biotech, renewable energy and agriculture during a business roundtable to discuss closer commercial ties with India, and in particular with the state of Karnataka.
“I am deeply committed to advocating for and growing the relationship between India and Colorado,” Polis told political and business leaders from both countries during a video call Wednesday morning.
Polis, on his first trade mission as governor last year, visited Mumbai and Bangalore, building on the ties forged by his predecessor John Hickenlooper. Hickenlooper’s visit focused on technology, helping land an investment from Tata Consultancy Services, a global technology company, that now employs about 600 people in Colorado, primarily in metro Denver.
“We see a good potential as we go forward in our relationships,” said Surya Kant, chairman of Tata Consultancy Services in North America, during the call.
Polis, aware that many other states are playing the technology card, emphasized the potential for Colorado and Karnataka to cooperate more closely when it comes to aviation and aerospace.
“Colorado is a leader in aerospace. Colorado’s aerospace companies are at the forefront of space travel and innovation,” said Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the U.S.
Colorado universities and companies also have expertise in renewable energy, water management and agriculture, which could be helpful in the densely populated and water-constrained state of 65 million people.
India’s burdensome regulatory system and insular economy have kept U.S. companies from making inroads in the country. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed through reforms to make it easier for outside capital and expertise to prosper in the country of 1.35 billion people. Reforms include changes that will make it easier for foreign universities to establish a presence in the country.
“India is one of the most important countries for higher education,” said Mark Kennedy, president of the University of Colorado System.
Polis has worked on forging closer ties with specific states in other countries as a way to boost Colorado’s exports and economy. Last month, he hosted a call with the governor of the Mexican state of Jalisco.


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--Three-alarm fire breaks out in Denver condo complex

Firefighters in Denver on Wednesday afternoon responded to a three-alarm fire at an apartment complex where flames were rising out @ @ @ @ @ billowed into the sky .
The fire broke out at the Oak Park Condominiums , @ @ @ @ @ according to the fire department .
No injuries were reported and firefighters rescued three dogs @ @ @ @ @ Firefighters used ladders to access the roof of the multi-unit , three-story building to attack @ @ @ @ @ of the fire is under investigation .

Firefighters in Denver on Wednesday afternoon responded to a three-alarm fire at an apartment complex where flames were rising out of the roof and smoke billowed into the sky.
The fire broke out at the Oak Park Condominiums, 10150 E. Virginia Ave., according to the fire department.
No injuries were reported and firefighters rescued three dogs from the burning building.
#DenverFireDepartment is fighting a third alarm fire at 10150 E. Virginia Updates to follow pic.twitter.com/JAqDCozSYz — Denver Fire Dept. (@Denver_Fire) October 7, 2020
Firefighters used ladders to access the roof of the multi-unit, three-story building to attack the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-07--Woman wearing blue Broncos shirt robs Westminster bank

The FBI and local police are asking for the public ’ s help in identifying a bank robber , a @ @ @ @ @ a blue Denver Broncos shirt and wearing an orange protective face cover .
The robbery @ @ @ @ @ Friday at Key Bank , 7198 Federal Blvd.
, Westminster .
The robber gave a @ @ @ @ @ to a teller and she then fled the bank of foot .
The robber is @ @ @ @ @ , 40 to 50 years old , about 5 ’ 3″ tall and weighing about @ @ @ @ @ length blonde , wavy hair .
She wore a short-sleeve , dark-blue Denver Broncos t-shirt @ @ @ @ @ gloves , black sunglasses and an orange and white face mask .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ a suspect , is asked to call the FBI at 303-629-7171 ; or leave a @ @ @ @ @ 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

The FBI and local police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a bank robber, a woman who was dressed in a blue Denver Broncos shirt and wearing an orange protective face cover.
The robbery happened at about 4:50 p.m. Friday at Key Bank, 7198 Federal Blvd., Westminster.
The robber gave a note, threatening harm, to a teller and she then fled the bank of foot.
The robber is described as a white woman, 40 to 50 years old, about 5’3″ tall and weighing about 135 pounds, with shoulder length blonde, wavy hair. She wore a short-sleeve, dark-blue Denver Broncos t-shirt, dark-colored pants, black gloves, black sunglasses and an orange and white face mask.
Anyone with information on robbery, or on a suspect, is asked to call the FBI at 303-629-7171; or leave a tip with crime stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver Issues 4A and 4B: School bond and mill levy override

Ballot measure 4A , also called the Debt-Free Schools ballot initiative , seeks to invest in personnel across Denver Public Schools , specifically by increasing wages for hourly workers , offering a cost-of-living raise for teachers , and adding mental health professionals and nurses .
The measure would be funded by an increase in property taxes ; that increase is based on the “ assessed value ” of each property .
If approved , the district estimates property taxes will increase about $ 51 annually , or $ 4.25 per month , for a home valued at $ 465,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure see it as an investment in Denver children .
By contributing funds to hiring and increasing pay for teachers , school staff and mental health professionals , the district believes every student can receive a high-quality education and receive the social-emotional support they need to navigate the coronavirus pandemic .
The case against : Opponents argue that now , in the midst of a pandemic that has put millions out of work , is the wrong time to ask voters to commit to a tax hike .
Ballot question : “ Shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 32 million in tax collection year 2021 and by the amounts in any year thereafter as are raised from a mill levy of up to 4 mills pursuant to and in accordance with Section 22-54-108.7 , C.R.S.
, provided that the mill levy for the first year shall not exceed 1.55 mills and no mill levy increase from year to year shall exceed 1 mill , with the effect that more general fund revenues will be available for purposes such as : adding and maintaining mental health professional and school counselors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school nurses to support COVID-19 monitoring and prevention as well as other health education ; increasing minimum wages for school support staff ; and adding cost of living funds to pay educators a living wage ; and shall such additional revenues from this tax increase be deposited into the supplemental capital construction , technology and maintenance fund and used for ongoing cash funding for capital construction , new instructional technology , existing technology upgrades , and maintenance needs of the district ; and shall the district be authorized to increase such mill levy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offset property tax refunds or abatements or reductions in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine assessed valuation ; and shall Denver Public Schools publish an annual report on the expenditures of these freed up general funds ?
” Ballot measure 4B seeks to fund improvement projects across the district , including adding air conditioning to buildings and classrooms , upgrading science and computer labs , increasing and upgrading technology for students , and investing in the forthcoming comprehensive high school on the Montbello campus .
Total improvements will cost $ 795 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects it will not raise property taxes based on current and forecasted property values .
The case for : The average age of a Denver Public Schools building is 52 and many need substantial upgrades to be suitable for 21st-century learning , according to proponents of the bond .
Some of the projects this bond would fund include building or renovating the Montbello campus ’ newly announced comprehensive high school , installing air conditioning in some of the district ’ s hottest classrooms , and expanding student access to at-home internet technology so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue their studies during the coronavirus pandemic .
The case against : Opponents argue that now , in the midst of a pandemic that has put millions out of work , is the wrong time to ask voters to commit to a tax hike .
Ballot question : “ Without imposing any new tax , shall Denver Public Schools debt be increased $ 795 million , with a maximum repayment cost of not more than $ 1,500 million for the purposes of : maintaining and renovating existing school buildings by replacing leaking roofs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems ; providing cooling systems for high temperature classrooms and schools that lack air conditioning ; adding new schools and additional classrooms and making improvements to existing schools to address overcrowding and reduce class sizes ; purchasing additional computers so that students have access to technology they need during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter ; improving learning environments in older school buildings by upgrading science and computer labs and modernizing classroom instructional technology ; improving student safety in school buildings and improving security at school entryways ; improving and expanding early childhood learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shall the taxes authorized at the district ’ s bond elections in 1998 , 2003 , 2008 , 2012 and 2016 be extended and authorized to be used to pay the debt authorized at this election in addition to the debut authorized at such prior elections ; shall the mill levy be increased in any year , without limitation or rate but only in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of , premium , if any , and interest on such debt or any refunding dent ( or to create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may such debt be evidenced by the issuance of general obligation bonds or other multiple fiscal year obligations that be sold in one series or more , for a price above or below the principal amount thereof , on terms and conditions , and with such maturities as permitted by law and as the district may determine ?
”

