thedenverpost--2020-10-22--Ask Amy: Housemate wants to attack the kitchen

Dear Amy : I ’ m a 28-year-old former city dweller who relocated for more space and a quieter location to sit out the pandemic .
I love my new leafy neighborhood and my lower rent .
I live in a house with a 70-year-old man ( the brother of my landlord ) , who is a former art history teacher and librarian .
We have our own living spaces and bathrooms ; I have a space more than twice the size of my previous apartment on the second story of our home , and he lives in the basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the care that he devotes to the garden .
There ’ s just one thing — he is a very sentimental hoarder .
Our kitchen is loaded with many dozens of wooden spoons , sets of dinnerware , and cabinets full of cookware .
There are easily a dozen sponges — some old , some new .
We easily have 150 spice containers , as well as random knickknacks in every corner .
There are corners that are covered in spider webs and other pests .
How do I get him to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Marie Kondo ” on it ?
He seems open to the notion of adjusting his life to accommodate a roommate , but I don ’ t know where to begin and how to preserve our good relationship .
Dear Nester : It is refreshing to hear that this ( somewhat unconventional ) living arrangement is working out so well for both of you .
As a rent-paying housemate , you have the right to essentially take over half the kitchen , but because you are a considerate and respectful person , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have settled in and have lived in the house for a while , you will have to muster up the courage to approach your housemate about the kitchen .
Say , “ I hope this isn ’ t too awkward , but would you mind if I more or less attacked the kitchen and did a deep-clean ?
I ’ ve been watching a lot of videos on how to do this and I ’ d like to give it a try.
” Let ’ s assume that he will agree to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cleaning , ask him , “ How attached are you to some of these spices and smaller things ?
I ’ m seeing duplicates and a lot of stuff that is expired.
” Basically , I ’ m suggesting that you take on this job in stages .
Just as the accumulation happened over time , once he has the experience of navigating in a cleaner , tidier space , he might encourage you to do more .
One of my daughters transformed our kitchen during the pandemic , and , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where are those coffee cups ? )
, overall , the result has been wonderful and welcome .
Dear Amy : This is going to sound strange , but ever since the pandemic hit , I ’ ve been having very strange dreams — at least twice a week .
Some of these dreams are obviously anxiety dreams , but in others , it is as if I am revisiting relationships I ’ ve had throughout my life ( going all the way back to childhood ) .
These dreams feature vivid shapes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen .
What do you think is going on ?
Dear Sleep : I read a fascinating interview with Harvard Medical School dream researcher and professor Deirdre Barrett , who has surveyed over 2,500 people about their pandemic dreams .
You are definitely not alone in reporting vivid dreams during this period .
I was surprised to learn that you might be able to control more of your dream content in advance of sleeping .
Here is Barrett ’ s advice about how to “ direct ” your dreams : “ Think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
You could pick out a person you ’ d like to see in your dream tonight , or a favorite place .
Some people enjoy flying dreams , or some people have just had an all-time lifetime favorite dream .
Pick what you ’ d like to dream about and … visualize that person or place .
Or you can put some photograph of what you ’ re trying to dream about on your nightstand , so you look at it as the last thing before you go to sleep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re focusing on , you might try to replay that in detail before falling asleep.
” Dear Amy : I couldn ’ t believe you published a note from “ Jeez Louise !
” admonishing parents that all of their children should be treated equally .
Dear Reader : Life is not fair , but parents should at least try to be .

Dear Amy: I’m a 28-year-old former city dweller who relocated for more space and a quieter location to sit out the pandemic.
I love my new leafy neighborhood and my lower rent.
I live in a house with a 70-year-old man (the brother of my landlord), who is a former art history teacher and librarian. We have our own living spaces and bathrooms; I have a space more than twice the size of my previous apartment on the second story of our home, and he lives in the basement.
I have loved his company and the care that he devotes to the garden. There’s just one thing — he is a very sentimental hoarder.
Our kitchen is loaded with many dozens of wooden spoons, sets of dinnerware, and cabinets full of cookware. There are easily a dozen sponges — some old, some new. We easily have 150 spice containers, as well as random knickknacks in every corner. There are corners that are covered in spider webs and other pests.
How do I get him to let me organize the space and even go “Marie Kondo” on it?
He seems open to the notion of adjusting his life to accommodate a roommate, but I don’t know where to begin and how to preserve our good relationship.
Any ideas?
— Happy Nester
Dear Nester: It is refreshing to hear that this (somewhat unconventional) living arrangement is working out so well for both of you. As a rent-paying housemate, you have the right to essentially take over half the kitchen, but because you are a considerate and respectful person, you are handling this carefully.
Now that you have settled in and have lived in the house for a while, you will have to muster up the courage to approach your housemate about the kitchen. Say, “I hope this isn’t too awkward, but would you mind if I more or less attacked the kitchen and did a deep-clean? I’ve been watching a lot of videos on how to do this and I’d like to give it a try.”
Let’s assume that he will agree to this. After you get started with the cleaning, ask him, “How attached are you to some of these spices and smaller things? I’m seeing duplicates and a lot of stuff that is expired.”
Basically, I’m suggesting that you take on this job in stages. Just as the accumulation happened over time, once he has the experience of navigating in a cleaner, tidier space, he might encourage you to do more.
One of my daughters transformed our kitchen during the pandemic, and, while there was a minor adjustment period (where are those coffee cups?), overall, the result has been wonderful and welcome.
Dear Amy: This is going to sound strange, but ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve been having very strange dreams — at least twice a week. Some of these dreams are obviously anxiety dreams, but in others, it is as if I am revisiting relationships I’ve had throughout my life (going all the way back to childhood). These dreams feature vivid shapes and colors, but nothing much seems to happen.
What do you think is going on?
— To Sleep, Perchance …
Dear Sleep: I read a fascinating interview with Harvard Medical School dream researcher and professor Deirdre Barrett, who has surveyed over 2,500 people about their pandemic dreams. You are definitely not alone in reporting vivid dreams during this period. I was surprised to learn that you might be able to control more of your dream content in advance of sleeping.
Here is Barrett’s advice about how to “direct” your dreams:
“Think of what you would like to dream about. You could pick out a person you’d like to see in your dream tonight, or a favorite place. Some people enjoy flying dreams, or some people have just had an all-time lifetime favorite dream. Pick what you’d like to dream about and … visualize that person or place. Or you can put some photograph of what you’re trying to dream about on your nightstand, so you look at it as the last thing before you go to sleep. If you have a particular favorite dream you’re focusing on, you might try to replay that in detail before falling asleep.”
Dear Amy: I couldn’t believe you published a note from “Jeez Louise!” admonishing parents that all of their children should be treated equally.
Hey, life isn’t fair. It’s that simple.
— A Reader
Dear Reader: Life is not fair, but parents should at least try to be.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Aurora police issue Amber Alert, fears two missing boys and mom are victims of foul play

The Aurora Police Department issued an Amber Alert was issued Thursday for two missing boys and an endangered missing alert @ @ @ @ @ Thomas , 5 , and Demarcus Thomas , 3 , and their mother , Sabrina @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Oct. 19 , on the 3000 block on Walden Way in Aurora .
@ @ @ @ @ evening , the police department expressed a concern that Walls and her children may be @ @ @ @ @ Walls ’ vehicle is a 2006 black Ford Fusion with a Colorado license plate CES-661 @ @ @ @ @ hair and brown eyes , is 3 feet tall and weighs 40 pounds .
Marcus @ @ @ @ @ brown eyes , is 3 feet , 6 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds .
@ @ @ @ @ , has brown hair and brown eyes , is 5 feet , 2 inches tall @ @ @ @ @ Anyone who have seen this family is asked to call 911 or the Aurora Police @ @ @ @

The Aurora Police Department say the two boys and their mother who were part of an Amber Alert issued on Thursday have been found safe. Marcus Thomas, 5, and Demarcus Thomas, 3, and their mother, Sabrina Walls, were last seen Monday, Oct. 19, on the 3000 block on Walden Way in Aurora.
Demarcus Thomas has brown hair and brown eyes, is 3 feet tall and weighs 40 pounds. Marcus Thomas has brown hair and brown eyes, is 3 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds. Walls is 26 years old, has brown hair and brown eyes, is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--At final presidential debate, Trump and Biden go after each other on COVID-19, taxes

