thedenverpost--2020-03-18--Schubert: Even as games stop, The Denver Post will not relent in its sports coverage

Games have stopped , teams have gone into isolation , and the sports world as we know it has ground to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Like everyone else during this unprecedented and frightening time , The Denver Sports sports department has been left to wonder : What now ?
Well , this much I can assure you : The sports staff at The Post will not relent in doing our jobs .
Over the coming weeks and months , we will continue digging for quality sports journalism just as we ’ ve always done — final score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories to tell , and we will do our best to tell them , whether it ’ s how athletes are dealing with the pandemic , how teams and schools have been impacted by lost seasons or making sense of the uncertainty before us .
We will continue to keep readers apprised of any and all significant developments in Colorado ’ s sports community , from pros , to colleges , to high schools .
And we will continue to produce the same digitally based content we always have , including podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox .
In addition , we will help tell the stories of Colorado ’ s struggle to combat COVID-19 , including the many heroes on the front lines fighting the pandemic .
Our print coverage will shrink as a result , but that has less to do with a lack of commitment to Colorado sports than the loss of box scores , stats or national events to report on .
Our staff will work tirelessly to keep readers informed , not just about what ’ s going on in sports , but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large as it deals with something much greater than transactions , score lines and salary cap implications .
And once the games return , we will tell those stories .
That much I can confirm .

Games have stopped, teams have gone into isolation, and the sports world as we know it has ground to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Like everyone else during this unprecedented and frightening time, The Denver Sports sports department has been left to wonder: What now?
Well, this much I can assure you: The sports staff at The Post will not relent in doing our jobs.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue digging for quality sports journalism just as we’ve always done — final score or not. There are plenty of stories to tell, and we will do our best to tell them, whether it’s how athletes are dealing with the pandemic, how teams and schools have been impacted by lost seasons or making sense of the uncertainty before us.
We will continue to keep readers apprised of any and all significant developments in Colorado’s sports community, from pros, to colleges, to high schools. And we will continue to produce the same digitally based content we always have, including podcasts, reader mailbags and newsletters delivered to your inbox.
In addition, we will help tell the stories of Colorado’s struggle to combat COVID-19, including the many heroes on the front lines fighting the pandemic.
Our print coverage will shrink as a result, but that has less to do with a lack of commitment to Colorado sports than the loss of box scores, stats or national events to report on.
What now?
Our staff will work tirelessly to keep readers informed, not just about what’s going on in sports, but what’s happening in the community at large as it deals with something much greater than transactions, score lines and salary cap implications.
And once the games return, we will tell those stories.
That much I can confirm.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Weather, crashes close section of I-25 north of Colorado Springs

Blizzard conditions and crashes shut down a section of Interstate 25 between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ Baptist Road .
Colorado 83 is also shut down in the area , and there @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release about 5 p.m @ @ @ @ @ traffic backup in the area , along with other nearby road delays .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ crashes and blizzard conditions with blowing snow and high winds , ” CDOT said .
@ @ @ @ @ include motorists driving too fast , not driving to the conditions and bald tires.
” @ @ @ @ @ the area if possible as crews worked to clear the roads and reopen the highway @

Blizzard conditions and crashes shut down a section of Interstate 25 between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs on Thursday, from Plum Creek Parkway to Baptist Road.
Colorado 83 is also shut down in the area, and there are “no alternate routes,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release about 5 p.m.
There is a two-mile traffic backup in the area, along with other nearby road delays.
“The road is closed because of crashes and blizzard conditions with blowing snow and high winds,” CDOT said. “Key cause of crashes include motorists driving too fast, not driving to the conditions and bald tires.”
CDOT asked drivers to avoid the area if possible as crews worked to clear the roads and reopen the highway.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--PHOTOS: A Denver snowstorm during Coronavirus

Costco customer , Melanie Pahl negotiates heavy slush while pushing her soul shopping cart to her car in Aurora March @ @ @ @ @ normally works at home , but said she was stocking up for her and her @ @ @ @ @

Andy Cross, AAron Ontiveroz, RJ Sangosti

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Jack Gaffney walks up the hill with his dog Maggie after skiing in his backyard on March 19, 2020 in Nederland. Though it looks like Gaffney is skiing in the backcountry it is really just his back yard. The CU senior was bummed that the ski season was over so he decided to take advantage of almost 17 inches of snow in his back yard to make some turns.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Pro Bowl DL Jurrell Casey heads to Broncos “super motivated” to be centerpiece of Denver defense

Jurrell Casey doesn ’ t watch a whole lot of football .
But the defensive tackle knows enough to realize he ’ s headed to one of the NFL ’ s more storied franchises , and that he ’ ll be playing alongside a couple of the best linebackers in the league .
“ I ’ m excited to be here and ready to get it done , ” Casey said Thursday as he was officially introduced as the newest Bronco .
“ I don ’ t watch too much sports , but I know the Broncos have won plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller and Bradley Chubb are some great pass rushers over there the last couple years.
” The Broncos and the Titans agreed to the trade Wednesday , with Denver sending one of its three seventh-round picks ( No .
237 ) to Tennessee for the five-time Pro Bowler .
Casey , 30 , is a USC product who has started 137 games over his nine NFL seasons .
He ’ s never played less than 14 games in a year , while accumulating 493 total tackles and 51 sacks .
The veteran believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up his game .
“ To see how those guys play , the effort that they give every game , the tenacity they play with… What else can a guy like me want ?
” Casey said .
“ These are guys who can pass-rush and get into the gaps to the quarterback , making the job a lot easier for me.
” Per Over The Cap , Casey will make $ 11.8 million in salary this year , $ 12.2 million in 2021 and $ 13.8 million in 2022 .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Casey after 2020 without absorbing any dead money .
Casey ’ s arrival in Denver is the first part of what ’ s sure to be a new-look defensive line .
While the Broncos tendered nose tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday , defensive ends Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris are likely to depart in free agency .
Casey said his trade from Jacksonville was “ definitely a shocker , but it ’ s part of the business.
” “ ( The trade ) makes me super motivated , ” Casey said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting to the quarterback , making sure I ’ m stopping the run , making the game easier for our defensive backs , making sure we ’ re getting turnovers to help out the offense… If we do all that , the playoffs will take care of themselves .
”

Jurrell Casey doesn’t watch a whole lot of football. But the defensive tackle knows enough to realize he’s headed to one of the NFL’s more storied franchises, and that he’ll be playing alongside a couple of the best linebackers in the league.
“I’m excited to be here and ready to get it done,” Casey said Thursday as he was officially introduced as the newest Bronco. “I don’t watch too much sports, but I know the Broncos have won plenty of Super Bowls, and that Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are some great pass rushers over there the last couple years.”
The Broncos and the Titans agreed to the trade Wednesday, with Denver sending one of its three seventh-round picks (No. 237) to Tennessee for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Casey, 30, is a USC product who has started 137 games over his nine NFL seasons. He’s never played less than 14 games in a year, while accumulating 493 total tackles and 51 sacks. The veteran believes playing with Miller and Chubb will only up his game.
“To see how those guys play, the effort that they give every game, the tenacity they play with… What else can a guy like me want?” Casey said. “These are guys who can pass-rush and get into the gaps to the quarterback, making the job a lot easier for me.”
Per Over The Cap, Casey will make $11.8 million in salary this year, $12.2 million in 2021 and $13.8 million in 2022. However, the Broncos have the option of cutting Casey after 2020 without absorbing any dead money.
Casey’s arrival in Denver is the first part of what’s sure to be a new-look defensive line. While the Broncos tendered nose tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday, defensive ends Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris are likely to depart in free agency. Casey said his trade from Tennessee was “definitely a shocker, but it’s part of the business.”
“(The trade) makes me super motivated,” Casey said. “(My personal focus) is on getting to the quarterback, making sure I’m stopping the run, making the game easier for our defensive backs, making sure we’re getting turnovers to help out the offense… If we do all that, the playoffs will take care of themselves.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Polis suspends all nonessential medical procedures in Colorado, extends restaurant and bar closure t

Polis suspends all nonessential medical procedures in Colorado, extends restaurant and bar closure to April 30

In response to the coronavirus outbreak , Gov .
Jared Polis has ordered the suspension of “ nonessential ” surgeries and medical procedures in Colorado in order to free up equipment , including ventilators and personal protection items for staff .
An executive order he signed on Thursday requires this suspension to run from March 23 to April 14 for all facilities other than rural and critical-access hospitals , for which the order ’ s timeline is indefinite .
“ This includes all voluntary or elective surgeries or procedures , whether medical , dental , or veterinary , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office stated .
Polis said in a statement : “ As a state , we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans and minimizing the duration of the crisis .
This is a coordinated effort with all state agencies and community partners to utilize every resource available during this difficult time to reduce the severity and duration of the crisis .
Together , we will get through this.
” Polis has also ordered the closure of additional businesses deemed “ nonessential.
” Nail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massage parlors and tattoo shops must close until at least April 30 , per his order .
That order was updated today but originally published Monday .
The initial version of it called for a 30-day closure of restaurants — delivery and take-out excepted — plus bars , theaters , gymnasiums and casinos .
The new expiration date of April 30 now applies to those facilities , too .
Polis told reporters on Wednesday that as the closure of these businesses drags on , he ’ ll look at some point at allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with new standards to allow for appropriate social distancing .
“ You can ’ t shut down everything forever , ” he said .
The order also suspends activity at horse track and off-track betting facilities statewide , and suspends all in-person filings to the Secretary of State , including forms and applications .
Polis has repeatedly stated that additional restrictions may be announced in the coming days , possibly including a shelter-in-place order in some or all Colorado counties .
As of Thursday afternoon , Colorado had 277 known cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , and four fatalities .