Ballot measure 4A, also called the Debt-Free Schools ballot initiative, seeks to invest in personnel across Denver Public Schools, specifically by increasing wages for hourly workers, offering a cost-of-living raise for teachers, and adding mental health professionals and nurses. The measure would be funded by an increase in property taxes; that increase is based on the “assessed value” of each property. If approved, the district estimates property taxes will increase about $51 annually, or $4.25 per month, for a home valued at $465,000.
The case for: Proponents of the measure see it as an investment in Denver children. By contributing funds to hiring and increasing pay for teachers, school staff and mental health professionals, the district believes every student can receive a high-quality education and receive the social-emotional support they need to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
The case against: Opponents argue that now, in the midst of a pandemic that has put millions out of work, is the wrong time to ask voters to commit to a tax hike.
Ballot question: “Shall Denver Public School taxes be increased up to $32 million in tax collection year 2021 and by the amounts in any year thereafter as are raised from a mill levy of up to 4 mills pursuant to and in accordance with Section 22-54-108.7, C.R.S., provided that the mill levy for the first year shall not exceed 1.55 mills and no mill levy increase from year to year shall exceed 1 mill, with the effect that more general fund revenues will be available for purposes such as: adding and maintaining mental health professional and school counselors to support students; adding and maintaining school nurses to support COVID-19 monitoring and prevention as well as other health education; increasing minimum wages for school support staff; and adding cost of living funds to pay educators a living wage; and shall such additional revenues from this tax increase be deposited into the supplemental capital construction, technology and maintenance fund and used for ongoing cash funding for capital construction, new instructional technology, existing technology upgrades, and maintenance needs of the district; and shall the district be authorized to increase such mill levy beginning in 2022 and annually thereafter to offset property tax refunds or abatements or reductions in the percentage of actual valuation used to determine assessed valuation; and shall Denver Public Schools publish an annual report on the expenditures of these freed up general funds?”
Ballot measure 4B seeks to fund improvement projects across the district, including adding air conditioning to buildings and classrooms, upgrading science and computer labs, increasing and upgrading technology for students, and investing in the forthcoming comprehensive high school on the Montbello campus. Total improvements will cost $795 million. If approved, the district expects it will not raise property taxes based on current and forecasted property values.
The case for: The average age of a Denver Public Schools building is 52 and many need substantial upgrades to be suitable for 21st-century learning, according to proponents of the bond. Some of the projects this bond would fund include building or renovating the Montbello campus’ newly announced comprehensive high school, installing air conditioning in some of the district’s hottest classrooms, and expanding student access to at-home internet technology so they have the access they need to continue their studies during the coronavirus pandemic.
The case against: Opponents argue that now, in the midst of a pandemic that has put millions out of work, is the wrong time to ask voters to commit to a tax hike.
Ballot question: “Without imposing any new tax, shall Denver Public Schools debt be increased $795 million, with a maximum repayment cost of not more than $1,500 million for the purposes of: maintaining and renovating existing school buildings by replacing leaking roofs, making critical repairs and addressing structural problems; providing cooling systems for high temperature classrooms and schools that lack air conditioning; adding new schools and additional classrooms and making improvements to existing schools to address overcrowding and reduce class sizes; purchasing additional computers so that students have access to technology they need during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter; improving learning environments in older school buildings by upgrading science and computer labs and modernizing classroom instructional technology; improving student safety in school buildings and improving security at school entryways; improving and expanding early childhood learning environments; and other capital improvements; and shall the taxes authorized at the district’s bond elections in 1998, 2003, 2008, 2012 and 2016 be extended and authorized to be used to pay the debt authorized at this election in addition to the debut authorized at such prior elections; shall the mill levy be increased in any year, without limitation or rate but only in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such debt or any refunding dent (or to create a reserve for such payment); and may such debt be evidenced by the issuance of general obligation bonds or other multiple fiscal year obligations that be sold in one series or more, for a price above or below the principal amount thereof, on terms and conditions, and with such maturities as permitted by law and as the district may determine?”


