thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Colorado oil producers hit hard by Saudi, Russian production war and coronavirus uncertainty

The situation for the oil and gas market will likely remain volatile for at least the next couple of months as demand stays low because of coronavirus-fueled drops in activity and oil prices slide , analysts said Monday .
Oil prices plunged after Russia rejected Saudi Arabia ’ s plan for steeper cuts in production .
Saudi Arabia proposed cutting production another 1.5 million barrels on top of existing cuts of 2.1 million barrels agreed to by the so-called Opec+ alliance to stabilize prices .
But when Russia balked , Saudi Arabia said it would increase its production .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per barrel over the weekend , said Bernadette Johnson , vice president of strategic analytics with Enverus , which provides data and intelligence to energy companies .
“ Oil prices took the sharpest downtown since 1991 , ” said Jack Strauss , the Miller Chair of Applied Economics at the University of Denver ’ s Daniels School of Business .
Companies in Colorado felt the blows .
Occidental Petroleum , the dominant producer on Colorado ’ s Front Range , saw its stock closed at $ 12.51 a share , a 52 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 26.86 .
Noble Energy , another major Colorado producer , saw its stock drop 29.8 % Monday and Denver-based PDC Energy ’ s stock fell 48.2 % .
Strauss said when it refused to cut production , Russia made it clear it was taking aim at U.S. oil shale producers .
The U.S. is the world ’ s largest crude oil producer .
Johnson , who chalked up Russia ’ s actions to “ aggressive maneuvering by Saudi Arabia , ” said although prices climbed above $ 30 per barrel Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least until efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus shift to treatment and mitigation of the effects .
Then , quarantines will lift and people and products will start moving more , generating more demand for oil and gas .
“ Now , all eyes are on demand , ” Johnson said .
How oil and gas operators fare in the meantime will depend on how they ’ re positioned physically and financially .
The break-even point for companies in Colorado ’ s Denver-Julesburg Basin differs from parts of the Permian Basin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southeast New Mexico .
Colorado ranks fifth nationally in oil production and sixth in natural gas , according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration .
“ The trouble with the DJ Basin is that if prices stay around $ 32 ( per barrel ) or drop into the $ 20s , that ’ s not economic .
That ’ s below the break-even point , ” Johnson said .
However , in the Permian Basin , companies can make money in many spots at lower prices , Johnson said .
The rates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine the point at which operators break even , make or lose money .
Another problem for the industry is that it was in a bear market before coronavirus hit and Russia and Saudi Arabia clashed , said Strauss .
“ Of all the major sectors , energy has been the lowest performing for over a year , ” Strauss said .
“ Profits have already been low in energy , prices have been low in energy .
So this means they ’ re going to be in trouble.
” At $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil , many U.S. companies will find it unprofitable to drill , Strauss added .
Dan Haley , CEO and president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association trade group , said in an email that the oil and gas industry is resilient , “ especially in Colorado where we have had to endure an aggressive regulatory agenda in recent years.
” The industry has gotten good at cutting production costs , Haley said .
However , if prices stay low enough long enough , Colorado ’ s tax base will be negatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil and gas industry pays about $ 1 billion in taxes annually .
“ In Colorado and across America , we enjoy much greater energy security and related economic benefits than we did 20 years ago , ” Lynn Granger , executive director of American Petroleum Institute-Colorado , said in an email .
“ The reality is that American energy leadership is a stabilizing force in world markets and protects consumers from price fluctuations.
” Johnson said companies that have hedged their positions in the financial markets will be more equipped to ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a company locks in the price it receives for future oil and gas production , protecting it when prices decline .
Before the worldwide coronavirus outbreak and before the blow-up of the pact by Russia and Saudi Arabia , U.S. oil and gas producers were dealing with lower prices amid uncertainty over trade with China .
A clamp-down by lenders demanding that producers pay down debt and free up more cash has led to reduced production .
After completing its acquisition of Anadarko in 2019 , Occidental Petroleum said it would cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.7 billion in 2019 to $ 1 billion this year to reduce its debt .
Anadarko was the dominant producer on the Front Range .
Last week , Exxon Mobil said it will reduce its production in the Permian Basin as the spread of coronavirus slows down the economy .
The company said supply has exceeded demand and the coronavirus has aggravated the predicament .
There are 820 oil and gas rigs working nationwide and 26 in the Denver-Julesburg Basin , Johnson said .
The nationwide total was 1,200 in late 2018 nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But companies , as they have in previous downturns , will become more efficient , scale back and manage their money , Johnson said .
“ This isn ’ t something we haven ’ t seen before and it isn ’ t something we can ’ t weather.
” And Strauss believes Saudi Arabia ’ s stepped-up production will be temporary because it ’ s losing money , too .
“ Saudi Arabia has no incentive to keep it this low , ” he said .
“ Everybody gets hurt .
”

The situation for the oil and gas market will likely remain volatile for at least the next couple of months as demand stays low because of coronavirus-fueled drops in activity and as oil prices slide, analysts said Monday.
Oil prices plunged after Russia rejected Saudi Arabia’s plan for steeper cuts in production. Saudi Arabia proposed cutting production another 1.5 million barrels on top of existing cuts of 2.1 million barrels agreed to by the so-called Opec+ alliance to stabilize prices.
But when Russia balked, Saudi Arabia said it would increase its production. That sent prices plunging to about $28 per barrel over the weekend, said Bernadette Johnson, vice president of strategic analytics with Enverus, which provides data and intelligence to energy companies.
“Oil prices took the sharpest downtown since 1991,” said Jack Strauss, the Miller Chair of Applied Economics at the University of Denver’s Daniels School of Business.
Companies in Colorado felt the blows. Occidental Petroleum, the dominant producer on Colorado’s Front Range, saw its stock closed at $12.51 a share, a 52% drop from Friday’s close of $26.86. Noble Energy, another major Colorado producer, saw its stock drop 29.8% Monday and Denver-based PDC Energy’s stock fell 48.2%.
Strauss said when it refused to cut production, Russia made it clear it was taking aim at U.S. oil shale producers. The U.S. is the world’s largest crude oil producer.
Johnson, who chalked up Russia’s actions to “aggressive maneuvering by Saudi Arabia,” said although prices climbed above $30 per barrel Monday, she expects the volatility to continue at least until efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus shift to treatment and mitigation of the effects. Then, quarantines will lift and people and products will start moving more, generating more demand for oil and gas.
“Now, all eyes are on demand,” Johnson said.
How oil and gas operators fare in the meantime will depend on how they’re positioned physically and financially. The break-even point for companies in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg Basin differs from parts of the Permian Basin, the big play in West Texas and southeast New Mexico.
Colorado ranks fifth nationally in oil production and sixth in natural gas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“The trouble with the DJ Basin is that if prices stay around $32 (per barrel) or drop into the $20s, that’s not economic. That’s below the break-even point,” Johnson said.
However, in the Permian Basin, companies can make money in many spots at lower prices, Johnson said. The rates of production and the costs of drilling help determine the point at which operators break even, make or lose money.
Another problem for the industry is that it was in a bear market before coronavirus hit and Russia and Saudi Arabia clashed, said Strauss.
“Of all the major sectors, energy has been the lowest performing for over a year,” Strauss said. “Profits have already been low in energy, prices have been low in energy. So this means they’re going to be in trouble.”
At $30 to $35 for a barrel of oil, many U.S. companies will find it unprofitable to drill, Strauss added.
Dan Haley, CEO and president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association trade group, said in an email that the oil and gas industry is resilient, “especially in Colorado where we have had to endure an aggressive regulatory agenda in recent years.”
The industry has gotten good at cutting production costs, Haley said. However, if prices stay low enough long enough, Colorado’s tax base will be negatively affected, he added, because the oil and gas industry pays about $1 billion in taxes annually.
“In Colorado and across America, we enjoy much greater energy security and related economic benefits than we did 20 years ago,” Lynn Granger, executive director of American Petroleum Institute-Colorado, said in an email. “The reality is that American energy leadership is a stabilizing force in world markets and protects consumers from price fluctuations.”
Johnson said companies that have hedged their positions in the financial markets will be more equipped to ride out the tumultuous markets.
Hedging is when a company locks in the price it receives for future oil and gas production, protecting it when prices decline.
Before the worldwide coronavirus outbreak and before the blow-up of the pact by Russia and Saudi Arabia, U.S. oil and gas producers were dealing with lower prices amid uncertainty over trade with China . A clamp-down by lenders demanding that producers pay down debt and free up more cash has led to reduced production.
After completing its acquisition of Anadarko in 2019, Occidental Petroleum said it would cut its spending in the Rockies from $1.7 billion in 2019 to $1 billion this year to reduce its debt. Anadarko was the dominant producer on the Front Range.
Last week, Exxon Mobil said it will reduce its production in the Permian Basin as the spread of coronavirus slows down the economy. The company said supply has exceeded demand and the coronavirus has aggravated the predicament.
There are 820 oil and gas rigs working nationwide and 26 in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, Johnson said. The nationwide total was 1,200 in late 2018 nationwide and 39 on the Front Range.
But companies, as they have in previous downturns, will become more efficient, scale back and manage their money, Johnson said.
“This isn’t something we haven’t seen before and it isn’t something we can’t weather.”
And Strauss believes Saudi Arabia’s stepped-up production will be temporary because it’s losing money, too.
“Saudi Arabia has no incentive to keep it this low,” he said. “Everybody gets hurt.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Keeler: Joe Sakic bought the groceries, but Jared Bednar made Avs tasty