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Jared Polis has ordered the suspension of all “nonessential” surgeries and medical procedures in Colorado in order to free up equipment, including ventilators and personal protection items for staff.
An executive order he signed Thursday requires this suspension to run from March 23 to April 14 for all facilities other than rural and critical-access hospitals, for which the order’s timeline is indefinite.
“This includes all voluntary or elective surgeries or procedures, whether medical, dental, or veterinary,” a news release from the governor’s office stated.
Polis said in a statement: “As a state, we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans and minimizing the duration of the crisis. This is a coordinated effort with all state agencies and community partners to utilize every resource available during this difficult time to reduce the severity and duration of the crisis. Together, we will get through this.”
Polis has also ordered the closure of additional businesses deemed “nonessential.” Nail salons, hair salons, spas, massage parlors and tattoo shops must close until at least April 30, per his order.
That order was updated today but originally published Monday. The initial version of it called for a 30-day closure of restaurants — delivery and take-out excepted — plus bars, theaters, gymnasiums and casinos. The new expiration date of April 30 now applies to those facilities, too.
Polis told reporters on Wednesday that as the closure of these businesses drags on, he’ll look at some point at allowing them to open on a limited basis, with new standards to allow for appropriate social distancing.
“You can’t shut down everything forever,” he said.
The order also suspends activity at horse track and off-track betting facilities statewide, and suspends all in-person filings to the Secretary of State, including forms and applications.
Polis has repeatedly stated that additional restrictions may be announced in the coming days, possibly including a shelter-in-place order in some or all Colorado counties.
As of Thursday afternoon, Colorado had 277 known cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, and four fatalities.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Colorado may divert incentive fund to help small businesses

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has shifted its mission from recruitment to rescue , and is considering diverting incentive funds to help small businesses stay afloat as they deal with the spread of COVID-19 .
Under one proposal , COEDIT would ask nonprofit microfinance lenders like the Colorado Enterprise Fund to forego principal payments if the state is willing to cover the interest due on those loans .
The money for that would come from the $ 14.6 million available in the state ’ s Strategic Fund , which is primarily used to provide cash to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our dollars are very limited .
We want to fill in gaps in other programs .
We are balancing the need to act quickly with the need to not waste resources in redundant ways , ” Jeff Kraft , director of business funding and incentives at COEDIT , told a conference call of the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday morning .
Homebase , a provider of time management software to small businesses , estimates that 26 % of its Colorado clients had shut down operations as of Wednesday and that 42 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado than was the case back in January .
Job losses have been swift and massive , causing a flood of unemployment benefits claims .
Credit markets have also shut off to new borrowers , including Colorado Springs ’ s City for Champions Regional Tourism Act project , which was trying to raise money to pay for a new visitor ’ s center at the U.S. Air Force Academy .
“ They tried to float bonds and didn ’ t get any takers , ” Kraft said .
The U..S Small Business Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state on Thursday that will open up billions in federal loans to eligible small businesses impacted by the viral outbreak .
But it can take up to three weeks to receive money after an application is submitted and the SBA will only extend credit where it feels the odds of repayment are good .
“ The SBA won ’ t compromise on its criteria , ” said Glenn Plagens , the state ’ s director of Business Development and Rural Prosperity .
“ They do a good job of sifting through the client @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and who will not.
” In other business , the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $ 4.9 million in job growth incentive tax credits for a software and analytics start-up known as Project Coral .
The San Francisco firm has 99 employees in Colorado and is looking at adding 465 net new jobs in Denver over the next eight years .
Those jobs are expected to pay an average wage of $ 107,591 a year .

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has shifted its mission from recruitment to rescue, and is considering diverting incentive funds to help small businesses stay afloat as they deal with the spread of COVID-19.
Under one proposal, COEDIT would ask nonprofit microfinance lenders like the Colorado Enterprise Fund to forego principal payments if the state is willing to cover the interest due on those loans. The money for that would come from the $14.6 million available in the state’s Strategic Fund, which is primarily used to provide cash to help recruit businesses to the state
“Our dollars are very limited. We want to fill in gaps in other programs. We are balancing the need to act quickly with the need to not waste resources in redundant ways,” Jeff Kraft, director of business funding and incentives at COEDIT, told a conference call of the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday morning.
Homebase, a provider of time management software to small businesses, estimates that 26% of its Colorado clients had shut down operations as of Wednesday and that 42% fewer employees were on its system in Colorado than was the case back in January. Job losses have been swift and massive, causing a flood of unemployment benefits claims.
Credit markets have also shut off to new borrowers, including Colorado Springs’s City for Champions Regional Tourism Act project, which was trying to raise money to pay for a new visitor’s center at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“They tried to float bonds and didn’t get any takers,” Kraft said.
The U..S Small Business Administration approved a disaster declaration request from the state on Thursday that will open up billions in federal loans to eligible small businesses impacted by the viral outbreak. But it can take up to three weeks to receive money after an application is submitted and the SBA will only extend credit where it feels the odds of repayment are good.
“The SBA won’t compromise on its criteria,” said Glenn Plagens, the state’s director of Business Development and Rural Prosperity. “They do a good job of sifting through the client to see who is going to make it and who will not.”
In other business, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $4.9 million in job growth incentive tax credits for a software and analytics start-up known as Project Coral. The San Francisco firm has 99 employees in Colorado and is looking at adding 465 net new jobs in Denver over the next eight years. Those jobs are expected to pay an average wage of $107,591 a year.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Coronavirus scam: Government workers won’t call and ask for personal info to issue check

If the federal government decides to send every U.S. resident a check , they won ’ t call you ahead of time to ask for your social security number or bank information .
Lawmakers have yet to decide whether to send a $ 1,000 check to every American to mitigate economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic .
But that doesn ’ t stop scammers from trying to trick people into handing over their personal information by pretending to be a government worker processing the checks , the Denver District Attorney ’ s Office warned Thursday .
The scammers say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check .
“ We ’ re very concerned that at a time where people need that support and relief that they might be victim of that check scam , ” said Carolyn Tyler , spokeswoman for the Denver District Attorney .
The Federal Trade Commission published a list of guidelines to help people avoid the check scams : • The government will not ask you to pay money to receive your check .
• The government will not call and ask for personal or banking information .
• The final decision on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anybody who says they can get you the money now is a scammer .
The commission has seen a number of reports on scammers taking advantage of fear over the public health crisis .
Common schemes include selling in-demand products that the seller doesn ’ t deliver , fake charities soliciting donations , sellers hawking coronavirus treatments and emails with attachments that will give your computer a virus when opened .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

If the federal government decides to send every U.S. resident a check, they won’t call you ahead of time to ask for your social security number or bank information.
Lawmakers have yet to decide whether to send a $1,000 check to every American to mitigate economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t stop scammers from trying to trick people into handing over their personal information by pretending to be a government worker processing the checks, the Denver District Attorney’s Office warned Thursday. The scammers say that they need the information to expedite the check.
“We’re very concerned that at a time where people need that support and relief that they might be victim of that check scam,” said Carolyn Tyler, spokeswoman for the Denver District Attorney.
The Federal Trade Commission published a list of guidelines to help people avoid the check scams:
The government will not ask you to pay money to receive your check.
The government will not call and ask for personal or banking information.
The final decision on whether to send checks has not been made. Anybody who says they can get you the money now is a scammer.
The commission has seen a number of reports on scammers taking advantage of fear over the public health crisis. Common schemes include selling in-demand products that the seller doesn’t deliver, fake charities soliciting donations, sellers hawking coronavirus treatments and emails with attachments that will give your computer a virus when opened.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Castle Rock’s star to shine starting next week as a “symbol of hope” in the face of coronavirus

Castle Rock ’ s famous 40-foot star , which is usually illuminated during the holiday season , will shine brightly starting next week “ as a symbol of hope ” as the coronavirus grips the world .
The town council this week passed a special motion to light The Star atop The Rock to show that Castle Rock is “ a strong and united community that will persevere ” in the face of the respiratory virus that has sickened more than 200 people in Colorado and killed four .
The star was originally installed in 1936 as a symbol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When times get hard in Castle Rock , the community comes together , ” Mayor Jason Gray said in a statement .
“ We will get through this , and my wish is that everyone who sees The Star will ask themselves what they can do in the community to help those who need support.
” Town officials project the star will be lit on Monday by Castle Rock Fire and Rescue firefighters .
Unlike at the annual holiday star-lighting , Castle Rock asks that the community not gather centrally to watch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the star has been lit just a handful of times for special occasions .