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver Issue 2J: Pit bull ban repeal

Denver Issue 2J: Pit bull ban repeal

This measure would repeal Denver ’ s long-standing pit bull ban and replace it with a type of restricted license for pit bulls .
Owners would be required to register their dogs — limited to two pit bulls per home — pay a higher fee than is required for other dogs , maintain appropriate paperwork and have no issues for three years before the restricted license is removed .
The measure was placed on the ballot after Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed a similar repeal that the Denver City Council passed earlier this year .
The case for : Repealing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already live in Denver to come out of the shadows .
It would also remove a law seen to target communities of color .
By having pit bulls registered , city officials could keep a better eye on the animals , track any possible attacks or accidents , and take enforcement action .
The case against : Some have said repealing the ban would do little since pit bull owners living in Denver are already breaking the law and would not be inclined to register their dog through the proper channels .
Ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the City and County of Denver adopt an ordinance authorizing the city to grant a provisional permit to owners or keepers of a pit bull , provided the owner microchips the animal and complies with additional requirements set by Denver Animal Protection ?
”

This measure would repeal Denver’s long-standing pit bull ban and replace it with a type of restricted license for pit bulls.
Owners would be required to register their dogs — limited to two pit bulls per home — pay a higher fee than is required for other dogs, maintain appropriate paperwork and have no issues for three years before the restricted license is removed. The measure was placed on the ballot after Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed a similar repeal that the Denver City Council passed earlier this year.
The case for: Repealing the ban would allow pit bull owners that already live in Denver to come out of the shadows. It would also remove a law seen to target communities of color. By having pit bulls registered, city officials could keep a better eye on the animals, track any possible attacks or accidents, and take enforcement action.
The case against: Some have said repealing the ban would do little since pit bull owners living in Denver are already breaking the law and would not be inclined to register their dog through the proper channels.
Ballot question: “Shall the voters for the City and County of Denver adopt an ordinance authorizing the city to grant a provisional permit to owners or keepers of a pit bull, provided the owner microchips the animal and complies with additional requirements set by Denver Animal Protection?”


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver Issue 2I: Denver County clerk appointees

This measure would allow the elected Denver County clerk and recorder to appoint four people to positions within the office @ @ @ @ @ allowed to appoint a deputy and two others , and this measure would increase the @ @ @ @ @ .
The case for : This would give the clerk greater independence in establishing his @ @ @ @ @ the typical hiring processes for city employees to hire the right people for the job @ @ @ @ @ Additional employees could receive higher salaries than regular city employees , therefore costing Denver taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ , because appointees serve at the pleasure of those appointing them , they can be @ @ @ @ @ Ballot question : “ Shall the Charter of the City and County of Denver be @ @ @ @ @ Clerk and Recorder may appoint four at-will employees in addition to the Deputy , all @ @ @ @ @ from the career service personnel system ?
”

This measure would allow the elected Denver County clerk and recorder to appoint four people to positions within the office. Currently the clerk is allowed to appoint a deputy and two others, and this measure would increase the total clerk appointees to five.
The case for: This would give the clerk greater independence in establishing his or her administration and bypass the typical hiring processes for city employees to hire the right people for the job.
The case against: Additional employees could receive higher salaries than regular city employees, therefore costing Denver taxpayers more money. In addition, because appointees serve at the pleasure of those appointing them, they can be susceptible to political influence.
Ballot question: “Shall the Charter of the City and County of Denver be amended to clarify that the Clerk and Recorder may appoint four at-will employees in addition to the Deputy, all of whom shall be exempt from the career service personnel system?”


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--American poet Louise Glück, writer of “The Wild Iris” and “Descending Figure,” wins Nobel literature

American poet Louise Glück, writer of “The Wild Iris” and “Descending Figure,” wins Nobel literature prize

STOCKHOLM — American poet Louise Glück won the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for her “ candid and uncompromising ” work , which looks unflinchingly and with biting humor at the losses and traumas of family life .
She joins a handful of American poets who have received the prize , which has been dominated by novelists throughout its 112-year history .
The last American to win was Bob Dylan in 2016 .
She is also one of the few women — the 16th female Nobel Literature laureate .
The Nobel Committee praised Glück “ for her unmistakable poetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existence universal ” in the citation read during the announcement in Stockholm by Mats Malm , the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy .
New York-born Glück , 77 , who is a faculty member at Yale University , made her debut in 1968 with “ Firstborn , ” and “ was soon acclaimed as one of the most prominent poets in American contemporary literature , ” the committee said .
Anders Olsson , chairman of the Nobel literature committee , said Glück ’ s 12 collections of poetry were “ characterized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Descending Figure , ” “ The Triumph of Achilles ” and “ Ararat.
” Olsson said her verses , which often draw on classical influences and examine family life , were marked by an “ austere but also playful intelligence and a refined sense of composition.
” Raised in a family with Hungarian Jewish origins , Glück has spoken of how a teenage struggle with anorexia , and the therapy she received for it , influenced her incisive writing .
“ Louise Glück ’ s voice is unmistakable .
It is candid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poet wants to be understood .
But it is also voice full of humor and biting wit , ” Olsson said .
“ This is a great resource when Glück treats one of our great topics , radical change , where the leap forward is made from a deep sense of loss.
” The committee noted her 2006 collection “ Averno , ” calling it “ masterly ” and “ a visionary interpretation of the myth of Persephone ’ s descent into hell in the captivity of Hades , the god of death.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ awards , including Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships , the American Academy of Arts and Letters Gold Medal in Poetry and the National Humanities Medal .
She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for “ The Wild Iris ” and the National Book Award for “ Faithful and Virtuous Night ” in 2014 .
She was U.S. poet laureate from 2003 to 2004 .
The Nobel Prize , which includes a more than $ 1.1 million prize , comes after several years of controversy and scandal for the organization that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the award was postponed after sex abuse allegations rocked the Swedish Academy , which designates the committee that chooses the literature winners , and sparked a mass exodus of members .
After the academy revamped itself in a bid to regain the trust of the Nobel Foundation , two laureates were named last year , with the 2018 prize going to Poland ’ s Olga Tokarczuk and the 2019 award to Austria ’ s Peter Handke .
But Handke ’ s prize caused a storm of protest : A strong supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he has been called an apologist for Serbian war crimes .
Several countries including Albania , Bosnia and Turkey boycotted the Nobel awards ceremony in protest , and a member of the committee that nominates candidates for the literature prize resigned .
On Monday , the Nobel Committee awarded the prize for physiology and medicine for discovering the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus .
Tuesday ’ s prize for physics honored breakthroughs in understanding the mysteries of black holes , and the chemistry prize on Wednesday went to scientists behind a powerful gene-editing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for outstanding work in the fields of peace and economics .