This puppy may be Joe Sakic ’ s masterwork , but it has Jared Bednar ’ s brush strokes all over the canvas .
And before you start up on how any clown with Nathan MacKinnon up front and Cale Makar at the back would be running circles around the Western Conference , consider this : • When the Broncos lost Bradley Chubb , they won two — then posted a record of 1-4 before Drew Lock came galloping to the rescue .
• While the Nuggets were waiting out Jamal Murray ’ s ankle , they went 6-4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the services of right winger Mikko Rantanen and center Nazem Kadri and goaltender Philipp Grubauer and left winger Matt Calvert … the Avs are 8-1-1 .
“ Is 10 the best ?
” NBC Sports analyst Pierre McGuire replied .
“ Then I would say I ’ d put it right around a ‘ 9.
’ ” If it wasn ’ t for the duct-tape job Mike Sullivan keeps pulling off in Pittsburgh , the man would be sitting comfortably in the catbird seat for the Adams Award .
As it stands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West right now , and King of the Mountain among Front Range pro bosses by a country mile .
Despite expectations , and despite having Rantanen healthy for only 42 of the season ’ s first 68 games , the Avs went into Monday night ’ s tussle against the Los Angeles Kings with the second-most points in the West ( 90 ) .
“ I learned a long time ago from Scotty Bowman , it ’ s one thing to coach a team in this league .
It ’ s another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league with elite players , ” McGuire continued .
“ Because one of your responsibilities is to make sure they perform at an elite level every night .
“ You ’ ve got to manage them .
You ’ ve got to make sure there ’ s air in the tires , the gas tank is full and focus them so that the headlights are clear .
And I think Jared ’ s done a very good job of that.
” Bednar is MacGyver in a camouflage blazer , adapting to whatever pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s no griping about identity crises .
No fear of throwing rookies into the fire .
No excuses .
No settling .
“ They ’ re a targeted team every night , especially after last year ’ s playoff run , ” McGuire explained .
“ ( Opponents ) know that they ’ ve got star-caliber players who can rip your team apart if you don ’ t pay attention to them .
“ He has to manage his organization ’ s expectations , and he ’ s got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s had to balance the work-to-rest ratios because of the injury situation , and I think he ’ s managed that fantastically as well .
I think , if you look at it , I find it hard to find a flaw in anything that he ’ s done.
” Consider this , too : The members of the MGM line of MacKinnon , Gabe Landeskog and Rantanen are on a pace to appear together in exactly half the even-strength shifts as they did a year ago .
And yet the Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) through 68 tilts as they did through 82 contests in 2018-19 .
“ I do think he ’ s one of the underrated coaches in the leagues now , ” McGuire said .
“ The guys who make their living in this league , they say this guy knows what he ’ s doing and he ’ s plugged in and he ’ s gets it .
“ If he ’ s underrated now , he won ’ t be underrated at the end of this year , I can tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell us twice .
Yes , Sakic bought the groceries .
Yes , MacKinnon makes anything taste good .
But when the spatula breaks and the blender explodes , it takes a special chef to rise above the mess and crank out a meal this satisfying .

This puppy may be Joe Sakic’s masterwork, but it has Jared Bednar’s brush strokes all over the canvas. And before you start up on how any clown with Nathan MacKinnon up front and Cale Makar at the back would be running circles around the Western Conference, consider this:
• When the Broncos lost Bradley Chubb, they won two — then posted a record of 1-4 before Drew Lock came galloping to the rescue.
• While the Nuggets were waiting out Jamal Murray’s ankle, they went 6-4.
• Since Feb. 18, all without the services of right winger Mikko Rantanen and center Nazem Kadri and goaltender Philipp Grubauer and left winger Matt Calvert … the Avs are 8-1-1.
Bednar’s coaching job this winter, scale of 1-10?
“Is 10 the best?” NBC Sports analyst Pierre McGuire replied. “Then I would say I’d put it right around a ‘9.’”
If it wasn’t for the duct-tape job Mike Sullivan keeps pulling off in Pittsburgh, the man would be sitting comfortably in the catbird seat for the Adams Award. As it stands, Bednar is the best coach going in the West right now, and King of the Mountain among Front Range pro bosses by a country mile.
Despite expectations, and despite having Rantanen healthy for only 42 of the season’s first 68 games, the Avs went into Monday night’s tussle against the Los Angeles Kings with the second-most points in the West (90).
“I learned a long time ago from Scotty Bowman, it’s one thing to coach a team in this league. It’s another thing to coach a team in this league with elite players,” McGuire continued. “Because one of your responsibilities is to make sure they perform at an elite level every night.
“You’ve got to manage them. You’ve got to make sure there’s air in the tires, the gas tank is full and focus them so that the headlights are clear. And I think Jared’s done a very good job of that.”
Bednar is MacGyver in a camouflage blazer, adapting to whatever pieces he has on hand, without complaint. There’s no griping about identity crises. No fear of throwing rookies into the fire. No excuses. No settling.
“They’re a targeted team every night, especially after last year’s playoff run,” McGuire explained. “(Opponents) know that they’ve got star-caliber players who can rip your team apart if you don’t pay attention to them.
“He has to manage his organization’s expectations, and he’s got to manage elite players every night. He’s had to balance the work-to-rest ratios because of the injury situation, and I think he’s managed that fantastically as well. I think, if you look at it, I find it hard to find a flaw in anything that he’s done.”
Consider this, too: The members of the MGM line of MacKinnon, Gabe Landeskog and Rantanen are on a pace to appear together in exactly half the even-strength shifts as they did a year ago. And yet the Avs already have as many points (90) through 68 tilts as they did through 82 contests in 2018-19.
“I do think he’s one of the underrated coaches in the leagues now,” McGuire said. “The guys who make their living in this league, they say this guy knows what he’s doing and he’s plugged in and he’s gets it.
“If he’s underrated now, he won’t be underrated at the end of this year, I can tell you that.”
He won’t have to tell us twice. Yes, Sakic bought the groceries. Yes, MacKinnon makes anything taste good. But when the spatula breaks and the blender explodes, it takes a special chef to rise above the mess and crank out a meal this satisfying.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Colorado College to move classes online through at least mid-April as coronavirus spreads

Colorado College will suspend in-person classes when students return from spring break later this month , relying instead on remote learning through at least mid-April as the new coronavirus continues to spread in the state and across the nation .
The move by the private Colorado Springs college follows actions taken this week by institutions around the country , including Harvard University and UCLA , to minimize their students ’ risk of contracting the highly contagious coronavirus .
Colorado College officials informed the school ’ s approximately 2,100 undergraduates on Tuesday that spring break , which starts Wednesday and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now be extended through March 29 .
Online classes will begin the following day , on March 30 , and run through at least the end of the school ’ s Block 7 , which concludes on April 15 .
“ Students should plan to remain off campus from Spring Break through at least the end of Block 7 , and possibly the rest of the academic year , ” university officials wrote .
“ Students , when you leave for Spring Break , please take your essential belongings — including medications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you now .
You may wish to take all of your belongings.
” Colorado ’ s two largest universities had not announced any plans to halt in-person instruction as of Tuesday afternoon , but in the event of campus closures to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus , the University of Colorado and Colorado State University would encourage — but not mandate — students to leave their campuses ’ dorms .
“ If this were to happen , we would encourage those who can go home to go home , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously , not all students can.
” CU and CSU officials said in the event their campuses temporarily shutter amid concerns about the coronavirus , students without the option to go home would be housed and fed at their universities .
Details on plans to house and feed students on closed campuses weren ’ t shared as of Tuesday afternoon .
Colleges and universities across the country have been closing or asking students not to return after spring break in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the world .
On Tuesday , Harvard University — in an unprecedented move — urged students not to return to the Cambridge campus after spring break and to take their classes online , according to reporting by The Boston Globe .
The University of California , Berkeley has suspended most of its in-person classes for the time being , CNN reported .
UCLA followed suit on Tuesday afternoon , according to the Los Angeles Times .
And with Seattle hit hard by the new coronavirus , the University of Washington and Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in-person beginning Monday until the end of the quarter , CNN reported .
Colorado schools and universities have been preparing for a shift to online learning in the event physical campuses need to be shut down to further prevent the spread of coronavirus infections .
CU Boulder Vice Chancellor Dan Jones said faculty members will be given the option to use the technology they feel fits the learning objectives of their students , from existing online platforms like Canvas to setting up online video conferencing meetings with classes .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency amid 15 cases of the new coronavirus confirmed in Colorado .

