thedenverpost--2020-03-12--As Rangeview vies to become first undefeated Class 5A boys basketball champ since 2004, Raiders lean

As Rangeview vies to become first undefeated Class 5A boys basketball champ since 2004, Raiders lean on over decade of on-court chemistry

Long before Rangeview positioned itself to become the first undefeated Class 5A boys basketball champion in 15 years , a peewee rec team by the same name was leaving omens on courts all over Aurora .
Those little Raiders were also led by Shawn Palmer , now in his 17th year as the Rangeview head coach .
Steamrolling its competition , the team featured the majority of the primary contributors to this year ’ s Raiders , who are 26-0 heading into Friday ’ s Final Four at Denver Coliseum .
“ I ’ ve been involved with these boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in first grade , so it ’ s pretty cool to see them grow up and be where they are right now , ” Palmer said .
“ After the rec team we started Top Flight , a club team , the next season .
The kids played together there , then together on the ( Rangeview ) feeder team.
” Christian and Christopher Speller headlined the Raiders ’ roster then like they do now , as the faces of a basketball school looking to defend its crown .
The senior guards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Metro State commit ) and 6-5 Christoper ( Colorado Mesa ) leading the Raiders into the semifinal against No .
5 Grandview .
It ’ s a rematch of a closely contested game from early in the season , when the Raiders edged the Wolves 38-37 on Dec. 6 in Aurora .
It ’ s also a showdown between the past two 5A champions — Grandview was the surprise winner of the 2018 title as a No .
6 seed — and a rematch of last year ’ s Final Four game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wolves “ one of the top defensive teams in the state , with a lot of toughness inside and out.
” “ Grandview has two of the best players in the state in Caleb McGill and Lian Ramiro , who have been giving everyone fits and matchup problems.
” Palmer said .
“ We ’ ve got our hands full guarding those guys and making sure we play good team defense to make things difficult for them.
” The Raiders were also 26-0 heading into the 2016 Final Four , but lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that season .
Jalen Guidry was the senior point guard on that team , and he has served as a varsity assistant for Rangeview this season .
He believes these Raiders are ready for the final , pressurized push of a perfect season .
“ When stuff starts to hit the fan — it will in that environment — or you ’ re not getting calls , or if you ’ re down , they know that ’ s the perfect time to come together as a team , ” Guidry said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for so long .
This pressure ain ’ t nothing new to them.
” Beyond the Spellers , senior guard Obi Agbim , junior guard Cade Palmer and junior forward Jayden Foster round out the starting lineup .
Agbim is Rangeview ’ s leading scorer at 13.3 points per game , while the Spellers and the coach ’ s son are also averaging in double digits .
Seniors Isaiah Jamison , Ronnie Hatch and Jovaughn Wright are usually the first ones off the bench .
Rangeview is attempting to become the first undefeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led Denver East to 24-0 and the gold ball in 2004 .
“ It ’ s cool to be talked about in conversations with that 2004 East team , and the Palmer team that went undefeated ( in 2000 ) , but we definitely have our work cut out for us , ” Palmer said .
“ That ’ s all we ’ re talking about right now.
” The Raiders are in position to make history despite facing zero resistance within their own league .
The perennial East Metro champions haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but if their 4-0 performance at this season ’ s nationally prestigious Tarkanian Classic is any indication , Rangeview is ready for Colorado ’ s best .
“ They ’ ve got a quality team , quality kids , quality coaching — they ’ ve beat some good teams outside their league , so if they finish off the undefeated season , it ’ s a great accomplishment , ” Carey said .
All games are Friday at the Denver Coliseum .
Class 4A : No .
10 Pueblo West vs. No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. ; No .
1 Mead vs. No .
5 Northfield , 5:30 p.m. Class 5A : No .
2 Fairview vs. No .
6 Valor Christian , 7 p.m. ; No .
1 Rangeview vs. No .
5 Grandview , 8:30 p.m .

Long before Rangeview positioned itself to become the first undefeated Class 5A boys basketball champion in 15 years, a peewee rec team by the same name was leaving omens on courts all over Aurora.
Those little Raiders were also led by Shawn Palmer, now in his 17th year as the Rangeview head coach. Steamrolling its competition, the team featured the majority of the primary contributors to this year’s Raiders, who are 26-0 heading into Friday’s Final Four at Denver Coliseum.
“I’ve been involved with these boys and their families’ lives since they were in first grade, so it’s pretty cool to see them grow up and be where they are right now,” Palmer said. “After the rec team we started Top Flight, a club team, the next season. The kids played together there, then together on the (Rangeview) feeder team.”
Christian and Christopher Speller headlined the Raiders’ roster then like they do now, as the faces of a basketball school looking to defend its crown. The senior guards are fraternal twins, with 6-foot-3 Christian (Metro State commit) and 6-5 Christoper (Colorado Mesa) leading the Raiders into the semifinal against No. 5 Grandview.
It’s a rematch of a closely contested game from early in the season, when the Raiders edged the Wolves 38-37 on Dec. 6 in Aurora. It’s also a showdown between the past two 5A champions — Grandview was the surprise winner of the 2018 title as a No. 6 seed — and a rematch of last year’s Final Four game won 49-39 by Rangeview.
Palmer called the Wolves “one of the top defensive teams in the state, with a lot of toughness inside and out.”
“Grandview has two of the best players in the state in Caleb McGill and Lian Ramiro, who have been giving everyone fits and matchup problems.” Palmer said. “We’ve got our hands full guarding those guys and making sure we play good team defense to make things difficult for them.”
The Raiders were also 26-0 heading into the 2016 Final Four, but lost to eventual champion Eaglecrest, 58-55, that season.
Jalen Guidry was the senior point guard on that team, and he has served as a varsity assistant for Rangeview this season. He believes these Raiders are ready for the final, pressurized push of a perfect season.
“When stuff starts to hit the fan — it will in that environment — or you’re not getting calls, or if you’re down, they know that’s the perfect time to come together as a team,” Guidry said. “These guys have been playing together for so long. This pressure ain’t nothing new to them.”
Beyond the Spellers, senior guard Obi Agbim, junior guard Cade Palmer and junior forward Jayden Foster round out the starting lineup. Agbim is Rangeview’s leading scorer at 13.3 points per game, while the Spellers and the coach’s son are also averaging in double digits. Seniors Isaiah Jamison, Ronnie Hatch and Jovaughn Wright are usually the first ones off the bench.
Rangeview is attempting to become the first undefeated Class 5A champion since coach Rudy Carey led Denver East to 24-0 and the gold ball in 2004.
“It’s cool to be talked about in conversations with that 2004 East team, and the Palmer team that went undefeated (in 2000), but we definitely have our work cut out for us,” Palmer said. “That’s all we’re talking about right now.”
The Raiders are in position to make history despite facing zero resistance within their own league. The perennial East Metro champions haven’t lost in league play since 2013, but if their 4-0 performance at this season’s nationally prestigious Tarkanian Classic is any indication, Rangeview is ready for Colorado’s best.
“They’ve got a quality team, quality kids, quality coaching — they’ve beat some good teams outside their league, so if they finish off the undefeated season, it’s a great accomplishment,” Carey said.
Boys Final Four Schedule
All games are Friday at the Denver Coliseum.
Class 4A: No. 10 Pueblo West vs. No. 11 The Classical Academy, 4 p.m.; No. 1 Mead vs. No. 5 Northfield, 5:30 p.m.
Class 5A: No. 2 Fairview vs. No. 6 Valor Christian, 7 p.m.; No. 1 Rangeview vs. No. 5 Grandview, 8:30 p.m.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Ask Amy: Widower worries about son’s need to cuddle