Castle Rock’s famous 40-foot star, which is usually illuminated during the holiday season, will shine brightly starting next week “as a symbol of hope” as the coronavirus grips the world.
The town council this week passed a special motion to light The Star atop The Rock to show that Castle Rock is “a strong and united community that will persevere” in the face of the respiratory virus that has sickened more than 200 people in Colorado and killed four.
The star was originally installed in 1936 as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression.
“When times get hard in Castle Rock, the community comes together,” Mayor Jason Gray said in a statement. “We will get through this, and my wish is that everyone who sees The Star will ask themselves what they can do in the community to help those who need support.”
Town officials project the star will be lit on Monday by Castle Rock Fire and Rescue firefighters. Unlike at the annual holiday star-lighting, Castle Rock asks that the community not gather centrally to watch the illumination.
Outside the holiday season, the star has been lit just a handful of times for special occasions.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--Tips to safely shop at grocery stores in the coronavirus age

The grocery store is one place that ’ s not seeing business diminish in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , grocery stores are seeing a wave of buying , so much that they ’ ve had to staff up and increase stocking frequency .
Even that hasn ’ t put toilet paper back on many shelves after a panic run from consumers that experts say was wholly unnecessary .
For older shoppers who may be at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19 , a crowded grocery store is a difficult place to be .
Many chains have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of keeping down crowds so older shoppers and others at risk have more space .
Experts seem to agree that delivery is a safer option , especially for at-risk groups .
But that ’ s also not viable for everyone .
Here are a few tips for all shoppers , regardless of age , so they can protect themselves and others from virus spread at the grocery store : The point of reserving time for for older an at-risk shoppers is to keep crowds away .
If people outside of those groups don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they put everyone inside the store at risk .
Stores aren ’ t hiring bouncers anytime soon , so it is up to us to honor the hours .
If you aren ’ t sure you ’ re going to buy something , don ’ t pick it up .
Try reading the label without touching the item if you can .
Many stores supply wipes for handles on carts and baskets — if that ’ s available , use it before you begin shopping .
Do this before and after you go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people don ’ t experience symptoms until they ’ ve been infected for up to two weeks , so even those who don ’ t feel sick could be contagious .
To protect yourself and other people at the store , head there with clean hands , and resist touching your face .
Wearing gloves to the store may be helpful , but it does not exempt shoppers from avoiding face-touching and other behavior that could spread the virus .
Remember , gloves can carry germs just like skin can — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area grocery stores this morning confirmed what we all suspected : It ’ s pretty hard to stay 6 feet away from everyone at a crowded grocery store .
But by being patient and allowing time and space for others to grab those carrots before you reach for the broccoli next to them , you decrease the odds of spreading the virus .
This also goes for standing in line to check out : Even if 6 feet isn ’ t possible , leave more room than normal — much more room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disinfecting wipe to all metal , glass and plastic containers you bought .
It may sound strange , but you can also do this to any produce you bring home , too .
A very diluted bleach solution — 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water — could also be an option .
Just mist fruits and veggies , and let them air dry .
This will help in the event not everyone at the store was so careful .
One last note : Using a credit or debit card will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchanging bills with a cashier .
Better yet , use Apple Pay or another contactless payment services , and don ’ t take the receipt if you don ’ t specifically need it .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

The grocery store is one place that’s not seeing business diminish in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, grocery stores are seeing a wave of buying, so much that they’ve had to staff up and increase stocking frequency. Even that hasn’t put toilet paper back on many shelves after a panic run from consumers that experts say was wholly unnecessary.
For older shoppers who may be at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19, a crowded grocery store is a difficult place to be. Many chains have opened up morning senior hours in hopes of keeping down crowds so older shoppers and others at risk have more space.
Experts seem to agree that delivery is a safer option, especially for at-risk groups. But that’s also not viable for everyone.
Here are a few tips for all shoppers, regardless of age, so they can protect themselves and others from virus spread at the grocery store:
1. Respect those “senior hours.”
The point of reserving time for for older an at-risk shoppers is to keep crowds away. If people outside of those groups don’t abide by those rules, they put everyone inside the store at risk. Stores aren’t hiring bouncers anytime soon, so it is up to us to honor the hours.
2. Don’t touch stuff.
If you aren’t sure you’re going to buy something, don’t pick it up. Try reading the label without touching the item if you can.
Many stores supply wipes for handles on carts and baskets — if that’s available, use it before you begin shopping.
3. Wash your hands.
Do this before and after you go to the store! We know lots of people don’t experience symptoms until they’ve been infected for up to two weeks, so even those who don’t feel sick could be contagious. To protect yourself and other people at the store, head there with clean hands, and resist touching your face.
Wearing gloves to the store may be helpful, but it does not exempt shoppers from avoiding face-touching and other behavior that could spread the virus. Remember, gloves can carry germs just like skin can — the rules still apply.
4. Keep your distance.
Trips to two Bay Area grocery stores this morning confirmed what we all suspected: It’s pretty hard to stay 6 feet away from everyone at a crowded grocery store.
But by being patient and allowing time and space for others to grab those carrots before you reach for the broccoli next to them, you decrease the odds of spreading the virus. This also goes for standing in line to check out: Even if 6 feet isn’t possible, leave more room than normal — much more room.
5. Clean items after buying.
When you get home, take a disinfecting wipe to all metal, glass and plastic containers you bought. It may sound strange, but you can also do this to any produce you bring home, too. A very diluted bleach solution — 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water — could also be an option. Just mist fruits and veggies, and let them air dry.
This will help in the event not everyone at the store was so careful.
One last note: Using a credit or debit card will also help, as you’re not exchanging bills with a cashier. Better yet, use Apple Pay or another contactless payment services, and don’t take the receipt if you don’t specifically need it.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--International CU/CSU athletes stuck in U.S. amid Coronavirus pandemic: “I don’t want to go home just

International CU/CSU athletes stuck in U.S. amid Coronavirus pandemic: “I don’t want to go home just yet”

Sasha Colombo ’ s decision was torn between her head and her heart .
When the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of spring NCAA sports and mandated online classes at Colorado State , the Italian-born volleyball player was given two options : Return to Milan , where her parents and brother remain sheltered at home , or stay in the United States .
“ It ’ s been a stressful time , ” Colombo said .
“ I don ’ t want to go home just yet .
The situation is more dangerous there at the moment .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here while I can.
” Colombo ’ s story is familiar to many international student-athletes at the University of Colorado , CSU and NCAA programs across the state .
The rise in travel restrictions to and from countries across the globe to curb the spread of COVID-19 has either prevented travel home , or leads to risk about the possibility of no re-entry .
Members of the CU ski team from Canada , Sweden , Norway and other European countries are currently hunkered down in Boulder unable to utilize the school ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ No one really knows what to do because of the uncertainty of this whole thing , ” said Joey Young , a junior CU alpine skier from Ontario , Canada .
“ We still need to train , and we still need to keep in shape , even though our season is done .
… We ’ re waiting it out to see what happens.
” A worst-case scenario has played out in Italy , Colombo ’ s homeland , where the COVID-19 death toll surpassed 3,400 Thursday afternoon , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shelter-in-place , leaving their homes only for essential tasks .
Colombo does her best to video chat with her family every day .
Their new reality is startling .
“ The only noises they can hear are usually just the ambulances since everything is so quiet .
There is no one on the streets , ” Colombo said .
“ In the beginning , it was really nice to spend some quality family time with my dad working from home and trying to entertain my little brother — like having dinner together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But then , after one or two weeks , it starts to become a bit boring and repetitive .
“ You miss the freedom that you used to have.
” Colombo is optimistic that her decision to stay in the U.S. and the possible containment of the virus , will allow her to resume CSU volleyball team activities , whenever that day might come .
She is also hopeful that her family ’ s struggle will teach others the real dangers of a coronavirus outbreak .
Sports , for now , can wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people stay at home and not have social interactions unless it ’ s your close family and people you ’ re living with , ” Colombo said .
“ Try to be optimistic and staying positive every day .
”

Sasha Colombo’s decision was torn between her head and her heart.
When the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of spring NCAA sports and mandated online classes at Colorado State, the Italian-born volleyball player was given two options: Return to Milan, where her parents and brother remain sheltered at home, or stay in the United States.
“It’s been a stressful time,” Colombo said. “I don’t want to go home just yet. The situation is more dangerous there at the moment. So, I’m just sticking around here while I can.”
Colombo’s story is familiar to many international student-athletes at the University of Colorado, CSU and NCAA programs across the state. The rise in travel restrictions to and from countries around the globe to curb the spread of COVID-19 has either prevented travel home or leads to risk about the possibility of no re-entry.
Members of the CU ski team from Canada, plus Sweden, Norway and other European countries, are hunkered down in Boulder unable to utilize the school’s strength-and-conditioning facilities or mountain ski areas.
“No one really knows what to do because of the uncertainty of this whole thing,” said Joey Young, a junior CU alpine skier from Ontario. “We still need to train, and we still need to keep in shape, even though our season is done. … We’re waiting it out to see what happens.”
A scary scenario has played out in Italy, Colombo’s homeland, where the COVID-19 death toll surpassed 4,800 on Saturday, according to media reports. Residents have been ordered to shelter in place, leaving their homes only for essential tasks.
Colombo does her best to video chat with her family every day. Their new reality is startling.
“The only noises they can hear are usually just the ambulances since everything is so quiet. There is no one on the streets,” Colombo said. “In the beginning, it was really nice to spend some quality family time with my dad working from home and trying to entertain my little brother — like having dinner together, doing puzzles and watching movies. But then, after one or two weeks, it starts to become a bit boring and repetitive.
“You miss the freedom that you used to have.”
Colombo is optimistic that her decision to stay in the U.S. and the possible containment of the virus, will allow her to resume CSU volleyball team activities, whenever that day might come. She is also hopeful that her family’s struggle will teach others the real dangers of a coronavirus outbreak. Sports, for now, can wait.
“I would strongly suggest that people stay at home and not have social interactions unless it’s your close family and people you’re living with,” Colombo said. “Try to be optimistic and staying positive every day.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-19--First-in-Colorado medical marijuana delivery coming to Boulder this spring