Colorado College will suspend in-person classes when students return from spring break later this month, relying instead on remote learning through at least mid-April as the new coronavirus continues to spread in the state and across the nation.
The move by the private Colorado Springs college follows actions taken this week by institutions around the country, including Harvard University and UCLA, to minimize their students’ risk of contracting the highly contagious coronavirus.
Colorado College officials informed the school’s approximately 2,100 undergraduates on Tuesday that spring break, which starts Wednesday and was supposed to run through March 22, will now be extended through March 29.
Online classes will begin the following day, on March 30, and run through at least the end of the school’s Block 7, which concludes on April 15.
“Students should plan to remain off campus from Spring Break through at least the end of Block 7, and possibly the rest of the academic year,” university officials wrote. “Students, when you leave for Spring Break, please take your essential belongings — including medications and items needed for study — with you now. You may wish to take all of your belongings.”
Colorado’s two largest universities had not announced any plans to halt in-person instruction as of Tuesday afternoon, but in the event of campus closures to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University would encourage — but not mandate — students to leave their campuses’ dorms.
“If this were to happen, we would encourage those who can go home to go home,” said Ken McConnellogue, CU spokesman. “Obviously, not all students can.”
CU and CSU officials said in the event their campuses temporarily shutter amid concerns about the coronavirus, students without the option to go home would be housed and fed at their universities. Details on plans to house and feed students on closed campuses weren’t shared as of Tuesday afternoon.
Colleges and universities across the country have been closing or asking students not to return after spring break in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus that is spreading throughout the world.
On Tuesday, Harvard University — in an unprecedented move — urged students not to return to the Cambridge campus after spring break and to take their classes online, according to reporting by The Boston Globe. The University of California, Berkeley has suspended most of its in-person classes for the time being, CNN reported. UCLA followed suit on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Times.
And with Seattle hit hard by the new coronavirus, the University of Washington and Seattle University announced classes will no longer be held in-person beginning Monday until the end of the quarter, CNN reported.
Colorado schools and universities have been preparing for a shift to online learning in the event physical campuses need to be shut down to further prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.
CU Boulder Vice Chancellor Dan Jones said faculty members will be given the option to use the technology they feel fits the learning objectives of their students, from existing online platforms like Canvas to setting up online video conferencing meetings with classes.
On Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency amid 17 cases of the new coronavirus confirmed in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Planned Parenthood shooting: State Supreme Court considers whether property owners shoulder blame in

Planned Parenthood shooting: State Supreme Court considers whether property owners shoulder blame in mass shootings

The Colorado State Supreme Court will consider whether property owners can be held responsible for mass shootings that happen on their land in a decision that could have a significant impact on victims and businesses throughout the state .
At issue is whether Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood is liable in the mass shooting that happened at its Colorado Springs clinic in 2015 , and whether a jury should consider claims that Planned Parenthood knew the risk of an attack and could have prevented the shooting by taking security precautions .
The state supreme court ’ s decision could impact whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation from the businesses where they were attacked — something that has been consistently denied in past Colorado mass shootings such as the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in which 12 people died .
An Arapahoe County jury in that case determined that Cinemark was not liable .
The case has drawn the attention of several trade and business associations , and has raised some concern that businesses could face increased costs for security and insurance in the future , depending on the supreme court ’ s decision .
In court on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the blame for the attack lies solely with confessed shooter Robert Dear , who authorities believe killed three people and wounded nine others during the November 2015 shooting .
But attorney Ron Wilcox , representing victims of the shooting , argued that the case should go to a jury — rather than being decided by a judge , as this case was — because there was ample evidence that Planned Parenthood was aware of the potential for attacks on its properties and that it failed to provide enough security .
Roche said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with security measures , even military bases , have failed to deter determined shooters , and that any measures Planned Parenthood might have added , like a fence or a full-time security guard , would not have stopped the attack .
“ Some criminal behavior , like the type of fanatical rampage at issue here , simply can not be deterred by reasonable security measures , ” he said .
But Wilcox argued that Planned Parenthood knew their facilities faced the risk of violence — a medical director had received death threats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the organization offered to buy bulletproof vests for doctors .
A part-time , armed security guard was stationed at the Colorado Springs clinic .
He typically left at 11 a.m. ; the shooting happened around 11:30 a.m .
If the guard had still been there , or if other security measures were in place , Planned Parenthood could have at least mitigated the injuries suffered by those at the site , Wilcox said , and a jury should decide to what degree Planned Parenthood is to blame .
“ There were known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have prevented the attack , ” he said .
The supreme court justices questioned both attorneys about whether the court should create a hard-and-fast rule for all mass shooting situations .
Planned Parenthood ’ s argument , they said , seemed to imply premises could never be held liable for mass shootings , while Wilcox ’ s argument seemed to open a door for endless claims that some additional security could have stopped violence .
“ Do all these places have to be built like fortresses ?
” asked Justice William Hood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the case filed statements with the court in support of one position or another , including American Tort Reform Association and Coloradans Protecting Patient Access .
The supreme court should rule in favor of Planned Parenthood and overturn an appeals court decision , said attorney Julian Ellis , who represents the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Civil Justice League , which filed a statement with the court in support of Planned Parenthood .
“ If the majority ’ s decision stands , Colorado landowners and businesses will incur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to try to stop mass shootings , litigation costs when the heightened security measures inevitably fail to stop an armed maniac whose sole intent is to kill , and increased insurance costs because of the litigation and liability risks , ” he wrote in the brief .
That liability could put an undue burden on property owners , Ellis said , even though such claims would still be vetted by a jury .
But attorney Ralph Ogden , who filed a statement on behalf of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solely by a jury .
“ In a shooting case like this , Planned Parenthood is entitled to argue to the jury that the shooter was , to use their words , the predominant cause or the overwhelming cause , and that the jury should put all the responsibility on the shooter , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a jury argument , and not a question of law for the court .
”

The Colorado State Supreme Court will consider whether property owners can be held responsible for mass shootings that happen on their land in a decision that could have a significant impact on victims and businesses throughout the state.
At issue is whether Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood is liable in the mass shooting that happened at its Colorado Springs clinic in 2015, and whether a jury should consider claims that Planned Parenthood knew the risk of an attack and could have prevented the shooting by taking security precautions.
The state supreme court’s decision could impact whether victims of future mass shootings can seek compensation from the businesses where they were attacked — something that has been consistently denied in past Colorado mass shootings such as the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in which 12 people died. An Arapahoe County jury in that case determined that Cinemark was not liable.
The case has drawn the attention of several trade and business associations, and has raised some concern that businesses could face increased costs for security and insurance in the future, depending on the supreme court’s decision.
In court on Tuesday, attorney John Roche argued for Planned Parenthood that the blame for the attack lies solely with confessed shooter Robert Dear, who authorities believe killed three people and wounded nine others during the November 2015 shooting.
But attorney Ron Wilcox, representing victims of the shooting, argued that the case should go to a jury — rather than being decided by a judge, as this case was — because there was ample evidence that Planned Parenthood was aware of the potential for attacks on its properties and that it failed to provide enough security.
Roche said other mass shootings have shown that locations with security measures, even military bases, have failed to deter determined shooters, and that any measures Planned Parenthood might have added, like a fence or a full-time security guard, would not have stopped the attack.
“Some criminal behavior, like the type of fanatical rampage at issue here, simply cannot be deterred by reasonable security measures,” he said.
But Wilcox argued that Planned Parenthood knew their facilities faced the risk of violence — a medical director had received death threats, staff were given active shooter training, and the organization offered to buy bulletproof vests for doctors. A part-time, armed security guard was stationed at the Colorado Springs clinic. He typically left at 11 a.m.; the shooting happened around 11:30 a.m.
If the guard had still been there, or if other security measures were in place, Planned Parenthood could have at least mitigated the injuries suffered by those at the site, Wilcox said, and a jury should decide to what degree Planned Parenthood is to blame.
“There were known measures that could have been taken that could have prevented the attack,” he said.
The supreme court justices questioned both attorneys about whether the court should create a hard-and-fast rule for all mass shooting situations. Planned Parenthood’s argument, they said, seemed to imply premises could never be held liable for mass shootings, while Wilcox’s argument seemed to open a door for endless claims that some additional security could have stopped violence.
“Do all these places have to be built like fortresses?” asked Justice William Hood.
Several organizations who are not directly involved in the case filed statements with the court in support of one position or another, including American Tort Reform Association and Coloradans Protecting Patient Access.
The supreme court should rule in favor of Planned Parenthood and overturn an appeals court decision, said attorney Julian Ellis, who represents the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Civil Justice League, which filed a statement with the court in support of Planned Parenthood.
“If the majority’s decision stands, Colorado landowners and businesses will incur increased operating costs, including new security measures to try to stop mass shootings, litigation costs when the heightened security measures inevitably fail to stop an armed maniac whose sole intent is to kill, and increased insurance costs because of the litigation and liability risks,” he wrote in the brief.
That liability could put an undue burden on property owners, Ellis said, even though such claims would still be vetted by a jury.
But attorney Ralph Ogden, who filed a statement on behalf of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, said the decision on liability should be made solely by a jury.
“In a shooting case like this, Planned Parenthood is entitled to argue to the jury that the shooter was, to use their words, the predominant cause or the overwhelming cause, and that the jury should put all the responsibility on the shooter,” he said. “It’s a jury argument, and not a question of law for the court.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Motorcyclist dies in traffic collision in Aurora on Tuesday afternoon

A motorcyclist died Tuesday in Aurora in a traffic collision with a Hyundai sedan .
The driver of the motorcycle @ @ @ @ @ Quincy Avenue in the right lane when the driver of the sedan , which was @ @ @ @ @ left , southbound , onto South Pitkin Street , Aurora police said .
The motorcycle @ @ @ @ @ the Hyundai , and the motorcycle rider , a man , was ejected .
He @ @ @ @ @ scene .
The driver of the sedan , a man , was not injured .
@ @ @ @ @ the incident .
An investigation is ongoing .
The name of the motorcycle driver was @ @ @ @ @ family .