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden offered sharply different visions of how to handle the surging pandemic and fought over how much Trump pays in taxes during their final debate of a tumultuous campaign .
Final debates often play an outsized role in electoral outcomes but Thursday night ’ s showdown was different from those past , with more than 46 million votes already cast and fewer undecided voters remaining than at this point in previous election years .
Though the early moments of the debate did not feature the repeated angry interruptions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men engaged in a series of clashes .
The night in Nashville began with a battle over the president ’ s handling of the pandemic , which has killed more than 225,000 Americans and cost millions of jobs , with Trump declaring that the virus will go away and while Biden warned that the nation was heading toward “ a dark winter.
” Polling suggests it is the campaign ’ s defining issue for voters , and Biden declared , “ Anyone responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his management of the nation ’ s most deadly health crisis in a century , dismissing Biden ’ s warning that the nation had a dire stretch ahead due to spikes in infections .
And he promised that a vaccine would be ready in weeks .
“ It will go away , ” said Trump , staying with his optimistic assessment of the pandemic .
“ We ’ re rounding the turn .
We ’ re rounding the corner .
It ’ s going away.
” “ We can ’ t keep this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country with a massive economy , ” Trump said .
“ There ’ s depression , alcohol , drugs at a level nobody ’ s ever seen before .
The cure can not be worse than the problem itself.
” But Biden vowed that his administration would defer to the scientists and said that Trump ’ s divisive approach hindered the nation ’ s response .
“ I don ’ t look at this in the way he does–blue states and red states , ” Biden said .
“ They ’ re all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the states that are having a spike in he coronavirus–they ’ re the red states.
” Biden said that America has learned from a New York Times report that Trump only paid $ 750 a year in federal taxes while holding “ a secret bank account ” in China .
The former vice president then noted he ’ s released all of his tax returns going back 22 years and challenged the president to release his returns , saying , “ What are you hiding ?
” Trump claimed his accountants told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars ” in taxes .
However , as he has for the past four years , after promising to release his taxes , he declined to say when he might do so .
In a visual reminder of the pandemic that has rewritten the norms of American society and fundamentally changed the campaign , sheets of plexiglass had been installed onstage Wednesday between the two men .
But in the hours before the debate , they were removed .
The debate , moderated by NBC ’ s Kristen Welker , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his case to a television audience of tens of millions of voters .
And questions swirled beforehand as to how Trump , whose hectoring performance at the first debate was viewed by aides as a mistake that turned off viewers , would perform amid a stretch of the campaign in which he has taken angry aim at the news media and unleashed deeply personal attacks on Biden and his adult son .
In an effort to curtail interruptions this time , the Commission on Presidential Debates announced that Trump and Biden would each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival delivered an opening two-minute answer to each of six debate topics .
The mute button won ’ t figure in the open discussion portion of the debate .
When he feels cornered , Trump has often lashed out , going as negative as possible .
In one stunning moment during the 2016 campaign , in an effort to deflect from the release of the Access Hollywood tape in which he is heard boasting about groping women , Trump held a press conference just before a debate with Hillary Clinton during which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton of sexual assault .
He then invited them to watch as audience members .
In a similar move , Trump ’ s campaign held another surprise pre-debate news conference , this time featuring Tony Bobulinski , a man who said he was Hunter Biden ’ s former business partner and made unproven allegations that the vice president ’ s son consulted with his father on China-related business dealings .
Biden declared the discussion about family entanglements “ malarkey ” and accused Trump of not wanting to talk about the substantive issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching at home , he said , “ It ’ s not about his family and my family .
It ’ s about your family , and your family is hurting badly.
” The final debate was their second , and final , after one slated last week was canceled .
After Trump ’ s COVID-19 diagnosis , the debate commission switched the would-be showdown to a remote debate .
But after Trump balked , the event was scuttled , and the two candidates instead held dueling town halls 1,000 miles apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus on Thursday and everyone in the audience wore masks , including first lady Melania Trump who removed hers during the first debate .
Biden took the stage wearing a mask , which he took off as he approached the podium .

Jonathan Lemire, Darlene Superville, Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden offered sharply different visions of how to handle the surging pandemic and fought over how much Trump pays in taxes during their final debate of a tumultuous campaign.
Final debates often play an outsized role in electoral outcomes but Thursday night’s showdown was different from those past, with more than 46 million votes already cast and fewer undecided voters remaining than at this point in previous election years. Though the early moments of the debate did not feature the repeated angry interruptions of the candidates’ other showdown, the men engaged in a series of clashes.
The night in Nashville began with a battle over the president’s handling of the pandemic, which has killed more than 225,000 Americans and cost millions of jobs, with Trump declaring that the virus will go away and while Biden warned that the nation was heading toward “a dark winter.” Polling suggests it is the campaign’s defining issue for voters, and Biden declared, “Anyone responsible for that many deaths should not remain president of the United States of America.”
Trump defended his management of the nation’s most deadly health crisis in a century, dismissing Biden’s warning that the nation had a dire stretch ahead due to spikes in infections. And he promised that a vaccine would be ready in weeks.
“It will go away,” said Trump, staying with his optimistic assessment of the pandemic. “We’re rounding the turn. We’re rounding the corner. It’s going away.”
“We can’t keep this country closed. This is a massive country with a massive economy,” Trump said. “There’s depression, alcohol, drugs at a level nobody’s ever seen before. The cure cannot be worse than the problem itself.”
But Biden vowed that his administration would defer to the scientists and said that Trump’s divisive approach hindered the nation’s response.
“I don’t look at this in the way he does–blue states and red states,” Biden said. “They’re all the United States. And look at all the states that are having a spike in he coronavirus–they’re the red states.”
Biden said that America has learned from a New York Times report that Trump only paid $750 a year in federal taxes while holding “a secret bank account” in China. The former vice president then noted he’s released all of his tax returns going back 22 years and challenged the president to release his returns, saying, “What are you hiding?”
Trump claimed his accountants told him he “prepaid tens of millions of dollars” in taxes. However, as he has for the past four years, after promising to release his taxes, he declined to say when he might do so.
In a visual reminder of the pandemic that has rewritten the norms of American society and fundamentally changed the campaign, sheets of plexiglass had been installed onstage Wednesday between the two men. But in the hours before the debate, they were removed.
The debate, moderated by NBC’s Kristen Welker, was a final chance for each man to make his case to a television audience of tens of millions of voters. And questions swirled beforehand as to how Trump, whose hectoring performance at the first debate was viewed by aides as a mistake that turned off viewers, would perform amid a stretch of the campaign in which he has taken angry aim at the news media and unleashed deeply personal attacks on Biden and his adult son.
In an effort to curtail interruptions this time, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced that Trump and Biden would each have his microphone cut off while his rival delivered an opening two-minute answer to each of six debate topics.
The mute button won’t figure in the open discussion portion of the debate.
When he feels cornered, Trump has often lashed out, going as negative as possible. In one stunning moment during the 2016 campaign, in an effort to deflect from the release of the Access Hollywood tape in which he is heard boasting about groping women, Trump held a press conference just before a debate with Hillary Clinton during which he appeared with women who had accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault. He then invited them to watch as audience members.
In a similar move, Trump’s campaign held another surprise pre-debate news conference, this time featuring Tony Bobulinski, a man who said he was Hunter Biden’s former business partner and made unproven allegations that the vice president’s son consulted with his father on China-related business dealings.
Biden declared the discussion about family entanglements “malarkey” and accused Trump of not wanting to talk about the substantive issues.
Turning to the camera and the millions watching at home, he said, “It’s not about his family and my family. It’s about your family, and your family is hurting badly.”
The final debate was their second, and final, after one slated last week was canceled. After Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis, the debate commission switched the would-be showdown to a remote debate. But after Trump balked, the event was scuttled, and the two candidates instead held dueling town halls 1,000 miles apart.
Both men said they tested negative for the virus on Thursday and everyone in the audience wore masks, including first lady Melania Trump who removed hers during the first debate. Biden took the stage wearing a mask, which he took off as he approached the podium.
Trump had no mask.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--World Series draws record-low audience for 2nd night

ARLINGTON , Texas — The World Series drew a record-low audience of television viewers for the second straight night .
Tampa Bay ’ s 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 on Wednesday night was seen by an average of 8,950,000 viewers on Fox , receiving a 5.0 rating and 11 share , according to Nielsen Media Research .
Still , Fox won the prime-time evening with its best performance on a Wednesday night since May .
Los Angeles ’ opening 8-3 victory on Tuesday was seen by an average of 9,195,000 viewers on Fox from 8:06 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 5.1 rating and 11 share .
The low for any game before this year came the only other time the Rays were in the World Series , when their 5-4 loss to Philadelphia in Game 3 in 2008 was viewed by an average of 9,836,000 on Oct. 25 , a Saturday night .
The start was delayed by rain for 91 minutes to 10:06 p.m. and the final out was at 1:47 a.m .
The previous low for a Game 1 had been San Francisco ’ s 7-1 win over Kansas City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an average of 12,191,000 on a Tuesday night .
The low for a Game 2 had been last year , when Washington ’ s 12-3 rout at Houston was viewed by an average of 12,014,000 on a Wednesday night .
The Dodgers ’ seven-game NL Championship Series win over the Atlanta Braves averaged 4,410,000 viewers on Fox and FS1 .
Tampa Bay ’ s seven-game AL Championship Series win over the Houston Astros averaged 2,767,000 viewers on TBS and the Rays ’ Game 7 win drew a 12.8 rating in the Tampa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game since Game 4 of the 2013 Division Series against Boston .
Game 7 drew a 13.0 rating in Houston .
TBS said its TV Everywhere platforms averaged an audience of 48,000 per minute during its postseason coverage , up 71 % from last year .
The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in to a broadcast .
The share is the percentage viewing a telecast among those households with TVs on at the time .
Year-to-year ratings are difficult to compare because of the coronavirus pandemic , which has shifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election news .