Medical cannabis patients in Boulder will be among the first in Colorado to have marijuana brought to their homes when a local dispensary begins delivering this spring .
The Dandelion medical shop , owned by chain Native Roots , recently obtained the state ’ s first license for medical marijuana deliveries , according to an announcement Thursday .
Beginning in late March , patients can call the dispensary Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays to place an order for delivery , and pay with cash upon delivery or with a debit card , said Shannon Fender , Native Roots ’ director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer online ordering in the future , she added .
House Bill 1234 , passed by the Colorado legislature in 2019 , legalized medical marijuana deliveries at the state level , but left it to municipalities to decide whether to opt in and allow them .
According to the announcement , Boulder and the nearby town of Superior are the only two that allow deliveries so far .
“ The state rightfully prioritized the medical patient community for cannabis delivery , many of whom suffer from illness , pain and mobility issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ With permission from both municipal and state regulators , we are excited to begin the first-ever legal cannabis delivery service in Colorado… We are hopeful other jurisdictions will follow their lead and opt-in to medical delivery as soon as possible.
” The Dandelion , opened in 2009 , is one of 21 medical and recreational dispensaries operated by Native Roots throughout the Centennial State .
In the wake of the new coronavirus , cannabis consumers in other states have increasingly turned to delivery services to purchase products .
Colorado prohibits delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been using online ordering to avoid dispensary crowds .

Medical cannabis patients in Boulder will be among the first in Colorado to have marijuana brought to their homes when a local dispensary begins delivering this spring.
The Dandelion medical shop, owned by chain Native Roots, recently obtained the state’s first license for medical marijuana deliveries, according to an announcement Thursday. Beginning in late March, patients can call the dispensary Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to place an order for delivery, and pay with cash upon delivery or with a debit card, said Shannon Fender, Native Roots’ director of public affairs. The shop hopes to offer online ordering in the future, she added.
House Bill 1234, passed by the Colorado legislature in 2019, legalized medical marijuana deliveries at the state level, but left it to municipalities to decide whether to opt in and allow them. According to the announcement, Boulder and the nearby town of Superior are the only two that allow deliveries so far.
“The state rightfully prioritized the medical patient community for cannabis delivery, many of whom suffer from illness, pain and mobility issues,” Fender said in a statement. “With permission from both municipal and state regulators, we are excited to begin the first-ever legal cannabis delivery service in Colorado… We are hopeful other jurisdictions will follow their lead and opt-in to medical delivery as soon as possible.”
The Dandelion, opened in 2009, is one of 21 medical and recreational dispensaries operated by Native Roots throughout the Centennial State.
In the wake of the new coronavirus, cannabis consumers in other states have increasingly turned to delivery services to purchase products. Colorado prohibits delivery of adult-use products, but more residents have been using online ordering to avoid dispensary crowds.


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Ask Amy: Reconnection with woman will disrupt family

Dear Readers : Every year I step away from my column for two weeks to work on other writing projects .
My two memoirs , “ The Mighty Queens of Freeville : A Story of Surprising Second Chances , ” ( 2010 , Hachette ) and “ Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things : A Memoir of Love , Loss , and Coming Home ” ( 2018 , Hachette ) are available from your favorite bookseller or library .
I ’ ll be back with fresh Q and A next week .
Dear Amy : Recently , I “ virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 25 years ago .
A few months ago , I was in her hometown and she came to my hotel .
We had a few drinks and spent the night together .
Recently , I was at a convention she also attended , and we spent the week together .
We virtually skipped the convention and just enjoyed each other ’ s company .
More recently , I was back in her town and we spent another few days together .
We talk about everything , share everything , and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would entail us both leaving our spouses .
We talk every day , and know the pain this may cause , but we truly are in love and want to be with each other .
We both have high school-age children .
Do I just tell my wife I am leaving her ?
Should I wait for a job in the new city first ?
I am conflicted about the how/when/where .
Dear Tiger : I ’ ve managed to stay sentimental enough about marriage that I would urge you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flee from — your family .
All I can say is that there is no easy way to dump your family , certainly if in the course of leaving them you intend to also leave town .
When faced with such a monumental life choice , it is helpful to sit down with a counselor to discuss your intentions .
Try this first .
Dear Amy : A long time ago , I broke off my engagement , and shortly afterward married another man .
We were married for more than 30 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel it would be inappropriate for me to try to contact my former fiance after 40 years ?
After I broke our engagement , we had no further contact .
I am curious as to where life has taken him .
I would like to drop him a note and offer to meet him for coffee and conversation to catch up .
What is your opinion ?
Dear Curious : My opinion is that you are lonely for companionship and so you want to test the waters by returning to a familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely understandable impulse .
I ’ ve had it myself , which is why after my long-ago divorce I dated everyone I ever knew in college .
Your motives might not be completely clear to you — or your motive might be mixed — but you should be prepared for the fact that he has changed , that you have changed , and that , if he is married or in a committed relationship , he might see this contact as an unwelcome intrusion .
You should familiarize yourself with Facebook .
Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to get in touch with all sorts of people .
The way all of our personal webs intersect , I bet it wouldn ’ t be two weeks before he was aware of how to contact you .
Dear Amy : I ’ ve had a friend from work for 25 years .
We solved problems together , griped about conditions , lunched and played tennis .
We retired and have remained friends , albeit with less get-together time .
Well , suddenly my friend says he has to meet with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekends .
He is mysterious about the “ group , ” saying that he is not permitted to talk about what they do .
Though I know his wife , I feel I can ’ t ask her about this because I ’ m embarrassed .
Now I am not “ permitted ” to talk with him during the day .
No more lunches .
I should let it go , but I feel as if a friendship that I valued is devalued .
Do you have any idea what sort of group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends ?
Dear Puzzled : Your friend might be attending AA meetings , religious meetings , getting dialysis treatments or playing poker .
He also might want to exit the friendship , but not know how to tell you .
If you are truly worried about him , yes — you could reach out to his wife with an expression of concern .

Dear Readers: Every year I step away from my column for two weeks to work on other writing projects.
My two memoirs, “The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Story of Surprising Second Chances,”(2010, Hachette) and “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home” (2018, Hachette) are available from your favorite bookseller or library.
Enjoy today’s “Best Of” column from 2010.
I’ll be back with fresh Q and A next week.
Dear Amy: Recently, I “virtually” reconnected with a woman I knew more than 25 years ago.
A few months ago, I was in her hometown and she came to my hotel. We had a few drinks and spent the night together. Recently, I was at a convention she also attended, and we spent the week together. We virtually skipped the convention and just enjoyed each other’s company.
More recently, I was back in her town and we spent another few days together.
We talk about everything, share everything, and have started talking about a new life together. This would entail us both leaving our spouses.
We talk every day, and know the pain this may cause, but we truly are in love and want to be with each other.
We both have high school-age children.
Do I just tell my wife I am leaving her? Should I wait for a job in the new city first?
I am conflicted about the how/when/where.
— No Tiger
Dear Tiger: I’ve managed to stay sentimental enough about marriage that I would urge you to try to stay with — rather than flee from — your family.
All I can say is that there is no easy way to dump your family, certainly if in the course of leaving them you intend to also leave town.
When faced with such a monumental life choice, it is helpful to sit down with a counselor to discuss your intentions. Try this first.
January 2010
Dear Amy: A long time ago, I broke off my engagement, and shortly afterward married another man. We were married for more than 30 years when he died of cancer.
Do you feel it would be inappropriate for me to try to contact my former fiance after 40 years? After I broke our engagement, we had no further contact.
I am curious as to where life has taken him. I would like to drop him a note and offer to meet him for coffee and conversation to catch up.
What is your opinion?
— Curious
Dear Curious: My opinion is that you are lonely for companionship and so you want to test the waters by returning to a familiar “lost love.”
This is a completely understandable impulse. I’ve had it myself, which is why after my long-ago divorce I dated everyone I ever knew in college.
Your motives might not be completely clear to you — or your motive might be mixed — but you should be prepared for the fact that he has changed, that you have changed, and that, if he is married or in a committed relationship, he might see this contact as an unwelcome intrusion.
You should familiarize yourself with Facebook. Post an online profile, and then use it to get in touch with all sorts of people. The way all of our personal webs intersect, I bet it wouldn’t be two weeks before he was aware of how to contact you.
February 2010
Dear Amy: I’ve had a friend from work for 25 years. We solved problems together, griped about conditions, lunched and played tennis. We retired and have remained friends, albeit with less get-together time.
Well, suddenly my friend says he has to meet with a “group” every morning, including weekends. He is mysterious about the “group,” saying that he is not permitted to talk about what they do.
Though I know his wife, I feel I can’t ask her about this because I’m embarrassed.
Now I am not “permitted” to talk with him during the day. No more lunches. I should let it go, but I feel as if a friendship that I valued is devalued. Do you have any idea what sort of group could have such requirements as abandoning longtime friends?
— Puzzled Pal
Dear Puzzled: Your friend might be attending AA meetings, religious meetings, getting dialysis treatments or playing poker. He also might want to exit the friendship, but not know how to tell you.
If you are truly worried about him, yes — you could reach out to his wife with an expression of concern.
March 2010
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Colorado Springs senior living center identifies 6 new coronavirus cases

Six positive cases of coronavirus were identified Thursday at a senior living and care center in Colorado Springs , according to health officials .
The cases were confirmed at the Laurel Manor Care Center , 920 S. Chelton Road , a facility specializing in long-term care , short-term rehabilitation and memory support , operated by Volunteers of America .
“ As a public health agency , we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community , ” said Susan Wheelan , El Paso County Public Health director , in a news release .
“ Our team became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday ) afternoon and took immediate action to coordinate efforts with Laurel Manor Care Center and state partners to assess the situation and respond appropriately.
” Officials did not say whether it ’ s been determined how coronavirus was introduced into the facility .
“ Proactive efforts are focused on identifying , isolating and testing all of those who may be at risk because of these new cases , ” the release said .
The care center includes “ apartment homes ” in “ intimate care neighborhoods ” with amenities .
The facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CDC and other state and local health officials on response efforts and reinforcing … policies and procedures ” regarding coronavirus , the VOA , which operates facilities nationwide , said in a website statement on COVID-19 .
The six cases identified Thursday brings the total in El Paso County to 15 , said Michelle Hewitt , a public health information officer .
Two people in the county have died from coronavirus .
“ We ’ ll share more details as they become available , ” Hewitt said .