A motorcyclist died Tuesday in Aurora in a traffic collision with a Hyundai sedan.
The driver of the motorcycle was heading eastbound on East Quincy Avenue in the right lane when the driver of the sedan, which was westbound on Quincy, turned left, southbound, onto South Pitkin Street, Aurora police said.
The motorcycle hit the passenger side of the Hyundai, and the motorcycle rider, a man, was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the sedan, a man, was not injured. He remained on scene at the incident. An investigation is ongoing.
The name of the motorcycle driver was not released pending notification of family.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Denver jury rejects defendant’s claims of self defense, convicts him of murder

A Denver jury on Monday convicted a man of murder despite his arguments that he shot and killed Jacy Kadison-Marshall @ @ @ @ @ eight hours of deliberation , a jury convicted Michael Pikes , 33 , in the @ @ @ @ @ Attorney ’ s Office announced Tuesday .
Pikes called 911 on Dec. 1 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ had shot 37-year-old Kadison-Marshall in self defense in a Park Hill apartment building , near @ @ @ @ @ hung up on the dispatcher and fired more rounds at Kadison-Marshall , according to the @ @ @ @ @ you for coming , I got him , I shot him and he is right @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pikes told the officers , according to his arrest affidavit .
Pikes later @ @ @ @ @ Kadison-Marshall because he thought he was armed .
Pikes will be sentenced on May 1 @

A Denver jury on Monday convicted a man of murder despite his arguments that he shot and killed Jacy Kadison-Marshall in self defense.
After eight hours of deliberation, a jury convicted Michael Pikes, 33, in the killing, the Denver District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Pikes called 911 on Dec. 1, 2018, to report that he had shot 37-year-old Kadison-Marshall in self defense in a Park Hill apartment building, near Colfax Avenue. He then hung up on the dispatcher and fired more rounds at Kadison-Marshall, according to the prosecutors office.
When police arrived, Pikes surrendered himself.
“Thank you for coming, I got him, I shot him and he is right there in my apartment room,” Pikes told the officers, according to his arrest affidavit.
Pikes later told detectives that he shot Kadison-Marshall because he thought he was armed.
Pikes will be sentenced on May 1.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--An online sports publication debuts a Denver pub (complete with podcast recording studio) where othe

An online sports publication debuts a Denver pub (complete with podcast recording studio) where others have failed before

The local sports network DNVR is taking over the site of a longtime East Colfax watering hole this week .
Starting Friday , the former Colfax Sports & Brew ( before that , Three Lions pub ) will operate under the name DNVR .
The transformed space will house a bar , podcast recording studio and retail store , DNVR Locker , selling branded merchandise .
Owner Brandon Spano told Westword that DNVR Bar will be somewhat akin to ESPN Zone , which closed on the 16th Street mall in 2009 .
DNVR ’ s model will combine community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spano said .
The whole idea started with a question , according to DNVR ’ s website : “ What if the DNVR community had a physical home ?
” And then more questions : “ What if a member of the DNVR family could come in for lunch and hear a podcast live — and get a discount just for being a member ?
What if watch parties went directly into post-game shows that our members could see and participate in live ?
” The local sports network is now partnering with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated the location ’ s two previous bars .
Breckenridge beers will figure prominently on the menu , members will have access to discounts and special events , and when drinkers aren ’ t watching games , they can listen to live podcast recordings downstairs or watch the action through a glass-walled studio on the second floor .
2239 E. Colfax Ave. , grand opening Friday starting at 5 p.m. , with the Nuggets and Avs games on TV , and more information at thednvr.com Subscribe to our new food newsletter , Stuffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news sent straight to your inbox .

The local sports network DNVR is taking over the site of a longtime East Colfax watering hole this week.
Starting Friday, the former Colfax Sports & Brew (before that, Three Lions pub) will operate under the name DNVR. The transformed space will house a bar, podcast recording studio and retail store, DNVR Locker, selling branded merchandise.
Owner Brandon Spano told Westword that DNVR Bar will be somewhat akin to ESPN Zone, which closed on the 16th Street mall in 2009.
DNVR’s model will combine community, culture and content under one roof, Spano said.
The whole idea started with a question, according to DNVR’s website: “What if the DNVR community had a physical home?”
And then more questions: “What if a member of the DNVR family could come in for lunch and hear a podcast live — and get a discount just for being a member? What if watch parties went directly into post-game shows that our members could see and participate in live?”
The local sports network is now partnering with local Little Pub Company, which also operated the location’s two previous bars.
Breckenridge beers will figure prominently on the menu, members will have access to discounts and special events, and when drinkers aren’t watching games, they can listen to live podcast recordings downstairs or watch the action through a glass-walled studio on the second floor.
2239 E. Colfax Ave., grand opening Friday starting at 5 p.m., with the Nuggets and Avs games on TV, and more information at thednvr.com
Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Nursing home industry urges limited visitors amid coronavirus outbreak

By Matt Richtel and Mike Baker , The New York Times SAN FRANCISCO — Warning that the novel coronavirus poses an extreme risk to the nation ’ s elderly and infirm , nursing home industry leaders Tuesday said they are recommending unprecedented action to curtail most social visits in the thousands of nursing homes and assisted living centers in the United States .
The recommendation comes with the support of the federal government after an outbreak of the virus in the region around Seattle .
Five long-term care facilities have been hit with cases , including a facility in Kirkland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
“ The mortality rate is shocking , ” said Mark Parkinson , president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association .
He said the death rate might well exceed the 15 % that has been reported in China for people aged 80 and older .
The challenge of the virus “ is one of the most significant , if not the most significant ” issues the industry has ever faced , he said .
Officials said they are recommending that nursing home reception workers screen all visitors — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers — and that only essential visits be conducted .
“ Do you need to be in-building to operate ” the facility ?
said Dr. David Gifford , health care association ’ s chief medical officer .
As for family members , he said , “ Our recommendation is they should not be visiting.
” Anyone who does visit , he said , should be screened carefully at reception , and anyone who has signs of illness should be turned away .
The new guidance unfolded as another outbreak at a different nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing .
Nicole Francois , a spokeswoman with Issaquah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center , said one resident died over the weekend and seven others have tested positive for the virus — five residents and two staff members .
A variety of factors make nursing homes especially at risk to an epidemic : older residents often have weakened immune systems ; many facilities are poorly staffed and have lax infection prevention — partly because visitors are constantly coming and going — allowing germs to spread .
On top of that , residents , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals when they become acutely ill , and that makes them potential carriers of infection .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Matt Richtel and Mike Baker, The New York Times
SAN FRANCISCO — Warning that the novel coronavirus poses an extreme risk to the nation’s elderly and infirm, nursing home industry leaders Tuesday said they are recommending unprecedented action to curtail most social visits in the thousands of nursing homes and assisted living centers in the United States.
The recommendation comes with the support of the federal government after an outbreak of the virus in the region around Seattle. Five long-term care facilities have been hit with cases, including a facility in Kirkland, Washington, where 18 residents have died.
“The mortality rate is shocking,” said Mark Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association. He said the death rate might well exceed the 15% that has been reported in China for people aged 80 and older.
The challenge of the virus “is one of the most significant, if not the most significant” issues the industry has ever faced, he said.
Officials said they are recommending that nursing home reception workers screen all visitors — family, staff, contractors and government workers — and that only essential visits be conducted.
“Do you need to be in-building to operate” the facility? said Dr. David Gifford, health care association’s chief medical officer. As for family members, he said, “Our recommendation is they should not be visiting.”
Anyone who does visit, he said, should be screened carefully at reception, and anyone who has signs of illness should be turned away.
The new guidance unfolded as another outbreak at a different nursing home in the state of Washington was developing. Nicole Francois, a spokeswoman with Issaquah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, said one resident died over the weekend and seven others have tested positive for the virus — five residents and two staff members.
A variety of factors make nursing homes especially at risk to an epidemic: older residents often have weakened immune systems; many facilities are poorly staffed and have lax infection prevention — partly because visitors are constantly coming and going — allowing germs to spread. On top of that, residents, who live in proximity, often move back-and-forth to hospitals when they become acutely ill, and that makes them potential carriers of infection.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Larry Walker to be Avalanche’s honorary emergency goalie against Vegas

Long before he became a Hall of Fame baseball player , Larry Walker dreamed of being an NHL goaltender .
Well , he ’ s about to get his wish .
The Colorado Avalanche announced Tuesday that the former Rockies outfielder will be its honorary emergency goalie Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights .
Walker will be presented with a gift for his upcoming induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame prior to the 1 p.m. face-off .
Walker , 53 , grew up in Maple Ridge , British Columbia , and like many other Canadian kids , dreamed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a goaltender and was invited to training camp by the Regina Pats at the age of 16 but got cut .
In 1984 , he switched his focus to baseball and signed with the Montreal Expos .
“ Being Canadian , you ’ re born into this world with a stick in your hand and skates on your feet , ” Walker said after he was elected to the Hall of Fame .
“ So that ’ s how I was as a kid .
You played hockey , and that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second Canadian elected to the Hall , following Fergie Jenkins , who was inducted in 1991 .
He will also be the first Rockies player ever enshrined in the Hall when he is inducted July 26 in Cooperstown , N.Y. Walker was elected in his 10th and final year on the ballot , receiving 304 votes from eligible members of the Baseball Writers ’ Association of America to top the 75 % required for election by six votes .

