thedenverpost--2020-06-28--JeffCo primary “a battle for the heart and soul” of Colorado’s Republican Party

The upcoming Republican primary for a state House seat in south Jefferson County represents a growing divide among lawmakers in the House GOP about what the party should stand for and the type of Republican candidates Colorado voters will support .
Rep. Colin Larson of Littleton , who ’ s seeking his second term , is the only Republican incumbent facing a challenger in the primary .
The former occupant of the District 22 seat , Justin Everett , is running against Larson with support from the party ’ s conservative wing .
The race is among the most expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 350,000 in outside money coming in as of June 25 , according to data compiled by the Follow the Money CO project .
“ This race , as well as the other races that you ’ re seeing in Weld County , for instance , represent a battle for the heart and soul for the Republican efforts in Colorado , ” said Rep. Dave Williams , a Colorado Springs conservative .
The battle is between hard-line conservatives like Williams and Republicans who say they need room to do what ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a battle that could threaten Minority Leader Patrick Neville ’ s position of authority .
It also mirrors what ’ s happening at the national level , said Rachel Blum , an assistant professor at Miami University in Ohio .
Blum , who is from Colorado , has studied the Tea Party and other GOP factions .
“ The thing we have seen since the Tea Party and especially ( the election of ) Donald Trump is making ideological purity the same thing as unwillingness to compromise , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was elected to House District 22 in 2018 .
He filled the seat left by Everett , who made an unsuccessful bid for state treasurer after three terms in the House .
Williams has endorsed Everett , saying he considers him among the most conservative lawmakers in Colorado history .
Everett calls himself a constitutional conservative and a Christian who votes based on his beliefs and principles .
In 2015 , he voted against 48 % of 367 bills , more than any other lawmaker at the time — earning the moniker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been known to support bipartisan legislation but denounces criticism that he isn ’ t conservative enough or that he isn ’ t representing his district , which leans Republican .
He said he supports gun rights , opposes abortion and is a “ 100 % defender of TABOR.
” “ To call me anything less than conservative is a flat-out lie , ” he said .
Larson points to his record as evidence of his effectiveness — in the two years he ’ s been in office , he ’ s had more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in six years in office .
Many of Larson ’ s bills have focused on education , and he has supported measures such as funding full-day kindergarten and increasing access to mental health resources .
He also voted in favor of banning gay conversion therapy last year , an issue he called generational among Republicans .
Everett opposed such a ban while in office .
Everett said he thought long and hard about whether to run again .
But after hearing from former constituents and supporters , and receiving a series of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race in March .
The former lawmaker rejects the idea that Republicans need more moderate candidates to win elections in Colorado .
He wants voters to know they have a clear choice that differentiates the Democratic and Republican nominees and believes Republicans need to stay on message .
“ Colorado voters still vote for more small government , more traditional Republican values at the ballot box , except when it comes to candidates , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s because Republicans don ’ t put candidates up that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was threatened with a primary challenge earlier this year if he didn ’ t withdraw a bill he sponsored to get rid of qualified immunity for government employees .
Rep. Matt Soper of Delta ultimately withdrew his bill , saying that any time influential members of a district feel their only recourse is to replace a representative that serves as a “ wakeup call.
” But Soper doesn ’ t think Republicans should be challenging their own incumbents , particularly at a time when the GOP is in the minority in both chambers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , four are in safe Republican districts , he said .
He ’ d rather see the party focus its efforts on winning Democrat-held seats in swing districts — which may mean appealing to a different type of voter .
“ The House GOP definitely wants to keep a pure conservative outlook , and I certainly support that , but you also have to weigh that with allowing members to represent their own districts , ” Soper said .
The Larson-Everett race highlights the alliances and disagreements within the House GOP caucus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super PAC has spent nearly $ 6,500 to support Everett or oppose Larson .
“ At least for my race , Justin has a longstanding alliance with certain segments of the party that make a lot of money sowing discord and attacking fellow Republicans , ” Larson said .
Taylor Rhodes of the RMGO super PAC said that while Larson voted against the red flag bill — the only piece of gun legislation to come up for a vote in his time at the legislature — the group considers Everett the more pro-gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies himself with groups who “ don ’ t believe the same way we do.
” “ Justin has been a champion for the 2nd Amendment in Colorado for as long as he has been in office , ” Rhodes said .
Everett said RMGO is often used as a “ boogeyman to blame for everything , ” and the super PAC ’ s contribution is a “ drop in the bucket ” compared to the money spent in the race against him .
Larson has taken the lead in outside money support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign just from Assuring Quality Healthcare Access For Colorado .
The Neville family , which has been closely affiliated with RMGO , also has gotten involved with the primary — a circumstance Larson calls “ troubling.
” Minority Leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock has pledged not to endorse in primaries , Everett said , but former Republican Sen. Tim Neville and his wife have endorsed him .
Before entering the race , Everett also was paid for consulting work for Values First Colorado , a House GOP PAC run by Joe Neville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun .
House Republicans are also taking sides in a primary in Weld County — a fight that has grown to encompass the disagreements over leadership .
Rep. Stephen Humphrey of Severance has taken to social media to accuse Rep. Hugh McKean of Loveland of “ orchestrating ” a campaign to help him vote out Neville .
McKean confirmed he is planning to challenge Neville for the caucus leadership next session .
McKean said the House GOP needs a more collaborative approach that allows members to represent their own districts ’ views while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal responsibility , small government , fiscal accountability and transparency , and free enterprise .
Neville , who declined to comment for this story , was awarded the “ Goldwater Award ” last week from the Liberty Caucus , which refers to itself as the “ conscience of the Colorado GOP.
” The last lawmaker to earn the award was Everett .
In 2019 , the group gave Larson an F , though his points were slightly higher for 2020 .
He lost points for supporting a bill for a student grant program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of eviction proceedings .
Tim Neville is one of the members of the scorecard committee .
Larson said the organization is not a group that upholds the Republican Party ’ s values .
The brewing fight over Neville ’ s leadership post , like the south Jefferson County primary race , is a referendum on how far right the state party should go .
“ Patrick Neville becoming the minority leader is not the normal in Colorado politics , ” Williams said .
“ He took leadership because the establishment wing of our @ @ @ @