Six positive cases of coronavirus were identified Thursday at a senior living and care center in Colorado Springs, according to health officials.
The cases were confirmed at the Laurel Manor Care Center, 920 S. Chelton Road, a facility specializing in long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and memory support, operated by Volunteers of America.
“As a public health agency, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Susan Wheelan, El Paso County Public Health director, in a news release. “Our team became aware of these additional cases late (Thursday) afternoon and took immediate action to coordinate efforts with Laurel Manor Care Center and state partners to assess the situation and respond appropriately.”
Officials did not say whether it’s been determined how coronavirus was introduced into the facility.
“Proactive efforts are focused on identifying, isolating and testing all of those who may be at risk because of these new cases,” the release said.
The care center includes “apartment homes” in “intimate care neighborhoods” with amenities.
The facility has been “following the current recommendations of the CDC and other state and local health officials on response efforts and reinforcing … policies and procedures” regarding coronavirus, the VOA, which operates facilities nationwide, said in a website statement on COVID-19.
The six cases identified Thursday brings the total in El Paso County to 15, said Michelle Hewitt, a public health information officer. Two people in the county have died from coronavirus.
“We’ll share more details as they become available,” Hewitt said.


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Kiszla: Every day new Broncos defender Jurrell Casey straps on helmet, he’s motivated by brother in

Kiszla: Every day new Broncos defender Jurrell Casey straps on helmet, he’s motivated by brother in prison

How do we measure what ’ s in the heart of a football player ?
New Broncos defender Jurrell Casey fills a doorway , at 6-foot-1 and 305 pounds .
His work in the trenches has been recognized by five trips to the Pro Bowl .
The NFL has enriched him to the tune of more than $ 60 million dollars in career earnings .
And Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes should consider himself warned .
“ I ’ m going to be destructive , ” Casey vowed Thursday .
To understand why Casey ’ s booming voice , as basso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such weight in the Denver locker room , and provide the Broncos with the leadership missing since DeMarcus Ware retired , you need to hear the story of his older brother , Jurray .
Since 2007 , during the time Jurrell ascended from pro prospect at the University of Southern California to enjoying all the riches of NFL life , Jurray has done time in prison for first-degree murder .
In the darkest hours of a winter night in January 2006 , Jurray was behind the wheel of a Thunderbird that whipped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Calif. , to chase down young men in a pick-up truck .
Shots were fired from a 9 mm handgun .
Rashad Ali , a teenage passenger in the truck , was killed .
To this date , the Casey family claims Jurray , then a prep linebacker with a scholarship offer to Oregon , did not pull the trigger , but took the murder rap for somebody riding in that Thunderbird .
“ He was my biggest role model , ” Jurrell told The Tennessean newspaper in 2015 .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one person you look up to .
Everything he did , I wanted to follow.
” So how do we measure the heart of a defensive lineman joining forces with Von Miller after nine seasons in the league , toward the tail end of his prime ?
By the 51 quarterback sacks Casey has recorded for the Tennessee Titans ?
Or by the freedom and the prime years Casey has watched his brother sacrifice behind bars , as Jurray serves a sentence of 25 years to life , praying for the mercy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The man Denver traded for on the first official day of free agency is much more than a stalwart football player .
He was a beacon of light in Nashville , so deeply involved and committed to making his city a better place that he was twice recognized by the Titans as the team ’ s Walter Payton Man of the Year , which salutes achievement on the field amplified by even more impactful contributions to the community .
While the list of his good deeds could fill a binder as thick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Casey ’ s heart are at risk-youth , as well as raising funds to help formerly incarcerated men and women rediscover meaningful lives outside of prison , so they never slip back behind bars .
“ Would I have done it if it wasn ’ t for him being incarcerated ?
Probably not , ” Casey said Thursday , when I asked how much his brother inspired this dedication to public service .
“ I probably would have taken a different approach to what I would have focused on .
The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus the work my wife ( Ryann ) does in her field of a being a public defender.
” One of these days , Casey trusts he will smile brighter than the sun , watching his older brother walk out of prison .
When that glorious day eventually happens , an athlete trained to tackle will also know precisely how to lend a hand to his brother and ensure newfound freedom is built to last .
Why ?
His community service has been practice .
Anybody with eyes can see there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Denver locker room .
While the Vonster still happily roams the halls at Broncos headquarters , many of the old voices beaten down by four seasons of disappointment after the glory of Super Bowl 50 are being jettisoned .
The spirit of this team is now infused with the never-surrender enthusiasm of safety Justin Simmons , running back Phillip Lindsay and guard Dalton Risner .
Young lions got to roar .
But they also need a mentor .
“ I like to talk to people .
I like to get under their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I like to lead by example .
I ’ m a guy that ’ s going to work hard .
I ’ m a guy who ’ s going to show you , before I get in your face and yell at you .
I ’ m never going to do that .
That ’ s not my style .
I ’ m more so going to sit down and want to talk with you , have a conversation with you and make sure that you understand the demand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … ” Introducing Casey ’ s voice as the soundtrack of the Denver locker room ?

How do we measure what’s in the heart of a football player?
New Broncos defender Jurrell Casey fills a doorway, at 6-foot-1 and 305 pounds. His work in the trenches has been recognized by five trips to the Pro Bowl. The NFL has enriched him to the tune of more than $60 million dollars in career earnings.
And Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes should consider himself warned.
“I’m going to be destructive,” Casey vowed Thursday.
But that’s football stuff.
To understand why Casey’s booming voice, as basso profundo as rolling thunder, can carry such weight in the Denver locker room, and provide the Broncos with the leadership missing since DeMarcus Ware retired, you need to hear the story of his older brother, Jurray.
Since 2007, during the time Jurrell ascended from pro prospect at the University of Southern California to enjoying all the riches of NFL life, Jurray has done time in prison for first-degree murder.
In the darkest hours of a winter night in January 2006, Jurray was behind the wheel of a Thunderbird that whipped a U-turn on the streets of Culver City, Calif., to chase down young men in a pick-up truck.
Shots were fired from a 9 mm handgun. Rashad Ali, a teenage passenger in the truck, was killed. To this date, the Casey family claims Jurray, then a prep linebacker with a scholarship offer to Oregon, did not pull the trigger, but took the murder rap for somebody riding in that Thunderbird.
“He was my biggest role model,” Jurrell told The Tennessean newspaper in 2015. “As a child, there’s always the one person you look up to. Everything he did, I wanted to follow.”
So how do we measure the heart of a defensive lineman joining forces with Von Miller after nine seasons in the league, toward the tail end of his prime?
By the 51 quarterback sacks Casey has recorded for the Tennessee Titans?
Or by the freedom and the prime years Casey has watched his brother sacrifice behind bars, as Jurray serves a sentence of 25 years to life, praying for the mercy of parole, before he grows old?
The man Denver traded for on the first official day of free agency is much more than a stalwart football player. He was a beacon of light in Nashville, so deeply involved and committed to making his city a better place that he was twice recognized by the Titans as the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, which salutes achievement on the field amplified by even more impactful contributions to the community.
While the list of his good deeds could fill a binder as thick as a playbook, the causes closest to Casey’s heart are at risk-youth, as well as raising funds to help formerly incarcerated men and women rediscover meaningful lives outside of prison, so they never slip back behind bars.
“Would I have done it if it wasn’t for him being incarcerated? Probably not,” Casey said Thursday, when I asked how much his brother inspired this dedication to public service. “I probably would have taken a different approach to what I would have focused on. The main reason I focused on incarceration was him, plus the work my wife (Ryann) does in her field of a being a public defender.”
One of these days, Casey trusts he will smile brighter than the sun, watching his older brother walk out of prison. When that glorious day eventually happens, an athlete trained to tackle will also know precisely how to lend a hand to his brother and ensure newfound freedom is built to last. Why? His community service has been practice.
Anybody with eyes can see there’s a culture change going on inside the Denver locker room. While the Vonster still happily roams the halls at Broncos headquarters, many of the old voices beaten down by four seasons of disappointment after the glory of Super Bowl 50 are being jettisoned. The spirit of this team is now infused with the never-surrender enthusiasm of safety Justin Simmons, running back Phillip Lindsay and guard Dalton Risner.
Young lions got to roar. But they also need a mentor.
“I like to talk to people. I like to get under their skin a little bit,” Casey said. “I like to lead by example. I’m a guy that’s going to work hard. I’m a guy who’s going to show you, before I get in your face and yell at you. I’m never going to do that. That’s not my style. I’m more so going to sit down and want to talk with you, have a conversation with you and make sure that you understand the demand that we have to take care of business …”
He’s a big man with a big heart.
Introducing Casey’s voice as the soundtrack of the Denver locker room?
It’s a big deal.