STOCKHOLM — American poet Louise Glück won the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday for her “candid and uncompromising” work, which looks unflinchingly and with biting humor at the losses and traumas of family life.
She joins a handful of American poets who have received the prize, which has been dominated by novelists throughout its 112-year history. The last American to win was Bob Dylan in 2016.
She is also one of the few women — the 16th female Nobel Literature laureate.
The Nobel Committee praised Glück “for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal” in the citation read during the announcement in Stockholm by Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy.
New York-born Glück, 77, who is a faculty member at Yale University, made her debut in 1968 with “Firstborn,” and “was soon acclaimed as one of the most prominent poets in American contemporary literature,” the committee said.
Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel literature committee, said Glück’s 12 collections of poetry were “characterized by striving for clarity.” They include “Descending Figure,” “The Triumph of Achilles” and “Ararat.”
Olsson said her verses, which often draw on classical influences and examine family life, were marked by an “austere but also playful intelligence and a refined sense of composition.”
Raised in a family with Hungarian Jewish origins, Glück has spoken of how a teenage struggle with anorexia, and the therapy she received for it, influenced her incisive writing.
“Louise Glück’s voice is unmistakable. It is candid and uncompromising, and it signals that this poet wants to be understood. But it is also voice full of humor and biting wit,” Olsson said. “This is a great resource when Glück treats one of our great topics, radical change, where the leap forward is made from a deep sense of loss.”
The committee noted her 2006 collection “Averno,” calling it “masterly” and “a visionary interpretation of the myth of Persephone’s descent into hell in the captivity of Hades, the god of death.”
Glück is the recipient of many awards, including Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Gold Medal in Poetry and the National Humanities Medal.
She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for “The Wild Iris” and the National Book Award for “Faithful and Virtuous Night” in 2014. She was U.S. poet laureate from 2003 to 2004.
The Nobel Prize, which includes a more than $1.1 million prize, comes after several years of controversy and scandal for the organization that awards the literary accolade.
In 2018, the award was postponed after sex abuse allegations rocked the Swedish Academy, which designates the committee that chooses the literature winners, and sparked a mass exodus of members.
After the academy revamped itself in a bid to regain the trust of the Nobel Foundation, two laureates were named last year, with the 2018 prize going to Poland’s Olga Tokarczuk and the 2019 award to Austria’s Peter Handke.
But Handke’s prize caused a storm of protest: A strong supporter of the Serbs during the 1990s Balkan wars, he has been called an apologist for Serbian war crimes. Several countries including Albania, Bosnia and Turkey boycotted the Nobel awards ceremony in protest, and a member of the committee that nominates candidates for the literature prize resigned.
On Monday, the Nobel Committee awarded the prize for physiology and medicine for discovering the liver-ravaging hepatitis C virus. Tuesday’s prize for physics honored breakthroughs in understanding the mysteries of black holes, and the chemistry prize on Wednesday went to scientists behind a powerful gene-editing tool.
Still to come are prizes for outstanding work in the fields of peace and economics.
Associated Press writer Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver Issue 2H: Municipal broadband

Denver Issue 2H: Municipal broadband

This measure would opt Denver out of a 2005 state law restricting governments from using tax dollars to build broadband networks .
The move would allow the city to enter into the high-speed internet business , should city officials want to go in that direction .
The case for : This could provide Denver with better leverage in negotiating with existing high-speed internet providers to expand coverage areas and potentially lower prices or at least keep them stable .
Should city officials launch a municipal internet company , it would allow the city to set its own prices and expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If city officials decided to launch a municipal internet company , it could cost up to $ 1 billion and take years to complete .
Ballot question : “ Shall the City and County of Denver , without increasing taxes by this measure , reestablish the city ’ s right to provide all services restricted since 2005 by the Colorado General Assembly with their passage of Senate Bill 05-152 , including the authority but not obligation to provide high-speed Internet ( advanced services ) , telecommunication services , and cable television services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services based on future technologies , to residents , businesses , schools , libraries , non-profit entities and other users of such services either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners , as expressly permitted by Article 27 , Title 29 of the Colorado Revised Statutes ?
”

This measure would opt Denver out of a 2005 state law restricting governments from using tax dollars to build broadband networks. The move would allow the city to enter into the high-speed internet business, should city officials want to go in that direction.
The case for: This could provide Denver with better leverage in negotiating with existing high-speed internet providers to expand coverage areas and potentially lower prices or at least keep them stable. Should city officials launch a municipal internet company, it would allow the city to set its own prices and expand coverage independently.
The case against: If city officials decided to launch a municipal internet company, it could cost up to $1 billion and take years to complete.
Ballot question: “Shall the City and County of Denver, without increasing taxes by this measure, reestablish the city’s right to provide all services restricted since 2005 by the Colorado General Assembly with their passage of Senate Bill 05-152, including the authority but not obligation to provide high-speed Internet (advanced services), telecommunication services, and cable television services, including any new and improved high bandwidth services based on future technologies, to residents, businesses, schools, libraries, non-profit entities and other users of such services either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners, as expressly permitted by Article 27, Title 29 of the Colorado Revised Statutes?”


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Donald Trump vows not to participate in virtual debate with Joe Biden

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump vowed Thursday not to participate in next week ’ s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden after organizers announced it will take place virtually because of the president ’ s diagnosis of COVID-19 .
“ I ’ m not going to do a virtual debate ” with Biden , Trump told Fox News , moments after the Commission on Presidential Debates announced the changes due to Trump ’ s diagnosis .
That cast serious doubts on whether the event will go forward , even as Biden ’ s campaign vowed that its candidate will participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speaking directly to the American people , ” deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement .
It is more evidence that the race remains defined by the virus , even as Trump has attempted to underplay it .
The announcement from the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates cited a need “ to protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate.
” The candidates will “ participate from separate remote locations ” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami , it said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump were scheduled to face off in Miami .
Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and but in a Tuesday tweet said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami , “ It will be great !
” he tweeted .
Biden , for his part , said he and Trump “ shouldn ’ t have a debate ” as long as the president remains COVID positive .
Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was “ looking forward to being able to debate him ” but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow very strict guidelines.
” Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday , just 48 hours after debating Biden in person for the first time in Cleveland .
While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart during the debate , Trump ’ s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail .
Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday but his doctors have not provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days .
It ’ s not the first debate in which the candidates are not in the same room .
In 1960 , the third presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy was broadcast with the two candidates on opposite coasts .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump vowed Thursday not to participate in next week’s debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden after organizers announced it will take place virtually because of the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19.
“I’m not going to do a virtual debate” with Biden, Trump told Fox News, moments after the Commission on Presidential Debates announced the changes due to Trump’s diagnosis.
That cast serious doubts on whether the event will go forward, even as Biden’s campaign vowed that its candidate will participate.
“Vice President Biden looks forward to speaking directly to the American people,” deputy Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield said in a statement.
It is more evidence that the race remains defined by the virus, even as Trump has attempted to underplay it.
The announcement from the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates cited a need “to protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate.” The candidates will “participate from separate remote locations” while the participants and moderator remain in Miami, it said.
The announcement came a week before Biden and Trump were scheduled to face off in Miami.
Trump was diagnosed with the coronavirus a week ago and but in a Tuesday tweet said he looked forward to debating Biden on stage in Miami, “It will be great!” he tweeted.
Biden, for his part, said he and Trump “shouldn’t have a debate” as long as the president remains COVID positive.
Biden told reporters in Pennsylvania that he was “looking forward to being able to debate him” but said “we’re going to have to follow very strict guidelines.”
Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday, just 48 hours after debating Biden in person for the first time in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart during the debate, Trump’s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail.
Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday but his doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.
It’s not the first debate in which the candidates are not in the same room. In 1960, the third presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy was broadcast with the two candidates on opposite coasts.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver weather: Near-record warmth, dry conditions bring more hazy skies