Long before he became a Hall of Fame baseball player, Larry Walker dreamed of being an NHL goaltender. Well, he’s about to get his wish.
The Colorado Avalanche announced Tuesday that the former Rockies outfielder will be its honorary emergency goalie Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Walker will be presented with a gift for his upcoming induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame prior to the 1 p.m. face-off.
Walker, 53, grew up in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and like many other Canadian kids, dreamed of a pro hockey career. He was a goaltender and was invited to training camp by the Regina Pats at the age of 16 but got cut. In 1984, he switched his focus to baseball and signed with the Montreal Expos.
“Being Canadian, you’re born into this world with a stick in your hand and skates on your feet,” Walker said after he was elected to the Hall of Fame. “So that’s how I was as a kid. You played hockey, and that’s all that really mattered.”
Walker is the second Canadian elected to the Hall, following Fergie Jenkins, who was inducted in 1991. He will also be the first Rockies player ever enshrined in the Hall when he is inducted July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Walker was elected in his 10th and final year on the ballot, receiving 304 votes from eligible members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America to top the 75% required for election by six votes.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Broncos awarded three compensatory picks for 2020 draft, bringing total to 11

The Broncos were awarded three compensatory draft picks by the NFL on Tuesday , giving them 11 total selections in @ @ @ @ @ .
The Broncos were given a fifth-rounder ( No .
178 ) and two seventh-round @ @ @ @ @ and 254 ) .
Thirty-two compensatory picks are distributed to teams each year based on @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s free agency and the players ( in quality and/or quantity ) a @ @ @ @ @ lost Shaq Barrett , Tramaine Brock , Max Garcia , Matt Paradis , Bradley Roby @ @ @ @ @ Bryce Callahan , Kareem Jackson and Ja ’ Wuan James .
The Broncos have five @ @ @ @ @ rounds .
The NFL distributed 10 third-round compensatory selections , followed by eight ( fourth @ @ @ @ @ fifth round ) , three ( sixth round ) and nine ( seventh round ) @ @ @ @ @ to 15 teams .
New England led with four gained draft choices .

The Broncos were awarded three compensatory draft picks by the NFL on Tuesday, giving them 11 total selections in next month’s draft.
The Broncos were given a fifth-rounder (No. 178) and two seventh-round selections (Nos. 252 and 254).
Thirty-two compensatory picks are distributed to teams each year based on a formula based on last year’s free agency and the players (in quality and/or quantity) a team loses. The Broncos lost Shaq Barrett, Tramaine Brock, Max Garcia, Matt Paradis, Bradley Roby and Billy Turner and added Bryce Callahan, Kareem Jackson and Ja’Wuan James.
The Broncos have five picks in the first three rounds.
The NFL distributed 10 third-round compensatory selections, followed by eight (fourth round), two (fifth round), three (sixth round) and nine (seventh round) over the next four rounds to 15 teams. New England led with four gained draft choices.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Guest Commentary: Methane could cancel out progress on CO2 emissions if we don’t act

The biggest cause of global warming is all the carbon dioxide we ’ ve expelled into the atmosphere since the beginning of industrial times .
The greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere , raising temperatures on Earth .
Even so , about one-quarter of the warming we ’ ve had so far is due to a less notorious greenhouse gas : methane , the major component of natural gas .
Methane wasn ’ t much of a worry 20 years ago , but that ’ s changed since 2007 , as methane emissions have accelerated , spiking in 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know exactly what ’ s going on , and they face an urgent challenge to find out .
Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 , even though it only lasts about a decade in the atmosphere , whereas CO2 persists for a couple of centuries .
A continued rise in the amount of methane in the air could easily cancel out any near-term progress we make in reducing CO2 emissions .
Methane is the low-hanging fruit in the effort to combat planetary warming .
This gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political reasons , as the Donald Trump administration has moved to rescind rules requiring fossil fuel companies to monitor and fix methane leaks , despite many companies ’ opposition .
Fossil fuel production also contributes to methane emissions , and some studies have pointed to hydraulic fracturing , especially in the U.S. , as the likely cause behind the recent spike in emissions .
It ’ s certainly suspicious that fracking got underway in a big way around 2007 , just as the methane surge began .
However , other recent studies dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. methane emissions have changed little over the past 15 years .
More worrying are other methane sources over which humans have much less control .
An international consortium of researchers has been tracking emissions with detailed measurements in the Arctic , Europe and the tropics , as well as with modeling studies .
What they have found suggests that the methane surge since 2007 appears to be mostly the result of increased biogenic emissions , predominantly in the tropics .
Among several factors , this activity has been accelerated by warming temperatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tropical wetlands .
Further increases in emissions come from agricultural animals , including cows , sheep and goats .
Reversing this trend in methane emissions is now probably the most urgent challenge in the fight against global warming , even more than the ongoing need to tackle CO2 emissions .
An important assessment published recently offers mixed views on what can be done .
The bad news is that reducing emissions from swamped wetlands and cows may be virtually impossible .
Many other sources of methane shouldn ’ t be too hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coal and gas , urban gas leaks , landfills and sewage plants .
New technological devices such as vehicle-mounted leak detectors and drones are making it much easier to locate the biggest sources of emissions , which can then be eliminated .
Landfills can be covered .
Fuel industries must also recognize the need to reduce leaks of natural gas to preserve its reputation as a green energy source .
Methane emissions can also be reduced by not burning crop waste , as is common in Africa and in South and East Asia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been abysmal .
After 40 years of debate , emissions last year were higher than ever before .
But methane is another problem that is perhaps even more urgent .
Sadly , if we can ’ t reduce methane emissions , any tentative progress we do make on carbon dioxide will be canceled out .
Mark Buchanan , a physicist and science writer , is the author of the book “ Forecast : What Physics , Meteorology and the Natural Sciences Can Teach Us About Economics.
” To send a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

The biggest cause of global warming is all the carbon dioxide we’ve expelled into the atmosphere since the beginning of industrial times. The greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere, raising temperatures on Earth. Even so, about one-quarter of the warming we’ve had so far is due to a less notorious greenhouse gas: methane, the major component of natural gas. Methane wasn’t much of a worry 20 years ago, but that’s changed since 2007, as methane emissions have accelerated, spiking in 2014 and again in 2018.
Scientists still don’t know exactly what’s going on, and they face an urgent challenge to find out. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, even though it only lasts about a decade in the atmosphere, whereas CO2 persists for a couple of centuries. A continued rise in the amount of methane in the air could easily cancel out any near-term progress we make in reducing CO2 emissions. Methane is the low-hanging fruit in the effort to combat planetary warming.
This gas has also been in the news for political reasons, as the Donald Trump administration has moved to rescind rules requiring fossil fuel companies to monitor and fix methane leaks, despite many companies’ opposition. Fossil fuel production also contributes to methane emissions, and some studies have pointed to hydraulic fracturing, especially in the U.S., as the likely cause behind the recent spike in emissions. It’s certainly suspicious that fracking got underway in a big way around 2007, just as the methane surge began. However, other recent studies dispute this conclusion, and they suggest that U.S. methane emissions have changed little over the past 15 years.
More worrying are other methane sources over which humans have much less control. An international consortium of researchers has been tracking emissions with detailed measurements in the Arctic, Europe and the tropics, as well as with modeling studies. What they have found suggests that the methane surge since 2007 appears to be mostly the result of increased biogenic emissions, predominantly in the tropics. Among several factors, this activity has been accelerated by warming temperatures and increased rainfall causing the expansion of tropical wetlands. Further increases in emissions come from agricultural animals, including cows, sheep and goats.
Reversing this trend in methane emissions is now probably the most urgent challenge in the fight against global warming, even more than the ongoing need to tackle CO2 emissions. An important assessment published recently offers mixed views on what can be done. The bad news is that reducing emissions from swamped wetlands and cows may be virtually impossible.
But there’s good news, too.
Many other sources of methane shouldn’t be too hard to tackle, especially emissions from production of coal and gas, urban gas leaks, landfills and sewage plants. New technological devices such as vehicle-mounted leak detectors and drones are making it much easier to locate the biggest sources of emissions, which can then be eliminated. Landfills can be covered. Fuel industries must also recognize the need to reduce leaks of natural gas to preserve its reputation as a green energy source. Methane emissions can also be reduced by not burning crop waste, as is common in Africa and in South and East Asia.
Our success in tackling CO2 emissions has been abysmal. After 40 years of debate, emissions last year were higher than ever before. But methane is another problem that is perhaps even more urgent.
Sadly, if we can’t reduce methane emissions, any tentative progress we do make on carbon dioxide will be canceled out.
Mark Buchanan, a physicist and science writer, is the author of the book “Forecast: What Physics, Meteorology and the Natural Sciences Can Teach Us About Economics.”
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-03-10--Rifle narrowly defeats Weld Central, 41-40

The Rifle Bears defeated the Weld Central Rebels by a score of 41-40 on Wednesday , Feb. 26 .
Weld @ @ @ @ @ by Kaydee Sims who accounted for 28 points , while also recording five rebounds and @ @ @ @ @ helped by contributing eight points and two rebounds .
Rifle has not reported any team @ @ @ @ @ contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
Information accurate @ @ @ @ @ update as more data is available .