ARLINGTON, Texas — The World Series drew a record-low audience of television viewers for the second straight night.
Tampa Bay’s 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 on Wednesday night was seen by an average of 8,950,000 viewers on Fox, receiving a 5.0 rating and 11 share, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Still, Fox won the prime-time evening with its best performance on a Wednesday night since May.
The two-game average is 9,070,000 viewers.
Los Angeles’ opening 8-3 victory on Tuesday was seen by an average of 9,195,000 viewers on Fox from 8:06 p.m. to 11:41 p.m. EDT, receiving a 5.1 rating and 11 share.
The low for any game before this year came the only other time the Rays were in the World Series, when their 5-4 loss to Philadelphia in Game 3 in 2008 was viewed by an average of 9,836,000 on Oct. 25, a Saturday night. The start was delayed by rain for 91 minutes to 10:06 p.m. and the final out was at 1:47 a.m.
The previous low for a Game 1 had been San Francisco’s 7-1 win over Kansas City on Oct. 21, 2014, viewed by an average of 12,191,000 on a Tuesday night. The low for a Game 2 had been last year, when Washington’s 12-3 rout at Houston was viewed by an average of 12,014,000 on a Wednesday night.
The Dodgers’ seven-game NL Championship Series win over the Atlanta Braves averaged 4,410,000 viewers on Fox and FS1.
Tampa Bay’s seven-game AL Championship Series win over the Houston Astros averaged 2,767,000 viewers on TBS and the Rays’ Game 7 win drew a 12.8 rating in the Tampa market, the highest for a Rays game since Game 4 of the 2013 Division Series against Boston. Game 7 drew a 13.0 rating in Houston.
TBS said its TV Everywhere platforms averaged an audience of 48,000 per minute during its postseason coverage, up 71% from last year.
The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in to a broadcast. The share is the percentage viewing a telecast among those households with TVs on at the time.
Year-to-year ratings are difficult to compare because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has shifted schedules, and competition this autumn from election news.
This year’s LCS viewers, with start times:
ALCS Oct. 11: ALCS Game 1 — TBS, 7:30-11:40 p.m. EDT — 2,069,000
Oct. 12: ALCS Game 2 — TBS, 4-7:22 p.m. — 1,878,000
Oct. 13: ALCS Game 3 — TBS, 8:30 p.m.-12:46 a.m. — 2,123,000
Oct. 14: ALCS Game 4 — TBS, 8:30 p.m.-12:04 a.m. — 2,719,000
Oct. 15: ALCS Game 5 — TBS, 5-8:49 p.m. — 2,706,000
Oct. 16; ALCS Game 6 — TBS, 6-10:16 p.m. — 3,468,000
Oct. 17: ALCS Game 7 — TBS, 8:30 p.m.-midnight — 4,502,000
NLCS
Oct. 12: NLCS Game 1 — Fox, 8-11:30 p.m. — 4,240,000
Oct. 13: NLCS Game 2 — FS1, 6-10:17 p.m. — 2,489,000
Oct. 14: NLCS Game 3 — FS1, 6-10:21 p.m. — 2,118,000
Oct. 15: NLCS Game 4 — Fox & FS1, 8-11:51 p.m. — 5,085,000
Oct. 16: NLCS Game 5 — FS1, 9-12:53 a.m. — 3,642,000
Oct. 17: NLCS Game 6 — FS1, 4:30-7:58 p.m. — 4,315,000
Oct. 18: NLCS Game 7 — Fox & FS1, 8-11:52 p.m. — 9,662,000


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Denver officials open emergency homeless shelter as weather turns cold

Denver officials opened an emergency 24-hour shelter Thursday for women and transgender people experiencing homelessness as the weather turns colder @ @ @ @ @ 1370 Elati St. , can house up to 40 people and will remain open until @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for Denver ’ s Department of Housing Stability , said in a release .
@ @ @ @ @ an overflow for the Samaritan House shelter at 2301 Lawrence St. , Woodbury said .
@ @ @ @ @ Elati Street location should first go to the Samaritan House .
Males seeking shelter should @ @ @ @ @ Community Center at 2222 Lawrence St. , Woodbury said .
City officials provide transportation to @ @ @ @ @ .

Denver officials opened an emergency 24-hour shelter Thursday for women and transgender people experiencing homelessness as the weather turns colder.
The city-owned shelter at 1370 Elati St., can house up to 40 people and will remain open until Tuesday, Derek Woodbury, spokesperson for Denver’s Department of Housing Stability, said in a release.
The emergency shelter serves as an overflow for the Samaritan House shelter at 2301 Lawrence St., Woodbury said. Those seeking shelter at the Elati Street location should first go to the Samaritan House.
Males seeking shelter should go to the Lawrence Street Community Center at 2222 Lawrence St., Woodbury said. City officials provide transportation to different shelters from that site.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up against Chiefs and predictions

Kansas City Chiefs ( 5-1 ) at Denver Broncos ( 2-3 ) , Sunday , 2:25 p.m. MT , Empower Field at Mile High , CBS , 850 AM , 94.1 FM , 103.5 FM 1 .
Kansas City running game .
It ’ s enough for any defense to worry about containing quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his array of aerial weapons .
But now , the Kansas City run game is humming too , as rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire posted 161 yards rushing in a Week 6 win over Buffalo that featured 245 yards rushing in total by the Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Reid .
Plus , All-Pro tailback Le ’ Veon Bell is likely to make his K.C .
debut Sunday .
2 .
Broncos ’ third-down efficiency .
A major reason the Broncos had to settle for only field goals in the Week 6 road win over the Patriots was the team ’ s inability to convert on third down .
That ’ s been a problem all season .
Denver 35.9 % third-down conversion rate ranks fourth-worst in the league , and the Broncos are also the only team to not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The third-down efficiency must improve in order to be competitive against K.C .
3 .
K.C.
’ s “ Star Wars ” offense .
That ’ s how Vic Fangio described the array of speed and weapons Mahomes has at his disposal .
The Chiefs quarterback , who Monday became the fastest player in the Super Bowl era to reach 90 touchdown passes ( in a mere 37 games ) , can take over a game quickly .
Denver has to contain the big play , spy on Mahomes to limit his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelce , who leads all NFL tight ends with 470 yards receiving .
Who has the edge ?
Clyde Edwards-Helaire , Kansas City ’ s first-round pick this year out of LSU , has improved with each game , although the Chiefs ’ offensive line is dealing with multiple injuries .
The Broncos front , meanwhile , has been inconsistent in containing the run .
Patrick Mahomes is difficult to contain in the pocket and outside of it , where he makes circus throws look routine .
His weapons-of-choice are Travis Kelce and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( hamstring ) is questionable to play .
The Denver secondary better buckle up .
Phillip Lindsay rushed for 101 yards in New England in his first game back from a toe injury .
He ’ ll likely split reps with Melvin Gordon , who missed the Patriots game due to illness , against a vulnerable Chiefs run defense that ranks third-worst with 145.3 yards/game .
Tim Patrick has done well to soften the blow of the season-ending injury to No .
1 wideout Courtland Sutton , while Drew Lock ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyrann Mathieu and the secondary is the strong point of the K.C .
defense , ranking third in the NFL at 208 passing yards allowed per game .
Brandon McManus has been kicking like a man out of his mind , including a franchise-record six field goals in the win over New England .
He ’ s 5-of-6 from 50-plus yards .
Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker has been inconsistent this year .
Edge : Broncos • Broncos Briefs : Play-caller Pat Shurmur says offense will continue to be aggressive throwing downfield • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet in Week 7 showdown vs. Kansas City • Broncos ’ Bradley Chubb back to an effective level following slow start — and just in time for Kansas City ’ s high-powered test Brandon McManus ’ field goal with 2:45 remaining gives the Broncos the lead , but Patrick Mahomes throws a left-handed , four-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill in the final seconds .
Denver doesn ’ t have an answer for Patrick Mahomes , who with the assistance of another sound performance by the K.C .
run game , throws two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chiefs ’ winning streak in the series to 10 .
This is as close to the Super Bowl as Broncos will get , which could make the outcome too close for Patrick Mahomes ’ comfort .
Like the Broncos ’ mojo .
Hate the historical trends .
The Chiefs are 12-3 under Andy Reid since ‘ 16 when facing a “ rest disadvantage ” on their opponents .
Denver ’ s 5-8 since ’ 16 with a “ rest advantage.
” And 0-3 at home since ’ 16 when the temp ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns beats eight field goals , kids .

Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) at Denver Broncos (2-3), Sunday, 2:25 p.m. MT, Empower Field at Mile High, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to watch
1. Kansas City running game. It’s enough for any defense to worry about containing quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his array of aerial weapons. But now, the Kansas City run game is humming too, as rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire posted 161 yards rushing in a Week 6 win over Buffalo that featured 245 yards rushing in total by the Chiefs — the most in any game under Andy Reid. Plus, All-Pro tailback Le’Veon Bell is likely to make his K.C. debut Sunday.
2. Broncos’ third-down efficiency. A major reason the Broncos had to settle for only field goals in the Week 6 road win over the Patriots was the team’s inability to convert on third down. That’s been a problem all season. Denver 35.9% third-down conversion rate ranks fourth-worst in the league, and the Broncos are also the only team to not have a fourth-down conversion yet (0-for-4). The third-down efficiency must improve in order to be competitive against K.C.
3. K.C.’s “Star Wars” offense. That’s how Vic Fangio described the array of speed and weapons Mahomes has at his disposal. The Chiefs quarterback, who Monday became the fastest player in the Super Bowl era to reach 90 touchdown passes (in a mere 37 games), can take over a game quickly. Denver has to contain the big play, spy on Mahomes to limit his scrambling and, somehow, muffle Travis Kelce, who leads all NFL tight ends with 470 yards receiving.
Who has the edge?
When the Chiefs run
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City’s first-round pick this year out of LSU, has improved with each game, although the Chiefs’ offensive line is dealing with multiple injuries. The Broncos front, meanwhile, has been inconsistent in containing the run.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
Patrick Mahomes is difficult to contain in the pocket and outside of it, where he makes circus throws look routine. His weapons-of-choice are Travis Kelce and wideout Tyreek Hill. Wideout Sammy Watkins (hamstring) is questionable to play. The Denver secondary better buckle up.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Broncos run
Phillip Lindsay rushed for 101 yards in New England in his first game back from a toe injury. He’ll likely split reps with Melvin Gordon, who missed the Patriots game due to illness, against a vulnerable Chiefs run defense that ranks third-worst with 145.3 yards/game.
Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Tim Patrick has done well to soften the blow of the season-ending injury to No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton, while Drew Lock’s right shoulder appears completely healthy. But safety Tyrann Mathieu and the secondary is the strong point of the K.C. defense, ranking third in the NFL at 208 passing yards allowed per game.
Edge: Chiefs
Special teams
Brandon McManus has been kicking like a man out of his mind, including a franchise-record six field goals in the win over New England. He’s 5-of-6 from 50-plus yards. Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker has been inconsistent this year.
Edge: Broncos
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Chiefs 27, Broncos 23
Brandon McManus’ field goal with 2:45 remaining gives the Broncos the lead, but Patrick Mahomes throws a left-handed, four-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill in the final seconds.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Chiefs 31, Broncos 17
Denver doesn’t have an answer for Patrick Mahomes, who with the assistance of another sound performance by the K.C. run game, throws two touchdowns and runs for another to stretch the Chiefs’ winning streak in the series to 10.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chiefs 27, Broncos 24
This is as close to the Super Bowl as Broncos will get, which could make the outcome too close for Patrick Mahomes’ comfort.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Chiefs 28, Broncos 24
Like the Broncos’ mojo. Hate the historical trends. The Chiefs are 12-3 under Andy Reid since ‘16 when facing a “rest disadvantage” on their opponents. Denver’s 5-8 since ’16 with a “rest advantage.” And 0-3 at home since ’16 when the temp’s 25 degrees or colder. Four touchdowns beats eight field goals, kids.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Selling quick in Castle Rock: Paired ranches lure downsize buyers; but younger ones like the low pri

Selling quick in Castle Rock: Paired ranches lure downsize buyers; but younger ones like the low prices

Just as you ’ d expect , more than three-quarters of buyers who have been snapping up KB Home ’ s release of low-maintenance Villa paired ranches in Castle Rock are from older demographics , taking their big equity from dated single-family homes and switching to a personalized , new single-story home—often paying cash .
But KB Home ’ s paired ranches at Terrain , just east of Founders Parkway on Highway 86 two miles east of Castle Rock ’ s historic downtown , are also luring younger buyers that like the prices they ’ re seeing here .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Colorado Division President Randy Carpenter , are freshly arrived in Colorado from California or the Midwest at a moment when the median price for a single-family resale home here is almost $ 500,000 .
At KB Home in Terrain , you can tour two paired-ranch models , and preview a few other new ranches that are on track to be ready for move-in before the holidays , from $ 424,000—almost $ 70,000 less than that median priced older home .
That ’ s an affordable price for a 2-bedroom/2-bath ranch with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished area , with a wide-open entertaining area , attractive bedroom suites , and a side-load 2-car attached garage .
It ’ s on track to have you moved in by the holidays , delivering energy and water conservation features certified by a third-party inspector to meet or beat Energy Star and EPA WaterSense standards , and save money on utility bills .
Owners at KB Home in Terrain are in an enclave provided with snow removal and currently pay just $ 304 a quarter for homeowner dues—including memberships in Terrain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool club a few minutes away .
What the $ 424,000 doesn ’ t include is a basement—one way that KB Home is keeping prices of some of these paired ranches at prices this low .
Carpenter notes that around 60 % of buyers here opt for a basement , and many of those have KB Home add attractive finished space down there , including for a home office .
But others prefer not to drag along lots of stuff from their older places , and like the added affordability .
With those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one buyer from Castle Rock last week , shopping not for herself , but for a daughter and son-in-law , anxious to move here from Los Angeles , where they rent .
That added competition is rapidly absorbing KB Home ’ s remaining homes—now only around a quarter of its 101 sites still available after less than two years of sales .
Terrain is a half-mile east of Founders Parkway on Highway 86 ; or from Castle Rock ’ s downtown head east on Fifth Street two miles .
The news and editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in this post ’ s preparation .

Just as you’d expect, more than three-quarters of buyers who have been snapping up KB Home’s release of low-maintenance Villa paired ranches in Castle Rock are from older demographics, taking their big equity from dated single-family homes and switching to a personalized, new single-story home—often paying cash.
Ranch paired homes at Terrain What: KB Home’s paired ranch homes at Terrain, lower-maintenance enclave in a master-planned community with pool, clubhouse, trails and amenities, snow removal; 2 furnished models, 2 ranches for immediate delivery
KB Home’s paired ranch homes at Terrain, lower-maintenance enclave in a master-planned community with pool, clubhouse, trails and amenities, snow removal; 2 furnished models, 2 ranches for immediate delivery Where: 4269 Happy Hollow Dr, Castle Rock; from I-25 take Founders Pkwy east 4 mi. to Hwy 86; turn east on 86, proceed ½ mile, models on right
4269 Happy Hollow Dr, Castle Rock; from I-25 take Founders Pkwy east 4 mi. to Hwy 86; turn east on 86, proceed ½ mile, models on right Price: Move soon from $424,000
Move soon from $424,000 When: Sat Oct 24 & Sun Oct 25, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sat Oct 24 & Sun Oct 25, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Phone: 303-323-1197
303-323-1197 More Info: KBHome.com
But KB Home’s paired ranches at Terrain, just east of Founders Parkway on Highway 86 two miles east of Castle Rock’s historic downtown, are also luring younger buyers that like the prices they’re seeing here.
Some of those younger buyers, says KB Home Colorado Division President Randy Carpenter, are freshly arrived in Colorado from California or the Midwest at a moment when the median price for a single-family resale home here is almost $500,000.
At KB Home in Terrain, you can tour two paired-ranch models, and preview a few other new ranches that are on track to be ready for move-in before the holidays, from $424,000—almost $70,000 less than that median priced older home.
That’s an affordable price for a 2-bedroom/2-bath ranch with just short of 1,500 sq. feet of finished area, with a wide-open entertaining area, attractive bedroom suites, and a side-load 2-car attached garage.
It’s on track to have you moved in by the holidays, delivering energy and water conservation features certified by a third-party inspector to meet or beat Energy Star and EPA WaterSense standards, and save money on utility bills.
Owners at KB Home in Terrain are in an enclave provided with snow removal and currently pay just $304 a quarter for homeowner dues—including memberships in Terrain’s master association, with a very attractive pool club a few minutes away.
What the $424,000 doesn’t include is a basement—one way that KB Home is keeping prices of some of these paired ranches at prices this low. Carpenter notes that around 60% of buyers here opt for a basement, and many of those have KB Home add attractive finished space down there, including for a home office. But others prefer not to drag along lots of stuff from their older places, and like the added affordability.
With those kinds of prices, I talked with one buyer from Castle Rock last week, shopping not for herself, but for a daughter and son-in-law, anxious to move here from Los Angeles, where they rent.
That added competition is rapidly absorbing KB Home’s remaining homes—now only around a quarter of its 101 sites still available after less than two years of sales. Terrain is a half-mile east of Founders Parkway on Highway 86; or from Castle Rock’s downtown head east on Fifth Street two miles.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Braden Miller, Kaden Weatherby continue Eaglecrest tradition of elite offensive linemen: “We call th

Braden Miller, Kaden Weatherby continue Eaglecrest tradition of elite offensive linemen: “We call them the twins”

Eaglecrest offensive linemen Braden Miller and Kaden Weatherby will make you doubletake upon first glance .
From their choice of top-tier college football scholarship offers , to their towering 6-foot-6 frames , to the blonde hair that spills out from their helmets while smothering opponents , it ’ s difficult to pick them apart .
“ We call them the twins , ” Eaglecrest coach Shawn Marsh said .
“ They ’ re the same height , the same weight , and they ’ ve even got the same flow with the long hair.
” A friendship that began in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion .
Miller and Weatherby , junior offensive tackles this fall , anchor arguably the best prep offensive line across all of Colorado this season — and it ’ s no coincidence for Eaglecrest ( 2-0 ) .
The Raptors have three recent graduates on Power Five football rosters this fall : Kaden ’ s older brother , Barrett Miller ( Stanford ) , Reece Atteberry ( Michigan ) and Jake Wylie ( Colorado ) .
Kaden Miller and Weatherby , currently undecided on their college destinations , are up next for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Arizona State , CU , Kansas State and Michigan State included — have offered scholarships to both Miller and Weatherby .
Marsh said his remaining three starters up front , all juniors , also have a future playing college football at some level .
So , how do you explain the surplus of college-ready Eaglecrest offensive linemen ?
“ There are a bunch of big , strong kids living in all of our areas , ” Marsh said .
“ I think the youth football programs here do a good job of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids to continue playing football .
… All the high school coaches know what ’ s coming into their system .
It ’ s fun to watch the games and know which kids are supposed to be coming to your school .
“ But it ’ s difficult to tell in eighth grade how good a kid is going to be.
” What ’ s separated Miller and Weatherby is an unsurpassed work ethic , witnessed first-hand by Marsh and Matt McChesney , the owner and operator of Six Zero Strength + Fitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love what I do so much is because of guys like this , ” said McChesney , whose full-service athletic training facility has helped send hundreds of area athletes to college football programs over the last decade .
“ They both know they ’ re good and they both know they have a ton of potential .
They don ’ t rest on it .
They work on it .
… I can ’ t keep Miller and Weatherby out of the gym .
I have to tell them to take days off.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has helped pave the way for an explosive Eaglecrest offense .
Through two games , the Raptors have already amassed 961 yards and 10 touchdowns against Centennial League powers Cherokee Trail and Grandview .
That includes a dominant ground game with senior running back JP Luketu averaging 163 yards rushing per contest with six total TDs .
“ I believe we have one of the best offensive lines in the state of Colorado , for sure , ” Miller said .
“ It ’ s good to see the work you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off in the run game.
” Tracking the former Eaglecrest High School offensive lineman that are currently on major college football rosters in 2020 .
Barrett Miller , Stanford : A sophomore who played in 11 games ( eight starts ) at left guard last season for the Cardinal .
Jake Wylie , Colorado : A redshirt freshman who chose CU over offers from Oklahoma State , Arizona State and others .