The upcoming Republican primary for a state House seat in south Jefferson County represents a growing divide among lawmakers in the House GOP about what the party should stand for and the type of Republican candidates Colorado voters will support.
Rep. Colin Larson of Littleton, who’s seeking his second term, is the only Republican incumbent facing a challenger in the primary. The former occupant of the District 22 seat, Justin Everett, is running against Larson with support from the party’s conservative wing. The race is among the most expensive Republican statehouse primaries this election with almost $350,000 in outside money coming in as of June 25, according to data compiled by the Follow the Money CO project.
“This race, as well as the other races that you’re seeing in Weld County, for instance, represent a battle for the heart and soul for the Republican efforts in Colorado,” said Rep. Dave Williams, a Colorado Springs conservative.
The battle is between hard-line conservatives like Williams and Republicans who say they need room to do what’s right for their more moderate districts. It’s a battle that could threaten Minority Leader Patrick Neville’s position of authority.
It also mirrors what’s happening at the national level, said Rachel Blum, an assistant professor at Miami University in Ohio. Blum, who is from Colorado, has studied the Tea Party and other GOP factions.
“The thing we have seen since the Tea Party and especially (the election of) Donald Trump is making ideological purity the same thing as unwillingness to compromise,” she said.
House District 22 primary
Larson, a small business owner, was elected to House District 22 in 2018. He filled the seat left by Everett, who made an unsuccessful bid for state treasurer after three terms in the House.
Williams has endorsed Everett, saying he considers him among the most conservative lawmakers in Colorado history. Everett calls himself a constitutional conservative and a Christian who votes based on his beliefs and principles. In 2015, he voted against 48% of 367 bills, more than any other lawmaker at the time — earning the moniker “Dr. No.”
Larson has been known to support bipartisan legislation but denounces criticism that he isn’t conservative enough or that he isn’t representing his district, which leans Republican. He said he supports gun rights, opposes abortion and is a “100% defender of TABOR.”
“To call me anything less than conservative is a flat-out lie,” he said.
Larson points to his record as evidence of his effectiveness — in the two years he’s been in office, he’s had more bills signed into law than Everett had in six years in office.
Many of Larson’s bills have focused on education, and he has supported measures such as funding full-day kindergarten and increasing access to mental health resources. He also voted in favor of banning gay conversion therapy last year, an issue he called generational among Republicans. Everett opposed such a ban while in office.
Everett said he thought long and hard about whether to run again. But after hearing from former constituents and supporters, and receiving a series of what he considers signs, he joined the race in March.
The former lawmaker rejects the idea that Republicans need more moderate candidates to win elections in Colorado. He wants voters to know they have a clear choice that differentiates the Democratic and Republican nominees and believes Republicans need to stay on message.
“Colorado voters still vote for more small government, more traditional Republican values at the ballot box, except when it comes to candidates,” he said. “I think it’s because Republicans don’t put candidates up that represent those values.”
Another House Republican was threatened with a primary challenge earlier this year if he didn’t withdraw a bill he sponsored to get rid of qualified immunity for government employees.
Rep. Matt Soper of Delta ultimately withdrew his bill, saying that any time influential members of a district feel their only recourse is to replace a representative that serves as a “wakeup call.”
But Soper doesn’t think Republicans should be challenging their own incumbents, particularly at a time when the GOP is in the minority in both chambers. Of eight Republican House primary challenges Tuesday, four are in safe Republican districts, he said. He’d rather see the party focus its efforts on winning Democrat-held seats in swing districts — which may mean appealing to a different type of voter.
“The House GOP definitely wants to keep a pure conservative outlook, and I certainly support that, but you also have to weigh that with allowing members to represent their own districts,” Soper said.
A challenge to Patrick Neville
The Larson-Everett race highlights the alliances and disagreements within the House GOP caucus. The Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ super PAC has spent nearly $6,500 to support Everett or oppose Larson.
“At least for my race, Justin has a longstanding alliance with certain segments of the party that make a lot of money sowing discord and attacking fellow Republicans,” Larson said.
Taylor Rhodes of the RMGO super PAC said that while Larson voted against the red flag bill — the only piece of gun legislation to come up for a vote in his time at the legislature — the group considers Everett the more pro-gun candidate. Larson, he said, allies himself with groups who “don’t believe the same way we do.”
“Justin has been a champion for the 2nd Amendment in Colorado for as long as he has been in office,” Rhodes said.
Everett said RMGO is often used as a “boogeyman to blame for everything,” and the super PAC’s contribution is a “drop in the bucket” compared to the money spent in the race against him. Larson has taken the lead in outside money support, with almost $110,500 supporting his campaign just from Assuring Quality Healthcare Access For Colorado.
The Neville family, which has been closely affiliated with RMGO, also has gotten involved with the primary — a circumstance Larson calls “troubling.”
Minority Leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock has pledged not to endorse in primaries, Everett said, but former Republican Sen. Tim Neville and his wife have endorsed him. Before entering the race, Everett also was paid for consulting work for Values First Colorado, a House GOP PAC run by Joe Neville, as first reported by the Colorado Sun.
House Republicans are also taking sides in a primary in Weld County — a fight that has grown to encompass the disagreements over leadership. Rep. Stephen Humphrey of Severance has taken to social media to accuse Rep. Hugh McKean of Loveland of “orchestrating” a campaign to help him vote out Neville. McKean confirmed he is planning to challenge Neville for the caucus leadership next session.
McKean said the House GOP needs a more collaborative approach that allows members to represent their own districts’ views while sticking to four core conservative principles: personal responsibility, small government, fiscal accountability and transparency, and free enterprise.
Neville, who declined to comment for this story, was awarded the “Goldwater Award” last week from the Liberty Caucus, which refers to itself as the “conscience of the Colorado GOP.” The last lawmaker to earn the award was Everett. In 2019, the group gave Larson an F, though his points were slightly higher for 2020. He lost points for supporting a bill for a student grant program and a bill to suppress court records of eviction proceedings. Tim Neville is one of the members of the scorecard committee. Larson said the organization is not a group that upholds the Republican Party’s values.
The brewing fight over Neville’s leadership post, like the south Jefferson County primary race, is a referendum on how far right the state party should go.
“Patrick Neville becoming the minority leader is not the normal in Colorado politics,” Williams said. “He took leadership because the establishment wing of our party failed.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-28--“He wants to live like any other person”: The human cost of Colorado’s budget crisis

This was supposed to be the year .
Republicans and Democrats were on board , as were all members of the state Joint Budget Committee .
They ’ d have to set aside a lot of money , but after careful planning over several years , lawmakers vowed Colorado would finally pass legislation to start clearing the state ’ s backlog of roughly 3,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities , waiting in line — in some cases , for more than a decade — to receive waivers for housing and 24/7 care provided through a Medicaid program .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state budget writers went from having a projected surplus in the 2020-21 fiscal year to furiously hacking away at the budget to close a virus-provoked $ 3 billion shortfall .
Clearing the 3,000-person backlog was suddenly a nonstarter .
The plan had been to spend $ 12 million on it in the first year , then $ 25 million for each of the next six years .
Instead , the state would have a hard enough time maintaining current spending levels for the services , and the backlog went untouched in the budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The backlog may remain for years to come , depending on how long the recession lasts .
“ Every year , we ’ ve kept our fingers crossed , ” said Erica Tafoya of Lakewood , whose brother Paul has Down syndrome .
He ’ s been on the list for five years .
“ It would mean everything for him to be on this waiver .
He wants to live like any other person .
He has dreams of doing things .
So it ’ s tough for us , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , and in many cases real , profound suffering , attached to Colorado ’ s budget crisis .
School districts are suddenly poorer , as are municipal governments , safety-net providers and others .
Between the billions in cuts and the slew of planned new initiatives that were scuttled , there are now thousands of people across the state who will miss out on a service they rely on , or lose a job or simply have to work a little harder to get by .
“ Anything we imagined we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t just cut .
It just vanished into thin air .
Plans that we had — the wait list is a perfect example , or progress we made in substance use disorder funding — vanished , ” said state Sen. Dominick Moreno , vice chair of the budget committee and a Commerce City Democrat .
“ And after we took out everything we ’ d built into the budget because we thought we ’ d have additional resources , then still we went a level deeper.
” For family members who act as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabilities , the budget crisis means more waiting .
“ I have a hard time talking about it without crying , ” said state Rep. Bri Buentello , a Pueblo Democrat whose son Noel is on the autism spectrum .
“ The realistic thing is that these families are just going to have to keep on waiting .
It ’ s frustrating as a parent .
It feels like I ’ m always waiting — waiting on Noel to get in front of the specialists at Children ’ s Hospital , waiting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a therapist at his school that I know is never going to come .
And it ’ s hard to wait.
” Paul Tafoya is 45 , and his sister Erica is a couple years younger .
She ’ s raising two kids , and works with her 70-year-old father to take care of Paul , who can handle certain routine tasks but also needs a lot of daily help .
Getting off the wait list would mean getting into supportive housing .
“ It ’ s an emotional stress , ” Erica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not be Paul ’ s caregiver in some way , but it would be really awesome if we had someone to do the heavier lifting.
” Budget writers made a concerted effort to outright kill as few programs and funding sources as possible , and so , they said in interviews last week , they tried to spread out the pain by cutting a little bit from a lot of places .
Brianne Snow , executive director of the Family and Intercultural Resource Center in Summit County , said she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for next year .
That ’ s been revised down to $ 4 million , with about $ 100,000 of that deficit lost state money .
Her center is the only nonprofit social services agency in the county , and thousands of families rely on it for everything from food and rental assistance to parenting resources to navigation of the health care system .
Summit County is a skiing destination with a high cost of living and lots of low-paying service industry jobs .
It is heavily reliant on tourism that dried up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people became reliant on Snow ’ s nonprofit .
She said the center clocked 17,000 interactions with clients in the first 12 weeks of the pandemic — more than it had all of last year .
Her staff is trying to meet the increased needs while the center ’ s budget tanks .
“ All of these cuts would be hard in a normal year , ” Snow said .
“ Now , it ’ s just a really scary prospect.
” “ There will be programs we have to drop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can ’ t serve everybody who needs to be served , ” she added .
She isn ’ t certain exactly which programs will be cut , but she ’ s painfully aware of the likely effects : “ We lose our community because people have to move away , and there ’ s hunger , and there ’ s more instances of abuse and neglect because families are just piecing it together and incredibly stressed .
We have a mental health crisis up here , anyway , and since COVID hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suicide .
We already had a high rate of suicide.
” Anticipating these problems , budget writers finished nearly all of their cuts before they dug into safety-net providers , said state Rep. Daneya Esgar , a Pueblo Democrat who chairs the Joint Budget Committee .
Republicans occupy just two of the six seats on the committee and have minorities in both chambers , so the budget is largely decided by Democrats .
State Rep. Kim Ransom , a Douglas County Republican and committee member , said the recession forced lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually think that limited government works best , and that a lot of the programs that were cut needed a haircut , anyway , ” she said .
But so widespread was the culling that even Ransom acknowledged a number of decisions were “ very difficult , ” specifically around education and the disability waiver backlog .
Many school districts are setting their budgets with less money than they ’ d planned for and a set of new public health and technological challenges related to the virus .
Colleges and universities are feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on about $ 500 million in the budget .
Tom Stritikus , president at Fort Lewis College in Durango , said the 3,300-student institution lost $ 750,000 in state funding for next year and is projecting a $ 3 million overall budget cut over the next two years .
The college ’ s annual budget is around $ 50 million .
Fort Lewis has laid off or furloughed 23 workers and may have to permanently close a community concert hall and a museum that it operates in Durango .
“ The human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town and 23 people with economic instability absolutely contributes to the ability of this town to recover , ” Stritikus said .
“ There could be more cuts next year .
That ’ s the thing that we have to figure out.
” Lawmakers have take pre-emptive steps to to pump more money into next year ’ s budget , including by cutting four corporate tax breaks and referring a repeal of the Gallagher Amendment and a hike on tobacco and vaping taxes to the November ballot .
A separate citizen ballot initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by increasing income taxes on the wealthiest Coloradans .
But none of the ballot efforts are sure bets , and lawmakers are planning for now as though there will be less money available next year due to the twin impacts of Gallagher and the Taxpayer ’ s Bill of Rights .
That would mean the wait list for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities likely wouldn ’ t budge .
Snow ’ s nonprofit may have a harder time meeting local needs , and Fort Lewis may cut more jobs .
Departments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staring down the same kinds of problems .
“ It ’ s not good for any aspect of our communities , ” Snow said .