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Winter storm roars into Colorado on first day of spring with blizzard conditions on Eastern Plains

A winter storm , with blizzard conditions on the Eastern Plains , roared through Colorado on Thursday , the first day of springs , shutting down long stretches of major highways and causing more than 1,000 flight cancellations at Denver International Airport .
West of Denver in the foothills of Jefferson County , the storm dumped more than 15 inches of snow in the Genesee area as of 5 p.m. , according to the National Weather Service .
Interstate 70 was shut down in both directions Thursday afternoon in the Genesee area , near the Lookout Mountain interchange , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One multi-vehicle crash on the highway included seven vehicles , said Master Trooper Gary Cutler , a Colorado State Patrol spokesman .
There were several other crashes , at about 3 p.m. , along with vehicles sliding off the roadway in the area .
The stretch of highway reopened in about two hours and there were no reports of injuries .
Nederland had 22 inches of snow as of 5:30 p.m. , according to the weather service .
Longmont and Loveland each had about 3 inches of snow late in the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in both directions from Airpark Road to Burlington by blizzard conditions , according to the Colorado Department of Transportation .
Winds on the Eastern Plains gusted above 50 mph as snow fell , reducing visibility and causing deep , wind-driven snow piles .
Interstate 76 was shut down in both directions from Lochbuie to the Nebraska state line .
Both highways remained closed as of 10 p.m. Thursday .
The highway department and the state patrol urged drivers to stay off the roads and stay home if possible .
In the mountains , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at about 4:30 p.m. , asked drivers to “ stay of the roads unless absolutely necessary.
” At Denver International Airport 1,086 flights were cancelled as of 7 p.m. , according to flightaware.com .
Southwest Airlines had canceled the most flights — 358 .
“ The cancellations are 100 % caused by the storm , ” Ro Hawthorne , a Southwest spokesman , said .
Snow accumulation at the airport was 7.8 inches as of 6:20 p.m .
Most of the Eastern Plains , north of I-70 , was under a blizzard warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
The Front Range , from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs , including Denver , was under a winter storm warning .
Denver ’ s high temperature on Thursday was 41 degrees at midnight .
At 6 p.m. Thursday Denver ’ s temperature was 29 degrees with light snow falling and fog , according to the weather service .
On Friday , cloudy skies over the city brings a 40 percent chance of snow , after 1 p.m. , and the high temperature will top out around 35 degrees .
New snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under an inch.The weekend should be mostly sunny with high temps in the mid-50s .

A winter storm, with blizzard conditions on the Eastern Plains, roared through Colorado on Thursday, the first day of springs, shutting down long stretches of major highways and causing more than 1,000 flight cancellations at Denver International Airport.
West of Denver in the foothills of Jefferson County, the storm dumped more than 15 inches of snow in the Genesee area as of 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Interstate 70 was shut down in both directions Thursday afternoon in the Genesee area, near the Lookout Mountain interchange, by adverse weather and multiple vehicle crashes. One multi-vehicle crash on the highway included seven vehicles, said Master Trooper Gary Cutler, a Colorado State Patrol spokesman. There were several other crashes, at about 3 p.m., along with vehicles sliding off the roadway in the area. The stretch of highway reopened in about two hours and there were no reports of injuries.
Nederland had 22 inches of snow as of 5:30 p.m., according to the weather service. Longmont and Loveland each had about 3 inches of snow late in the day.
East of Denver, I-70 was closed in both directions from Airpark Road to Burlington by blizzard conditions, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Winds on the Eastern Plains gusted above 50 mph as snow fell, reducing visibility and causing deep, wind-driven snow piles. Interstate 76 was shut down in both directions from Lochbuie to the Nebraska state line. Both highways remained closed as of 10 p.m. Thursday.
The highway department and the state patrol urged drivers to stay off the roads and stay home if possible. In the mountains, Summit County Office of Emergency Management, at about 4:30 p.m., asked drivers to “stay of the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
At Denver International Airport 1,086 flights were cancelled as of 7 p.m., according to flightaware.com. Southwest Airlines had canceled the most flights — 358. “The cancellations are 100% caused by the storm,” Ro Hawthorne, a Southwest spokesman, said. Snow accumulation at the airport was 7.8 inches as of 6:20 p.m.
Most of the Eastern Plains, north of I-70, was under a blizzard warning on Thursday, according to the weather service. The Front Range, from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, including Denver, was under a winter storm warning.
Denver’s high temperature on Thursday was 41 degrees at midnight. At 6 p.m. Thursday Denver’s temperature was 29 degrees with light snow falling and fog, according to the weather service. On Friday, cloudy skies over the city brings a 40 percent chance of snow, after 1 p.m., and the high temperature will top out around 35 degrees. New snow accumulation in Denver on Friday should be under an inch.The weekend should be mostly sunny with high temps in the mid-50s.
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Rockies’ Jeff Bridich, Bud Black forced to play game of wait-and-see

To steal a phrase from the late , great Tom Petty , “ The waiting is the hardest part.
” As the coronavirus continues to spread , and as more cities across the country are forced to shut down , baseball has become part of the great unknown .
There is no timetable for the game ’ s return , no revamped schedule on the horizon and the phrase “ We ’ ll cross that bridge when we come to it , ” has become the strategy .
Rockies players are no longer practicing together at the club ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ariz. , which was shut down Wednesday , so they are left to work out on their own .
“ We are trying to come to grips with a season not happening right now , and literally , practice not happening anymore , ” Bridich said Thursday during a conference call .
“ Those are all just the realities of the situation right now .
“ I think it was a good thing that Salt River was closed down and that players can go home and concentrate on their families .
Who knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up again ?
Nobody can know that right now.
” Added Black : “ This is unprecedented for all of us .
As coaches and players , we were two weeks away from opening day and now , obviously , that ’ s seen as so far away .
As each day goes by , the focus has turned back to what ’ s going on in the world , and baseball has taken a little bit of a secondary phase to all of this.
” There was not a lot of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood out : — Both men admitted that they have , reluctantly , thought about the possibility of the entire season being canceled because of the virus .
“ I ’ d be lying to say that it hasn ’ t crossed my mind , ” Bridich said .
“ But there is a lot of time between now and when that decision would have to be made .
… I can ’ t give any specifics about how much that might have been talked about.
” Added Black : “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to get rid of that thought as quickly as possible .
I ’ m trying to be as optimistic as possible that this is going to turn around and we are going to play baseball.
” — Black said that he ’ s encouraged players to stay in shape , but he told them that there will be enough time to get them “ reconditioned ” for whenever the season opens .
He told his pitchers to cut back and not throw bullpens , for now .
“ MLB did tell us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks for a second spring training to get ready for the season , ” Black said .
“ I told guys to think of ( right now ) as a December-January build up again.
” — How the schedule will be constructed is unknown at this point , but Black said he would be open to the idea of playing doubleheaders , perhaps a couple of times a week .
“ In theory , yes , ” Black said .
“ But it has to make sense for both the clubs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being talked about , probably as we speak , with the ( players ’ ) union and the commissioner ’ s office , with the owners .
But in theory , yes , I think all of us would be open to some sort of doubleheader situation.
” — Bridich said that while most players have been able to return home , Venezuelans such as pitchers German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela , have been forced to stay in the United States .
“ Venezuela literally shut down all travel into and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So we have a number of Venezuelans , both major league and minor league , who are remaining in Phoenix right now .
”

To steal a phrase from the late, great Tom Petty, “The waiting is the hardest part.”
Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich and manager Bud Black can relate.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, and as more cities across the country are forced to shut down, baseball has become part of the great unknown. There is no timetable for the game’s return, no revamped schedule on the horizon and the phrase “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” has become the strategy.
Rockies players are no longer practicing together at the club’s Salt River Fields complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., which was shut down Wednesday, so they are left to work out on their own.
“We are trying to come to grips with a season not happening right now, and literally, practice not happening anymore,” Bridich said Thursday during a conference call. “Those are all just the realities of the situation right now.
“I think it was a good thing that Salt River was closed down and that players can go home and concentrate on their families. Who knows when the season is going to start up again? Nobody can know that right now.”
Added Black: “This is unprecedented for all of us. As coaches and players, we were two weeks away from opening day and now, obviously, that’s seen as so far away. As each day goes by, the focus has turned back to what’s going on in the world, and baseball has taken a little bit of a secondary phase to all of this.”
There was not a lot of new information revealed Thursday, but some things stood out:
— Both men admitted that they have, reluctantly, thought about the possibility of the entire season being canceled because of the virus.
“I’d be lying to say that it hasn’t crossed my mind,” Bridich said. “But there is a lot of time between now and when that decision would have to be made. … I can’t give any specifics about how much that might have been talked about.”
Added Black: “I’ve thought about it, but I try to get rid of that thought as quickly as possible. I’m trying to be as optimistic as possible that this is going to turn around and we are going to play baseball.”
— Black said that he’s encouraged players to stay in shape, but he told them that there will be enough time to get them “reconditioned” for whenever the season opens. He told his pitchers to cut back and not throw bullpens, for now.
“MLB did tell us that they will give us at least three weeks for a second spring training to get ready for the season,” Black said. “I told guys to think of (right now) as a December-January build up again.”
— How the schedule will be constructed is unknown at this point, but Black said he would be open to the idea of playing doubleheaders, perhaps a couple of times a week.
“In theory, yes,” Black said. “But it has to make sense for both the clubs and the players. All of these things are being talked about, probably as we speak, with the (players’) union and the commissioner’s office, with the owners. But in theory, yes, I think all of us would be open to some sort of doubleheader situation.”
— Bridich said that while most players have been able to return home, Venezuelans such as pitchers German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela, have been forced to stay in the United States.
“Venezuela literally shut down all travel into and out of that country,” he said. “So we have a number of Venezuelans, both major league and minor league, who are remaining in Phoenix right now.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--NBA shuttering facilities, as more teams face positive tests