Dear Readers : Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects .
I ’ ve gathered some topical “ Best Of ” columns from 10 years ago .
Today ’ s compilation considers some of the abundant challenges of fatherhood ( Some content has been lightly edited . )
I ’ ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns .
Dear Amy : I am a widower with five children .
We live in a large home in a private , gated community .
I allowed my wife ’ s sister and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she and her husband lost their jobs and their home was foreclosed .
They have three older children .
I am truly blessed that both our families get along well , and that my children have a mother figure in my sister-in-law .
I am concerned , though , for my youngest son “ Stevie.
” At a little over two years old , he has yet to speak ( for some context , I didn ’ t start talking until I was four ) .
Stevie also likes to cuddle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stuffed bear , Stevie and bear can be found in the beds of either his brothers , sisters , cousins , aunt and uncle , or my own !
He does not discriminate !
I found him recently sleeping with our chocolate lab !
Is this behavior something to be concerned about ?
Friends and family say it ’ s just a phase , but I ’ d like to be sure .
What is your take on this ?
Dear Concerned : I ’ m happy your unusual living situation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the youngest , “ Stevie ” may be expressing some of the natural stresses of being at the end of the cuddle chain in your very large household .
At only two-years-old , he has been through a great deal .
He now has a wealth of cuddling and sleeping options , and he is trying them all .
Take your son to see his pediatrician for an evaluation .
His lack of language could be a sign of a processing or hearing problem , or evidence that he has suffered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is going through a transition .
I ’ d let him cuddle with anyone and everyone ( as long as you are assured he is safe ) , but you , especially , should give him as much one-on-one “ Daddy time ” as you can .
Dear Amy : My daughter is 19 and has been dating her boyfriend for 2-1/2 years .
She has four siblings .
All of her siblings dislike this guy .
He lives with my daughter in my ex-wife ’ s house most of the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources , yet he often takes advantage of all the household has to offer .
He is polite and kind to her and to her mother — and to me — but I don ’ t think he is a warm , giving person overall .
He is employed and he treats my daughter well , and she loves him , but almost everyone he encounters does not like him .
I don ’ t think he does anything to elevate her or make her better , and I am convinced that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am afraid to intervene because I don ’ t want her to have to choose between him and me , and yet I feel like I should say something .
I made a mistake marrying her mother , and I wish my parents had intervened when I was her age .
Do you have any advice for me ?
Dear Dad : If you lay an ultimatum at your daughter ’ s feet and force her to choose between you and her boyfriend , she will “ choose ” him , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retrospective take on the matter , you would have done the same at her age .
I agree with you that this relationship doesn ’ t sound ideal , although according to you he treats your daughter and the rest of the family well .
This person ’ s function in your daughter ’ s life is not to elevate and make her “ better.
” She should elevate herself and strive to be her best self .
You should mentor your daughter to further her education , do good work and aspire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend , you could tell her , “ You ’ re young and wonderful .
I want you to live your very best life .
I feel you ’ re too young to settle down , and hope you will consider all of your options.
” You could tell her you ’ ve learned from your own mistakes , but please don ’ t say you regret marrying her mom .
That is a disrespectful message to convey regarding the mother of your children .

Dear Readers: Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects. I’ve gathered some topical “Best Of” columns from 10 years ago. Today’s compilation considers some of the abundant challenges of fatherhood (Some content has been lightly edited.) I’ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns.
Dear Amy: I am a widower with five children. We live in a large home in a private, gated community.
I allowed my wife’s sister and her family to move in with us when she and her husband lost their jobs and their home was foreclosed. They have three older children. I am truly blessed that both our families get along well, and that my children have a mother figure in my sister-in-law. I am concerned, though, for my youngest son “Stevie.” At a little over two years old, he has yet to speak (for some context, I didn’t start talking until I was four).
Stevie also likes to cuddle with everyone! Despite having his own bed and stuffed bear, Stevie and bear can be found in the beds of either his brothers, sisters, cousins, aunt and uncle, or my own! He does not discriminate! I found him recently sleeping with our chocolate lab!
Is this behavior something to be concerned about? Friends and family say it’s just a phase, but I’d like to be sure. What is your take on this?
— Concerned in Michigan
Dear Concerned: I’m happy your unusual living situation is working out for your families, but as the youngest, “Stevie” may be expressing some of the natural stresses of being at the end of the cuddle chain in your very large household.
At only two-years-old, he has been through a great deal. He now has a wealth of cuddling and sleeping options, and he is trying them all.
Take your son to see his pediatrician for an evaluation. His lack of language could be a sign of a processing or hearing problem, or evidence that he has suffered a loss, is stressed and confused, and is going through a transition.
I’d let him cuddle with anyone and everyone (as long as you are assured he is safe), but you, especially, should give him as much one-on-one “Daddy time” as you can.
August 2010
Dear Amy: My daughter is 19 and has been dating her boyfriend for 2-1/2 years. She has four siblings. All of her siblings dislike this guy.
He lives with my daughter in my ex-wife’s house most of the time. He rarely contributes to the household resources, yet he often takes advantage of all the household has to offer.
He is polite and kind to her and to her mother — and to me — but I don’t think he is a warm, giving person overall.
He is employed and he treats my daughter well, and she loves him, but almost everyone he encounters does not like him.
I don’t think he does anything to elevate her or make her better, and I am convinced that she would be better off without him.
I am afraid to intervene because I don’t want her to have to choose between him and me, and yet I feel like I should say something.
I made a mistake marrying her mother, and I wish my parents had intervened when I was her age. Do you have any advice for me?
— Concerned Dad
Dear Dad: If you lay an ultimatum at your daughter’s feet and force her to choose between you and her boyfriend, she will “choose” him, I assure you. Despite your current and retrospective take on the matter, you would have done the same at her age.
I agree with you that this relationship doesn’t sound ideal, although according to you he treats your daughter and the rest of the family well.
This person’s function in your daughter’s life is not to elevate and make her “better.” She should elevate herself and strive to be her best self.
You should mentor your daughter to further her education, do good work and aspire to great things. Without trashing her boyfriend, you could tell her, “You’re young and wonderful. I want you to live your very best life. I feel you’re too young to settle down, and hope you will consider all of your options.”
You could tell her you’ve learned from your own mistakes, but please don’t say you regret marrying her mom. That is a disrespectful message to convey regarding the mother of your children.
July 2010
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--CHSAA cancels remainder of state basketball tournaments amid coronavirus pandemic

The remainder of the state high school basketball tournaments have been canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic , the Colorado High School Activities Association announced late Thursday night .
The announcement came after the University of Denver informed CHSAA that the school would no longer host the Class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments , according to a news release from the association .
That , along with the City of Denver ’ s emergency declaration and uncertainty at other sites , led CHSAA to cancel the rest of the state basketball tournaments in all classes , the release stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to this point was to try and keep the experience of a state basketball tournament for our student participants and high school communities , ” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in the release .
“ In the face of this unprecedented public health emergency , we are compelled to discontinue play in all tournaments.
” As professional leagues , colleges and other high school associations postponed or canceled events Wednesday and Thursday , CHSAA opted to play tournament games at four venues Thursday , including the Denver Coliseum ( Class 5A/4A ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3A ) , the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland ( 2A ) and Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley ( 1A ) .
CHSAA suspended its spring sports and activities earlier in the day , but reiterated its intention to complete the state basketball playoffs .
It wasn ’ t until late Thursday night , after all the day ’ s games were done at approximately 11 p.m. , that the association announced its decision to cancel the rest of the state tournaments .

The remainder of the state high school basketball tournaments have been canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado High School Activities Association announced late Thursday night.
The announcement came after the University of Denver informed CHSAA that the school would no longer host the Class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments, according to a news release from the association. That, along with the City of Denver’s emergency declaration and uncertainty at other sites, led CHSAA to cancel the rest of the state basketball tournaments in all classes, the release stated.
“Everything we’ve done up to this point was to try and keep the experience of a state basketball tournament for our student participants and high school communities,” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in the release. “In the face of this unprecedented public health emergency, we are compelled to discontinue play in all tournaments.”
As professional leagues, colleges and other high school associations postponed or canceled events Wednesday and Thursday, CHSAA opted to play tournament games at four venues Thursday, including the Denver Coliseum (Class 5A/4A), DU’s Hamilton Gymnasium (3A), the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland (2A) and Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley (1A).
CHSAA suspended its spring sports and activities earlier in the day, but reiterated its intention to complete the state basketball playoffs.
It wasn’t until late Thursday night, after all the day’s games were done at approximately 11 p.m., that the association announced its decision to cancel the rest of the state tournaments.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties ban groups of 50 or more over coronavirus concerns

A public health order in Eagle , Garfield and Pitkin counties is limiting gatherings of people to 50 in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus .
“ Not only has COVID-19 presented in our tri-county region , but there has also been community transmission between affected individuals , ” according to a news release from the health department ’ s of the three counties .
“ The role of counties is to protect the health , safety and welfare of their citizens.
” Gatherings can include “ business , social , or recreational activities including , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , leisure , or sporting events ; parades ; concerts ; festivals ; assemblies ; conventions ; fundraisers ; and similar activities.
” The gathering order pertains to “ events , ” it does not include “ places of employment or primarily small-group sports like skiing , as long as social distancing occurs , particularly in areas where congregating in groups is unavoidable , such as ( ski ) lift lines.
” The order does not include restaurants , as long as the eatery adheres to the requirements for social distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people within six feet of each other .
The immediate order was announced on Thursday and it will be revisited on April 8 , the release said .
“ By slowing the spread , we have a chance to protect our family , friends , and neighbors who are at risk for severe illness , ” the release said .
“ In particular , this includes all adults over age 60 and anyone with an underlying health condition.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A public health order in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties is limiting gatherings of people to 50 in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.
“Not only has COVID-19 presented in our tri-county region, but there has also been community transmission between affected individuals,” according to a news release from the health department’s of the three counties. “The role of counties is to protect the health, safety and welfare of their citizens.”
Gatherings can include “business, social, or recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; assemblies; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities.”
The gathering order pertains to “events,” it does not include “places of employment or primarily small-group sports like skiing, as long as social distancing occurs, particularly in areas where congregating in groups is unavoidable, such as (ski) lift lines.”
The order does not include restaurants, as long as the eatery adheres to the requirements for social distancing. Social distancing recommendations include limiting contact of people within six feet of each other.
The immediate order was announced on Thursday and it will be revisited on April 8, the release said.
“By slowing the spread, we have a chance to protect our family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk for severe illness,” the release said. “In particular, this includes all adults over age 60 and anyone with an underlying health condition.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Drive-up testing hours in Lowry for coronavirus will be limited Friday; tests capped at 150