Eaglecrest offensive linemen Braden Miller and Kaden Weatherby will make you doubletake upon first glance.
From their choice of top-tier college football scholarship offers, to their towering 6-foot-6 frames, to the blonde hair that spills out from their helmets while smothering opponents, it’s difficult to pick them apart.
“We call them the twins,” Eaglecrest coach Shawn Marsh said. “They’re the same height, the same weight, and they’ve even got the same flow with the long hair.”
A friendship that began in sixth grade blossomed into a shared football passion. Miller and Weatherby, junior offensive tackles this fall, anchor arguably the best prep offensive line across all of Colorado this season — and it’s no coincidence for Eaglecrest (2-0).
The Raptors have three recent graduates on Power Five football rosters this fall: Kaden’s older brother, Barrett Miller (Stanford), Reece Atteberry (Michigan) and Jake Wylie (Colorado). Kaden Miller and Weatherby, currently undecided on their college destinations, are up next for the Class of 2022.
Several major programs — Arizona State, CU, Kansas State and Michigan State included — have offered scholarships to both Miller and Weatherby. Marsh said his remaining three starters up front, all juniors, also have a future playing college football at some level.
So, how do you explain the surplus of college-ready Eaglecrest offensive linemen?
“There are a bunch of big, strong kids living in all of our areas,” Marsh said. “I think the youth football programs here do a good job of getting those kids excited and wanting those kids to continue playing football. … All the high school coaches know what’s coming into their system. It’s fun to watch the games and know which kids are supposed to be coming to your school.
“But it’s difficult to tell in eighth grade how good a kid is going to be.”
What’s separated Miller and Weatherby is an unsurpassed work ethic, witnessed first-hand by Marsh and Matt McChesney, the owner and operator of Six Zero Strength + Fitness in Centennial.
“The reason I love what I do so much is because of guys like this,” said McChesney, whose full-service athletic training facility has helped send hundreds of area athletes to college football programs over the last decade. “They both know they’re good and they both know they have a ton of potential. They don’t rest on it. They work on it. … I can’t keep Miller and Weatherby out of the gym. I have to tell them to take days off.”
Miller and Weatherby’s dedication has helped pave the way for an explosive Eaglecrest offense.
Through two games, the Raptors have already amassed 961 yards and 10 touchdowns against Centennial League powers Cherokee Trail and Grandview. That includes a dominant ground game with senior running back JP Luketu averaging 163 yards rushing per contest with six total TDs.
“I believe we have one of the best offensive lines in the state of Colorado, for sure,” Miller said. “It’s good to see the work you’re putting in on every play is paying off in the run game.”
EAGLECREST O-LINEMEN IN FBS
Tracking the former Eaglecrest High School offensive lineman that are currently on major college football rosters in 2020.
Reece Atteberry, Michigan: A true freshman with 20+ scholarship offers from major college football programs.
Barrett Miller, Stanford: A sophomore who played in 11 games (eight starts) at left guard last season for the Cardinal.
Jake Wylie, Colorado: A redshirt freshman who chose CU over offers from Oklahoma State, Arizona State and others.


thedenverpost--2020-10-22--Rapids return from COVID outbreak directly into playoff picture

When the Rapids take the field at Children ’ s Mercy Park on Saturday , it ’ ll be the first time the team has played in 31 days .
With five games scheduled for the following 15 days , and another five games yet to be made up , the Rapids have a tall task ahead of them in their return from a franchise-wide COVID-19 outbreak .
It all starts with their first match Saturday against Sporting Kansas City , as the Rapids attempt to end their MLS playoff drought .
Kansas City is just one point below Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standings while the Rapids sit at 19 points — two back of a playoff spot .
Though Major League Soccer has yet to determine how the eight playoff teams will be decided , it ’ s unlikely the Rapids will be able to make up 10 games before Decision Day .
Thus , it ’ s possible a points-per-game model will be used , which would place Colorado currently at fourth — just behind Kansas City .
“ I just don ’ t think it really matters what anybody thinks , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of soccer games here and whether it ’ s four games , five games or 10 games over the next couple of weeks we have to get ready , ” Robin Fraser said .
“ The league is gon na decide how to proceed in this unprecedented year , and we have to comply.
” Rapids players know there is no fair solution to the playoff picture , given that they might end up playing five fewer games than the rest of MLS .
Points per game would weigh each Rapids game disproportionately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by total points would punish them for being unable to complete their schedule .
“ I don ’ t really know what is the fair solution , ” Jonathan Lewis said .
“ I think it ’ s something that in this scenario that they should let the teams vote on it .
Do we do straight-up points ?
Do we do points per game ?
” The Rapids returned to practice earlier this week , and held an an intra-squad scrimmage Wednesday .
Those who previously tested positive for COVID-19 are out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get back to the facility .
“ Time away takes away from your natural readiness and to go in and think that you are ready , is naive , ” Fraser said about Saturday .
“ We have to go into this understanding that this game is going to be an absolute battle , because they ’ re in rhythm they ’ ve been playing .
We haven ’ t been .
And there ’ s going to be an absolute struggle to get up to speed quickly and adapt quickly.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Rapids will look like after a third 30-plus day hiatus .
Based on history , it could go poorly .
The Rapids were bounced from MLS is Back Tournament in three games after the first hiatus ended in July , and pounded 4-1 by Real Salt Lake at Dick ’ s Sporting Goods Park on Aug. 22 after the second .
“ We ’ ve all thought about the fact that it didn ’ t go well when we came back to competitive games , ” Jack Price said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month scale , now we really need to switch on mentally .
It ’ s more concentration when you come back after a bit of a layoff because fatigue sets in .
When you get tired , you go to sleep a little bit .
That ’ s what we did in Orlando , we just lost a bit of concentration here and there and it cost us .
”

When the Rapids take the field at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday, it’ll be the first time the team has played in 31 days.
With five games scheduled for the following 15 days, and another five games yet to be made up, the Rapids have a tall task ahead of them in their return from a franchise-wide COVID-19 outbreak.
It all starts with their first match Saturday against Sporting Kansas City, as the Rapids attempt to end their MLS playoff drought. Kansas City is just one point below Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders FC in the standings while the Rapids sit at 19 points — two back of a playoff spot.
Though Major League Soccer has yet to determine how the eight playoff teams will be decided, it’s unlikely the Rapids will be able to make up 10 games before Decision Day. Thus, it’s possible a points-per-game model will be used, which would place Colorado currently at fourth — just behind Kansas City.
“I just don’t think it really matters what anybody thinks, we have to get ready to play a bunch of soccer games here and whether it’s four games, five games or 10 games over the next couple of weeks we have to get ready,” Robin Fraser said. “The league is gonna decide how to proceed in this unprecedented year, and we have to comply.”
Rapids players know there is no fair solution to the playoff picture, given that they might end up playing five fewer games than the rest of MLS. Points per game would weigh each Rapids game disproportionately to their peers, while awarding spots by total points would punish them for being unable to complete their schedule.
“I don’t really know what is the fair solution,” Jonathan Lewis said. “I think it’s something that in this scenario that they should let the teams vote on it. Do we do straight-up points? Do we do points per game?”
The Rapids returned to practice earlier this week, and held an an intra-squad scrimmage Wednesday. Those who previously tested positive for COVID-19 are out of quarantine and have recovered well enough to get back to the facility.
“Time away takes away from your natural readiness and to go in and think that you are ready, is naive,” Fraser said about Saturday. “We have to go into this understanding that this game is going to be an absolute battle, because they’re in rhythm they’ve been playing. We haven’t been. And there’s going to be an absolute struggle to get up to speed quickly and adapt quickly.”
It’s a mystery to everyone what the Rapids will look like after a third 30-plus day hiatus. Based on history, it could go poorly. The Rapids were bounced from MLS is Back Tournament in three games after the first hiatus ended in July, and pounded 4-1 by Real Salt Lake at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Aug. 22 after the second.
“We’ve all thought about the fact that it didn’t go well when we came back to competitive games,” Jack Price said. “We’ve had another break of a month scale, now we really need to switch on mentally. It’s more concentration when you come back after a bit of a layoff because fatigue sets in. When you get tired, you go to sleep a little bit. That’s what we did in Orlando, we just lost a bit of concentration here and there and it cost us.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-22--Heading for the ‘burbs: Master-planned Reunion sees rapid sales as families migrate toward space, in