This was supposed to be the year.
Republicans and Democrats were on board, as were all members of the state Joint Budget Committee. They’d have to set aside a lot of money, but after careful planning over several years, lawmakers vowed Colorado would finally pass legislation to start clearing the state’s backlog of roughly 3,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, waiting in line — in some cases, for more than a decade — to receive waivers for housing and 24/7 care provided through a Medicaid program.
Then the coronavirus hit. Seemingly overnight, state budget writers went from having a projected surplus in the 2020-21 fiscal year to furiously hacking away at the budget to close a virus-provoked $3 billion shortfall.
Clearing the 3,000-person backlog was suddenly a nonstarter. The plan had been to spend $12 million on it in the first year, then $25 million for each of the next six years. Instead, the state would have a hard enough time maintaining current spending levels for the services, and the backlog went untouched in the budget Gov. Jared Polis signed last week. The backlog may remain for years to come, depending on how long the recession lasts.
“Every year, we’ve kept our fingers crossed,” said Erica Tafoya of Lakewood, whose brother Paul has Down syndrome. He’s been on the list for five years. “It would mean everything for him to be on this waiver. He wants to live like any other person. He has dreams of doing things. So it’s tough for us, as you can imagine.”
There are real people, and in many cases real, profound suffering, attached to Colorado’s budget crisis. School districts are suddenly poorer, as are municipal governments, safety-net providers and others. Between the billions in cuts and the slew of planned new initiatives that were scuttled, there are now thousands of people across the state who will miss out on a service they rely on, or lose a job or simply have to work a little harder to get by.
“Anything we imagined we could do was decimated. It wasn’t just cut. It just vanished into thin air. Plans that we had — the wait list is a perfect example, or progress we made in substance use disorder funding — vanished,” said state Sen. Dominick Moreno, vice chair of the budget committee and a Commerce City Democrat. “And after we took out everything we’d built into the budget because we thought we’d have additional resources, then still we went a level deeper.”
For family members who act as caregivers to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the budget crisis means more waiting.
“I have a hard time talking about it without crying,” said state Rep. Bri Buentello, a Pueblo Democrat whose son Noel is on the autism spectrum. “The realistic thing is that these families are just going to have to keep on waiting. It’s frustrating as a parent. It feels like I’m always waiting — waiting on Noel to get in front of the specialists at Children’s Hospital, waiting for his speech therapist, waiting for … a therapist at his school that I know is never going to come. And it’s hard to wait.”
Paul Tafoya is 45, and his sister Erica is a couple years younger. She’s raising two kids, and works with her 70-year-old father to take care of Paul, who can handle certain routine tasks but also needs a lot of daily help. Getting off the wait list would mean getting into supportive housing.
“It’s an emotional stress,” Erica said. “I would never want to not be Paul’s caregiver in some way, but it would be really awesome if we had someone to do the heavier lifting.”
Budget writers made a concerted effort to outright kill as few programs and funding sources as possible, and so, they said in interviews last week, they tried to spread out the pain by cutting a little bit from a lot of places.
Brianne Snow, executive director of the Family and Intercultural Resource Center in Summit County, said she’d counted on having roughly $5 million for next year. That’s been revised down to $4 million, with about $100,000 of that deficit lost state money.
Her center is the only nonprofit social services agency in the county, and thousands of families rely on it for everything from food and rental assistance to parenting resources to navigation of the health care system. Summit County is a skiing destination with a high cost of living and lots of low-paying service industry jobs. It is heavily reliant on tourism that dried up this spring. As a result, more people became reliant on Snow’s nonprofit. She said the center clocked 17,000 interactions with clients in the first 12 weeks of the pandemic — more than it had all of last year.
Her staff is trying to meet the increased needs while the center’s budget tanks.
“All of these cuts would be hard in a normal year,” Snow said. “Now, it’s just a really scary prospect.”
“There will be programs we have to drop. We’ll reach a point where we can’t serve everybody who needs to be served,” she added.
She isn’t certain exactly which programs will be cut, but she’s painfully aware of the likely effects: “We lose our community because people have to move away, and there’s hunger, and there’s more instances of abuse and neglect because families are just piecing it together and incredibly stressed. We have a mental health crisis up here, anyway, and since COVID hit we’ve lost two high schoolers to suicide. We already had a high rate of suicide.”
Anticipating these problems, budget writers finished nearly all of their cuts before they dug into safety-net providers, said state Rep. Daneya Esgar, a Pueblo Democrat who chairs the Joint Budget Committee.
Republicans occupy just two of the six seats on the committee and have minorities in both chambers, so the budget is largely decided by Democrats. State Rep. Kim Ransom, a Douglas County Republican and committee member, said the recession forced lawmakers to do some needed fat-trimming.
“I actually think that limited government works best, and that a lot of the programs that were cut needed a haircut, anyway,” she said.
But so widespread was the culling that even Ransom acknowledged a number of decisions were “very difficult,” specifically around education and the disability waiver backlog.
Many school districts are setting their budgets with less money than they’d planned for and a set of new public health and technological challenges related to the virus. Colleges and universities are feeling the pain, too, having lost out on about $500 million in the budget.
Tom Stritikus, president at Fort Lewis College in Durango, said the 3,300-student institution lost $750,000 in state funding for next year and is projecting a $3 million overall budget cut over the next two years. The college’s annual budget is around $50 million.
Fort Lewis has laid off or furloughed 23 workers and may have to permanently close a community concert hall and a museum that it operates in Durango.
“The human cost is we’re a small town and 23 people with economic instability absolutely contributes to the ability of this town to recover,” Stritikus said. “There could be more cuts next year. That’s the thing that we have to figure out.”
Lawmakers have take pre-emptive steps to to pump more money into next year’s budget, including by cutting four corporate tax breaks and referring a repeal of the Gallagher Amendment and a hike on tobacco and vaping taxes to the November ballot. A separate citizen ballot initiative proposes to raise $2 billion annually by increasing income taxes on the wealthiest Coloradans.
But none of the ballot efforts are sure bets, and lawmakers are planning for now as though there will be less money available next year due to the twin impacts of Gallagher and the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. That would mean the wait list for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities likely wouldn’t budge. Snow’s nonprofit may have a harder time meeting local needs, and Fort Lewis may cut more jobs. Departments and schools and nonprofits across the state are staring down the same kinds of problems.
“It’s not good for any aspect of our communities,” Snow said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-28--With the full house formation and a family atmosphere fueling his success, Andy Lowry built a prep f

With the full house formation and a family atmosphere fueling his success, Andy Lowry built a prep football dynasty at Columbine