The drive-up testing site for the coronavirus has seen more than 650 Coloradans in the past two days , and hours on Friday are being limited .
Friday hours at the Lowry site will be limited from noon to 2 p.m. , according to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment news release .
So far , testing has given health officials “ much needed epidemiological intelligence that is critical for policy decisions , ” according to the release .
Friday ’ s limitation will help ensure safety for lab and health care staffers who have been working at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will minimize wait times for potentially ill people waiting in vehicles .
On Thursday , some people waited up to four hours .
“ Because Colorado now has capacity for private labs to conduct testing , CDPHE encourages anyone who is symptomatic or who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to call or email your physician first for guidance , obtain a doctor ’ s order for testing , and request information about private providers where you can get tested , ’ the release said .
“ Always call first before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing.
” State health officials have determined that traffic patterns , on-site staffing , and lab testing capabilities can handle a maximum of 150 vehicles in the drive-up queue .
After the first 150 vehicles , people will be “ encouraged to seek testing from a private provider.
” In addition , for the safety of drive-up lab workers , hours of operation will be contingent upon safe weather .
Friday ’ s forecast in Denver calls for a mix of rain and snow with a high temperature of 40 degrees .
Subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent straight to your inbox .

The drive-up testing site for the coronavirus has seen more than 650 Coloradans in the past two days, and hours on Friday are being limited.
Friday hours at the Lowry site will be limited from noon to 2 p.m., according to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment news release.
So far, testing has given health officials “much needed epidemiological intelligence that is critical for policy decisions,” according to the release.
Friday’s limitation will help ensure safety for lab and health care staffers who have been working at the site. The reduced operating time will minimize wait times for potentially ill people waiting in vehicles. On Thursday, some people waited up to four hours.
“Because Colorado now has capacity for private labs to conduct testing, CDPHE encourages anyone who is symptomatic or who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to call or email your physician first for guidance, obtain a doctor’s order for testing, and request information about private providers where you can get tested,’ the release said. “Always call first before reporting to a health care facility for testing.”
State health officials have determined that traffic patterns, on-site staffing, and lab testing capabilities can handle a maximum of 150 vehicles in the drive-up queue. After the first 150 vehicles, people will be “encouraged to seek testing from a private provider.”
In addition, for the safety of drive-up lab workers, hours of operation will be contingent upon safe weather. Friday’s forecast in Denver calls for a mix of rain and snow with a high temperature of 40 degrees.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--5A girls basketball: Hudgins’ shooting lifts Grandview to return trip to 5A title game

A defender in her face , and Grandview trailing by one in the fourth quarter , Marya Hudgins looked toward the rim and didn ’ t hesitate .
Hudgins rose up and lofted a high-arcing 3-point shot that hit nothing but net , one of three fourth-quarter 3-pointers for the sophomore guard as the No .
4 Wolves rallied to beat top seed Valor Christian 49-42 in Thursday night ’ s Final Four showdown at Denver Coliseum .
“ I was just shooting it and they were going in , ” said Hudgins .
“ I was really feeling it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia couldn ’ t miss from deep against Valor , sinking all five of her 3-point attempts en route to a 17-point night .
Six-foot-7 post Lauren Betts added a game-high 21 points , with 10 coming in the third quarter to help Grandview pull within one entering the fourth .
Hudgins put Grandview over the top after that with her three 3s in the final frame , the first of which gave the Wolves their first lead since going up 2-0 early in the first quarter .
“ We just started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Hey , we got this , and it ’ s our game and we just got to take over , ' ” Hudgins said of the team ’ s rally from down seven with 5:40 left in the third quarter .
Valor ’ s pressure defense and dogged ball denial of Betts forced Grandview into several turnovers early as the Eagles built a 20-17 halftime lead .
And in a battle of two of the state ’ s best post players , Valor sophomore Raegan Beers battled Betts with 14 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t enough , however , for Valor ( 25-2 ) .
Betts blocked Beers six times and Grandview ( 24-3 ) clinched a return trip to the 5A championship and a rematch with Cherry Creek .
“ I ’ m so excited , ” Hudgins said .
“ I won a state championship ( in Georgia ) , and I ’ m really excited to be back in it and hoping to win another one.
” Cherry Creek 55 , Highlands Ranch 42 .
Thanks to 20 points from forward Calli Clark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a rematch of the 2019 championship .
The Falcons ( 21-6 ) took a 7-4 lead three-and-a-half minutes into the game on Taylor Ray ’ s trey before the Bruins went on a 12-0 run to close out the period .
The Creek surge was punctuated by five points from guard Jana VanGytenbeek and a Charley Gordon trey with 1:21 left in the frame that put the bracket ’ s No .
2 seed up 16-7 .
With Creek leading 20-14 , Clark scored on three straight Bruins possessions , including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creek ’ s lead to double digits for the first time , 27-16 .
Grandview and the Bruins ( 25-2 ) split their two meetings earlier this season , with the Wolves prevailing on Jan. 24 at Creek , 65-40 , and Creek returning the favor in Aurora on Feb. 19 , 53-42 .
“ They are a really good team obviously and we ’ ve played theme twice and we know a lot about each other , ” Clark said .
“ We know them they know us , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think for Saturday we ’ re just going to focus on playing our game and controlling what we can control and playing our hardest .
”

A defender in her face, and Grandview trailing by one in the fourth quarter, Marya Hudgins looked toward the rim and didn’t hesitate.
Hudgins rose up and lofted a high-arcing 3-point shot that hit nothing but net, one of three fourth-quarter 3-pointers for the sophomore guard as the No. 4 Wolves rallied to beat top seed Valor Christian 49-42 in Thursday night’s Final Four showdown at Denver Coliseum.
“I was just shooting it and they were going in,” said Hudgins. “I was really feeling it.”
Indeed, the 6-foot transfer from Georgia couldn’t miss from deep against Valor, sinking all five of her 3-point attempts en route to a 17-point night. Six-foot-7 post Lauren Betts added a game-high 21 points, with 10 coming in the third quarter to help Grandview pull within one entering the fourth.
Hudgins put Grandview over the top after that with her three 3s in the final frame, the first of which gave the Wolves their first lead since going up 2-0 early in the first quarter.
“We just started to calm down a little bit and know, ‘Hey, we got this, and it’s our game and we just got to take over,'” Hudgins said of the team’s rally from down seven with 5:40 left in the third quarter.
Valor’s pressure defense and dogged ball denial of Betts forced Grandview into several turnovers early as the Eagles built a 20-17 halftime lead. And in a battle of two of the state’s best post players, Valor sophomore Raegan Beers battled Betts with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
It wasn’t enough, however, for Valor (25-2). Betts blocked Beers six times and Grandview (24-3) clinched a return trip to the 5A championship and a rematch with Cherry Creek.
“I’m so excited,” Hudgins said. “I won a state championship (in Georgia), and I’m really excited to be back in it and hoping to win another one.”
Cherry Creek 55, Highlands Ranch 42. Thanks to 20 points from forward Calli Clark, the Class 5A title game Saturday will be a rematch of the 2019 championship.
The Falcons (21-6) took a 7-4 lead three-and-a-half minutes into the game on Taylor Ray’s trey before the Bruins went on a 12-0 run to close out the period. The Creek surge was punctuated by five points from guard Jana VanGytenbeek and a Charley Gordon trey with 1:21 left in the frame that put the bracket’s No. 2 seed up 16-7.
With Creek leading 20-14, Clark scored on three straight Bruins possessions, including a layup with 3:20 until halftime that extended Creek’s lead to double digits for the first time, 27-16.
Grandview and the Bruins (25-2) split their two meetings earlier this season, with the Wolves prevailing on Jan. 24 at Creek, 65-40, and Creek returning the favor in Aurora on Feb. 19, 53-42.
“They are a really good team obviously and we’ve played theme twice and we know a lot about each other,” Clark said. “We know them they know us, it’s a familiar game to us, so I think for Saturday we’re just going to focus on playing our game and controlling what we can control and playing our hardest.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Class 5A and 4A girls Final Four felt “really, really weird” with crowd capped by coronavirus