Heading for the ‘burbs: Master-planned Reunion sees rapid sales as families migrate toward space, indoors and out

To see what ’ s driving fast home sales in Colorado at a time of year when they generally slacken off , come tour what builders are offering at Reunion , the master-planned community at E. 104th Avenue and Tower Road , on the way to DIA .
Buyers there are exploring big-family homes that are crafted exactly for the demographics that Denver is starting to see in a new decade—as millennials move into their late twenties and thirties , years when kids arrive .
At Reunion , the big selection of family-oriented homes are matched to parks and trails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buyers were getting in the urban Denver areas where they bought—or rented— earlier on .
“ Those amenities offer so much to buyers , as opposed to settling for something without , ” says Tina Martelon , Vice President of Sales & Marketing for TRI Pointe Homes—with three single-family Crescendo models you can tour opposite from Reunion ’ s rec center on the community ’ s 52-acre centerpiece park .
“ Covid hasn ’ t really seemed to hinder us , ” Martelon adds , tracking lots of visitors and six home sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened .
Rather , she says , the experience of working from home has people looking more closely at where they ’ re spending lots of their time .
Reunion ’ s master developer Oakwood Homes is seeing the same thing in buyers touring three new collections it offers—including nine Meridian and Horizon models you can view , and a new area of home sites where you could order a home for 2021 move-in close to Buffalo Run Golf Course , with a full-wide 3-car garage included , and keep your final price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also offers new ‘ Sterling Duet ’ paired homes from just over $ 300,000 .
Over fifty of those have already sold , well before the models have been completed .
You can also tour Richmond American Homes ’ ‘ Back Nine ’ enclave close to the golf course .
All three builders have homes on track to deliver soon—including three from TRI Pointe , sized 2,200 to 2,900 sq .
feet and priced from $ 474,042 ; on track to have you moved into Reunion before the holidays .
That price is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver area home price last month .
Builders say that kind of affordability is driving sales to Reunion at a moment when interest rates are very low , when Colorado is luring buyers from out of state , and when that millennial demographic is taking a new interest in suburban living .
Be sure to ask about Reunion Center , the community ’ s newest expansion of amenities , to include a 5-day/week STEAD school that 27J Schools plans to open in 2021 ; along with an event center , baseball complex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An events center , ice pavilion , baseball complex , and a market and food hall are on the way , as well .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

To see what’s driving fast home sales in Colorado at a time of year when they generally slacken off, come tour what builders are offering at Reunion, the master-planned community at E. 104th Avenue and Tower Road, on the way to DIA. Buyers there are exploring big-family homes that are crafted exactly for the demographics that Denver is starting to see in a new decade—as millennials move into their late twenties and thirties, years when kids arrive.
Master-planned Reunion in Commerce City What: Master-planned community with 14 models by Oakwood, TRI Pointe & Richmond American; 10 miles of trail, 152 acres of parks, lakes, 21,000-ft rec center; Reunion Center & STEAD school coming
Master-planned community with 14 models by Oakwood, TRI Pointe & Richmond American; 10 miles of trail, 152 acres of parks, lakes, 21,000-ft rec center; Reunion Center & STEAD school coming Where: 10601 Reunion Pkwy, Commerce City; from DIA/Peña Blvd take Tower Rd. north to E. 104th; west 1/2 mi. to Reunion Pkwy; or from U.S. 85 take E. 104th Ave east 5 miles to Reunion Pkwy.
10601 Reunion Pkwy, Commerce City; from DIA/Peña Blvd take Tower Rd. north to E. 104th; west 1/2 mi. to Reunion Pkwy; or from U.S. 85 take E. 104th Ave east 5 miles to Reunion Pkwy. Price: Oakwood from low $3s, TRI Pointe from low $4s, Richmond Am from mid-$5s
Oakwood from low $3s, TRI Pointe from low $4s, Richmond Am from mid-$5s When: Sun Oct 25 & daily 10-to-6
Sun Oct 25 & daily 10-to-6 Oakwood Phone: 303-486-8915
303-486-8915 Richmond American Phone: 303-289-1853
303-289-1853 TRI Pointe Homes Phone: 720-677-5033
720-677-5033 More Info: ReunionCO.com
At Reunion, the big selection of family-oriented homes are matched to parks and trails that are totally unlike what those same buyers were getting in the urban Denver areas where they bought—or rented— earlier on.
“Those amenities offer so much to buyers, as opposed to settling for something without,” says Tina Martelon, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for TRI Pointe Homes—with three single-family Crescendo models you can tour opposite from Reunion’s rec center on the community’s 52-acre centerpiece park.
“Covid hasn’t really seemed to hinder us,” Martelon adds, tracking lots of visitors and six home sales in just a month since those models opened. Rather, she says, the experience of working from home has people looking more closely at where they’re spending lots of their time.
Reunion’s master developer Oakwood Homes is seeing the same thing in buyers touring three new collections it offers—including nine Meridian and Horizon models you can view, and a new area of home sites where you could order a home for 2021 move-in close to Buffalo Run Golf Course, with a full-wide 3-car garage included, and keep your final price in the low $400,000s.
Oakwood also offers new ‘Sterling Duet’ paired homes from just over $300,000. Over fifty of those have already sold, well before the models have been completed.
You can also tour Richmond American Homes’ ‘Back Nine’ enclave close to the golf course. All three builders have homes on track to deliver soon—including three from TRI Pointe, sized 2,200 to 2,900 sq. feet and priced from $474,042; on track to have you moved into Reunion before the holidays.
That price is almost $20,000 less than the median Denver area home price last month. Builders say that kind of affordability is driving sales to Reunion at a moment when interest rates are very low, when Colorado is luring buyers from out of state, and when that millennial demographic is taking a new interest in suburban living.
Be sure to ask about Reunion Center, the community’s newest expansion of amenities, to include a 5-day/week STEAD school that 27J Schools plans to open in 2021; along with an event center, baseball complex, and a market and food hall.
An events center, ice pavilion, baseball complex, and a market and food hall are on the way, as well.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-22--7 Benefits of Going Ductless

7 Benefits of Going Ductless

With summer swiftly approaching , we ’ ll do anything to stay comfortable beneath the sweltering heat .
This begs the question : how do you know what kind of air conditioning system is best for your specific needs ?
After all , every home is different .
If you haven ’ t heard of a ductless system , now is the time to see what it ’ s all about .
Instead of relying on ducts for forced circulation , a ductless system delivers hot or cold air directly into your room via an easy-to-install wall unit .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelling reasons to invest in this comprehensive HVAC solution for consistent indoor comfort : We ’ re not ones to bury the lead .
The simple reality is that ductless systems tend to be more cost-effective than other options .
Inefficient forced air units can skyrocket your monthly bills .
But the more compact ductless option delivers air directly into each room , minimizing wasted energy and promoting efficiency .
Ductless systems aren ’ t just better for your wallet – they ’ re better for the world around you .
The greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home ’ s carbon footprint by saving energy .
This in turn makes a huge impact on our surrounding environment .
There ’ s nothing quite as satisfying as doing your part to preserve the planet simply by running a more energy-efficient home .
Traditional HVAC systems require regular maintenance and professional cleaning services to rid them of stubborn dust and allergens .
But these days , many ductless systems feature a multi-stage filtration process that gets to work immediately reducing dust , pollen , and allergens in the air .
The result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space – a must-have for promoting a healthy living environment .
If fast turnaround and minimal upheaval are top priorities , then you ’ ll benefit instantly from choosing a ductless system .
The traditional large duct system can take up to several weeks to fully install and requires a heavy investment of time , labor , and construction to complete .
With a ductless air system , the installation is as simple as a single day ’ s work – and it won ’ t disturb your current setup .
5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do your kids like sleeping in the frigid cold while you stay bundled up beneath layers of blankets ?
Central air systems can incite household squabbles when each family member has a different temperature preference .
But that problem is completely eliminated when you install ductless air systems .
With the ability to control the individual climate of each room , everyone gets to feel their most comfortable .
White noise isn ’ t always necessary .
While traditional HVAC systems often come with a distracting hum that keeps the best of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you the much-needed silence you crave .
This is largely due to the fact that the majority of the unit is placed outside your home .
The bulk of the operations are barely noticeable , leaving you to enjoy nothing but the fresh , cool air the system provides .
Let ’ s think long term .
When next winter rolls around , you ’ ll be happy to have an HVAC system that controls your heat , too .
A ductless air system controls your home ’ s heat as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the coldest months and drastically reducing the cost of staying warm .
It ’ s an all-in-one heating and cooling system that promotes year-long savings !
It ’ s up to you to decide which HVAC option is best for your household ’ s needs .
But there are no two ways about it – the many benefits of installing a ductless system are impossible to ignore .
If energy efficiency and a cost-effective option top your list of priorities , then a ductless system may be just right for you !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