Near-record warmth and widespread smoke will impact Thursday ’ s weather .
The National Weather Service in Boulder warned very dry conditions will continue throughout the day , which will increase the likelihood of wildlife flare-ups .
Highs are predicted to reach near 87 degrees in the Denver area , with temperatures possibly higher in the plains .
David Barjenbruch of NWS Boulder said the record temperature for Oct. 8 is 85 degrees set in 1910 .
With the very warm temperatures , active fires and light breezes , Barjenbruch warns the skies will be hazy with smoke .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day will focus in the Fort Collins and Greeley area , ” he said .
“ We expect the fires to flare up , especially the further north you go.
” Smoke will be lighter in Denver but hazy during the evening and overnight hours , Barjenbruch said .
Looking into the weekend , temperatures will continue to be in the mid- to upper 80s under sunny skies , continuing conditions that will increase smoke coverage .
However , by Sunday , there is a front that may bring a slight chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Winds are going to increase ahead of it and behind it , and that will increase our fire danger at that time , ” Barjenbruch said .

Near-record warmth and widespread smoke will impact Thursday’s weather. The National Weather Service in Boulder warned very dry conditions will continue throughout the day, which will increase the likelihood of wildlife flare-ups.
Highs are predicted to reach near 87 degrees in the Denver area, with temperatures possibly higher in the plains. David Barjenbruch of NWS Boulder said the record temperature for Oct. 8 is 85 degrees set in 1910.
With the very warm temperatures, active fires and light breezes, Barjenbruch warns the skies will be hazy with smoke.
“It looks like the thickest smoke of the day will focus in the Fort Collins and Greeley area,” he said. “We expect the fires to flare up, especially the further north you go.”
Smoke will be lighter in Denver but hazy during the evening and overnight hours, Barjenbruch said.
Looking into the weekend, temperatures will continue to be in the mid- to upper 80s under sunny skies, continuing conditions that will increase smoke coverage. However, by Sunday, there is a front that may bring a slight chance of showers and bring down temperatures.
“Winds are going to increase ahead of it and behind it, and that will increase our fire danger at that time,” Barjenbruch said.
Very warm & dry thru Saturday. We'll almost certainly break our record high in Denver today (85°F set in 1910), and approach record warmth Fri & Sat. Drought has brought very high to extreme fire danger-Avoid any activity that may produce a spark and start another wildfire. #COwx pic.twitter.com/IBd0ZGR9Ss — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) October 8, 2020


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Denver airport still trying to decide: Move some TSA screening upstairs, or just fortify existing ch

Denver airport still trying to decide: Move some TSA screening upstairs, or just fortify existing checkpoints?

Denver International Airport officials ’ efforts to rein in its over-budget terminal renovation could eliminate plans to relocate the two main security screening areas entirely , nixing a cornerstone of the now- $ 770 million project .
Project leaders shed new light on the options under consideration for security screening on Wednesday during a Denver City Council briefing .
It came two months after The Denver Post first reported on the severity of a budget reckoning that ’ s underway on the Great Hall Project , caused by cost overruns , construction delays and the airport ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The original security relocation plan was motivated by concerns that the Transportation Security Administration ’ s screening areas — currently located in the atrium below DIA ’ s signature tented roof — are vulnerable from above .
So the project called for moving both upstairs to the north ends of each side of the terminal , in expanded spaces now occupied by some airline ticket counters .
While the renovation ’ s first phase resumed with a different project team earlier this year , DIA has acknowledged that just $ 170 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a fraction of what ’ s needed .
The lower-cost alternatives now under consideration for security are to move just one of the checkpoints upstairs or to leave both where they ’ re at now , said Cristal DeHerrera , DIA ’ s chief of staff .
Either option would result in DIA spending money to install taller barrier walls or other fortifications on the walkways above whichever checkpoints remain in their current locations .
“ The conversations that are being had now are , what do we do next ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aviation committee .
“ And those include a myriad of variations ( about ) how do you minimize the vulnerability of the checkpoints ?
” CEO Kim Day and other officials have put off releasing a final scope as they work through scale-back options with airlines and other interests .
That process may take until late this year , DeHerrera said .
Day has promised to stick to a $ 770 million project cost limit , which includes the original $ 650 million budget plus a contingency fund .
As it stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United and Southwest airlines , DIA ’ s largest carriers , will occupy reconfigured check-in areas on the upper level , leaving airlines with smaller operations to use existing counters .
That leaves the security plans as the most consequential unresolved question .

Denver International Airport officials’ efforts to rein in its over-budget terminal renovation could eliminate plans to relocate the two main security screening areas entirely, nixing a cornerstone of the now-$770 million project.
Project leaders shed new light on the options under consideration for security screening on Wednesday during a Denver City Council briefing. It came two months after The Denver Post first reported on the severity of a budget reckoning that’s underway on the Great Hall Project, caused by cost overruns, construction delays and the airport’s decision to fire the original contracting team last year.
The original security relocation plan was motivated by concerns that the Transportation Security Administration’s screening areas — currently located in the atrium below DIA’s signature tented roof — are vulnerable from above. So the project called for moving both upstairs to the north ends of each side of the terminal, in expanded spaces now occupied by some airline ticket counters.
While the renovation’s first phase resumed with a different project team earlier this year, DIA has acknowledged that just $170 million remains for the rest of the project — a fraction of what’s needed.
The lower-cost alternatives now under consideration for security are to move just one of the checkpoints upstairs or to leave both where they’re at now, said Cristal DeHerrera, DIA’s chief of staff. Either option would result in DIA spending money to install taller barrier walls or other fortifications on the walkways above whichever checkpoints remain in their current locations.
“The conversations that are being had now are, what do we do next?” DeHerrera told the council’s business and aviation committee. “And those include a myriad of variations (about) how do you minimize the vulnerability of the checkpoints?”
CEO Kim Day and other officials have put off releasing a final scope as they work through scale-back options with airlines and other interests. That process may take until late this year, DeHerrera said.
Day has promised to stick to a $770 million project cost limit, which includes the original $650 million budget plus a contingency fund.
As it stands, it’s possible that only United and Southwest airlines, DIA’s largest carriers, will occupy reconfigured check-in areas on the upper level, leaving airlines with smaller operations to use existing counters. That leaves the security plans as the most consequential unresolved question.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Opposition to 22-week abortion ban winning the money race among Colorado issue campaigns