Before Andy Lowry built Columbine into one of Colorado ’ s preeminent big-school football powerhouses — winning five Class 5A state titles and appearing in a sixth last fall — the 56-year-old made his name as a young football coach at his alma mater , Lakewood .
Lowry , who starred at quarterback for the Tigers in the early 1980s before going on to play at Western State , spent two years as Lakewood ’ s head coach prior to taking the Columbine job in 1994 .
His Tigers went a surprising 2-0 against Jeffco rival Columbine .
“ Truthfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really young coach was that at Lakewood , our numbers were really , really low , ” Lowry recalled .
“ We were kind of the underdogs in everything we did .
We ended up beating Columbine in my first year as the head coach on a trick play ( faked field goal ) , and there there ’ s no way we should ’ ve beaten them , but we did .
Then we beat them again the following year , so that stuck out ( to Columbine ) .
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chance to take over at Columbine .
In fact , his mentor at Lakewood , George Squires — who gave Lowry his first prep coaching job as the Tigers ’ defensive coordinator in 1987 — initially came out of retirement as a coach to take the Columbine job in 1994 .
Squires had one official meeting with his team , but after reconsidering the commitment he was taking on , re-retired .
Lowry then applied for the re-listed job , and has proceeded to win 257 games with the Rebels .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look because he was doing such a great job at Lakewood , ” said Squires , 78 .
“ They hired him away , and the rest is Colorado football history.
” With an unwavering belief in the full house/wing T formation , an extensive weight lifting program and a faith-heavy , family atmosphere , Lowry built the Rebels into a perennial state title contender , a Jeffco football heavyweight alongside Pomona .
“ They never waver from what they do , ” said Pomona head coach Jay Madden , who has known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a master of getting kids to buy into his system , and getting that system to basically dominate Colorado high school football .
His offense and the option has always been predictable , but it ’ s often unstoppable .
And even though he ’ s tweaked it over the years , it ’ s pretty much the same system he ’ s been running since he was at Lakewood.
” The continuity of Lowry ’ s staff has also played a part in Columbine ’ s success .
Now entering his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Pierce Street , longtime assistants such as defensive coordinator Tom Tonelli , assistant head coach Ivory Moore and head junior varsity coach Lee Andres have been with Lowry since he arrived at Columbine .
That group was pulled even closer together in the wake of the 1999 shooting at the school that left 13 dead and many , seeking someone to blame , pointing fingers at the football program .
The Rebels proceeded to win the state title that fall , and the next , seasons that helped the community ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that saw the school also win championships in 2002 , 2006 and 2011 .
“ The whole handful of all my longtime assistants would be great head coaches , and could ’ ve had the possibility of going somewhere to be head coaches , ” Lowry said .
“ But they ’ ve all stuck together , and that continuity that we ’ ve had , and the relationship piece and selflessness of it — especially through the tragedy and the impact that had on us — it brought us really close together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community.
” Through all the Rebels ’ success , the coaching staff has never made a state title a stated goal .
And while Lowry acknowledged his coaching genesis was spurred by the desire for a lifelong athlete to stay involved with the sport , his coaching motivations have shifted over time .
“ As time goes on , it ’ s become a vocation for me , and my faith is huge in my life , ” Lowry said .
“ Teaching and coaching is a vocation now , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role model for kids .
( My motivations for coaching ) have transitioned from getting that competitive edge to now , that role model piece , and giving back and loving the relationships I build with kids every day.
” And while Lowry ’ s coaching motivations have become intertwined with the community , his coaching philosophy has also evolved , even if the run-heavy attack he ’ s favored since his coaching days at Lakewood has not .
“ Even as a young coach you could tell then that he really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principal Frank DeAngelis said .
“ I was around coaching back in the day where yellers and screamers motivated people ; you had coaches like Woody Hayes , Frank Kush .
But Andy was not them… He was more cerebral and thoughtful and emotionally connected with players , even though he was just as demanding as those old-school guys.
” Tonelli describes Lowry as a “ father figure ” at Columbine , a man whom former players and students keep in touch with decades after they ’ ve graduated .
And , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lowry ’ s coaching style is based off substance , not flash .
Once , at halftime of a playoff game at Mullen in 1996 , Lowry attempted to make a point about rising above adversity .
He shook a big , glass bottle filled with beans and a ping pong ball , which rose from the bottom of the beans to the top .
When the ball completed its rise , Lowry spiked the bottle , shattering glass and scattering beans everywhere .
Columbine went out in the second half and lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game at Jeffco Stadium against Pomona , Lowry ’ s message to the team that week was the Rebels were going to “ burn down ” their rivals ’ house .
So the coach had Columbine ’ s shop teacher make a small wood house , and Lowry brought it into the locker room just before kickoff .
“ He throws a match on it and it doesn ’ t light — it fizzles and just goes out , ” Tonelli said .
“ So another assistant pours lighter fluid on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing just explodes .
All this smoke is billowing out of the locker room as we take the field , screaming… That was probably the last gimmick we ever had , because even though we won that game , we kicked the ball off to them and they returned it 98 yards for a touchdown .
“ Those two stories go to show — Andy is not a gimmicky guy .
He is who he is , and it doesn ’ t work when he tries to be something else or tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message ahead of Columbine ’ s upset win over then-defending champion Valor Christian in last year ’ s semifinal was simpler : “ What one man can do , another can do.
” The Rebels went out and beat the Eagles on the road , 37-30 , and in true Lowry fashion , passed the ball just twice .
“ Being a defensive coordinator for Columbine in the early ’ 90s , playing Andy and Lakewood was always a difficult task , ” DeAngelis said .
“ What they would do is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in the full house , the robust offense , three to four yards a crack at a time .
All of a sudden you ’ d look up , they ’ ve scored , there ’ s a ton of time off the clock and then they stop us on offense .
Andy really believed in that and he still does.
” As for the future , Lowry maintains he still loves teaching and coaching , and vowed to retire a year too early rather than a year too late .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the horizon any time soon , there ’ s no doubt Columbine will continue to maintain its place among the Class 5A superpowers .
“ When you build something that ’ s very successful , people want to be a part of it , ” Madden said .
“ They ’ ll move neighborhoods , or they ’ ll transfer into the school , or they ’ ll open-enroll into the school… That ’ s what happens .
You build it , they will come .
And Andy has built something @ @ @ @ @ @

Editor’s Note: Third in a five-part series profiling Colorado football icons.
Before Andy Lowry built Columbine into one of Colorado’s preeminent big-school football powerhouses — winning five Class 5A state titles and appearing in a sixth last fall — the 56-year-old made his name as a young football coach at his alma mater, Lakewood.
Lowry, who starred at quarterback for the Tigers in the early 1980s before going on to play at Western State, spent two years as Lakewood’s head coach prior to taking the Columbine job in 1994. His Tigers went a surprising 2-0 against Jeffco rival Columbine.
“Truthfully, my claim to fame as a really young coach was that at Lakewood, our numbers were really, really low,” Lowry recalled. “We were kind of the underdogs in everything we did. We ended up beating Columbine in my first year as the head coach on a trick play (faked field goal), and there there’s no way we should’ve beaten them, but we did. Then we beat them again the following year, so that stuck out (to Columbine).”
But the up-and-comer nearly didn’t get the chance to take over at Columbine. In fact, his mentor at Lakewood, George Squires — who gave Lowry his first prep coaching job as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator in 1987 — initially came out of retirement as a coach to take the Columbine job in 1994.
Squires had one official meeting with his team, but after reconsidering the commitment he was taking on, re-retired. Lowry then applied for the re-listed job, and has proceeded to win 257 games with the Rebels.
“I told Columbine to give Andy a look because he was doing such a great job at Lakewood,” said Squires, 78. “They hired him away, and the rest is Colorado football history.”
With an unwavering belief in the full house/wing T formation, an extensive weight lifting program and a faith-heavy, family atmosphere, Lowry built the Rebels into a perennial state title contender, a Jeffco football heavyweight alongside Pomona.
“They never waver from what they do,” said Pomona head coach Jay Madden, who has known Lowry since 1992. “He’s a master of getting kids to buy into his system, and getting that system to basically dominate Colorado high school football. His offense and the option has always been predictable, but it’s often unstoppable. And even though he’s tweaked it over the years, it’s pretty much the same system he’s been running since he was at Lakewood.”
The continuity of Lowry’s staff has also played a part in Columbine’s success. Now entering his 27th year coaching and teaching physical education on Pierce Street, longtime assistants such as defensive coordinator Tom Tonelli, assistant head coach Ivory Moore and head junior varsity coach Lee Andres have been with Lowry since he arrived at Columbine.
That group was pulled even closer together in the wake of the 1999 shooting at the school that left 13 dead and many, seeking someone to blame, pointing fingers at the football program. The Rebels proceeded to win the state title that fall, and the next, seasons that helped the community’s healing process and jump-started the Columbine dynasty that saw the school also win championships in 2002, 2006 and 2011.
“The whole handful of all my longtime assistants would be great head coaches, and could’ve had the possibility of going somewhere to be head coaches,” Lowry said. “But they’ve all stuck together, and that continuity that we’ve had, and the relationship piece and selflessness of it — especially through the tragedy and the impact that had on us — it brought us really close together as a staff, a school and a community.”
Through all the Rebels’ success, the coaching staff has never made a state title a stated goal. And while Lowry acknowledged his coaching genesis was spurred by the desire for a lifelong athlete to stay involved with the sport, his coaching motivations have shifted over time.
“As time goes on, it’s become a vocation for me, and my faith is huge in my life,” Lowry said. “Teaching and coaching is a vocation now, and I pray every day that I can be a role model for kids. (My motivations for coaching) have transitioned from getting that competitive edge to now, that role model piece, and giving back and loving the relationships I build with kids every day.”
And while Lowry’s coaching motivations have become intertwined with the community, his coaching philosophy has also evolved, even if the run-heavy attack he’s favored since his coaching days at Lakewood has not.
“Even as a young coach you could tell then that he really cared around kids,” former Columbine principal Frank DeAngelis said. “I was around coaching back in the day where yellers and screamers motivated people; you had coaches like Woody Hayes, Frank Kush. But Andy was not them… He was more cerebral and thoughtful and emotionally connected with players, even though he was just as demanding as those old-school guys.”
Tonelli describes Lowry as a “father figure” at Columbine, a man whom former players and students keep in touch with decades after they’ve graduated. And, as Tonelli emphasized with two particular anecdotes, Lowry’s coaching style is based off substance, not flash.
Once, at halftime of a playoff game at Mullen in 1996, Lowry attempted to make a point about rising above adversity. He shook a big, glass bottle filled with beans and a ping pong ball, which rose from the bottom of the beans to the top. When the ball completed its rise, Lowry spiked the bottle, shattering glass and scattering beans everywhere. Columbine went out in the second half and lost.
The next fall, prior to a game at Jeffco Stadium against Pomona, Lowry’s message to the team that week was the Rebels were going to “burn down” their rivals’ house. So the coach had Columbine’s shop teacher make a small wood house, and Lowry brought it into the locker room just before kickoff.
“He throws a match on it and it doesn’t light — it fizzles and just goes out,” Tonelli said. “So another assistant pours lighter fluid on it, Andy throws the match and the thing just explodes. All this smoke is billowing out of the locker room as we take the field, screaming… That was probably the last gimmick we ever had, because even though we won that game, we kicked the ball off to them and they returned it 98 yards for a touchdown.
“Those two stories go to show — Andy is not a gimmicky guy. He is who he is, and it doesn’t work when he tries to be something else or tries to be flashy.”
Lowry’s pregame message ahead of Columbine’s upset win over then-defending champion Valor Christian in last year’s semifinal was simpler: “What one man can do, another can do.” The Rebels went out and beat the Eagles on the road, 37-30, and in true Lowry fashion, passed the ball just twice.
“Being a defensive coordinator for Columbine in the early ’90s, playing Andy and Lakewood was always a difficult task,” DeAngelis said. “What they would do is nothing fancy — they’d just line up in the full house, the robust offense, three to four yards a crack at a time. All of a sudden you’d look up, they’ve scored, there’s a ton of time off the clock and then they stop us on offense. Andy really believed in that and he still does.”
As for the future, Lowry maintains he still loves teaching and coaching, and vowed to retire a year too early rather than a year too late. But since retirement doesn’t appear to be on the horizon any time soon, there’s no doubt Columbine will continue to maintain its place among the Class 5A superpowers.
“When you build something that’s very successful, people want to be a part of it,” Madden said. “They’ll move neighborhoods, or they’ll transfer into the school, or they’ll open-enroll into the school… That’s what happens. You build it, they will come. And Andy has built something really special over there.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-28--Ask Amy: Teacher should take her parents to school