With summer swiftly approaching, we’ll do anything to stay comfortable beneath the sweltering heat. This begs the question: how do you know what kind of air conditioning system is best for your specific needs? After all, every home is different. If you haven’t heard of a ductless system, now is the time to see what it’s all about.
Instead of relying on ducts for forced circulation, a ductless system delivers hot or cold air directly into your room via an easy-to-install wall unit. We’ve compiled 7 of the most compelling reasons to invest in this comprehensive HVAC solution for consistent indoor comfort:
Doctor Fix It
1. Save Money:
We’re not ones to bury the lead. The simple reality is that ductless systems tend to be more cost-effective than other options. Inefficient forced air units can skyrocket your monthly bills. But the more compact ductless option delivers air directly into each room, minimizing wasted energy and promoting efficiency.
2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:
Ductless systems aren’t just better for your wallet – they’re better for the world around you. The greater efficiency of these systems helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint by saving energy. This in turn makes a huge impact on our surrounding environment. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as doing your part to preserve the planet simply by running a more energy-efficient home.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality:
Traditional HVAC systems require regular maintenance and professional cleaning services to rid them of stubborn dust and allergens. But these days, many ductless systems feature a multi-stage filtration process that gets to work immediately reducing dust, pollen, and allergens in the air. The result is a supremely clean and breathable indoor space – a must-have for promoting a healthy living environment.
Doctor Fix It
4. Enjoy Easy Installation:
If fast turnaround and minimal upheaval are top priorities, then you’ll benefit instantly from choosing a ductless system. The traditional large duct system can take up to several weeks to fully install and requires a heavy investment of time, labor, and construction to complete. With a ductless air system, the installation is as simple as a single day’s work – and it won’t disturb your current setup.
5. Make Everyone in Your Household Happy:
Do your kids like sleeping in the frigid cold while you stay bundled up beneath layers of blankets? Central air systems can incite household squabbles when each family member has a different temperature preference. But that problem is completely eliminated when you install ductless air systems. With the ability to control the individual climate of each room, everyone gets to feel their most comfortable.
6. Bask in the Silent Operation:
White noise isn’t always necessary. While traditional HVAC systems often come with a distracting hum that keeps the best of us awake at night, ductless systems offer you the much-needed silence you crave. This is largely due to the fact that the majority of the unit is placed outside your home. The bulk of the operations are barely noticeable, leaving you to enjoy nothing but the fresh, cool air the system provides.
Doctor Fix It
7. Ductless Systems Provide Heat, Too:
Let’s think long term. When next winter rolls around, you’ll be happy to have an HVAC system that controls your heat, too. A ductless air system controls your home’s heat as well as its cool air, keeping you warm through the coldest months and drastically reducing the cost of staying warm. It’s an all-in-one heating and cooling system that promotes year-long savings!
It’s up to you to decide which HVAC option is best for your household’s needs. But there are no two ways about it – the many benefits of installing a ductless system are impossible to ignore. If energy efficiency and a cost-effective option top your list of priorities, then a ductless system may be just right for you!
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--COVID-19 triggered seismic shifts in the U.S. economy

Long after a vaccine is widely distributed and a sense of normalcy returns , the changes the COVID-19 outbreak has wrought will continue to reshape the U.S. economy for years to come , according to economists at The Conference Board .
“ By 2022 and 2023 the pandemic will be behind us .
What will the economy and labor market look like beyond the pandemic ?
” asked Gad Levanon , head of the Labor Markets Institute at The Conference Board , during a webinar Thursday .
The U.S. economy went from having its worst downturn since the Great Depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock , like an earthquake , widened several fault lines already in play , chief among them the migration to online retail , the acceptance of remote work arrangements , industry concentration , and the rise of automation .
“ Remote work is productive .
People are finding the work is getting done , ” said Elizabeth Crofoot a senior economist specializing in labor markets at The Conference Board .
More online ads are offering remote work as an option and employers and workers are more comfortable with working at home .
Offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same level as before .
That carries implications for city centers , which won ’ t be as popular as they once were even after the pandemic passes .
Although unemployment rates remain elevated both nationally at 7.9 % , and in Colorado at 6.7 % , labor markets don ’ t have the slack typically associated with recessions .
Employers report having a hard time finding help .
“ Typically , when unemployment rates are high , companies find it easy to recruit .
This time it is not the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levanon said .
Many workers in the hardest-hit industries are waiting patiently to be called back , staying attached to jobs that may or may not return .
Others are concerned about catching the virus and are laying low , while some parents , unable to find adequate child care , aren ’ t available to work .
Difficulties finding workers in some industries , like technology , will combine with the wider acceptance of remote work arrangements to push employers to look more widely for the help they need , including overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentive some employers have to automate jobs .
The financial stress associated with closures and reduced sales have already or will sink many smaller and medium-sized firms , resulting in increased industry concentration .
Local government budgets are also under pressure , which will weigh on any recovery .
Levanon expects the increase in COVID-19 cases with colder weather and the inability to reach an agreement on stimulus will slow the recovery in the months ahead .
“ The next time we will have a boost in economic growth will be when there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are less afraid of going out and about , ” he predicts .

Long after a vaccine is widely distributed and a sense of normalcy returns, the changes the COVID-19 outbreak has wrought will continue to reshape the U.S. economy for years to come, according to economists at The Conference Board.
“By 2022 and 2023 the pandemic will be behind us. What will the economy and labor market look like beyond the pandemic?” asked Gad Levanon, head of the Labor Markets Institute at The Conference Board, during a webinar Thursday.
The U.S. economy went from having its worst downturn since the Great Depression to its swiftest recovery. But that shock, like an earthquake, widened several fault lines already in play, chief among them the migration to online retail, the acceptance of remote work arrangements, industry concentration, and the rise of automation.
“Remote work is productive. People are finding the work is getting done,” said Elizabeth Crofoot a senior economist specializing in labor markets at The Conference Board.
More online ads are offering remote work as an option and employers and workers are more comfortable with working at home. Offices will reopen, but not on the same level as before. That carries implications for city centers, which won’t be as popular as they once were even after the pandemic passes.
Although unemployment rates remain elevated both nationally at 7.9%, and in Colorado at 6.7%, labor markets don’t have the slack typically associated with recessions. Employers report having a hard time finding help.
“Typically, when unemployment rates are high, companies find it easy to recruit. This time it is not the case. People are not actively looking,” Levanon said.
Many workers in the hardest-hit industries are waiting patiently to be called back, staying attached to jobs that may or may not return. Others are concerned about catching the virus and are laying low, while some parents, unable to find adequate child care, aren’t available to work.
Difficulties finding workers in some industries, like technology, will combine with the wider acceptance of remote work arrangements to push employers to look more widely for the help they need, including overseas. It will also add to the incentive some employers have to automate jobs.
The financial stress associated with closures and reduced sales have already or will sink many smaller and medium-sized firms, resulting in increased industry concentration. Local government budgets are also under pressure, which will weigh on any recovery.
Levanon expects the increase in COVID-19 cases with colder weather and the inability to reach an agreement on stimulus will slow the recovery in the months ahead.
“The next time we will have a boost in economic growth will be when there are clear timelines for treatment, when people are less afraid of going out and about,” he predicts.


thedenverpost--2020-10-23--Funeral homes owned by a Colorado coroner under investigation following discovery of unrefrigerated

Funeral homes owned by a Colorado coroner under investigation following discovery of unrefrigerated body, unlabeled cremains