Supporters and opponents of Colorado ’ s statewide ballot measures have pumped $ 41.7 million just this year toward swaying public opinion on issues that could have far-reaching implications if passed in November .
During a presidential election year in which issues such as abortion access hang in the balance , and at a time when many families are struggling to make ends financially , Colorado ’ s ballot questions are taking on heightened importance .
Measures such as a 22-week ban on abortions and having Colorado support the national popular vote for president are receiving attention — and contributions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With less than a month to go , advocates are making their final pushes to Election Day — including in the money race .
The committee fighting the proposed ban on abortions after 22 weeks has brought in the most contributions of any issue committee at almost $ 6.5 million in 2019 and 2020 , while proponents of Proposition 115 have raised a fraction of that , according to filings with the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s Office by Tuesday ’ s deadline .
Three committees supporting the measure raised about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure is being led by women ’ s reproductive rights groups and progressive allies such as ProgressNow Colorado , Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights , and Cobalt .
Supporters of Proposition 115 include Catholic Charities and citizen advocates .
Although Colorado voters have rejected abortion bans three times before at the ballot box , the vote comes at a critical time with the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
President Donald Trump has nominated conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Roe v. Wade getting overturned .
Colorado is one of only seven states that doesn ’ t have gestational limits on when an abortion can take place .
“ We are the target of groups with a national agenda to end reproductive health care , ” said Stefanie Clarke , spokesperson for the No on 115 campaign .
“ What happens in Colorado this election will have far-reaching consequences when it comes to abortion access .
It is going to take significant resources to educate voters about the facts and correct their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates expected a close race from the beginning , so they aren ’ t taking anything for granted .
Proponents of the abortion limits point to national polling that indicates voters are more supportive of abortion restrictions later in pregnancy .
They also say their campaign is focused on the grassroots level , mostly attracting small , individual contributions .
“ I ’ m very confident we ’ re going to win this one , ” said organizer Giuliana Day of Due Date Too Late .
“ That ’ s why they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something so reasonable.
” The issue committee that has collected the second-biggest haul is the group backing Proposition 118 , which would create a state-run paid family and medical leave program .
It has brought in about $ 5.9 million , according to campaign finance filings .
The opposition committee has received more than $ 468,000 .
Much of the money that campaigns have collected has been spent on digital and TV media .
That ’ s expected every election cycle , but it was further exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always on the ‘ yes ’ side in ballot measures , ” said Democratic Sen. Mike Foote , a proponent of the national popular vote .
“ That ’ s why we worked hard to fundraise.
” Colorado ’ s Democratic legislature and governor agreed in 2019 to participate in the National Popular Vote Compact — a group of states that have agreed to cast their Electoral College votes for the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote , once the group controls at least 272 electoral votes .
Citizen opponents gathered enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ballot in hopes that voters will repeal it .
The way the question is worded , however , is confusing , with a “ yes ” vote indicating support for joining the compact , Foote said , so it will take money to educate voters .
In 2019 and 2020 , the pro-national popular vote committee brought in about $ 4.4 million , while the main opposing committee raised close to $ 1.5 million , according to the latest filings .
Rose Pugliese , the Mesa County Republican who has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the compact , said she ’ s not worried about the gap in money raised because of the business groups , county elected officials and other volunteers on her side .
“ For me , it ’ s more about making sure we can get our message out and using our volunteers to do that , ” Pugliese said .
“ I feel very confident in our efforts.
” The money race is tighter for Proposition EE , the proposal to increase the state ’ s tobacco taxes and create a new vaping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , opponents of the measure had a single in-kind contributor of more than $ 1 million : Liggett Vector Brands LLC , a discount tobacco brand based in North Carolina .
In the latest filing Tuesday , the committee reported almost $ 2 million more in contributions , bumping its total to more than $ 3.1 million .
Proponents have reported $ 3.6 million in contributions , including from supporters of early childhood education such as Gary Community Investment and Education Reform Now Advocacy .
Money from the tax would go toward education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s budget gaps during the pandemic-induced recession .
The campaign fundraising difference is even tighter on another state issue .
Michael Fields , executive director of Colorado Rising State Action , said he ’ s happy with the nearly $ 1.4 million raised by supporters of Proposition 117 , a measure to require voter approval of fees to support large new state programs .
The opposition has raised about $ 1.3 million to fight the measure and others supported by the same proponents .
Fields said he recognizes the voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough sell come Nov. 3 .
“ It ’ s a hard environment given so many things on the national stage and so many ballot issues , ” he said .