The NBA has told its teams to close their training and practice facilities to all players and staff starting Friday , a development that came on a day where four more teams revealed they have had players or staff test positive for the coronavirus .
The Los Angeles Lakers said Thursday that two of their players tested positive , and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics said he tested positive as well .
Those revelations came after the Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise also tested positive .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not identify those who tested positive .
The 76ers and Nuggets also did not reveal if the positive tests were linked to a player , coach or another level of staff .
Smart said he waited five days for his test results .
“ I ’ ve been self-quarantined since the test , thank goodness , ” Smart said on Twitter .
“ COVID-19 must be taken with the highest level of seriousness .
I know it ’ s a # 1 priority for our nations health experts , & we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s comments and the other positive-test revelations came hours after the NBA ’ s memo , a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press , was sent Thursday afternoon and stressed that players needed to be extremely diligent about social distancing and other precautions .
The NBA recommended that players “ should take aggressive measures to avoid contact with others and remain home as much as possible , leaving only for essential activities.
” It additionally said it was updating the guidelines “ in light of the rapidly-developing coronavirus situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts regarding how to promote individual and public health while minimizing the spread of the virus.
” As recently as Monday , the NBA was telling teams that individual workouts could take place at team facilities using what the league called the “ one player , one coach , one basket ” rule .
Now , that ’ s not even permitted .
If players are going to work out during the league ’ s shutdown , they ’ ll have to do it at home or some other private facility .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — many of which are closed anyway — aren ’ t permitted to be used by NBA players under the league ’ s coronavirus policy .
Essential activities , by NBA definition , include buying food , medicine , or other necessary supplies ; obtaining critical medical services ; providing necessary care for a family member in another household ; or attending to some other emergency .
With two from the Lakers and another from the Celtics , the NBA now has 10 players — four from the Brooklyn Nets , two from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detroit Pistons — known to have tested positive for COVID-19 .
The number of known cases within the NBA is now 14 when adding the Denver and Philadelphia cases .
“ Pursuant to CDC guidelines , the individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals , ” the 76ers said .
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN on Wednesday that eight teams have been tested ; not all of those teams have publicly acknowledged testing , so it is possible that the number of positives among NBA players could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are going to be no NBA games for several more weeks , at minimum , the league clearly felt Thursday was the right time to take the additional step of urging players to limit exposure .
“ Consistent with an increasing number of state and local government restrictions , and an emerging consensus regarding how to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus with which the NBA ’ s infectious disease and public health experts agree , effective tomorrow and until further notice , team practice or training facilities … will be closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA wrote .
The league said the ban applies to G League facilities as well .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover .
In mainland China , where the virus first exploded , more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered .
The NBA previously banned teams , as part of the coronavirus response , from using public health clubs , fitness centers , gyms and college facilities .
But the league said Thursday that teams are permitted to set players up with training , conditioning , or other instructional materials for use at their homes .
Some players have been doing individual workouts at team facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight rooms .
Others have gotten creative .
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat recently posted images of a morning workout at his home , and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers said he ’ s finding different ways to keep in some short of shape .
“ I ’ m incredibly blessed to just have some free weights here .
I have a versa climber .
I have enough stuff that I won ’ t take a step back , ” Love said Thursday .
“ I ’ ll make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wind up and stay strong and just keep that constant tension on my body because it ’ s tough right now .
I haven ’ t really left the house much.
” The league also reminded teams Thursday that it recommends players remain in their team markets and avoid all non-essential travel , though players — in concert with their team — can choose to go to another city and stay there instead .
But players still can not travel outside of North America ; one of the reasons for that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players who hypothetically want to return to homes in Europe would be allowed to fly back to the U.S. Thursday was the eighth full day of the NBA ’ s shutdown because of the virus .
That brings the total of games missed to 57 , including the two called off on March 11 — the night that the positive test of Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert was revealed and the league announced that it was suspending the season .
“ We will navigate these uncharted waters together , ” Jazz coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Utah fans on Thursday , thanking them for their support .
“ Right now , we are all sacrificing in our own unique ways — for our health and for the greater good — and that is critical .
”

The NBA has told its teams to close their training and practice facilities to all players and staff starting Friday, a development that came on a day where four more teams revealed they have had players or staff test positive for the coronavirus.
The Los Angeles Lakers said Thursday that two of their players tested positive, and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics said he tested positive as well. Those revelations came after the Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise also tested positive.
The Lakers, 76ers and Nuggets all opted to not identify those who tested positive. The 76ers and Nuggets also did not reveal if the positive tests were linked to a player, coach or another level of staff.
Smart said he waited five days for his test results.
“I’ve been self-quarantined since the test, thank goodness,” Smart said on Twitter. “COVID-19 must be taken with the highest level of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP.”
Smart’s comments and the other positive-test revelations came hours after the NBA’s memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, was sent Thursday afternoon and stressed that players needed to be extremely diligent about social distancing and other precautions.
The NBA recommended that players “should take aggressive measures to avoid contact with others and remain home as much as possible, leaving only for essential activities.” It additionally said it was updating the guidelines “in light of the rapidly-developing coronavirus situation, and consistent with evolving advice from health experts regarding how to promote individual and public health while minimizing the spread of the virus.”
As recently as Monday, the NBA was telling teams that individual workouts could take place at team facilities using what the league called the “one player, one coach, one basket” rule. Now, that’s not even permitted. If players are going to work out during the league’s shutdown, they’ll have to do it at home or some other private facility. Public facilities, like gyms or college courts — many of which are closed anyway — aren’t permitted to be used by NBA players under the league’s coronavirus policy.
Essential activities, by NBA definition, include buying food, medicine, or other necessary supplies; obtaining critical medical services; providing necessary care for a family member in another household; or attending to some other emergency.
With two from the Lakers and another from the Celtics, the NBA now has 10 players — four from the Brooklyn Nets, two from the Utah Jazz and one from the Detroit Pistons — known to have tested positive for COVID-19.
The number of known cases within the NBA is now 14 when adding the Denver and Philadelphia cases.
“Pursuant to CDC guidelines, the individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals,” the 76ers said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN on Wednesday that eight teams have been tested; not all of those teams have publicly acknowledged testing, so it is possible that the number of positives among NBA players could be higher.
With the belief that there are going to be no NBA games for several more weeks, at minimum, the league clearly felt Thursday was the right time to take the additional step of urging players to limit exposure.
“Consistent with an increasing number of state and local government restrictions, and an emerging consensus regarding how to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus with which the NBA’s infectious disease and public health experts agree, effective tomorrow and until further notice, team practice or training facilities … will be closed to players and staff,” the NBA wrote. The league said the ban applies to G League facilities as well.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
The NBA previously banned teams, as part of the coronavirus response, from using public health clubs, fitness centers, gyms and college facilities. But the league said Thursday that teams are permitted to set players up with training, conditioning, or other instructional materials for use at their homes.
Some players have been doing individual workouts at team facilities, on the court or in the weight rooms. Others have gotten creative. Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat recently posted images of a morning workout at his home, and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers said he’s finding different ways to keep in some short of shape.
“I’m incredibly blessed to just have some free weights here. I have a versa climber. I have enough stuff that I won’t take a step back,” Love said Thursday. “I’ll make sure that I’m maintaining and hopefully keep my wind up and stay strong and just keep that constant tension on my body because it’s tough right now. I haven’t really left the house much.”
The league also reminded teams Thursday that it recommends players remain in their team markets and avoid all non-essential travel, though players — in concert with their team — can choose to go to another city and stay there instead. But players still cannot travel outside of North America; one of the reasons for that is logistical, since it is unclear if players who hypothetically want to return to homes in Europe would be allowed to fly back to the U.S.
Thursday was the eighth full day of the NBA’s shutdown because of the virus. That brings the total of games missed to 57, including the two called off on March 11 — the night that the positive test of Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert was revealed and the league announced that it was suspending the season.
“We will navigate these uncharted waters together,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder wrote in an open letter to Utah fans on Thursday, thanking them for their support. “Right now, we are all sacrificing in our own unique ways — for our health and for the greater good — and that is critical.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-20--Kroenke Sports and Entertainment pledged to help Pepsi Center workers amid COVID-19 outbreak. Will p

Kroenke Sports and Entertainment pledged to help Pepsi Center workers amid COVID-19 outbreak. Will partners follow suit?