The Rifle Bears defeated the Weld Central Rebels by a score of 41-40 on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Weld Central was lead in scoring by Kaydee Sims who accounted for 28 points, while also recording five rebounds and one assist. Taylor Weber helped by contributing eight points and two rebounds.
Rifle has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
More Colorado High School Basketball
Subscribe to the Denver Post today
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Denver mayor declares local state of emergency over coronavirus, discourages large gatherings

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock declared a local state of emergency Thursday afternoon as reports of the new coronavirus increase throughout @ @ @ @ @ make additional emergency resources available to city crews , said Loa Esquilin-Garcia , emergency management @ @ @ @ @ release .
The declaration expires March 19 .
Hancock is also discouraging large gatherings in @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19 , Esquilin-Garcia said .
So @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for the virus and another 22 people have been quarantined but show @ @ @ @ @ .
This story will be updated .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news @ @ @ @ @ .

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock declared a local state of emergency Thursday afternoon as reports of the new coronavirus increase throughout Colorado.
The declaration might make additional emergency resources available to city crews, said Loa Esquilin-Garcia, emergency management spokesperson, in a news release. The declaration expires March 19.
Hancock is also discouraging large gatherings in Denver to prevent the spread of the virus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, Esquilin-Garcia said.
So far nine people in Denver have tested positive for the virus and another 22 people have been quarantined but show no symptoms, Esquilin-Garcia said.
This story will be updated.
Sign up for our Facebook group to get see the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Officials: U.S. strikes Iran-backed group that hit Iraq base

WASHINGTON — The U.S. launched airstrikes Thursday in Iraq , American officials said , targeting the Iranian-backed Shia militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad .
One U.S. official said multiple strikes targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq .
The strikes were a partnered operation with the British , that official said .
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because operations were still going on .
The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq .
They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack , making clear that they knew who did it and that the attackers would be held accountable .
Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Thursday that President Donald Trump had given him the authority to take whatever action he deemed necessary .
“ We ’ re going to take this one step at a time , but we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Esper said .
“ You don ’ t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.
” At the White House , Trump had also hinted that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming , telling reporters , “ We ’ ll see what the response is.
” And Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows ” with a high degree of certainty ” who launched the attack .
On Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank McKenzie , the top U.S. commander for the Middle East , told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a “ red line ” for the U.S. , but said he didn ’ t think Iran has “ a good understanding of where our red line is.
” Asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran , Esper said , “ We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq.
” Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and 14 other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base Wednesday .
The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack .
U.S. officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack , but Kataib Hezbollah , an Iranian-backed Shia militia group , was the likely perpetrator .
And the U.S. strikes , which came in the middle of the night in Iraq , targeted that group .
Kataib Hezbollah was responsible for a late December rocket attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed a U.S. contractor , prompting American military strikes in response .
That in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
They were followed Jan. 3 by a U.S. airstrike that killed Iran ’ s most powerful military officer , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq , of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member .
In response to the Soleimani killing , Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8 , at al-Asad air base in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries to more than 100 American troops .
McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the killing of Soleimani and the increase in U.S. troops and assets in the region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there .
He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran .
However , he said : “ What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly again us .
That is a far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Esper and Milley said they spoke with their British counterparts about the attack , but declined to provide details .
Asked why none of the rockets was intercepted , Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against that type of attack .
He also said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors , and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts .

WASHINGTON — The U.S. launched airstrikes Thursday in Iraq, American officials said, targeting the Iranian-backed Shia militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad.
One U.S. official said multiple strikes targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq. The strikes were a partnered operation with the British, that official said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because operations were still going on.
The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq, just two months after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq. They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack, making clear that they knew who did it and that the attackers would be held accountable.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Thursday that President Donald Trump had given him the authority to take whatever action he deemed necessary.
“We’re going to take this one step at a time, but we’ve got to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Esper said. “You don’t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.”
At the White House, Trump had also hinted that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming, telling reporters, “We’ll see what the response is.” And Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows ”with a high degree of certainty” who launched the attack.
On Capitol Hill earlier in the day, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East, told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a “red line” for the U.S., but said he didn’t think Iran has “a good understanding of where our red line is.”
Asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran, Esper said, “We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq.”
Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and 14 other personnel were wounded when 18 rockets hit the base Wednesday. The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack.
U.S. officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack, but Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shia militia group, was the likely perpetrator. And the U.S. strikes, which came in the middle of the night in Iraq, targeted that group.
Kataib Hezbollah was responsible for a late December rocket attack on a military base in Kirkuk that killed a U.S. contractor, prompting American military strikes in response.
That in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. They were followed Jan. 3 by a U.S. airstrike that killed Iran’s most powerful military officer, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member. In response to the Soleimani killing, Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8, at al-Asad air base in Iraq, that resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops.
McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the killing of Soleimani and the increase in U.S. troops and assets in the region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there. He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran.
However, he said: “What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly again us. That is a far more difficult area to deter.”
On Thursday, Esper and Milley said they spoke with their British counterparts about the attack, but declined to provide details.
Asked why none of the rockets was intercepted, Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against that type of attack.
He also said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors, and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--CSU Rams cancel on-campus football recruiting visits, spring game could be in flux due to coronaviru

CSU Rams cancel on-campus football recruiting visits, spring game could be in flux due to coronavirus

On Wednesday , Beau Freyler was talking with Colorado State about being fitted for a Rams jersey , pants and cleats as part of his on-campus recruiting visit with new football coach Steve Addazio .
On Thursday morning , though , he found out those plans had changed .
“ As I was about to leave school and go drive up , I got word that it had been canceled , said Freyler , a junior standout safety/wideout at Pine Creek High School told The Post .
Concerns about exposure to the coronavirus pandemic have put a momentary freeze on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Colorado , with the Mountain West and Pac-12 suspending all in-season spring sports .
The NCAA also canceled all winter and spring championship events .
At CU , the Buffaloes were set to begin spring practices under first-year head coach Karl Dorrell starting on Monday .
A team spokesman said CU will determine the status of those practices “ in the very near future.
” It canceled a meet-and-greet between reporters and new football assistant coaches scheduled on Friday .
“ The CU athletic department is committed to the health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it relates to COVID-19 , ” CU athletic director Rick George said in a news release .
“ As the situation is developing rapidly , we continue to collaborate with leaders from campus , the Pac-12 and NCAA as we make decisions that are in the best interest of our student-athletes and staff.
” At CSU , a team spokesman confirmed that on-campus visits for Rams football recruits were off the table until further notice , pending university guidelines .
Addazio ’ s final pre-spring break practice went on as planned Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for spring break .
The status of the second stretch of practices , which begin March 24 , and the future of the April 9 spring game , have yet to be determined at a university level .
“ It was a little disappointing because I was excited to check everything out and talk with the coaches , ” said Freyler , the 6-foot-2 CSU football recruit rated by 247Sports as the No .
13 prospect in the state for the Class of 2021 .
“ But I kind of was expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading up to that point with the NBA ( season ) being suspended and college basketball ( in limbo ) and with some other colleges already shutting down their spring games.
” Freyler had on-campus visits to Nebraska and Kansas State on the docket for next week , although he ’ s assuming “ those are going to be canceled as well .
”