The gang at the Grill Works outside Portal 2 looked like a convention of Maytag repairmen , the loneliest souls in the zip code .
“ Sad , ” the woman behind the counter sighed .
“ It ’ s sad.
” Business was humming , all right .
Humming a lullaby .
After two-and-a-half hours and two Class 4A girls Final Four semifinals at the Denver Coliseum , she counted serving no more than 50 patrons , tops .
“ We ’ d have lines , normally , ” the vendor over her right shoulder chimed in , waving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would ordinarily snake to the back of the hall .
“ We needed something here.
” Mounds of popcorn and gallons soda sat relatively unloved and untouched .
Meanwhile , Coliseum staffers with disinfectant spray popped in and out of restrooms and bounced from doorknob to doorknob Thursday .
Spray and wipe .
Spray and wipe .
Repeat .
“ It was really weird , ” Holy Family forward Tyler Whitlock said .
With the cancellation of sporting events rising across the globe because of the coronavirus pandemic , CHSAA went for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls basketball championships : Officials capped Thursday crowds for the 4A and 5A girls Final Four at four free passes per player .
Mix in friends and family with staff and personnel , and attendance averaged about 200 patrons per game in a building that seats 9,300 for basketball .
Thursday night sessions at the 4A and 5A Final Four typically draw 1,200-1,500 per game under normal conditions .
These , most certainly , were not .
“ Last year , it was packed .
It was a very different atmosphere , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Mullen on Saturday in the 4A title game with a 38-31 win over Green Mountain .
“ It felt a lot different since there were so many empty seats and everything .
But our crowd showed up , and it was fun.
” For their comparatively small sizes , those in attendance sure as heck didn ’ t lack for spirit .
Especially because swaths of them spent as long as two hours penned into the cavernous concrete ring at court level below the main court , usually the domain of CHSAA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assorted media members .
To alleviate crowd-to-crowd contact , organizers had guests check in at the player and staff entrance on the lower level .
After being stamped , they got lined up and told to wait near doors in the lower concrete ring .
They weren ’ t allowed into the arena until the game going on ahead of them had finished and the crowds for that contest had already been cleared out .
“ We ’ ve been here since 5:15 , ” Jake Campbell , father of Grandview guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edged toward a quarter to 7 .
“ Of course , we can ’ t watch ( the game going on ) , so we ’ ve got to kind of walk around .
“ It is what it is .
I understand the fear .
Personally , I am a little skeptical of the virus , but that ’ s just me , personally .
But I also understand that it ’ s manifested itself into our ( thoughts ) .
” At a table a few yards away , another stranger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vendor Dave Kukulski , thought about the big picture .
Based in Phoenix , his Kukulski Brothers souvenir company works championship events in six states .
He ’ d logged more than four decades in the souvenir game and 17 different CHSAA basketball tourneys — but he ’ d never seen anything like Thursday .
“ I don ’ t begrudge CHSAA or anybody else , ” Kukulski said .
“ We don ’ t really know who had ( the virus ) and who doesn ’ t so we ’ re just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right .
And I ’ m sure it ’ s going to take a while ( before ) it starts to level off .
I ’ ve poured my heart and soul into this business , but it ’ s not worth somebody ’ s life.
” Or somebody ’ s growling stomach , stuck clear on the other side of the building .
“ I heard there was one concession stand open , ” Jake Campbell said .
“ So I asked the young lady here , ‘ How do I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ You can ’ t .
’ ”

The gang at the Grill Works outside Portal 2 looked like a convention of Maytag repairmen, the loneliest souls in the zip code.
“Sad,” the woman behind the counter sighed. “It’s sad.”
Business was humming, all right. Humming a lullaby. After two-and-a-half hours and two Class 4A girls Final Four semifinals at the Denver Coliseum, she counted serving no more than 50 patrons, tops.
“We’d have lines, normally,” the vendor over her right shoulder chimed in, waving a free hand to indicate a queue that would ordinarily snake to the back of the hall. “We needed something here.”
Mounds of popcorn and gallons soda sat relatively unloved and untouched. Meanwhile, Coliseum staffers with disinfectant spray popped in and out of restrooms and bounced from doorknob to doorknob Thursday. Spray and wipe. Spray and wipe. Repeat.
“It was really weird,” Holy Family forward Tyler Whitlock said.
With the cancellation of sporting events rising across the globe because of the coronavirus pandemic, CHSAA went for the compromise approach with its boys and girls basketball championships: Officials capped Thursday crowds for the 4A and 5A girls Final Four at four free passes per player.
Mix in friends and family with staff and personnel, and attendance averaged about 200 patrons per game in a building that seats 9,300 for basketball. Thursday night sessions at the 4A and 5A Final Four typically draw 1,200-1,500 per game under normal conditions.
These, most certainly, were not.
“Last year, it was packed. It was a very different atmosphere,” said Whitlock, whose Tigers advanced to face Mullen on Saturday in the 4A title game with a 38-31 win over Green Mountain. “It felt a lot different since there were so many empty seats and everything. But our crowd showed up, and it was fun.”
For their comparatively small sizes, those in attendance sure as heck didn’t lack for spirit. Especially because swaths of them spent as long as two hours penned into the cavernous concrete ring at court level below the main court, usually the domain of CHSAA staff, players, coaches, administrators and assorted media members.
To alleviate crowd-to-crowd contact, organizers had guests check in at the player and staff entrance on the lower level. After being stamped, they got lined up and told to wait near doors in the lower concrete ring. They weren’t allowed into the arena until the game going on ahead of them had finished and the crowds for that contest had already been cleared out.
“We’ve been here since 5:15,” Jake Campbell, father of Grandview guard Libby Campbell, said as the clock edged toward a quarter to 7. “Of course, we can’t watch (the game going on), so we’ve got to kind of walk around.
“It is what it is. I understand the fear. Personally, I am a little skeptical of the virus, but that’s just me, personally. But I also understand that it’s manifested itself into our (thoughts).”
At a table a few yards away, another stranger to the bowels of the building, vendor Dave Kukulski, thought about the big picture. Based in Phoenix, his Kukulski Brothers souvenir company works championship events in six states. He’d logged more than four decades in the souvenir game and 17 different CHSAA basketball tourneys — but he’d never seen anything like Thursday.
“I don’t begrudge CHSAA or anybody else,” Kukulski said. “We don’t really know who had (the virus) and who doesn’t so we’re just hopeful that everything will work out all right. And I’m sure it’s going to take a while (before) it starts to level off. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this business, but it’s not worth somebody’s life.”
Or somebody’s growling stomach, stuck clear on the other side of the building.
“I heard there was one concession stand open,” Jake Campbell said. “So I asked the young lady here, ‘How do I get there?’ And she said, ‘You can’t.’”


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Sophie Grégoire Trudeau tests positive for new coronavirus

TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ’ s wife has tested positive for the new coronavirus , his office announced Thursday night .
It said Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was felling well and would remain in isolation .
“ The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms .
As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors , he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days , ” the statement added .
His office said the doctor ’ s advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Also on the advice of doctors , he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms .
For the same reason , doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently , ” the statement said .
The office said he would resume his duties Friday .
Trudeau ’ s wife issued a statement thanking those who have reached out .
“ Although I ’ m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus , I will be back on my feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.
” Though self-quarantining himself , the prime minister is spending the day in briefings , phone calls and virtual meetings from home , including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the coronavirus .
Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
But Trudeau did cancel an in-person meeting with Canada ’ s provincial premiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also working from home after feeling unwell .
Singh said he had been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe he has the virus but was advised to limit contact with the public until he feels better .
Ontario , Canada ’ s most populous province , is closing schools until April 5 .
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is asking all people returning from travel abroad to self-isolate for 14 days .
The measure will be mandatory for all government employees .
He is also asking organizers to cancel all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 people and all other large gatherings that are not considered essential .
Alberta and British Columbia are also urging all events with more than 250 people be cancelled .
British Columbia ’ s health officer , Dr. Bonnie Henry , said the province is “ strongly advising ” people to not travel outside Canada , including to the U.S , and said anyone who chooses to do so should self-isolate for 14 days upon return .
“ That means no trips to Disneyland , no trips to Paris or Berlin or Boise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dix said .
“ Anyone who chooses to travel outside of Canada must stay away from work or school or 14 days upon their return .
That responsibility is what we owe to our fellow citizens.
” Henry said there has not been widespread community transmission of the virus in Canada , unlike in the U.S. “ We ’ ve been watching what ’ s happening in Washington state and have been in contact with our colleagues in Washington state .
What became apparent to me over the last 24 hours is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many , many different communities in the U.S. , ” Henry said .
Canada has more than 140 confirmed cases , with one death — an elderly nursing home resident in British Columbia .
The United States has had 40 deaths , with more than three-fourths of them in Washington state .
As of Thursday afternoon , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 1,260 U.S. illnesses .
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also asked people to self-isolate if they are returning from overseas .
“ We are now recommending that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid traveling outside the province if they can avoid it , ” Kenney said .

TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office announced Thursday night.
It said Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was felling well and would remain in isolation.
“The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days,” the statement added.
His office said the doctor’s advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given that he is exhibiting no symptoms himself.
“Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently,” the statement said.
The office said he would resume his duties Friday.
Trudeau’s wife issued a statement thanking those who have reached out.
“Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon,” she said. “Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns.”
Though self-quarantining himself, the prime minister is spending the day in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the coronavirus. Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
But Trudeau did cancel an in-person meeting with Canada’s provincial premiers.
Opposition NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was also working from home after feeling unwell. Singh said he had been in contact with a doctor and they do not believe he has the virus but was advised to limit contact with the public until he feels better.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is closing schools until April 5.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is asking all people returning from travel abroad to self-isolate for 14 days. The measure will be mandatory for all government employees.
He is also asking organizers to cancel all indoor events attracting crowds of more than 250 people and all other large gatherings that are not considered essential. Alberta and British Columbia are also urging all events with more than 250 people be cancelled.
British Columbia’s health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the province is “strongly advising” people to not travel outside Canada, including to the U.S, and said anyone who chooses to do so should self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
“That means no trips to Disneyland, no trips to Paris or Berlin or Boise,” British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said. “Anyone who chooses to travel outside of Canada must stay away from work or school or 14 days upon their return. That responsibility is what we owe to our fellow citizens.”
Henry said there has not been widespread community transmission of the virus in Canada, unlike in the U.S.
“We’ve been watching what’s happening in Washington state and have been in contact with our colleagues in Washington state. What became apparent to me over the last 24 hours is the extent of the community spread in many, many, many different communities in the U.S.,” Henry said.
Canada has more than 140 confirmed cases, with one death — an elderly nursing home resident in British Columbia. The United States has had 40 deaths, with more than three-fourths of them in Washington state. As of Thursday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 1,260 U.S. illnesses.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also asked people to self-isolate if they are returning from overseas.
“We are now recommending that anybody over the age of 65 to avoid traveling outside the province if they can avoid it,” Kenney said.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--No fans, now no players: PGA Tour shuts down for a month

PONTE VEDRA BEACH , Fla. — The PGA Tour decided Thursday night to scrap the rest of The Players Championship @ @ @ @ @ tournaments for the next three weeks .
Commissioner Jay Monahan had said earlier Thursday there @ @ @ @ @ the TPC Sawgrass for the final three rounds , or at the next three tournaments @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in @ @ @ @ @ through the weekend , ” the tour said in a statement .
“ But at @ @ @ @ @ the situation continues to rapidly change — the right thing to do for our players @ @ @ @ @ pause.
” There was no immediately word whether The Players Championship would be rescheduled .
@ @ @ @ @ premier tournament run by the PGA Tour , offering a $ 15 million purse , @ @ @ @ @ .
It was to be followed by the Valspar Championship in the Tampa Bay area @ @ @ @ @ in Austin , Texas , and the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio .

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The PGA Tour decided Thursday night to scrap the rest of The Players Championship and shut down its other tournaments for the next three weeks.
Commissioner Jay Monahan had said earlier Thursday there would be no fans at the TPC Sawgrass for the final three rounds, or at the next three tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule.
The tour changed its mind late Thursday.
“We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event through the weekend,” the tour said in a statement. “But at his point — and as the situation continues to rapidly change — the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause.”
There was no immediately word whether The Players Championship would be rescheduled.
The Players Championship is the premier tournament run by the PGA Tour, offering a $15 million purse, the richest in golf history. It was to be followed by the Valspar Championship in the Tampa Bay area, the Dell Match Play in Austin, Texas, and the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Near DIA and Gaylord Rockies Resort, KB Home’s Villa models from mid-$300s see quick sales to buyers

Near DIA and Gaylord Rockies Resort, KB Home’s Villa models from mid-$300s see quick sales to buyers escaping apartments

There are lots of apartment dwellers peering into the new year who are wishing they could escape their rental world for something attainably priced that they can own — exactly the profile of buyers who have been quick to take advantage of KB Home ’ s new Villas designs at Painted Prairie near DIA .
KB Home ’ s Villa Collection is comprised of paired homes — sometimes called “ single family attached ” — that offer a huge jump in quality of life for anyone coming out of an apartment .
At Painted Prairie , a master-planned community now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Picadilly Road , they ’ re wrapped in trails and amenities including a 22-acre community park already visible , with playgrounds , picnic tables and a community garden ; with an urban town center planned to have a fitness center , unique retail and dining .
“ These are buyers that definitely don ’ t want a condo or apartment , ” says Randy Carpenter , division president at KB Home Colorado .
He adds that some early buyers have also gone to families moving up or re-sizing from older houses in nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes that KB Home sales representatives priced out monthly costs for one of these for a buyer coming from an apartment along the DIA freeway , and found that the cost was pretty much the same as she was paying to rent .
These start at $ 345,000 — a real price that will get you in with air conditioning , privacy fence and KB Home ’ s energy features already included .
You ’ ll tour two model homes that have size and brightness that sets them apart from typical attached home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering a choice of three or four bedrooms and 2-1/2 or 3-1/2 baths , 1,430 square feet of finished space and a two-car attached garage .
Basements are available as an option .
If you like the looks of these , KB Home has a roomier Walnut design that ’ s ready to go now , with three bedrooms plus a loft , a main floor den , showing 1,883 square feet of finished space , priced at $ 409,000 .
If you have time for a plan to be built from scratch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of sites available now that face onto that Painted Prairie community park , where you could personalize your home using the KB Home Studio and its professional design consultants to bring your ideas to life .
Painted Prairie ’ s location is attracting sales from members of flight crews out of nearby DIA , as well as from other airport staff and from the Gaylord Rockies Resort .
The Fitzsimons/Anschutz medical campus is about 15 minutes away , and nearby E-470 puts tech campuses either at Interlocken in Broomfield or in Meridian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour .
To reach Painted Prairie , where KB Home also shows single-family designs , take E. 56th east from Tower Road to Picadilly and turn north , or take E-470 to E. 64th and head west .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

There are lots of apartment dwellers peering into the new year who are wishing they could escape their rental world for something attainably priced that they can own — exactly the profile of buyers who have been quick to take advantage of KB Home’s new Villas designs at Painted Prairie near DIA.
Painted Prairie by KB Home What: Painted Prairie Villas by KB Home, low-maintenance, attainably priced paired homes with amenities, 22-acre park, 2-car attached garages, quick move-in available, $5,000 toward closing costs with approved lender.
Painted Prairie Villas by KB Home, low-maintenance, attainably priced paired homes with amenities, 22-acre park, 2-car attached garages, quick move-in available, $5,000 toward closing costs with approved lender. Where: 6143 N. Orleans St., Aurora, from Tower Road, take E. 56th Ave east 2 mi. to Picadilly, turn north 0.7 mi to E. 61st Dr., head west.
6143 N. Orleans St., Aurora, from Tower Road, take E. 56th Ave east 2 mi. to Picadilly, turn north 0.7 mi to E. 61st Dr., head west. Price: From the mid $300s, move now at $409,000
From the mid $300s, move now at $409,000 When: Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: 303-323-1198
303-323-1198 More Info: KBHome.com
KB Home’s Villa Collection is comprised of paired homes — sometimes called “single family attached” — that offer a huge jump in quality of life for anyone coming out of an apartment.
At Painted Prairie, a master-planned community now open south of East 64th Avenue on Picadilly Road, they’re wrapped in trails and amenities including a 22-acre community park already visible, with playgrounds, picnic tables and a community garden; with an urban town center planned to have a fitness center, unique retail and dining.
“These are buyers that definitely don’t want a condo or apartment,” says Randy Carpenter, division president at KB Home Colorado.
He adds that some early buyers have also gone to families moving up or re-sizing from older houses in nearby areas like Green Valley Ranch. Carpenter notes that KB Home sales representatives priced out monthly costs for one of these for a buyer coming from an apartment along the DIA freeway, and found that the cost was pretty much the same as she was paying to rent.
These start at $345,000 — a real price that will get you in with air conditioning, privacy fence and KB Home’s energy features already included.
You’ll tour two model homes that have size and brightness that sets them apart from typical attached home concepts — including a Cypress plan, offering a choice of three or four bedrooms and 2-1/2 or 3-1/2 baths, 1,430 square feet of finished space and a two-car attached garage. Basements are available as an option.
If you like the looks of these, KB Home has a roomier Walnut design that’s ready to go now, with three bedrooms plus a loft, a main floor den, showing 1,883 square feet of finished space, priced at $409,000.
If you have time for a plan to be built from scratch, KB Home can show you a number of sites available now that face onto that Painted Prairie community park, where you could personalize your home using the KB Home Studio and its professional design consultants to bring your ideas to life.
Painted Prairie’s location is attracting sales from members of flight crews out of nearby DIA, as well as from other airport staff and from the Gaylord Rockies Resort. The Fitzsimons/Anschutz medical campus is about 15 minutes away, and nearby E-470 puts tech campuses either at Interlocken in Broomfield or in Meridian or Lone Tree all within a half hour.
All plans are Energy Star-certified.
To reach Painted Prairie, where KB Home also shows single-family designs, take E. 56th east from Tower Road to Picadilly and turn north, or take E-470 to E. 64th and head west.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Remington’s supersized paired homes in Golden sell fast, with a third already gone before the grand