Socially and politically I lean firmly left and my family is very aware of it .
My parents and my in-laws are VERY conservative and quite religious .
At gatherings they are very vocal about their disdain for liberals and Democrats , calling them names , saying they ’ re going to hell , etc .
They also voice their dislike of other races , religions , and sexual orientation , using bigoted language .
I don ’ t enjoy spending time with any of them .
I do not voice my opinions , as I have no interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the assault begins , I pick up my phone and scroll through and ignore them .
I have limited my time with them as much as possible , but I can ’ t cut them out of my life completely , as that is just not my character .
My husband lets it go and is mostly politically neutral .
He says it ’ s not worth arguing with 80-year-olds .
Dear Teacher : You seem to point your irritation toward your husband , whom you claim stays neutral , but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ignoring comments from both your parents and his that you say are bigoted and offensive .
So , “ Teacher , ” I think it ’ s time to take these 80-year-olds to school .
I can imagine not wanting to waste your breath on your in-laws , but your parents raised you .
Surely you can spend some energy in order to engage them in some thoughtful conversation about their own hate speech .
There is absolutely nothing about Christianity that gives believers license to express hatred toward other human beings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this , I think it might be time for you to locate your backbone .
If you consider yourself a true ally of people who are discriminated against and consigned to hell by ignorant people — then you must use your own voice to push back .
This book is currently flying off the shelves ( I ’ m reading it now ) : “ How to Be an Antiracist , ” by Ibram X. Kendi ( 2019 , One World ) .
Here ’ s a quote : “ Denial is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : About two months ago , my boyfriend potentially had COVID-19 .
The week he started to work from home , he got very sick .
Taking care of him was scary and stressful for me .
He was able to get a virtual doctor ’ s appointment .
He tested negative for the virus , but still believes he had it , due to the high rate of false negative test results .
He recovered in two weeks and is good , now .
He brings this up whenever we have Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even brings this up with his clients .
When it initially happened — and the month following – bringing it up made sense .
I realize that sharing with friends and family can help to process a scary event .
It has now been two months ( it feels like six ) , and he ’ s OK.
I ’ m confused as to why he still feels the need to talk about it now , however .
Dear Healthy : You went through this with your boyfriend , and so you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from many different angles .
You can have whatever interior reaction you want , but your boyfriend should continue to talk about this experience if he finds it helpful .
His brush with serious illness might have deepened his empathy toward others .
He may also be tacitly inviting you to share in this drama , and to confirm to others how challenging this was .
There are fears about people developing the illness again – after they believe they have recovered – and he might be worried about that possibility .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with serious illness .
If he is ruminating excessively or seems to be stuck in an anxious loop , you should encourage him to set up another appointment with his doctor .
Dear Amy : I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day and loved it for more than 35 years .
On November 1 , 1992 I stopped smoking and went on the nicotine patch for six months .
I still have three cigarettes in my freezer .
I still feel guilty for my children ( none of them smoke ) when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents smoking in the station wagon .
I ’ ve saved enough cigarette money to take four trips to Europe and numerous cruises .
Dear Recovered : What a testimony !
( I may need to learn more about those cigarettes in your freezer… )

Dear Amy: I am a married, 50-year-old, elementary school teacher.
Socially and politically I lean firmly left and my family is very aware of it.
My parents and my in-laws are VERY conservative and quite religious.
At gatherings they are very vocal about their disdain for liberals and Democrats, calling them names, saying they’re going to hell, etc.
They also voice their dislike of other races, religions, and sexual orientation, using bigoted language.
I don’t enjoy spending time with any of them. I do not voice my opinions, as I have no interest in being part of their hostile conversations.
When the assault begins, I pick up my phone and scroll through and ignore them.
I have limited my time with them as much as possible, but I can’t cut them out of my life completely, as that is just not my character.
My husband lets it go and is mostly politically neutral. He says it’s not worth arguing with 80-year-olds.
I find his answer irritating. Any suggestions?
— Teacher
Dear Teacher: You seem to point your irritation toward your husband, whom you claim stays neutral, but you are doing the exact same thing, by ignoring comments from both your parents and his that you say are bigoted and offensive.
So, “Teacher,” I think it’s time to take these 80-year-olds to school.
I can imagine not wanting to waste your breath on your in-laws, but your parents raised you. Surely you can spend some energy in order to engage them in some thoughtful conversation about their own hate speech.
There is absolutely nothing about Christianity that gives believers license to express hatred toward other human beings. But aside from the religious aspects of this, I think it might be time for you to locate your backbone. If you consider yourself a true ally of people who are discriminated against and consigned to hell by ignorant people — then you must use your own voice to push back.
This book is currently flying off the shelves (I’m reading it now): “How to Be an Antiracist,” by Ibram X. Kendi (2019, One World). Here’s a quote: “Denial is the heartbeat of racism.”
Dear Amy: About two months ago, my boyfriend potentially had COVID-19.
The week he started to work from home, he got very sick.
Taking care of him was scary and stressful for me.
He was able to get a virtual doctor’s appointment. He tested negative for the virus, but still believes he had it, due to the high rate of false negative test results.
He recovered in two weeks and is good, now.
He brings this up whenever we have Zoom calls with family or friends; he even brings this up with his clients. When it initially happened — and the month following – bringing it up made sense. I realize that sharing with friends and family can help to process a scary event.
It has now been two months (it feels like six), and he’s OK. I’m confused as to why he still feels the need to talk about it now, however.
— Healthy and Wondering
Dear Healthy: You went through this with your boyfriend, and so you have been exposed to this story many times from many different angles. You can have whatever interior reaction you want, but your boyfriend should continue to talk about this experience if he finds it helpful. His brush with serious illness might have deepened his empathy toward others. He may also be tacitly inviting you to share in this drama, and to confirm to others how challenging this was. There are fears about people developing the illness again – after they believe they have recovered – and he might be worried about that possibility.
Some people are genuinely traumatized by an experience with serious illness. If he is ruminating excessively or seems to be stuck in an anxious loop, you should encourage him to set up another appointment with his doctor.
Dear Amy: I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day and loved it for more than 35 years.
On November 1, 1992 I stopped smoking and went on the nicotine patch for six months. I still have three cigarettes in my freezer.
I still feel guilty for my children (none of them smoke) when they had to put up with both parents smoking in the station wagon.
I’ve saved enough cigarette money to take four trips to Europe and numerous cruises.
— Recovered Smoker
Dear Recovered: What a testimony! (I may need to learn more about those cigarettes in your freezer…)
(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--2020-06-28--1 fatally shot at Breonna Taylor protest park in Kentucky

Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville , Kentucky , where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor .
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m. , Louisville Metro police said in a statement , followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene .
Shortly after , police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice .
That person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover .
The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground .
Officers cleared the park and police “ are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident , ” the statement said .
No information about arrests , possible suspects and the victims ’ identities and ages was immediately released .
Officials did not immediately release additional information .
The park has for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd .
The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor ’ s death .
Seven people were wounded May 28 when gunfire erupted near City Hall , prompting a statement from Taylor ’ s mother asking people to demand justice “ without hurting each other.
” “ Praying for our city , ” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday .
The Democrat is running for his party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell in the fall .
Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman , was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant .
Protesters have been calling for the officers involved in her death to be charged .
One of the officers was recently fired .
Kenneth Walker , Taylor ’ s boyfriend , was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home .
Walker has said he thought he was defending from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville ’ s Metro Council .