On Wednesday, Beau Freyler was talking with Colorado State about getting fitted for a Rams jersey, pants and cleats as part of his on-campus recruiting visit with new football coach Steve Addazio.
On Thursday morning, though, he found out those plans had changed.
“As I was about to leave school and go drive up, I got word that it had been canceled,” Freyler, a junior safety/wideout at Pine Creek High School, told The Post.
Concerns about exposure to the coronavirus pandemic have put a momentary freeze on football operations at CSU, the University of Colorado, and college athletic programs across the state — with the Mountain West and Pac-12 suspending all in-season spring sports. The NCAA also canceled all winter and spring championship events.
At CU, the Buffaloes were set to begin spring practices under first-year head coach Karl Dorrell starting on Monday. A team spokesman said CU will determine the status of those practices “in the very near future.” It canceled a meet-and-greet between reporters and new football assistant coaches scheduled on Friday.
“The CU athletic department is committed to the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans as it relates to COVID-19,” CU athletic director Rick George said in a news release. “As the situation is developing rapidly, we continue to collaborate with leaders from campus, the Pac-12 and NCAA as we make decisions that are in the best interest of our student-athletes and staff.”
At CSU, a team spokesman confirmed that on-campus visits for Rams football recruits were off the table until further notice, pending university guidelines. Addazio’s final pre-spring break practice went on as planned Thursday.
The Rams are taking next week off for spring break. The status of the second stretch of practices, which begin March 24, and the future of the April 9 spring game, have yet to be determined at a university level.
“It was a little disappointing because I was excited to check everything out and talk with the coaches,” said Freyler, the 6-foot-2 CSU football recruit rated by 247Sports as the No. 13 prospect in the state for the Class of 2021.
“But I kind of was expecting it, just because of everything else leading up to that point with the NBA (season) being suspended and college basketball (in limbo) and with some other colleges already shutting down their spring games.”
Freyler had on-campus visits to Nebraska and Kansas State on the docket for next week, although he’s assuming “those are going to be canceled as well.”
The Air Force Academy released the following statement: “Air Force Academy officials have suspended all home and away sporting events indefinitely to safeguard cadets, military and civilian personnel, family members and the local community due to the spread of COVID-19. Academy leadership will continue to monitor the situation and stay connected to national sports governing bodies, as well as various government agencies.”
The University of Northern Colorado men’s basketball team was the 2-seed in the Big Sky Tournament before the hammer fell. UNC athletic director Darren Dunn said: “While we are deeply disappointed in the cancellation … we fully support the decision made by the conference. We have three talented seniors and I was confident coach (Jeff) Linder had the team in a position to win a title and advance to the NCAA Tournament. So, for their season to end like this is very disappointing.”
First-year UNC head football coach Ed McCaffrey added in a statement: “We have been in communication with the athletic department and university administration about our process moving forward for spring practice. The main priority for our program is the health and safety of our student-athletes. We will continue to be in constant communication with the department, university, Big Sky and NCAA on this fluid situation.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Employee with coronavirus symptoms prompts shutdown of Denver Motor Vehicle branch

A branch office for Denver Motor Vehicle closed Thursday after an employee there exhibited symptoms consistent with COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ in Denver was closed at 2 p.m. and will be cleaned and sanitized as a @ @ @ @ @ statement from the city .
Officials urged anyone who visited the location on March 11 @ @ @ @ @ close attention to whether they feel sick and to consider isolating themselves .
The employee @ @ @ @ @ being tested for the novel coronavirus , according to the city .
Tests typically take @ @ @ @ @ completed .

A branch office for Denver Motor Vehicle closed Thursday after an employee there exhibited symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The office at 2855 Tremont Place in Denver was closed at 2 p.m. and will be cleaned and sanitized as a precaution, according to a statement from the city.
Officials urged anyone who visited the location on March 11 or March 12 to pay close attention to whether they feel sick and to consider isolating themselves.
The employee who showed the symptoms is being tested for the novel coronavirus, according to the city. Tests typically take a few days to be completed.
Sign up for our Facebook group to get see the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Suspect arrested in arson at Temple Emanuel in Pueblo

An arsonist struck Temple Emanuel in Pueblo on Wednesday , and police arrested a woman suspected of setting the fire @ @ @ @ @ Pueblo man threatened to destroy the same temple , the second-oldest synagogue in Colorado .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s fire is connected to the November threat .
Firefighters and police responded Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ N. Grand Ave. , and firefighters quickly put out the fire .
Investigators identified a @ @ @ @ @ DeCesaro , who was taken into custody at the scene , according to a news @ @ @ @ @ into the Pueblo County jail on suspicion of first-degree arson and second-degree burglary .
In @ @ @ @ @ 27 , was charged with intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their @ @ @ @ @ , through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire .

An arsonist struck Temple Emanuel in Pueblo on Wednesday, and police arrested a woman suspected of setting the fire.
In November, a Pueblo man threatened to destroy the same temple, the second-oldest synagogue in Colorado. Investigators do not believe Wednesday’s fire is connected to the November threat.
Firefighters and police responded Wednesday to the temple, 1325 N. Grand Ave., and firefighters quickly put out the fire. Investigators identified a suspect and arrested 62-year-old Patricia DeCesaro, who was taken into custody at the scene, according to a news release.
DeCesaro was booked into the Pueblo County jail on suspicion of first-degree arson and second-degree burglary.
In November, Richard Holzer, 27, was charged with intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--No. 6 DU hockey title quest ends as coronavirus spread cancels NCAA winter and spring championships

David Carle accurately predicted a worst-case scenario Thursday afternoon just before NCAA sports came to a screeching halt .
“ It ’ s a legitimate fear for our seniors that they may have played their last game already , ” Carle said .
The University of Denver hockey coach soon learned that his No .
6 Pioneers ( 21-9-6 ) would not play again due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Hours later the NCAA made its decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships .
“ I would rather have it postponed than canceled , ” Carle said before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The hope is that we ’ re essentially doing a 10-to-14-day quarantine , it seems like as a society , to try and slow the spread .
Whatever they decide to do , we ’ d rather play.
” DU hockey is not the only spring or winter sports program on campus with legitimate title aspirations .
The Pioneers ’ skiing team was in second place on Thursday at the NCAA championships when the event was called off .
Additionally , DU was nationally-ranked in gymnastics and men ’ s/women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor track and field championships were scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Albuquerque , New Mexico .
The University of Colorado qualified seven individuals .
Colorado State sent two participants .
“ As everyone has said , it ’ s in the best interest to heed the experts ’ advice , ” Carle said .
“ If canceling things has been what ’ s going on , helps the general population , slows the spread and eases the tension on our hospital system , then at the end of the day , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @

David Carle accurately predicted a worst-case scenario Thursday afternoon just before NCAA sports came to a screeching halt.
“It’s a legitimate fear for our seniors that they may have played their last game already,” Carle said.
The University of Denver hockey coach soon learned that his No. 6 Pioneers (21-9-6) would not play again due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hours later the NCAA made its decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships.
“I would rather have it postponed than canceled,” Carle said before the NCAA’s final call. “The hope is that we’re essentially doing a 10-to-14-day quarantine, it seems like as a society, to try and slow the spread. Whatever they decide to do, we’d rather play.”
DU hockey is not the only spring or winter sports program on campus with legitimate title aspirations. The Pioneers’ skiing team was in second place on Thursday at the NCAA championships when the event was called off. Additionally, DU was nationally-ranked in gymnastics and men’s/women’s lacrosse this season. The canceled NCAA indoor track and field championships were scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The University of Colorado qualified seven individuals. Colorado State sent two participants.
“As everyone has said, it’s in the best interest to heed the experts’ advice,” Carle said. “If canceling things has been what’s going on, helps the general population, slows the spread and eases the tension on our hospital system, then at the end of the day, it’s the right call.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Gunnison Watershed School District suspending classes for 2 weeks to reduce coronavirus risk

The Gunnison Watershed School District is suspending all classes at its seven schools for the next two weeks starting Friday to reduce the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus , officials announced .
Students across the district will return to classes on their campuses on March 30 , but “ learning will continue ” during the closure , the district announced Thursday .
“ Our teachers are hard at work developing online instructional materials for students , and we are also developing a system to check out devices ( Chromebooks , laptops , iPads ) to students who need them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Please stay tuned for details via email.
” The district does not yet have confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school community , but officials said they are taking preventative measures to reduce the spread of the respiratory illness .
There are three confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Gunnison County .
The move follows a flurry of Colorado higher education institutions — and universities across the country — announcing transitions to remote learning this week as the highly contagious new coronavirus causes mass event closures , budget concerns and lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the state have been suspending after-school activities , clubs , events and sports .
On Thursday , three Denver elementary schools were closed after family members of children attending the schools tested positive for the new coronavirus .
Officials said the schools would be thoroughly disinfected during the closures and the children of impacted family members would be tested for the respiratory virus .
On Wednesday , Gov .
Jared Polis ordered schools close for 72 hours for disinfection if a student or staff member test positive for the new coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ school closing for 14 days , he added .
Earlier in the week , Denver Public Schools officials said the district was finalizing a plan to provide options for students to learn remotely if necessary .
Key components would include ensuring access to technology , home internet and leveraging the district-supported online learning platform , said Lauren Durkee , director of special projects in the Department of Technology Services .
The plan looked at using smartphones to work remotely whenever possible as the phones were believed to be more readily available than other @ @