Remington’s supersized paired homes in Golden sell fast, with a third already gone before the grand opening Saturday, March 14

In today ’ s low-inventory , high-demand market , you can feel a little added urgency on the west side of town , where buyers find fewer offerings and lots of reasons to live there , including the enhanced scenery and the access to skiing .
Remington Homes sees both factors at work in a grand opening you can tour Saturday , March 14 , in Golden , where 11 of its supersized paired homes are already under contract before the first opportunity to see the finished models .
At Ulysses Park , just north of the Sixth Avenue Freeway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remington will show you two exceptionally roomy designs — some call them “ single-family attached ” — including a Model 190 plan with over 2,640 square feet of finished space , offering an option to finish the standard basement , plus an attached two-car garage and some nice upgrade features including engineered-wood-plank floors and granite tops .
Prices on those are from $ 579,500 — a real price that will get you in , providing you keep your options in check .
They ’ re being readily accepted by the market — well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites are already spoken for .
Denise Baum-Haynes and Holly Bristol , who will greet you Saturday , March 14 , say that buyers are often from Golden and Lakewood , wanting to stay on this side of town , many having a tie to Colorado School of Mines or other area schools .
I met a couple from Wisconsin , shopping these along with one of their daughters , who are moving to be close to kids in school here , but they ’ re particularly drawn to Golden for the uncommon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the pricing here is a stark contrast to what buyers are seeing for comparable new products 2 miles north of here in Golden ’ s “ Howdy Folks ” downtown — around $ 300,000 less , she estimates .
At Ulysses Park , you can order a Plan 185 design with a large main-floor master suite , two extra bedrooms upstairs and two-and-a-half baths — over 2,880 square feet plus basement and a two-car attached garage .
It ’ s priced from $ 599,950 , and Remington has one of those underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paired homes will get professionally landscaped yards and are within a short walk of Ulysses Park and of Bell Middle School , with test scores ranked 8-out-of-10 stars at GreatSchools.org .
Bristol and Baum-Haynes note that you can walk from here to King Soopers and to Starbucks ( less than a half mile ) and to Basic Kneads , a popular new pizza place that grew out of a food truck operation and offers a happy hour .
Bristol and Baum-Haynes add that they ’ re getting a number of referred buyers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who brag about the builder ’ s service .
They ’ ll have refreshments out for the opening Saturday , March 14 .
If coming from Denver , take Sixth west a block past Colfax to Ulysses Street and turn right and proceed a half mile north .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

In today’s low-inventory, high-demand market, you can feel a little added urgency on the west side of town, where buyers find fewer offerings and lots of reasons to live there, including the enhanced scenery and the access to skiing.
Remington Homes at Golden’s Ulysses Park What: Grand opening, Ulysses Park family-sized paired homes in Golden by Remington Homes; main-floor master suite plan; landscaped, easy-to-maintain yards, oversized garages on some; summer move-ins; refreshments Saturday, March 14.
Grand opening, Ulysses Park family-sized paired homes in Golden by Remington Homes; main-floor master suite plan; landscaped, easy-to-maintain yards, oversized garages on some; summer move-ins; refreshments Saturday, March 14. Where: 17187 11th Ave, Golden; from Sixth Ave Fwy (or Colfax), continue west on Sixth, 1 block past intersection with Colfax/U.S. 40, to Ulysses St, turn north; or from downtown Golden, head south on S. Golden Rd to Ulysses.
17187 11th Ave, Golden; from Sixth Ave Fwy (or Colfax), continue west on Sixth, 1 block past intersection with Colfax/U.S. 40, to Ulysses St, turn north; or from downtown Golden, head south on S. Golden Rd to Ulysses. Price: From $579,500
From $579,500 When: Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, and daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, and daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: 303-425-3304
303-425-3304 More Info: RemingtonColorado.com
Remington Homes sees both factors at work in a grand opening you can tour Saturday, March 14, in Golden, where 11 of its supersized paired homes are already under contract before the first opportunity to see the finished models.
At Ulysses Park, just north of the Sixth Avenue Freeway close to the Jefferson County Courthouse, Remington will show you two exceptionally roomy designs — some call them “single-family attached” — including a Model 190 plan with over 2,640 square feet of finished space, offering an option to finish the standard basement, plus an attached two-car garage and some nice upgrade features including engineered-wood-plank floors and granite tops.
Prices on those are from $579,500 — a real price that will get you in, providing you keep your options in check. They’re being readily accepted by the market — well over a third of the available 32 sites are already spoken for.
Denise Baum-Haynes and Holly Bristol, who will greet you Saturday, March 14, say that buyers are often from Golden and Lakewood, wanting to stay on this side of town, many having a tie to Colorado School of Mines or other area schools. I met a couple from Wisconsin, shopping these along with one of their daughters, who are moving to be close to kids in school here, but they’re particularly drawn to Golden for the uncommon access to mountain recreation.
Baum-Haynes says that the pricing here is a stark contrast to what buyers are seeing for comparable new products 2 miles north of here in Golden’s “Howdy Folks” downtown — around $300,000 less, she estimates.
At Ulysses Park, you can order a Plan 185 design with a large main-floor master suite, two extra bedrooms upstairs and two-and-a-half baths — over 2,880 square feet plus basement and a two-car attached garage. It’s priced from $599,950, and Remington has one of those underway for fall delivery.
All of these paired homes will get professionally landscaped yards and are within a short walk of Ulysses Park and of Bell Middle School, with test scores ranked 8-out-of-10 stars at GreatSchools.org. Bristol and Baum-Haynes note that you can walk from here to King Soopers and to Starbucks (less than a half mile) and to Basic Kneads, a popular new pizza place that grew out of a food truck operation and offers a happy hour.
Bristol and Baum-Haynes add that they’re getting a number of referred buyers from previous Remington owners in the northwest area, who brag about the builder’s service. They’ll have refreshments out for the opening Saturday, March 14.
If coming from Denver, take Sixth west a block past Colfax to Ulysses Street and turn right and proceed a half mile north.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Former VA employee found guilty of scamming the federal agency out of $19 million

A former Veterans Affairs employee who scammed the federal agency out of $ 19 million , illegally netting about $ 1.5 million for himself , has been found guilty of felony health care fraud , conspiracy and money laundering among other crimes .
Joseph Prince , 60 , of Aurora , has been ordered to home incarceration pending his sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore , according to a U.S. Attorney ’ s Office news release .
The verdict came back after an eight-day jury trial in Denver , U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist with the VA ’ s Spina Bifida ( SB ) Health Care Benefits Program , which covers medical needs of children of Korea and Vietnam wars veterans who have the spinal cord birth defect .
Prince defrauded the VA ’ s program by signing up family members of beneficiaries as home health contractors with “ sham home health entities ” run by Prince ’ s associates , according to an indictment and evidence presented at trial .
Prince knew that the sham home health entities were not authorized providers by the VA. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totaling about $ 20 million from the VA to the Prince-related home health agencies , which were run by associates including his wife , his brother-in-law , his half-sister , and friends , the news release said .
Prince referred about 45 beneficiaries as part of the scam , totaling about $ 19 million in fraudulent claims .
He received about $ 1.5 million in kickbacks between Dec. 2017 and June 2018 .
“ To steal from a program that is intended to help our veterans and their children who suffer from serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the release .
“ Mr .
Prince was also harming the American taxpayers and will now pay a significant price for his actions.
” Roland Vaughn , a co-conspirator and long-time friend of Prince , has pleaded guilty to paying an illegal gratuity to a public official .
He ’ s scheduled to be sentenced on April 9 .
Glenn and Catherine Beach , also friends of Prince , pleaded guilty to paying an illegal gratuity .
They ’ ll be sentenced on April 1 .
Prince , who was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gratuities , and conflict of interest , is scheduled to be sentenced on June .
11 .
The government is seeking restitution of $ 19 million .