Authorities were investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night at a park in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, where demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor.
Reports of shots fired at Jefferson Square Park came in around 9 p.m., Louisville Metro police said in a statement, followed by calls that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department was performing life-saving measures on a male who died at the scene. Shortly after, police were told of a shooting victim across the street at the Hall of Justice. That person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Video posted on social media appeared to show a man opening fire into the park as people scrambled for cover. The footage later showed at least one person bleeding profusely on the ground.
Officers cleared the park and police “are trying to gather as much information as possible in order to identify all who were involved in the incident,” the statement said. No information about arrests, possible suspects and the victims’ identities and ages was immediately released. Officials did not immediately release additional information.
The park has for weeks been the epicenter for protests in the city after the police killings of Taylor and George Floyd. The Saturday night shooting was at least the second during nearly a month of protests in Louisville over Taylor’s death. Seven people were wounded May 28 when gunfire erupted near City Hall, prompting a statement from Taylor’s mother asking people to demand justice “without hurting each other.”
“Praying for our city,” tweeted Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker of Louisville late Saturday. The Democrat is running for his party’s nomination to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in the fall.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was killed in her Louisville home in March by police who were serving a no-knock warrant. Protesters have been calling for the officers involved in her death to be charged. One of the officers was recently fired.
Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home. Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder.
The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisville’s Metro Council.


thedenverpost--2020-06-29--Patriots sign QB Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady, source says

BOSTON — The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton , bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady , a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press .
The one-year deal is worth up to $ 7.5 million with incentives , the person said , speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly .
A Patriots spokesman said the team had nothing to announce Sunday night .
The signing was first reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to training camp with 2019 fourth-round draft choice Jarrett Stidham as the heir apparent to Brady , who led the team to six Super Bowl championships since 2001 but signed with Tampa Bay this offseason .
Stidham appeared in three games last season , completing two passes for 14 yards with one interception .
The only other experienced quarterback on the defending AFC East champions ’ roster was 34-year-old Brian Hoyer , who has started 38 games in an 11-year career with seven NFL teams , including the Patriots twice .
The Panthers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , a move that saved the team $ 19.1 million under the NFL salary cap .
The 31-year-old Newton was the No .
1 overall pick in the 2011 draft after leading Auburn to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy .
He helped the Panthers reach the playoffs four times , including the Super Bowl in 2015 .

BOSTON — The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. A Patriots spokesman said the team had nothing to announce Sunday night.
The signing was first reported by ESPN.
The Patriots had been heading to training camp with 2019 fourth-round draft choice Jarrett Stidham as the heir apparent to Brady, who led the team to six Super Bowl championships since 2001 but signed with Tampa Bay this offseason. Stidham appeared in three games last season, completing two passes for 14 yards with one interception.
The only other experienced quarterback on the defending AFC East champions’ roster was 34-year-old Brian Hoyer, who has started 38 games in an 11-year career with seven NFL teams, including the Patriots twice.
The Panthers released Newton on March 24 following nine seasons, a move that saved the team $19.1 million under the NFL salary cap.
The 31-year-old Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft after leading Auburn to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy. He helped the Panthers reach the playoffs four times, including the Super Bowl in 2015.


thedenverpost--2020-06-29--Dustin Johnson wins Travelers Championship

CROMWELL , Conn. — Dustin Johnson won the Travelers Championship on Sunday to end a long drought and extend his career-long season victory streak to 13 .
Johnson closed with a 3-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Kevin Streelman at fan-free TPC River Highlands .
Johnson last won in Mexico City in March 2019 .
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus each won in 17 consecutive years .
Johnson failed to win in 2014 , but is given credit for winning in the 2013-14 season from his victory in the fall of 2013 in Shanghai .
The tour changed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tapped in for par on the par-4 18th , raised his ball to acknowledge the smattering of applause from course workers and officials with no fans allowed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He finished at 19-under 261 for his 21st PGA Tour title .
Streelman also shot 67 .
• PGA Tour carries on after first positive coronavirus test • Brooks Koepka raises notion of not playing a Ryder Cup without fans • PGA Tour to hold minute of silence at 8:46 to honor George Floyd • Golf makes a conservative return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mackenzie Hughes , who shot a first-round 60 , had a 67 to tie for third with 23-year-old Will Gordon at 17 under .
Gordon , who had no status on either the PGA Tour or the Korn Ferry Tour , had seven birdies in a 64 .
He earned a special temporary card and unlimited exemptions for the rest of the season .
POCHEON , South Korea — Ji Young Kim made an 18-foot eagle putt on the second hole of a playoff with Minji Park to win the Korea LPGA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim closed with a 5-under 67 to match Park at 18-under 270 at Pocheon Hills .
Both players birdied the 18th on their first extra trip down the par-5 hole .

CROMWELL, Conn. — Dustin Johnson won the Travelers Championship on Sunday to end a long drought and extend his career-long season victory streak to 13.
Johnson closed with a 3-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Kevin Streelman at fan-free TPC River Highlands. Johnson last won in Mexico City in March 2019.
Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus each won in 17 consecutive years. Johnson failed to win in 2014, but is given credit for winning in the 2013-14 season from his victory in the fall of 2013 in Shanghai. The tour changed to a wraparound season in 2013.
Johnson tapped in for par on the par-4 18th, raised his ball to acknowledge the smattering of applause from course workers and officials with no fans allowed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He finished at 19-under 261 for his 21st PGA Tour title.
Streelman also shot 67.
Mackenzie Hughes, who shot a first-round 60, had a 67 to tie for third with 23-year-old Will Gordon at 17 under. Gordon, who had no status on either the PGA Tour or the Korn Ferry Tour, had seven birdies in a 64. He earned a special temporary card and unlimited exemptions for the rest of the season.
KOREAN LPGA
POCHEON, South Korea — Ji Young Kim made an 18-foot eagle putt on the second hole of a playoff with Minji Park to win the Korea LPGA’s BC Card-Hankyung Ladies’ Cup.
Kim closed with a 5-under 67 to match Park at 18-under 270 at Pocheon Hills.
Park finished with a 66.
Both players birdied the 18th on their first extra trip down the par-5 hole.


thedenverpost--2020-06-29--Kiszla: How the sweet swing of a woman older than 80 can be as powerful as a Nolan Arenado home run

During the dead of a nasty winter that refused to end , while hunkered down at home against the lurking pandemic , 89-year-old Maggie McCloskey held steadfast to a daily routine of 150 push-ups to strengthen her body and 25 methodical swings of a bat to perfect her swing , as she dreamed of playing ball again .
“ I got a new bat for Christmas .
And I love that bat so much , I sleep with it , ” said McCloskey , eyes dancing for joy .
“ For months , I would swing and swing and swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitching to me .
When you get old , it ’ s hard to find anybody to play ball with you .
But I couldn ’ t put that bat down.
” She talked as if the magic to be a found in her bat is as mystical and marvelous as anything contained in the holly wand wielded by Harry Potter .
What ’ s more , McCloskey spoke with a certainty my jaded heart needed to hear .
For there have been times when it seems all the joy has been drained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fun or games .
At the end of a spring stained by tears of COVID-19 deaths and afire with protests in cities nationwide , I began to wonder if the small joy of a perfectly turned double play was just silly kid stuff I no longer had time for at this heavy moment in American history .
But then something wonderfully unexpected happened .
With every swing of her bat on a recent Tuesday morning , McCloskey and her Colorado Peaches teammates took me back , back , back to a ballgame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .
The Peaches are a senior softball team of ladies who defiantly refuse to grow up .
And you better believe two dozen athletes old enough to be grandmas , all chattering “ Let ’ s gets two !
” as an infielder wearing a mask turns a double play , is not something you generally witness on a sunny Colorado morning .
Well , at least not unless you ’ re lucky enough to stumble upon the Peaches at practice .
“ What do I love about softball ?
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and waiting to die from COVID , ” joked Joy Kaylor .
She is as lean as a willow at age 82 and as avid about cycling 25 miles around Denver as she is scooping throws at first base .
“ I don ’ t like being old , ” Kaylor said , “ and being told I can ’ t do this or can ’ t do that.
” Hanging with the Peaches was as sweet as watching Charlie Blackmon hit a walk-off homer to beat the Dodgers .
Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big as Broncos touchdowns and Olympic gold .
But snapping shots of amateur softball players , ages 50 through 80 and beyond , he spontaneously exclaimed : “ This is beautiful !
” Kicking up diamond dust at Addenbrooke Park in Lakewood , the Peaches made leaping catches and booted ground balls .
With silver hair shimmering in the sun , they drilled singles to the opposite field , but also swung mightily and whiffed .
But it was all gorgeous , because it was done with the childlike wonder of embracing joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long life beautiful .
“ You want to know how old I am ?
Well I like to tell people I ’ m 88 going on 90 , ” McCloskey confided with a mischievous giggle .
“ It ’ s not that I ’ ve got anything against being 89 years old .
I just like the way 88 looks when I write it on paper , so I don ’ t want to let go of that number.
” Nolan Arenado can smack a ball farther than McCloskey can see .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game with more passion than she does .
I also suspect if commissioner Rob Manfred and union chief Tony Clark sat in the bleachers during a single Peaches practice , their cold hearts would ’ ve melted and the financial bickering that nearly killed this MLB season could ’ ve ended far sooner .
During batting practice , McCloskey bounced a hit through the infield , then ran the bases , refusing to stop , dashing madly from first base to second and then third , leaving the ball trailing in her wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her out .
After McCloskey , grinning from ear to ear , jogged safely home , I felt compelled to ask : What ’ s the enduring beauty that keeps her itching to swing a bat year after year , even when a pandemic forces spring to arrive painfully late .
But she was much way too preoccupied to stop and chat .
Instead , McCloskey asked every teammate within earshot : “ Where ’ s my glove ?
Has anybody seen it ?
” She found the beloved glove under the shade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Delighted , McCloskey scampered to the outfield , pounding her mitt with the enthusiasm of greeting an old friend , then shouted to the batter at the plate : “ C ’ mon , hit me one !
” The ripest Peach knows this sweet life doesn ’ t last forever .
But watch the joy McCloskey , 88 going on 90 , brings to the diamond and a small , wonderful truth hits home : It ’ s never too late for love .
So swing hard .
Run fast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you can feel as vibrant as a game forever young .