The Gunnison Watershed School District is suspending all classes at its seven schools for the next two weeks starting Friday to reduce the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus, officials announced.
Students across the district will return to classes on their campuses on March 30, but “learning will continue” during the closure, the district announced Thursday.
“Our teachers are hard at work developing online instructional materials for students, and we are also developing a system to check out devices (Chromebooks, laptops, iPads) to students who need them,” a district news release said. “Please stay tuned for details via email.”
The district does not yet have confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school community, but officials said they are taking preventative measures to reduce the spread of the respiratory illness.
There are three confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Gunnison County.
The move follows a flurry of Colorado higher education institutions — and universities across the country — announcing transitions to remote learning this week as the highly contagious new coronavirus causes mass event closures, budget concerns and lifestyle alterations.
For days, school districts across the state have been suspending after-school activities, clubs, events and sports.
On Thursday, three Denver elementary schools were closed after family members of children attending the schools tested positive for the new coronavirus. Officials said the schools would be thoroughly disinfected during the closures and the children of impacted family members would be tested for the respiratory virus.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jared Polis ordered schools close for 72 hours for disinfection if a student or staff member test positive for the new coronavirus. Multiple cases of COVID-19 could require a school closing for 14 days, he added.
Earlier in the week, Denver Public Schools officials said the district was finalizing a plan to provide options for students to learn remotely if necessary. Key components would include ensuring access to technology, home internet and leveraging the district-supported online learning platform, said Lauren Durkee, director of special projects in the Department of Technology Services.
The plan looked at using smartphones to work remotely whenever possible as the phones were believed to be more readily available than other technologies.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--There are no plans to close ski resorts due to coronavirus, Colorado health officials say

Despite warnings from Gov .
Jared Polis that the coronavirus probably will “ disproportionally ” affect mountain communities which have limited capacities to treat victims , ski areas can continue to operate at least for the time being .
That ’ s the word from Scott Bookman , who oversees the state health department ’ s response to the pandemic .
“ There are no plans to close ski resorts at this time , ” Bookman said at a news conference on Thursday .
In Aspen , where nine people have been diagnosed and three more who are symptomatic have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that operates the four Aspen-area mountains said that as of now , it plans to keep them open into spring .
Those mountains include Aspen Mountain , Aspen Highlands , Snowmass and Buttermilk .
RELATED : Aspen Snowmass still open for skiing but is changing lift procedures amid coronavirus outbreak On Wednesday , Polis recommended that people over 60 or with chronic health issues avoid unnecessary travel to high country areas that have seen outbreaks , “ because of the lack of healthcare capacity for hospitalization and ventilation in these areas as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

Despite warnings from Gov. Jared Polis that the coronavirus probably will “disproportionally” affect mountain communities which have limited capacities to treat victims, ski areas can continue to operate at least for the time being.
That’s the word from Scott Bookman, who oversees the state health department’s response to the pandemic.
“There are no plans to close ski resorts at this time,” Bookman said at a news conference on Thursday.
In Aspen, where nine people have been diagnosed and three more who are symptomatic have refused to be tested, the company that operates the four Aspen-area mountains said that as of now, it plans to keep them open into spring. Those mountains include Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk.
RELATED: Aspen Snowmass still open for skiing but is changing lift procedures amid coronavirus outbreak
On Wednesday, Polis recommended that people over 60 or with chronic health issues avoid unnecessary travel to high country areas that have seen outbreaks, “because of the lack of healthcare capacity for hospitalization and ventilation in these areas as well as the identified hotspots.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-12--Live Nation, AEG expected to suspend all tours, but tonight’s Post Malone show in Denver is still on

Live Nation , the country ’ s largest concert promoter , and AEG Presents , which was started by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz , will soon officially suspend all upcoming concerts through the end of the month in light of the new coronavirus pandemic , The New York Times reported Thursday .
That may include hundreds of concerts in the Denver metro area , from the arenas such as the Pepsi Center and FirstBank Center to theaters , clubs and bars .
But as of early Thursday night in Denver , no press releases , social media posts or subscriber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of 3:30 p.m. , only AEG Presents had responded to requests for comment .
“ Anything happening in clubs and theaters is moving ahead as planned , ” said a Los Angeles-based spokesman for the company .
“ Anything in an arena is not.
” AEG Presents also provided a statement to The Denver Post co-signed by the company ’ s CEO and the leaders of Live Nation and various talent agencies , such as CAA and WME .
“ At this time , we collectively recommend large scale events through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to support that small scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials .
We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts , festivals , and live events as needed , and look forward to connecting fans with all their favorite artists and live entertainment soon.
” Frustrated fans have been reaching out to The Denver Post seeking information about shows like tonight ’ s Dwight Yoakam concert at Mission Ballroom , an AEG show that , as of right now , appears to be going on as planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have negative health impacts , said Chloe Osborne , 23 , a Capitol Hill resident who had planned to go to tonight ’ s ( Thursday , March 12 ’ s ) Post Malone show at The Pepsi Center .
Osborne attempted to get a refund for her tickets , which cost $ 375.63 , by calling the Pepsi Center ’ s guest relations .
She was told that unless an artist canceled , she would not be granted one .
“ I don ’ t want to be dramatic , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceling the NBA and NHL games at that venue , they should cancel concerts , ” she said over the phone Thursday afternoon .
“ Or at least offer refunds.
” At 1:46 p.m. , the Pepsi Center tweeted that tonight ’ s Post Malone concert was “ proceeding as scheduled .
We continue to monitor the current COVID-19 situation with local , state and federal authorities .
Please continue to monitor venue websites & social media channels regarding any updates to upcoming events.
” A spokeswoman for Pepsi Center owner Kroenke Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment .
Frustrated , Osborne said she has also contacted the offices of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis for consumer assistance , to no avail .
Osborne , whose boyfriend works with “ older individuals ” at a metal foundry and fears she could spread the virus to them , said she will likely lose money on the purchase if she can ’ t sell the tickets on StubHub or another third-party reseller .
“ Nobody ’ s really mentioning coronavirus , but on StubHub , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pepsi Center concert ) ticket has gone from $ 148 to , just this morning , $ 102 , ” she said .
“ Everybody ’ s selling them for way lower than they paid.
” AEG Presents is preparing a statement that will address ticket refunds and postponed shows , according to a spokesman .
He did not have an answer on the question of immediate refunds When asked if fans could get immediate refunds for shows — instead of waiting around for a rescheduled date — he said , “ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday afternoon , the Pepsi Center retweeted country artist Blake Shelton ’ s announcement of his tour postponement , effective tonight , for the sake of “ everyone ’ s safety and well-being.
” His tour includes a show scheduled for March 14 at the Pepsi Center .
At 4:45 p.m. on Thursday , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock issued a week-long local state of emergency that discouraged “ large gatherings from taking place within the City and County of Denver to protect public health and safety and mitigate potential spread of COVID-19.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still on , according to The Pepsi Center and Live Nation ’ s websites .
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , In The Know , to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox .

Live Nation, the country’s largest concert promoter, and AEG Presents, which was started by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz, will soon officially suspend all upcoming concerts through the end of the month in light of the new coronavirus pandemic, The New York Times reported Thursday.
That includes dozens, perhaps hundreds, of concerts in the Denver metro area, from the Pepsi Center to theaters, clubs and bars.
But as of mid-afternoon Thursday in Denver, no press releases, social media posts or subscriber emails seemed to reflect that fact. As of 3:30 p.m., only AEG Presents had responded to requests for comment.
“Anything happening in clubs and theaters is moving ahead as planned,” said a Los Angeles-based spokesman for the company. “Anything in an arena is not.”
AEG Presents also provided a statement to The Denver Post co-signed by the company’s CEO and the leaders of Live Nation and various talent agencies such as CAA and WME.
“A this time, we collectively recommend large scale events through the end of March be postponed. We continue to support that small scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials. We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts, festivals, and live events as needed, and look forward to connecting fans with all their favorite artists and live entertainment soon.”
Frustrated fans have been reaching out to The Denver Post seeking information about shows like tonight’s Dwight Yoakam concert at Mission Ballroom, an AEG show that, as of right now, appears to be going on as planned.
The failure to move more quickly could have negative health impacts, said Chloe Osborne, 23, a Capitol Hill resident who had planned to go to tonight’s (Thursday, March 12’s) Post Malone show at The Pepsi Center.
Osborne attempted to get a refund for her tickets, which cost $375.63, by calling the Pepsi Center’s guest relations. She was told that unless an artist canceled, she would not be granted one.
“I don’t want to be dramatic, but it seems like if they’re canceling the NBA and NHL games at that venue, they should cancel concerts,” she said over the phone Thursday afternoon. “Or at least offer refunds.”
At 1:46 p.m., the Pepsi Center tweeted that tonight’s Post Malone concert “proceeding as scheduled,” the tweet reads. “We continue to monitor the current COVID-19 situation with local, state and federal authorities. Please continue to monitor venue websites & social media channels regarding any updates to upcoming events.”
Tonight’s Post Malone concert at Pepsi Center is proceeding as scheduled. We continue to monitor the current COVID-19 situation with local, state and federal authorities. Please continue to monitor venue websites & social media channels regarding any updates to upcoming events. — Pepsi Center (@pepsicenter) March 12, 2020
A spokeswoman for Pepsi Center owner Kroenke Sports Enterprises did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Frustrated, Osborne said she has also contacted the offices of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for consumer assistance, to no avail.
Osborne, who works with “older individuals” and fears she could spread the virus to them, said she will likely lose money on the purchase if she can’t sell the tickets on StubHub or another third-party ticket reseller.
“Nobody’s really mentioning coronavirus, but on StubHub, the price of a Post Malone (Pepsi Center concert) ticket has gone from $148 to, just this morning, $102,” she said. “Everybody’s selling them for way lower than they paid.”
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.