A former Veterans Affairs employee who scammed the federal agency out of $19 million, illegally netting about $1.5 million for himself, has been found guilty of felony health care fraud, conspiracy and money laundering among other crimes.
Joseph Prince, 60, of Aurora, has been ordered to home incarceration pending his sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond P. Moore, according to a U.S. attorney’s news release.
The verdict came back after an eight-day jury trial in Denver, U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced Thursday.
Prince was a beneficiary provider relationships specialist with the VA’s Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program, which covers medical needs of children of Korean and Vietnam wars veterans who have the spinal birth defect.
Prince defrauded the VA’s program by signing up family members of beneficiaries as home health contractors with “sham home health entities” run by Prince’s associates, according to an indictment and evidence presented at trial. Prince knew that the sham home health entities were not authorized providers by the VA.
Prince’s referrals led to payments totaling about $20 million from the VA to the Prince-related home health agencies, which were run by associates including his wife, his brother-in-law, his half-sister and friends, the news release said. Prince referred about 45 beneficiaries as part of the scam, totaling about $19 million in fraudulent claims. He received about $1.5 million in kickbacks between December 2017 and June 2018.
“To steal from a program that is intended to help our veterans and their children who suffer from serious medical conditions is reprehensible,” Dunn said. “Mr. Prince was also harming the American taxpayers and will now pay a significant price for his actions.”
Roland Vaughn, a co-conspirator and long-time friend of Prince, has pleaded guilty to paying an illegal gratuity to a public official. He’s scheduled to be sentenced April 9. Glenn and Catherine Beach, also friends of Prince, pleaded guilty to paying an illegal gratuity. They’ll be sentenced April 1.
Prince, who also was found guilty of paying illegal kickbacks and gratuities and conflict of interest, is scheduled to be sentenced June. 11. The government is seeking restitution of $19 million.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Denver shoppers snap up meat, veggies and pasta as grocers urge restraint

Long lines , barren shelves and flustered customers scattered metropolitan Denver ’ s grocery stores Friday as residents prepared to hunker down and avoid the new coronavirus infecting people around the world .
“ People are rude ; everybody ’ s scared and in a bad mood , ” said Thornton resident Ashley Parker as she shopped at a King Soopers .
“ Not a single container of hand soap.
” Supplies wiped out first in stores across the Denver metro area include toilet paper , hand sanitizer , medicines and cleaning supplies , but others followed .
Despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere , food retail representatives urged restraint from customers .
Shelves will be restocked and supplies restored , said Chris Howes , president of the Colorado Retail Council .
The supply chain isn ’ t broken , so customers should only buy what they need and wait for the rest .
“ The bridge isn ’ t out ; the pass isn ’ t closed ; the port isn ’ t damaged , ” Howes said .
“ Just because we ’ re out of something in the short run , doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product.
” Restocking may take a few weeks , Howes said .
But it will happen , and supplies will be distributed evenly among the state ’ s stores .
Many customers murmured about the virus , which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19 , as they waited in lines reaching to the back of stores .
Shopping carts grew scarce .
The request for patience does little to help Delores Davis , who said she couldn ’ t find all of the few items she sought from the Safeway at North Washington Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman said she ’ s scared of what the virus might bring and will have to return for more food in a few days .
“ I passed by a lab place the other day and said ‘ I sure hope they ’ re working on something , ' ” Davis said .
“ I ’ ll just go home and cook the best I can.
” Caitlin Plante had a similar experience at Trader Joe ’ s on Logan Street and 7th Avenue in Denver .
The store was completely out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waffles .
The pasta and soup aisles sat empty , and dairy , bread , eggs , fresh meat and produce also ran low .
“ It ’ s really scary to see empty shelves , ” Plante said .
She wasn ’ t shopping to stock up but rather for a regular visit to the grocery store .
“ I normally never notice when we ’ re out , then I noticed we only had two things of shampoo left and one thing of coffee .
It ’ s weird , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of.
” Shoppers at a King Soopers on 104th Avenue in Thornton braved extra long lines .
People raced inside as produce and meat sections dwindled and only blank spaces remained where cold and flu medicines once sat .
Parker said she went to King Soopers to stock up on her normal supplies and ran into the massive crowd and short supplies .
“ It ’ s like doomsday , ” her husband Andrew said .
Customers should resist the temptation to hoard , Howes said .
Someone else could be in dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with employees , take care to clean shopping carts , and avoid sneezing or coughing on produce , he said .
“ Give the clerk at the point of sale a break ; they ’ re having a hard time , too , ” Howes said .
In all , the Retail Council represents about 500 stores in Colorado , including Safeway , King Soopers , Walmart and Target locations , he said .
So far , stores have yet to see any staffing problems as reports of the virus rise .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 people were presumed to have contracted the virus , and the state ’ s first death was reported in El Paso County , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
Thirteen of those cases are in Denver County .
Despite the run on groceries , cannabis dispensaries have largely been exempt from a similar hit .
They ’ re stocked and ready for customers .
Dispensary representatives said they ’ re taking precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus , including having staff wear gloves , offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prohibiting buyers from putting their faces near marijuana jars to smell the product .
“ We have plenty of flower , ” said Phil Banks , doorman at DANK Dispensary in Denver ’ s Northeast Park Hill neighborhood .
John Romero , assistant general manager of Rocky Mountain High Dispensary , said the company ’ s suburban locations have experienced a slight uptick in recent sales , though its LoDo store has not .
“ We are a very touristy location , ” Romero said , “ so ( a decrease in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restriction on travels and people not traveling as much.
” But traffic at Terrapin Care Station dispensaries is “ definitely higher , ” said communications director Peter Marcus , citing full waiting rooms at the company ’ s six locations in Denver , Longmont , Boulder and Aurora .
The dispensaries began stocking up on its most popular items three weeks ago and are not experiencing product shortages , he added .

Conrad Swanson, Megan Webber, Tiney Ricciardi

Long lines, barren shelves and flustered customers scattered metropolitan Denver’s grocery stores Friday as residents prepared to hunker down and avoid the new coronavirus infecting people around the world.
“People are rude; everybody’s scared and in a bad mood,” said Thornton resident Ashley Parker as she shopped at a King Soopers. “Not a single container of hand soap.”
Supplies wiped out first in stores across the Denver area include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, medicines and cleaning supplies, but others followed. Despite the bleak appearances in produce and meat sections everywhere, food retail representatives urged restraint from customers.
Still, lines grew longer.
Shelves will be restocked and supplies restored, said Chris Howes, president of the Colorado Retail Council. The supply chain isn’t broken, so customers should buy only what they need and wait for the rest.
“The bridge isn’t out; the pass isn’t closed; the port isn’t damaged,” Howes said. “Just because we’re out of something in the short run, doesn’t mean we’re out of product.”
Restocking may take a few weeks, Howes said. But it will happen, and supplies will be distributed evenly among the state’s stores.
Many customers murmured about the virus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, as they waited in lines reaching to the back of stores. Shopping carts grew scarce.
The request for patience does little to help Delores Davis, who said she couldn’t find all of the few items she sought from the Safeway at North Washington Street and East 22nd Avenue.
The 71-year-old woman said she is scared of what the virus might bring and will have to return for more food in a few days.
“I passed by a lab place the other day and said, ‘I sure hope they’re working on something,’ ” Davis said. “I’ll just go home and cook the best I can.”
Caitlin Plante had a similar experience at the Trader Joe’s on Logan Street and 7th Avenue in Denver. The store was completely out of frozen foods such as meat, vegetables and waffles. The pasta and soup aisles sat empty, and dairy, bread, eggs, fresh meat and produce also ran low.
“It’s really scary to see empty shelves,” Plante said. She wasn’t shopping to stock up but rather for a regular visit to the grocery store. “I normally never notice when we’re out, then I noticed we only had two things of shampoo left and one thing of coffee. It’s weird; you never notice what you’re out of.”
Shoppers at a King Soopers on 104th Avenue in Thornton braved extra long lines. People raced inside as produce and meat sections dwindled and only blank spaces remained where cold and flu medicines once sat.
Parker said she went to King Soopers to stock up on her normal supplies and ran into the massive crowd and short supplies.
“It’s like doomsday,” said her husband, Andrew.
Customers should resist the temptation to hoard, Howes said. Someone else could be in dire need.
Shoppers should also be patient with employees, take care to clean shopping carts, and avoid sneezing or coughing on produce, he said.
“Give the clerk at the point of sale a break; they’re having a hard time too,” Howes said.
In all, the Retail Council represents about 500 stores in Colorado, including Safeway, King Soopers, Walmart and Target locations, he said. So far, stores have yet to see any staffing problems as reports of the virus rise.
As of Friday afternoon, a total of 72 people were presumed to have contracted the virus, and the state’s first death was reported in El Paso County, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Thirteen of those cases are in Denver County.
Despite the run on groceries, cannabis dispensaries have largely been exempt from a similar hit. They’re stocked and ready for customers.
Dispensary representatives said they’re taking precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus, including having staff members wear gloves, offering hand sanitizer to staff and customers, and prohibiting buyers from putting their faces near marijuana jars to smell the product.
“We have plenty of flower,” said Phil Banks, doorman at DANK Dispensary in Denver’s Northeast Park Hill neighborhood.
Some Denver dispensaries reported a slight decrease in business.
John Romero, assistant general manager of Rocky Mountain High Dispensary, said the company’s suburban locations have experienced a slight uptick in recent sales, though its LoDo store has not.
“We are a very touristy location,” Romero said, “so (a decrease in sales) could possibly be because of the restriction on travels and people not traveling as much.”
But traffic at Terrapin Care Station dispensaries is “definitely higher,” said communications director Peter Marcus, citing full waiting rooms at the company’s six locations in Denver, Longmont, Boulder and Aurora. The dispensaries began stocking up on their most popular items three weeks ago and are not experiencing product shortages, he added.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Coronavirus pandemic shuts down Colorado Capitol for at least two weeks