Supporters and opponents of Colorado’s statewide ballot measures have pumped $41.7 million just this year toward swaying public opinion on issues that could have far-reaching implications if passed in November.
During a presidential election year in which issues such as abortion access hang in the balance, and at a time when many families are struggling to make ends financially, Colorado’s ballot questions are taking on heightened importance. Measures such as a 22-week ban on abortions and having Colorado support the national popular vote for president are receiving attention — and contributions — from across the state and country. With less than a month to go, advocates are making their final pushes to Election Day — including in the money race.
The committee fighting the proposed ban on abortions after 22 weeks has brought in the most contributions of any issue committee at almost $6.5 million in 2019 and 2020, while proponents of Proposition 115 have raised a fraction of that, according to filings with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office by Tuesday’s deadline. Three committees supporting the measure raised about $369,000.
Opposition to the abortion measure is being led by women’s reproductive rights groups and progressive allies such as ProgressNow Colorado, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, and Cobalt. Supporters of Proposition 115 include Catholic Charities and citizen advocates.
Although Colorado voters have rejected abortion bans three times before at the ballot box, the vote comes at a critical time with the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy left after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. President Donald Trump has nominated conservative Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace her, leaving advocates worried about the potential of Roe v. Wade getting overturned.
Colorado is one of only seven states that doesn’t have gestational limits on when an abortion can take place.
“We are the target of groups with a national agenda to end reproductive health care,” said Stefanie Clarke, spokesperson for the No on 115 campaign. “What happens in Colorado this election will have far-reaching consequences when it comes to abortion access. It is going to take significant resources to educate voters about the facts and correct their disinformation campaign.”
Clarke said abortion rights advocates expected a close race from the beginning, so they aren’t taking anything for granted.
Proponents of the abortion limits point to national polling that indicates voters are more supportive of abortion restrictions later in pregnancy. They also say their campaign is focused on the grassroots level, mostly attracting small, individual contributions.
“I’m very confident we’re going to win this one,” said organizer Giuliana Day of Due Date Too Late. “That’s why they’re so concerned — because this is something so reasonable.”
The issue committee that has collected the second-biggest haul is the group backing Proposition 118, which would create a state-run paid family and medical leave program. It has brought in about $5.9 million, according to campaign finance filings. The opposition committee has received more than $468,000.
Much of the money that campaigns have collected has been spent on digital and TV media. That’s expected every election cycle, but it was further exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic this year.
“The burden of proof is always on the ‘yes’ side in ballot measures,” said Democratic Sen. Mike Foote, a proponent of the national popular vote. “That’s why we worked hard to fundraise.”
Colorado’s Democratic legislature and governor agreed in 2019 to participate in the National Popular Vote Compact — a group of states that have agreed to cast their Electoral College votes for the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote, once the group controls at least 272 electoral votes. Citizen opponents gathered enough signatures to get it on next month’s ballot in hopes that voters will repeal it.
The way the question is worded, however, is confusing, with a “yes” vote indicating support for joining the compact, Foote said, so it will take money to educate voters.
In 2019 and 2020, the pro-national popular vote committee brought in about $4.4 million, while the main opposing committee raised close to $1.5 million, according to the latest filings.
Rose Pugliese, the Mesa County Republican who has led the effort to keep Colorado out of the compact, said she’s not worried about the gap in money raised because of the business groups, county elected officials and other volunteers on her side.
“For me, it’s more about making sure we can get our message out and using our volunteers to do that,” Pugliese said. “I feel very confident in our efforts.”
The money race is tighter for Proposition EE, the proposal to increase the state’s tobacco taxes and create a new vaping tax. By the Sept. 21 deadline, opponents of the measure had a single in-kind contributor of more than $1 million: Liggett Vector Brands LLC, a discount tobacco brand based in North Carolina. In the latest filing Tuesday, the committee reported almost $2 million more in contributions, bumping its total to more than $3.1 million.
Proponents have reported $3.6 million in contributions, including from supporters of early childhood education such as Gary Community Investment and Education Reform Now Advocacy. Money from the tax would go toward education programs as well as to help fill the state’s budget gaps during the pandemic-induced recession.
The campaign fundraising difference is even tighter on another state issue.
Michael Fields, executive director of Colorado Rising State Action, said he’s happy with the nearly $1.4 million raised by supporters of Proposition 117, a measure to require voter approval of fees to support large new state programs. The opposition has raised about $1.3 million to fight the measure and others supported by the same proponents.
Fields said he recognizes the voter approval of fees question could be a tough sell come Nov. 3.
“It’s a hard environment given so many things on the national stage and so many ballot issues,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Guest commentary: Tri-State leaders pulled a sneaky move; the PUC should stop them

Many of our constituents have been customers of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association , La Plata Electric Association and Delta-Montrose Electric Association for many years , far too many of which have been filled with higher-than-necessary bills , largely a result of suspect decisions out of Tri-State Generation and Transmission ’ s metro-Denver corporate offices .
Tri-State is supposed to operate in service to its 42 rural electric cooperative members , independent power distributors who are primarily supplied by Tri-State electricity , but its executives consistently seem to ignore how their business plans harm us .
Its latest machinations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Colorado Public Utilities Commission ( PUC ) to rein in this runaway beast .
The issue first bubbled up four years ago when New Mexico-based Kit Carson Electric had had enough of high rates and Tri-State ’ s inflexibility in allowing co-ops to develop local renewable energy projects .
Tri-State tried to extort $ 137 million from Kit Carson to buy out its contract but eventually settled on a $ 37 million exit fee .
Three years later , Colorado-based Delta-Montrose Electric went through a similar wringer , negotiating an agreement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a nasty legal battle , less than a quarter of the $ 322 million Tri-State tried to squeeze from it .
Now , two more co-ops want out .
Durango-based La Plata Electric and Brighton-based United Power have decided it ’ s time to escape from Tri-State ’ s grip and lopsided contracts that require them to buy 95 % of their power from Tri-State through 2050 – the majority of it generated at distant and increasingly inefficient coal plants .
They have the right under Tri-State by-laws to seek this separation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s right by rural Colorado , Tri-State ’ s sneaky corporate heads have cooked up a scheme to force them to stay .
Tri-State ’ s entire existence is built on the premise of being a wholesale power provider to its member co-ops , but last year it decided to suddenly add non-coop “ members.
” Here ’ s why that is so deceptively oppressive .
La Plata and United are seeking their exits through PUC proceedings , where Colorado utility matters are settled .
Under federal energy rules , however , Tri-State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company , a greenhouse and a cattle ranch moved jurisdiction for rates – and exit fees – to Washington , D.C. and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ) .
Other cooperatives are also mulling potential exits from Tri-State .
Ridgway-based San Miguel Power says it ’ s considering alternatives to Tri-State .
The board for Jemez Electric in New Mexico has authorized expenses on a possible exit analysis .
And others are looking enviously at the benefits Kit Carson and Delta-Montrose are enjoying since their departures : lower rates and free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create jobs and community economic development .
The addition of these companies is a thinly veiled threat meant to squelch dissent ; if you mess with Tri-State , you will pay the price .
Like it did previously , Tri-State is seeking vastly inflated and discriminatory exit fees for La Plata and United , requiring them to pay a combined amount in excess of $ 1.5 billion to leave the fold .
There is no methodology justifying this bloated figure – Tri-State couldn ’ t even come up with one other than to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
The fee is so big that if it were hypothetically applied to all 42 co-ops , it would leave Tri-State with a surplus to the tune of nearly $ 6 billion , a number so appallingly large it would be laughable … if it weren ’ t so seriously stifling .
If Tri-State prevails in hoodwinking FERC to approve this draconian exit fee proposal , any co-op that has a rate issue to settle in the future would face the hugely expensive prospect of having to do so 2,000 miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of adding non-coop members is on highly suspect legal ground .
It ’ s clear from the record that Tri-State brought them on to intentionally escape state jurisdiction – and punish co-ops looking to leave .
Tri-State seems to believe that Beltway bureaucrats somehow have a better sense of what is good for rural Colorado than the three-commissioner PUC , two of whom come from Western Slope communities and co-op backgrounds .
That ’ s arrogance at its worst .
There is a solution to this mean-spirited and manipulated mess .
The PUC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition of new “ members ” was in fact not legal .
Doing so would void federal jurisdiction and put the matter back where it belongs , in the sensible hands of Coloradans .
Jeni Arndt is a Colorado State Representative of House District 53 , which includes parts of Tri-State co-op Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association .
Don Coram is a Colorado State Senator representing Senate District 6 , which includes much of Tri-State co-op La Plata Electric Association .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to submit by email or mail .