The groundswell of support to cancel last Thursday ’ s Post Malone concert at Pepsi Center didn ’ t deter the army of workers determined to make the event a success .
Anne Marie Tarjan Robbins was one of them , a part-time Legends employee who didn ’ t let the mounting fear of the coronavirus keep her from working .
One of hundreds of Legends employees contracted through Kroenke Sports and Entertainment to work events , Robbins is typically an in-seat server/bartender .
She facilitated 221 transactions last Thursday , nearly four times the activity she has at Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to temper their fears before the crowd filled the arena .
“ We had just worked the Nuggets game three days prior , ” Tarjan Robbins said .
“ We had worked the Miranda Lambert concert a week and a half prior .
So at that point , the five of us were talking , we ’ re like , ‘ If anybody has it , we have it by now.
’ ” As a result of the outbreak , which forced season suspensions in the NBA and NHL , Robbins was dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concert .
“ One of my bosses sat us down , the bartender , and he was very realistic , ” Tarjan Robbins said .
“ He said , ‘ This is it .
We ’ re not going to have anything else for a while .
When you come back , you may not have X , Y and Z at your job.
’ ” Tarjan Robbins ’ husband still has work , which makes her one of the lucky ones .
She ’ s spent the first week of the hiatus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom is immunocompromised .
Her exposure to the fans at Pepsi Center has raised her concern over transmitting the disease .
But her story — a part-time event worker now in search of her next gig — is the same one that ’ s wreaked havoc on hundreds of workers at venues such as Pepsi Center .
Last Saturday , KSE pledged to pay its part-time and hourly employees for the next 30 days , following the lead of more than a dozen owners and a handful of players who also committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We also have asked our vendors and partners to do the same.
” The two largest vendors working out of Pepsi Center are Legends , which handles the venue ’ s food-and-beverage services , and Argus , which supplies ushers and security for gameday and concert events .
Argus spokesman Andy Boian said in a statement to The Denver Post on Thursday that they were putting together a financial relief package to offset the loss of compensation for their 2020 hourly employees .
The total sum would be several hundred thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave Brower also planned to take a 25 % pay cut .
That money would also aid the employees ’ relief package .
“ We ’ re going to disperse that money among our 2020 hourly employees and then we ’ ll reassess in a month where we are , ” Boian said .
Legends sent an email to employees assuring them KSE , in conjunction with Legends , “ are contributing to help hourly hospitality associates during their time of need .
“ KSE is in the process of creating a fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of canceled events at the Pepsi Center , Dick ’ s Sporting Goods Stadium , and the Paramount Theatre , and Legends will contribute to this fund , ” the email read .
Neither Legends nor KSE has specified how those funds will be distributed to Legends employees , or how those funds are related .
Multiple messages left with both parties requesting an explanation were not returned .
Amid the upheaval of an industry NBA Commissioner Adam Silver estimated provided 55,000 jobs across the league , Mike McNeill , an Argus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his colleagues .
Last Friday , McNeill started a Facebook group called the Colorado Event Workers Coalition .
It had 645 members as of Thursday morning .
It ’ s become a place to share information on job opportunities , child-care options , where to go for food , or simply a place to vent .
Ellie Presley Burgett , a part-time worker at Argus , as well as an eighth-grade teacher , helped McNeill organize and assemble the digital space .
The group has no affiliation with Argus and was conceived solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re not just working on the physical health of jobs and food , but also the mental health because this has been a giant thing where a lot of our people have just felt like the rug ’ s been pulled out from under them , ” Burgett said .
“ And while I get it as a second job , a lot of our team members , this is their primary job.
” She said that KSE ’ s promise for their part-time workers sowed a misunderstanding among her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of frustration and confusion that that statement from KSE is that people will be getting paid , and that ’ s what the general understanding has been , ” she said .
“ But then when we look at the full story , it ’ s unclear whether or not the vendors , both internally and externally , because you ’ ve got those vendors , outside you ’ ve got Jay ’ s Valet that does parking .
We really have no idea or clarification whether or not those different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In addition to the vendors , a handful of non-profits that work out of local venues could be upended .
Organizations like Step Up and Universal Education Supporters , which help families pay tuition and sports expenses , will be interrupted .
“ That ’ s another portion that people don ’ t understand , ” Tarjan Robbins said .
“ There ’ s a caveat there that Pepsi has .
Pepsi , Red Rocks , First Bank , Fiddlers , Dick ’ s , Mile High , they all have non-profits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus itself and the anxiety over job loss hasn ’ t suppressed the group ’ s energy .
Daily posts include entertaining memes , workout routines or words of encouragement .
“ I love seeing that it ’ s a community , ” Tarjan Robbins said .
“ We are all in the same position , some have more , some have less .
And people are willing to give where they can , and people are actually humbling themselves and asking , and they know that it ’ s OK to @ @ @

The groundswell of support to cancel last Thursday’s Post Malone concert at Pepsi Center didn’t deter the army of workers determined to make the event a success.
Anne Marie Tarjan Robbins was one of them, a part-time Legends employee who didn’t let the mounting fear of the coronavirus keep her from working. One of hundreds of Legends employees contracted through Kroenke Sports and Entertainment to work events, Robbins is typically an in-seat server/bartender. She facilitated 221 transactions last Thursday, nearly four times the activity she has at Nuggets games. She and her co-workers tried to temper their fears before the crowd filled the arena.
“We had just worked the Nuggets game three days prior,” Tarjan Robbins said. “We had worked the Miranda Lambert concert a week and a half prior. So at that point, the five of us were talking, we’re like, ‘If anybody has it, we have it by now.’”
As a result of the outbreak, which forced season suspensions in the NBA and NHL, Robbins was dealt even more sobering news ahead of the concert.
“One of my bosses sat us down, the bartender, and he was very realistic,” Tarjan Robbins said. “He said, ‘This is it. We’re not going to have anything else for a while. When you come back, you may not have X,Y and Z at your job.’”
Tarjan Robbins’ husband still has work, which makes her one of the lucky ones. She’s spent the first week of the hiatus with her three kids, one of whom is immunocompromised. Her exposure to the fans at Pepsi Center has raised her concern over transmitting the disease. But her story — a part-time event worker now in search of her next gig — is the same one that’s wreaked havoc on hundreds of workers at venues such as Pepsi Center.
Last Saturday, KSE pledged to pay its part-time and hourly employees for the next 30 days, following the lead of more than a dozen owners and a handful of players who also committed to helping arena staff. The statement added: “We also have asked our vendors and partners to do the same.”
The two largest vendors working out of Pepsi Center are Legends, which handles the venue’s food-and-beverage services, and Argus, which supplies ushers and security for gameday and concert events.
Argus spokesman Andy Boian said in a statement to The Denver Post on Thursday that they were putting together a financial relief package to offset the loss of compensation for their 2020 hourly employees.
The total sum would be several hundred thousand dollars, and Argus CEO and President Dave Brower also planned to take a 25% pay cut. That money would also aid the employees’ relief package.
“We’re going to disperse that money among our 2020 hourly employees and then we’ll reassess in a month where we are,” Boian said.
Legends sent an email to employees assuring them KSE, in conjunction with Legends, “are contributing to help hourly hospitality associates during their time of need.
“KSE is in the process of creating a fund to mitigate their lost wages as a result of canceled events at the Pepsi Center, Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium, and the Paramount Theatre, and Legends will contribute to this fund,” the email read.
Neither Legends nor KSE has specified how those funds will be distributed to Legends employees, or how those funds are related. Multiple messages left with both parties requesting an explanation were not returned.
Amid the upheaval of an industry NBA Commissioner Adam Silver estimated provided 55,000 jobs across the league, Mike McNeill, an Argus employee, saw an opportunity to support his colleagues. Last Friday, McNeill started a Facebook group called the Colorado Event Workers Coalition. It had 645 members as of Thursday morning. It’s become a place to share information on job opportunities, child-care options, where to go for food, or simply a place to vent.
Ellie Presley Burgett, a part-time worker at Argus, as well as an eighth-grade teacher, helped McNeill organize and assemble the digital space. The group has no affiliation with Argus and was conceived solely as a resource for event workers.
“We’re not just working on the physical health of jobs and food, but also the mental health because this has been a giant thing where a lot of our people have just felt like the rug’s been pulled out from under them,” Burgett said. “And while I get it as a second job, a lot of our team members, this is their primary job.”
She said that KSE’s promise for their part-time workers sowed a misunderstanding among her colleagues.
“There’s been a lot of frustration and confusion that that statement from KSE is that people will be getting paid, and that’s what the general understanding has been,” she said. “But then when we look at the full story, it’s unclear whether or not the vendors, both internally and externally, because you’ve got those vendors, outside you’ve got Jay’s Valet that does parking. We really have no idea or clarification whether or not those different entities will be being paid or not.”
In addition to the vendors, a handful of non-profits that work out of local venues could be upended. Organizations like Step Up and Universal Education Supporters, which help families pay tuition and sports expenses, will be interrupted.
“That’s another portion that people don’t understand,” Tarjan Robbins said. “There’s a caveat there that Pepsi has. Pepsi, Red Rocks, First Bank, Fiddlers, Dick’s, Mile High, they all have non-profits working in there.”
The fear from the virus itself and the anxiety over job loss hasn’t suppressed the group’s energy. Daily posts include entertaining memes, workout routines or words of encouragement.
“I love seeing that it’s a community,” Tarjan Robbins said. “We are all in the same position, some have more, some have less. And people are willing to give where they can, and people are actually humbling themselves and asking, and they know that it’s OK to ask.”