During the dead of a nasty winter that refused to end, while hunkered down at home against the lurking pandemic, 89-year-old Maggie McCloskey held steadfast to a daily routine of 150 push-ups to strengthen her body and 25 methodical swings of a bat to perfect her swing, as she dreamed of playing ball again.
“I got a new bat for Christmas. And I love that bat so much, I sleep with it,” said McCloskey, eyes dancing for joy. “For months, I would swing and swing and swing that bat by myself, with nobody pitching to me. When you get old, it’s hard to find anybody to play ball with you. But I couldn’t put that bat down.”
She talked as if the magic to be a found in her bat is as mystical and marvelous as anything contained in the holly wand wielded by Harry Potter. What’s more, McCloskey spoke with a certainty my jaded heart needed to hear. For there have been times when it seems all the joy has been drained from 2020, a year too sad for fun or games.
At the end of a spring stained by tears of COVID-19 deaths and afire with protests in cities nationwide, I began to wonder if the small joy of a perfectly turned double play was just silly kid stuff I no longer had time for at this heavy moment in American history.
But then something wonderfully unexpected happened. With every swing of her bat on a recent Tuesday morning, McCloskey and her Colorado Peaches teammates took me back, back, back to a ballgame that was my happy obsession as a child.
The Peaches are a senior softball team of ladies who defiantly refuse to grow up. And you better believe two dozen athletes old enough to be grandmas, all chattering “Let’s gets two!” as an infielder wearing a mask turns a double play, is not something you generally witness on a sunny Colorado morning. Well, at least not unless you’re lucky enough to stumble upon the Peaches at practice.
“What do I love about softball? Well, it sure is nicer than sitting at home and waiting to die from COVID,” joked Joy Kaylor. She is as lean as a willow at age 82 and as avid about cycling 25 miles around Denver as she is scooping throws at first base.
“I don’t like being old,” Kaylor said, “and being told I can’t do this or can’t do that.”
Hanging with the Peaches was as sweet as watching Charlie Blackmon hit a walk-off homer to beat the Dodgers. Denver Post photographer Hyoung Chang has framed moments as big as Broncos touchdowns and Olympic gold. But snapping shots of amateur softball players, ages 50 through 80 and beyond, he spontaneously exclaimed: “This is beautiful!”
Kicking up diamond dust at Addenbrooke Park in Lakewood, the Peaches made leaping catches and booted ground balls. With silver hair shimmering in the sun, they drilled singles to the opposite field, but also swung mightily and whiffed. But it was all gorgeous, because it was done with the childlike wonder of embracing joy in every little thing that makes a long life beautiful.
“You want to know how old I am? Well I like to tell people I’m 88 going on 90,” McCloskey confided with a mischievous giggle. “It’s not that I’ve got anything against being 89 years old. I just like the way 88 looks when I write it on paper, so I don’t want to let go of that number.”
Nolan Arenado can smack a ball farther than McCloskey can see. But I guarantee no major-league player approaches the game with more passion than she does. I also suspect if commissioner Rob Manfred and union chief Tony Clark sat in the bleachers during a single Peaches practice, their cold hearts would’ve melted and the financial bickering that nearly killed this MLB season could’ve ended far sooner.
During batting practice, McCloskey bounced a hit through the infield, then ran the bases, refusing to stop, dashing madly from first base to second and then third, leaving the ball trailing in her wake, as teammates frantically tried to tag her out.
Run, Maggie, run!
After McCloskey, grinning from ear to ear, jogged safely home, I felt compelled to ask: What’s the enduring beauty that keeps her itching to swing a bat year after year, even when a pandemic forces spring to arrive painfully late.
But she was much way too preoccupied to stop and chat. Instead, McCloskey asked every teammate within earshot: “Where’s my glove? Has anybody seen it?”
She found the beloved glove under the shade of a tree near the first-base dugout. Delighted, McCloskey scampered to the outfield, pounding her mitt with the enthusiasm of greeting an old friend, then shouted to the batter at the plate: “C’mon, hit me one!”
The ripest Peach knows this sweet life doesn’t last forever.
But watch the joy McCloskey, 88 going on 90, brings to the diamond and a small, wonderful truth hits home: It’s never too late for love.
So swing hard. Run fast. Get lost in the magic of play and you can feel as vibrant as a game forever young.


thedenverpost--2020-06-28--Rockies set 52-man player pool for 2020 season

The Rockies announced their player pool for their upcoming summer camp , or spring training 2.0 as some are calling it .
The roster is made up of the 39 players on Colorado ’ s 40-man roster as well as 13 additional players , all of whom attended 2020 spring training prior to the March 13 shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic .
There are no surprise additions to the pool and none of the Rockies ’ 2020 draft choices are included .
However , veteran right-hander Ubaldo Jimenz , who was attempting a comeback during spring training is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently 28 pitchers on the pool roster .
Sunday marked the first major roster deadline of the shortened season , with all 30 teams submitting their player pools , up to a 60-man limit .
The pool is the group of players who will be able to play for the team during the upcoming 60-game season .
Players are not eligible to participate in either summer camp or regular-season games until they are included in the pool .
Teams are free to change the makeup of the pools as they see fit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releases and trades .
However , players removed from a team ’ s 60-man ( for reasons unrelated to injury , suspension , etc . )
must be exposed to other organizations via trade or waivers .
The Rockies eventually will select 30 players to make up the initial opening-day roster , while the remaining players will work out at another training site .
For the Rockies , that will likely be at the team ’ s Triple-A Albuquerque site , although that has not been officially announced .
Players are scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Saturday likely the first day of summer camp practices , though the Rockies have not officially announced that .
When the regular season opens on July 23 or 24 , teams will submit rosters of up to 30 players , with a minimum of 25 .
Two weeks later , those rosters will be trimmed to 28 , then to 26 two weeks after that .
Once teams are limited to a 26-man roster , they will be permitted to add a 27th player for doubleheaders .
There is no limitation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active roster this season .
Left-hander pitchers ( 7 ) : Ben Bowden , Tim Collins , Phillip Diehl , Kyle Freeland , Jake McGee , James Pazos and Ryan Rolison .
Collins and Rolison are not on the 40-man roster .
Right-handed pitchers ( 21 ) : Yency Almonte , Daniel Bard , Ryan Castellani , Wade Davis , Jairo Diaz , Carlos Estevez , Chi Chi Gonzalez , Ashton Goudeau , Jon Gray , Alexander Guillen , Joe Harvey , Jeff Hoffman , Tyler Kinley , Peter Lambert , German Marquez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Santos , Antonio Senzatela , Bryan Shaw and Jesus Tinoco .
Bard , Guillen and Harvey are not on the 40-man roster .
Catchers ( 5 ) : Drew Butera , Elias Diaz , Dom Nunez , Chris Rabago and Tony Wolters .
Butera , Diaz and Rabago are not on the 40-man roster .
• 📺 WATCH : Rockies vs .
Twins in MLB The Show 20 , June 28 , 2020 • Rockies ’ offense stagnant in loss to Twins in MLB The Show 20 • Jason Jennings Adaptive Field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballplayers with disabilities • Rockies sign second-round pick Chris McMahon , a hard-throwing right-hander out of Miami , and two undrafted players • German Marquez deals as Rockies beat Twins in MLB The Show 20 Infielders ( 9 ) : Nolan Arenado , Josh Fuentes , Ryan McMahon , Daniel Murphy , Tyler Nevin , Brendan Rodgers , Eric Stamets , Trevor Story and Alan Trejo .
Stamets and Trejo are not on the 40-man roster .
Infielders/Outfielders ( 4 ) : Bret Boswell , Garrett Hampson , Brian Mundell and Chris Owings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not on the 40-man roster .