The Colorado Legislature will halt its annual session at least until March 30 due to concerns from the coronavirus pandemic , leaving more than 350 bills in progress .
“ This is an incredibly solemn moment for , frankly , the entire world and is obviously now dramatically impacting the state of Colorado , ” Majority Leader Steve Fenberg , D-Boulder , said .
House and Senate leaders introduced a resolution Friday for the temporary shutdown of the General Assembly .
The time off could be extended .
They ’ re also asking the Colorado Supreme Court to weigh in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of session have to be consecutive , or if lawmakers can pause the clock and pick up later where they left off .
The shutdown would take effect Saturday , after lawmakers hold a final vote on the resolution as well as a bill giving political parties flexibility in holding county assemblies to select U.S. Senate candidates .
Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert , R-Parker , said the decision to close isn ’ t political .
“ Literally in a week or a single day , there can be thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to limit public access , but continuing on could put a lot of people at risk because so many people gather here , ” added House Speaker KC Becker , D-Boulder .

The Colorado Legislature will halt its annual session at least until March 30 due to concerns from the coronavirus pandemic, leaving more than 350 bills in progress.
“This is an incredibly solemn moment for, frankly, the entire world and is obviously now dramatically impacting the state of Colorado,” Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said.
House and Senate leaders introduced a resolution Friday for the temporary shutdown of the General Assembly. The time off could be extended.
They’re also asking the Colorado Supreme Court to weigh in on whether the legislature’s 120 days of session have to be consecutive, or if lawmakers can pause the clock and pick up later where they left off.
The shutdown would take effect Saturday, after lawmakers hold a final vote on the resolution as well as a bill giving political parties flexibility in holding county assemblies to select U.S. Senate candidates.
Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, R-Parker, said the decision to close isn’t political.
“Literally in a week or a single day, there can be thousands of people in the Capitol. … We don’t want to limit public access, but continuing on could put a lot of people at risk because so many people gather here,” added House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder.


thedenverpost--2020-03-13--Is it safe to go skiing during the coronavirus outbreak? Here’s what health officials are saying.

Ski resort companies in Colorado are scrambling to tell their customers what they are doing in reaction to the coronavirus , while customers wonder whether it ’ s enough to risk skiing .
So is it safe to ski , especially after Gov .
Jared Polis ordered the cancellation of events of 250 or more throughout the state , and groups of 50 or more have been banned in Pitkin County ( Aspen ) , Eagle County ( Vail ) and Garfield County ( Glenwood Springs ) ?
This comes from Laura Dixon , a community involvement and communications manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Environment : “ Based on what we understand from CDC , risk of transmission is associated with exposure over a long period of time , ” Dixon wrote in an email .
“ Outdoor and casual activities , such as skiing , are lower risk for transmission .
But Coloradans should take extra precautions .
We know many ski resorts have taken extra precautions at this time , which includes hand sanitizers , increased cleanings and encouraging sick employees and patrons to stay home .
Although skiing is an event done mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precaution should be taken when gathering in lodges or lift lines .
People who are in higher risk categories should not ski , especially in areas with community spread.
” “ Data are insufficient to precisely define the duration of time that constitutes a prolonged exposure , ” a CDC report dated March 7 said .
“ However , until more is known about transmission risks , it is reasonable to consider an exposure greater than a few minutes as a prolonged exposure .
Brief interactions are less likely to result in transmission.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get their messages out .
On Friday , Arapahoe Basin announced that one of its call center employees is being tested for COVID-19 .
The ski area laid out the steps it has taken to prevent potential spread if the virus is confirmed .
Copper Mountain announced that it would be closing the Woodward Barn among additional measures to prevent potential spread .
Steamboat and Winter Park both sent out messages on Friday addressing the issue and the measures they are taking .
“ Steamboat is fully open and welcoming guests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the resort ’ s president and chief operating officer .
“ We remain committed to delivering the same Western hospitality our guests and employees expect from Steamboat while providing an enjoyable getaway in the Colorado mountains.
” Winter Park sent out a similar letter over the signature of Sky Foulkes , president and COO .
Much of the text is similar or identical in both letters .
Both resorts are owned by Alterra Mountain Co .
The letters briefly outline measures being taken including : • Increased frequency of disinfection in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , door handles , tables , restaurants , bars and rental counters .
• Symptomatic employees have been asked to stay home .
On Thursday , Aspen Snowmass announced it was canceling some events and outlined the measures being taken at its four Aspen-area mountains to combat the pandemic .
Vail Resorts also put out a message Thursday , but it was far less detailed : “ All of our resorts are open , and operating according to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials , with attention to the cleanliness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said an unsigned update on the Vail Resorts website .
“ We are aware that there are event restrictions in place across many states , provinces and counties where we operate .
We are — and will continue to — follow all official guidance and cancel or postpone events as directed .
Updates will be posted on resort and event websites.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

Ski resort companies in Colorado are scrambling to tell their customers what they are doing in reaction to the coronavirus, while customers wonder whether it’s enough to risk skiing.
So is it safe to ski, especially after Gov. Jared Polis ordered the cancellation of events of 250 or more throughout the state, and groups of 50 or more have been banned in Pitkin County (Aspen), Eagle County (Vail) and Garfield County (Glenwood Springs)?
This comes from Laura Dixon, a community involvement and communications manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
“Based on what we understand from CDC, risk of transmission is associated with exposure over a long period of time,” Dixon wrote in an email. “Outdoor and casual activities, such as skiing, are lower risk for transmission. But Coloradans should take extra precautions. We know many ski resorts have taken extra precautions at this time, which includes hand sanitizers, increased cleanings and encouraging sick employees and patrons to stay home. Although skiing is an event done mainly at a distance from others, extra precaution should be taken when gathering in lodges or lift lines. People who are in higher risk categories should not ski, especially in areas with community spread.”
But what constitutes prolonged exposure?:
“Data are insufficient to precisely define the duration of time that constitutes a prolonged exposure,” a CDC report dated March 7 said. “However, until more is known about transmission risks, it is reasonable to consider an exposure greater than a few minutes as a prolonged exposure. Brief interactions are less likely to result in transmission.”
Meanwhile, ski areas are trying to get their messages out.
On Friday, Arapahoe Basin announced that one of its call center employees is being tested for COVID-19. The ski area laid out the steps it has taken to prevent potential spread if the virus is confirmed.
Copper Mountain announced that it would be closing its terrain park among additional measures to prevent potential spread.
Steamboat and Winter Park both sent out messages on Friday addressing the issue and the measures they are taking.
“Steamboat is fully open and welcoming guests for spring vacations,” wrote Rob Perlman, the resort’s president and chief operating officer. “We remain committed to delivering the same Western hospitality our guests and employees expect from Steamboat while providing an enjoyable getaway in the Colorado mountains.”
Winter Park sent out a similar letter over the signature of Sky Foulkes, president and COO. Much of the text is similar or identical in both letters. Both resorts are owned by Alterra Mountain Co.
The letters briefly outline measures being taken including:
Additional hand sanitizers in high-traffic locations.
Increased frequency of disinfection in public restrooms, food halls, kitchen surfaces, door handles, tables, restaurants, bars and rental counters.
Symptomatic employees have been asked to stay home.
On Thursday, Aspen Snowmass announced it was canceling some events and outlined the measures being taken at its four Aspen-area mountains to combat the pandemic.
Vail Resorts also put out a message Thursday, but it was far less detailed:
“All of our resorts are open, and operating according to the most updated guidance and precautions from health officials, with attention to the cleanliness and environment of our facilities,” said an unsigned update on the Vail Resorts website. “We are aware that there are event restrictions in place across many states, provinces and counties where we operate. We are — and will continue to — follow all official guidance and cancel or postpone events as directed. Updates will be posted on resort and event websites.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.