Funeral homes in Leadville and Gypsum are under criminal investigation after authorities this month found an unrefrigerated body , bags of unlabeled cremains , an abandoned stillborn infant and at least one instance in which a family received cremains for their stillborn child mixed with bits of adult body parts and metal fragments .
The owner of the funeral homes , Shannon Kent , is also Lake County ’ s coroner .
He ’ s already facing charges of official misconduct and perjury stemming from allegations last year that he sent his wife Staci to multiple death scenes — even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve as a deputy coroner .
Kent has not been arrested in this latest incident and no charges have been filed , though the two funeral homes ’ business licenses have been suspended by the state .
The Lake County Sheriff ’ s Office confirmed an active criminal investigation is underway .
Shannon and Staci Kent did not respond to interview requests from The Denver Post .
Details of Shannon Kent ’ s operations come on the heels of a Montrose funeral home that made international headlines in 2018 after an FBI raid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s operators , Megan Hess and Shirley Koch , were indicted by a federal grand jury in March for allegedly shipping body parts all over the world against the will of family members , who found out years later that the ashes in their homes were not those of their loved ones .
The investigation of Kent ’ s funeral homes began in February after the sheriff ’ s office received a complaint by a client regarding the handling of human remains .
On Oct. 2 , the Lake and Eagle county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrant at the Bailey-Kent Funeral Home in Leadville , where deputies “ encountered a strong odor of decomposition , ” according to an Oct. 13 summary suspension issued by the state ’ s Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration , before finding : • Used body bags , medical gloves and other surgical equipment with dried bodily fluid on them piled on the floor • Bodily fluids leaking out of a body bag containing an individual who had not been refrigerated • Several bodies in refrigeration wrapped in sheets or blankets without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casket containing a stillborn infant that was “ abandoned , ” the suspension order states • Paperwork “ scattered several feet deep on the floor ” In addition to the Leadville funeral home , the state issued suspension orders for the Kent Funeral Home Gypsum .
The suspension order details a 2019 instance in which an unnamed individual arranged with Kent ’ s funeral home for the cremation of their stillborn child .
That individual , referred to in the order only as “ E.W.
, ” received no notice that the cremation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , one of six locations Kent operates in Colorado ’ s high country .
E.W .
did not receive a contract for funeral services , and only received the cremains after several calls to Kent , the order states .
After receiving the cremains , E.W .
felt they were too heavy to be those of a stillborn child , and submitted them for analysis .
That ’ s when E.W .
found out the cremains contained ashes from an infant , but also “ long bone fragments of an older/larger adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension order .
Kent also operates funeral homes in Silverthorne , Idaho Springs , Fairplay and Buena Vista .
He has served as Lake County coroner since 2012 and was reelected to a four-year term in November 2018 .
Records from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies show this was not the first time Kent has been in the crosshairs of state regulators .
On March 16 , the director of the Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration sent Kent a “ letter of admonition ” after a state investigator found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gypsum funeral home more than 24 hours from the date of death .
Kent also still faces second-degree official misconduct charges stemming from a September 2019 grand jury indictment in the Fifth Judicial District .
The indictment accuses Kent of allowing his wife to go out to death scenes as a deputy coroner , even though she took no oath and an appointment had not been filed with the county clerk , as required by law .
On at least three occasions , Staci Kent allegedly responded to calls from law enforcement requesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the indictment .
In one instance , on March 10 , 2019 , Staci Kent was “ significantly delayed to the scene because the van she was using to pick up the body had a dead battery , bald tires and was buried in snow , ” prosecutors alleged .
“ Further , the van was holding two other bodies that needed to be removed.
” In another call two months later , Staci Kent responded to a death scene without a body bag , the indictment states , which led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The confrontation escalated when Shannon Kent allegedly called Lake County Sheriff Amy Reyes and threatened her with arrest for questioning his wife ’ s decision not to use the body bag , prosecutors said .
After reading the state ’ s suspension order this week , two women told The Denver Post that the circumstances surrounding “ E.W.
” sound eerily familiar .
In February 2018 , Lina Cavanagh lost her baby at an advanced stage of pregnancy — a loss that took its toll on her , both physically and emotionally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression until I lost my baby , ” Cavanagh said .
As she mourned the loss of her son , Cavanagh was referred to the Kent Funeral Home in Gypsum to do the cremation .
But days went by and she couldn ’ t reach anyone .
No one would pick up the phone .
No one returned her voicemails .
Finally , after a month , she got Staci Kent on the phone and laid into her , asking why she hadn ’ t heard anything about her son ’ s cremains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A few days later , she was able to pick up the cremains , but like E.W.
, Cavanagh received no paperwork .
Chantal Reh , an Avon resident , went through a similar experience when she suffered a stillborn birth in August 2018 .
The Bailey-Kent Funeral Home was the only option given to her for cremation under a certain weight , she said .
And much like E.W .
and Cavanagh , Reh had an immensely difficult time reaching the Kents , the phone ringing unanswered for weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funeral home with the expectation that they would see their baby .
The couple got dressed up in matching outfits and brought a special camera .
Staci Kent , however , wouldn ’ t let them see the baby , Reh said .
All they got was the urn and a death certificate — no other paperwork .
“ Now it ’ s possible it ’ s not my baby in the urn , ” Reh said .
Both Reh and Cavanagh said they want to get the ashes analyzed at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually belong to their babies .
They both plan to file complaints with the Department of Regulatory Affairs .
Now the women wonder how many others might have had the same experience .
“ I went through a very bad crisis losing the baby , ” Cavanagh said .
“ Seeing how this chapter is opening up again is incredible , it ’ s unbelievable .
This whole situation , oh , I thought it was part of my past .
”

Funeral homes in Leadville and Gypsum are under criminal investigation after authorities this month found an unrefrigerated body, bags of unlabeled cremains, an abandoned stillborn infant and at least one instance in which a family received cremains for their stillborn child mixed with bits of adult body parts and metal fragments.
The owner of the funeral homes, Shannon Kent, is also Lake County’s coroner. He’s already facing charges of official misconduct and perjury stemming from allegations last year that he sent his wife Staci to multiple death scenes — even though she wasn’t authorized to serve as a deputy coroner.
Kent has not been arrested in this latest incident and no charges have been filed, though the two funeral homes’ business licenses have been suspended by the state. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an active criminal investigation is underway.
Shannon and Staci Kent did not respond to interview requests from The Denver Post.
Details of Shannon Kent’s operations come on the heels of a Montrose funeral home that made international headlines in 2018 after an FBI raid and subsequent two-year investigation.
Sunset Mesa’s operators, Megan Hess and Shirley Koch, were indicted by a federal grand jury in March for allegedly shipping body parts all over the world against the will of family members, who found out years later that the ashes in their homes were not those of their loved ones.
The investigation of Kent’s funeral homes began in February after the sheriff’s office received a complaint by a client regarding the handling of human remains.
On Oct. 2, the Lake and Eagle county sheriff’s departments executed a search warrant at the Bailey-Kent Funeral Home in Leadville, where deputies “encountered a strong odor of decomposition,” according to an Oct. 13 summary suspension issued by the state’s Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration, before finding:
Used body bags, medical gloves and other surgical equipment with dried bodily fluid on them piled on the floor
Bodily fluids leaking out of a body bag containing an individual who had not been refrigerated
Numerous bags of unlabeled cremains
A container of animal remains leaking fluids
Several bodies in refrigeration wrapped in sheets or blankets without identifying tags or paperwork
An unmarked casket containing a stillborn infant that was “abandoned,” the suspension order states
Paperwork “scattered several feet deep on the floor”
In addition to the Leadville funeral home, the state issued suspension orders for the Kent Funeral Home Gypsum.
Mixed cremains
The suspension order details a 2019 instance in which an unnamed individual arranged with Kent’s funeral home for the cremation of their stillborn child. That individual, referred to in the order only as “E.W.,” received no notice that the cremation would be done at the Gypsum funeral home, one of six locations Kent operates in Colorado’s high country.
E.W. did not receive a contract for funeral services, and only received the cremains after several calls to Kent, the order states. After receiving the cremains, E.W. felt they were too heavy to be those of a stillborn child, and submitted them for analysis.
That’s when E.W. found out the cremains contained ashes from an infant, but also “long bone fragments of an older/larger adult individual and metal,” according to the suspension order.
Kent also operates funeral homes in Silverthorne, Idaho Springs, Fairplay and Buena Vista. He has served as Lake County coroner since 2012 and was reelected to a four-year term in November 2018.
Records from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies show this was not the first time Kent has been in the crosshairs of state regulators.
On March 16, the director of the Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration sent Kent a “letter of admonition” after a state investigator found unembalmed, unrefrigerated bodily remains in his Gypsum funeral home more than 24 hours from the date of death.
Kent also still faces second-degree official misconduct charges stemming from a September 2019 grand jury indictment in the Fifth Judicial District.
The indictment accuses Kent of allowing his wife to go out to death scenes as a deputy coroner, even though she took no oath and an appointment had not been filed with the county clerk, as required by law.
On at least three occasions, Staci Kent allegedly responded to calls from law enforcement requesting a coroner at a death scene, according to the indictment.
In one instance, on March 10, 2019, Staci Kent was “significantly delayed to the scene because the van she was using to pick up the body had a dead battery, bald tires and was buried in snow,” prosecutors alleged. “Further, the van was holding two other bodies that needed to be removed.”
In another call two months later, Staci Kent responded to a death scene without a body bag, the indictment states, which led to an argument with law enforcement. The confrontation escalated when Shannon Kent allegedly called Lake County Sheriff Amy Reyes and threatened her with arrest for questioning his wife’s decision not to use the body bag, prosecutors said.
“Part of my past”
After reading the state’s suspension order this week, two women told The Denver Post that the circumstances surrounding “E.W.” sound eerily familiar.
In February 2018, Lina Cavanagh lost her baby at an advanced stage of pregnancy — a loss that took its toll on her, both physically and emotionally.
“I didn’t believe in depression until I lost my baby,” Cavanagh said.
As she mourned the loss of her son, Cavanagh was referred to the Kent Funeral Home in Gypsum to do the cremation. But days went by and she couldn’t reach anyone. No one would pick up the phone. No one returned her voicemails.
Finally, after a month, she got Staci Kent on the phone and laid into her, asking why she hadn’t heard anything about her son’s cremains. Kent kept giving excuses, Cavanagh said.
A few days later, she was able to pick up the cremains, but like E.W., Cavanagh received no paperwork.
Chantal Reh, an Avon resident, went through a similar experience when she suffered a stillborn birth in August 2018.
The Bailey-Kent Funeral Home was the only option given to her for cremation under a certain weight, she said.
And much like E.W. and Cavanagh, Reh had an immensely difficult time reaching the Kents, the phone ringing unanswered for weeks.
Finally Reh and her boyfriend went to the funeral home with the expectation that they would see their baby. The couple got dressed up in matching outfits and brought a special camera.
Staci Kent, however, wouldn’t let them see the baby, Reh said. All they got was the urn and a death certificate — no other paperwork.
“Now it’s possible it’s not my baby in the urn,” Reh said.
Both Reh and Cavanagh said they want to get the ashes analyzed at the University of Colorado to see if they actually belong to their babies. They both plan to file complaints with the Department of Regulatory Affairs.
Now the women wonder how many others might have had the same experience.
“I went through a very bad crisis losing the baby,” Cavanagh said. “Seeing how this chapter is opening up again is incredible, it’s unbelievable. This whole situation, oh, I thought it was part of my past.”