The Denver Post Editorial Board, Don Coram

Many of our constituents have been customers of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, La Plata Electric Association and Delta-Montrose Electric Association for many years, far too many of which have been filled with higher-than-necessary bills, largely a result of suspect decisions out of Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s metro-Denver corporate offices.
Tri-State is supposed to operate in service to its 42 rural electric cooperative members, independent power distributors who are primarily supplied by Tri-State electricity, but its executives consistently seem to ignore how their business plans harm us. Its latest machinations are a prime example, and we encourage the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to rein in this runaway beast.
The issue first bubbled up four years ago when New Mexico-based Kit Carson Electric had had enough of high rates and Tri-State’s inflexibility in allowing co-ops to develop local renewable energy projects. Tri-State tried to extort $137 million from Kit Carson to buy out its contract but eventually settled on a $37 million exit fee. Three years later, Colorado-based Delta-Montrose Electric went through a similar wringer, negotiating an agreement to end its contract for $62.5 million after a nasty legal battle, less than a quarter of the $322 million Tri-State tried to squeeze from it.
Now, two more co-ops want out. Durango-based La Plata Electric and Brighton-based United Power have decided it’s time to escape from Tri-State’s grip and lopsided contracts that require them to buy 95% of their power from Tri-State through 2050 – the majority of it generated at distant and increasingly inefficient coal plants. They have the right under Tri-State by-laws to seek this separation, but rather than doing what’s right by rural Colorado, Tri-State’s sneaky corporate heads have cooked up a scheme to force them to stay.
Tri-State’s entire existence is built on the premise of being a wholesale power provider to its member co-ops, but last year it decided to suddenly add non-coop “members.” Here’s why that is so deceptively oppressive. La Plata and United are seeking their exits through PUC proceedings, where Colorado utility matters are settled. Under federal energy rules, however, Tri-State’s addition of a small gas company, a greenhouse and a cattle ranch moved jurisdiction for rates – and exit fees – to Washington, D.C. and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Other cooperatives are also mulling potential exits from Tri-State. Ridgway-based San Miguel Power says it’s considering alternatives to Tri-State. The board for Jemez Electric in New Mexico has authorized expenses on a possible exit analysis. And others are looking enviously at the benefits Kit Carson and Delta-Montrose are enjoying since their departures: lower rates and free rein to develop local renewable projects that create jobs and community economic development.
The addition of these companies is a thinly veiled threat meant to squelch dissent; if you mess with Tri-State, you will pay the price. Like it did previously, Tri-State is seeking vastly inflated and discriminatory exit fees for La Plata and United, requiring them to pay a combined amount in excess of $1.5 billion to leave the fold. There is no methodology justifying this bloated figure – Tri-State couldn’t even come up with one other than to tell the PUC it flatly made it up. The fee is so big that if it were hypothetically applied to all 42 co-ops, it would leave Tri-State with a surplus to the tune of nearly $6 billion, a number so appallingly large it would be laughable … if it weren’t so seriously stifling.
If Tri-State prevails in hoodwinking FERC to approve this draconian exit fee proposal, any co-op that has a rate issue to settle in the future would face the hugely expensive prospect of having to do so 2,000 miles away in the D.C. swamp.
The premise of adding non-coop members is on highly suspect legal ground. It’s clear from the record that Tri-State brought them on to intentionally escape state jurisdiction – and punish co-ops looking to leave. Tri-State seems to believe that Beltway bureaucrats somehow have a better sense of what is good for rural Colorado than the three-commissioner PUC, two of whom come from Western Slope communities and co-op backgrounds. That’s arrogance at its worst.
There is a solution to this mean-spirited and manipulated mess.
The PUC can rule that Tri-State’s sketchy addition of new “members” was in fact not legal. Doing so would void federal jurisdiction and put the matter back where it belongs, in the sensible hands of Coloradans.
Jeni Arndt is a Colorado State Representative of House District 53, which includes parts of Tri-State co-op Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association. Don Coram is a Colorado State Senator representing Senate District 6, which includes much of Tri-State co-op La Plata Electric Association.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Wildfire reported near Manitou Incline, arson suspected

EL PASO COUNTY , Colo. — A wildfire is being reported near the Barr Trail near the Manitou Incline .
@ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff ’ s Office ’ s Twitter , they are looking for an arson @ @ @ @ @ Barr Trail .
The fire is said to be 3 to 5 acres at this @ @ @ @ @ Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center , an Air Attack and SEAT have been sent to @ @

The Manitou Incline and new Northern Incline Return Trail were closed Thursday until further notice because of a fire burning near the Barr Trail.
No new online reservations will be accepted. Officials said the fire was 3 to 5 acres, and smoke was visible to commuters. Ground crews have responded to the fire. Responding agencies include the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Manitou Springs Fire Department, USDA Forest Service and El Paso County Wildland Fire Management. More information will be provided as it becomes available.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Broncos podcast: Previewing Denver’s Week 5 road game in New England

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com , Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O @ @ @ @ @ ’ Week 5 road showdown against the New England Patriots .
The game , originally @ @ @ @ @ moved to Monday due to positive coronavirus tests within the Patriots organization .
Topics include @ @ @ @ @ s three-year contract extension , expectations for quarterback Brett Rypien if he gets his second @ @ @ @ @ a rookie report at the quarter pole of 2020 and much more in a packed @ @ @ @ @ Broncos Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox .

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran preview the Broncos’ Week 5 road showdown against the New England Patriots.
The game, originally scheduled for Sunday, was moved to Monday due to positive coronavirus tests within the Patriots organization.
Topics include nose tackle Mike Purcell’s three-year contract extension, expectations for quarterback Brett Rypien if he gets his second start, injury updates, a rookie report at the quarter pole of 2020 and much more in a packed episode.
Subscribe to the podcast
SoundCloud | iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS
Subscribe to our Broncos Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.