The Rockies announced their player pool for their upcoming summer camp, or spring training 2.0 as some are calling it.
The roster is made up of the 39 players on Colorado’s 40-man roster as well as 13 additional players, all of whom attended 2020 spring training prior to the March 13 shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.
There are no surprise additions to the pool and none of the Rockies’ 2020 draft choices are included. However, veteran right-hander Ubaldo Jimenz, who was attempting a comeback during spring training is not included in the pool. There are currently 28 pitchers on the pool roster.
Sunday marked the first major roster deadline of the shortened season, with all 30 teams submitting their player pools, up to a 60-man limit. The pool is the group of players who will be able to play for the team during the upcoming 60-game season.
Players are not eligible to participate in either summer camp or regular-season games until they are included in the pool. Teams are free to change the makeup of the pools as they see fit, through waiver claims, free-agent signings, releases and trades. However, players removed from a team’s 60-man (for reasons unrelated to injury, suspension, etc.) must be exposed to other organizations via trade or waivers.
The Rockies eventually will select 30 players to make up the initial opening-day roster, while the remaining players will work out at another training site. For the Rockies, that will likely be at the team’s Triple-A Albuquerque site, although that has not been officially announced.
Players are scheduled to report to Coors Field on Wednesday, with Saturday likely the first day of summer camp practices, though the Rockies have not officially announced that.
When the regular season opens on July 23 or 24, teams will submit rosters of up to 30 players, with a minimum of 25. Two weeks later, those rosters will be trimmed to 28, then to 26 two weeks after that. Once teams are limited to a 26-man roster, they will be permitted to add a 27th player for doubleheaders.
There is no limitation on the number of pitchers allowed on the active roster this season.
Rockies 2020 player pool
Left-hander pitchers (7): Ben Bowden, Tim Collins, Phillip Diehl, Kyle Freeland, Jake McGee, James Pazos and Ryan Rolison. Collins and Rolison are not on the 40-man roster.
Right-handed pitchers (21): Yency Almonte, Daniel Bard, Ryan Castellani, Wade Davis, Jairo Diaz, Carlos Estevez, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Ashton Goudeau, Jon Gray, Alexander Guillen, Joe Harvey, Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Kinley, Peter Lambert, German Marquez, Jose Mujica, Scott Oberg, Antonio Santos, Antonio Senzatela, Bryan Shaw and Jesus Tinoco. Bard, Guillen and Harvey are not on the 40-man roster.
Catchers (5): Drew Butera, Elias Diaz, Dom Nunez, Chris Rabago and Tony Wolters. Butera, Diaz and Rabago are not on the 40-man roster.
Infielders (9): Nolan Arenado, Josh Fuentes, Ryan McMahon, Daniel Murphy, Tyler Nevin, Brendan Rodgers, Eric Stamets, Trevor Story and Alan Trejo. Stamets and Trejo are not on the 40-man roster.
Outfielders (6): Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, Yonathan Daza, Ian Desmond, Sam Hilliard and Raimel Tapia.
Infielders/Outfielders (4): Bret Boswell, Garrett Hampson, Brian Mundell and Chris Owings. Boswell, Mundell and Owings are not on the 40-man roster.


thedenverpost--2020-06-28--Is this whistle the future of refereeing?

By Chantel Jennings , The New York Times More than 140 years after it made its debut , in English soccer , the whistle is the most recognizable sound in sports .
From soccer fields and football stadiums to basketball arenas and wrestling mats , from youth sports to the pros and from one continent to the next , the whistle is the thread that winds its way through global sports .
It often marks the beginning and the end of an event , signals pauses and restarts in tense moments , and acts as an exclamation point after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport , the whistle is the soprano : crisp , distinct and capable of leaving one ’ s ears ringing .
But in the age of coronavirus , the whistle may face an existential challenge , or , at the very least , a serious rethinking .
To use almost any whistle requires a deep breath and then a forced burst of droplet-filled air — things that , during a pandemic , deeply concern medical experts .
Is there a better way ?
That is what people keep asking Ron Foxcroft .
Foxcroft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , is the most trusted name in North America when it comes to whistles .
His company , Fox 40 , sells about 15,000 a day — mostly the so-called pealess whistle , which accounts for the bulk of his business .
Ron Foxcroft , a former NCAA and Olympic basketball official , shows off his line of Fox 40 whistles , in Hamilton , Ontario , Canada , March 16 , 2015 .
Normal whistles require a deep breath and then a forced burst of droplet-filled air — a deep concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electronic whistles may provide the answer .
[ /caption ] About a decade ago , Fox 40 also began making and marketing an electronic whistle .
It operates with the push of a button , and its tones can be adjusted by a switch on the side .
The current versions on the market produce sounds that range from 96 to 120 decibels ( or from the sound of a lawn mower to that of an ambulance siren ) .
It is this version that in recent months has come to dominate Foxcroft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages .
“ There ’ s two questions , ” Foxcroft said of the inquiries he has received in the past few months .
“ No .
1 : ‘ Ron , you ’ re a referee .
Tell us what you think of the electronic whistle.
’ No .
2 : ‘ We ’ d like to experiment with the electronic whistle .
Can you send us some ?
’ ” Fox 40 ’ s version is one of a handful of models available ; Windsor and iSport , among others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 ’ s position in the industry — its clients include the NBA and the NFL and even the White House , where multiple presidents have used its whistle to start the annual Easter Egg Roll — means it has seen a surge in both inquiries and orders .
Before mid-April , the Canadian company ’ s largest order for electronic whistles had come from a European train company , which bought 3,000 for its employees .
Since May 1 , though , Foxcroft estimated , the company had received orders for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports officials .
Many of the referees who receive them will be trying one for the first time .
Verne Harris , a Division I men ’ s basketball official for the past 32 years , said in an interview that he did not know the electronic whistle existed until this spring .
But during his coronavirus-imposed refereeing hiatus , he said , he has been pondering what changes might be coming to the profession .
“ I didn ’ t really think of anything that would be an alternative , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ?
’ ” Harris said of the conundrum of reducing transmission risks during games .
“ The minute they touch the ball and then we touch the ball and then we kick it out and turn around and put the whistle in our mouth .
“ And when you blow on the whistle , ” he added , “ then all of those particles are coming out into the air.
” Some leagues are making plans to use them .
Hockey Quebec , the governing body for the sport in the province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic whistles by referees and coaches in its protocols for a return to play .
And the NCAA ’ s chief medical officer this spring raised the idea that game officials be included — along with trainers and some coaches — in the group of people required to wear masks at games .
While the push-button whistle , which looks a bit like a small flashlight , certainly addresses some virus fears , head-to-head comparisons with the sounds of more traditional whistles can sometimes be unsatisfying .
And in interviews over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical concerns .
“ Are they weatherproof ?
Do they work in the snow ?
Do they work in the rain ?
You know , those sorts of things , ” said Steve Shaw , the national coordinator of officials and secretary rules editor for college football , who tried out Fox ’ s electronic whistle in May .
“ And do we have to carry a spare battery around with us ?
” ( BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM . )
Other officials wondered how an electronic whistle would be synced with the Precision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that uses the sound of referees ’ whistles to stop the game clock .
Experts say this system can save 30 seconds or more of playing time during the average 40-minute college basketball game , and it is used in the NBA , the WNBA and the men ’ s and women ’ s NCAA basketball tournaments .
“ When you put air in the whistle it triggers the clock to stop at that point like instantaneously , ” said Donnie Eppley , a Division I men ’ s basketball official since 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they would do that with an electronic whistle.
” ( END OPTIONAL TRIM . )
Shaw said he thought the electronic whistle could be a good alternative if sports officials determined that referees should shift away from traditional models .
But the most difficult part in using the new whistle is just that , Shaw explained : using it .
He and several other officials interviewed raised concerns about what is considered to be one of the graver sins in their job : the inadvertent whistle .
“ We have that momentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your hand to your mouth , and that little instance sometimes can save you from blowing an inadvertent whistle , ” Shaw said .
“ And this has none of that kind of delay built into it because it ’ s right there in your hands .
And right there , your thumb is on the button .
So we ’ d have to really talk through being patient.
” Eppley added : “ I can see , maybe , a lot of inadvertent whistles where people are just running up and down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this thing in your hand and you just inadvertently touch the button.
” He called it a challenge of “ whistle discipline.
” For now , the bigger challenge may be educating the experts tasked with making decisions regarding the return of sports about the electronic whistle ’ s existence .
Brian Hainline , the chief medical officer of the NCAA , said in an interview that he had suggested during a conference call in May that officials might be among those , including coaches and trainers , who need to wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon learning about the electronic whistle , he became a quick convert .
“ I hadn ’ t thought of this , but the idea of this electronic whistle , it actually solves a lot of problems , ” Hainline said .
“ It ’ s a brilliant idea , in my opinion .
”

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Chantel Jennings, The New York Times
More than 140 years after it made its debut, in English soccer, the whistle is the most recognizable sound in sports.
From soccer fields and football stadiums to basketball arenas and wrestling mats, from youth sports to the pros and from one continent to the next, the whistle is the thread that winds its way through global sports. It often marks the beginning and the end of an event, signals pauses and restarts in tense moments, and acts as an exclamation point after a big play. In the symphony of sport, the whistle is the soprano: crisp, distinct and capable of leaving one’s ears ringing.
But in the age of coronavirus, the whistle may face an existential challenge, or, at the very least, a serious rethinking. To use almost any whistle requires a deep breath and then a forced burst of droplet-filled air — things that, during a pandemic, deeply concern medical experts.
Is there a better way? That is what people keep asking Ron Foxcroft.
Foxcroft, a former NCAA and Olympic basketball official, is the most trusted name in North America when it comes to whistles. His company, Fox 40, sells about 15,000 a day — mostly the so-called pealess whistle, which accounts for the bulk of his business.
Ron Foxcroft, a former NCAA and Olympic basketball official, shows off his line of Fox 40 whistles, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, March 16, 2015. Normal whistles require a deep breath and then a forced burst of droplet-filled air — a deep concern to medical experts during the pandemic. Electronic whistles may provide the answer.[/caption]
About a decade ago, Fox 40 also began making and marketing an electronic whistle. It operates with the push of a button, and its tones can be adjusted by a switch on the side. The current versions on the market produce sounds that range from 96 to 120 decibels (or from the sound of a lawn mower to that of an ambulance siren).
It is this version that in recent months has come to dominate Foxcroft’s conversations, emails and text messages.
“There’s two questions,” Foxcroft said of the inquiries he has received in the past few months. “No. 1: ‘Ron, you’re a referee. Tell us what you think of the electronic whistle.’ No. 2: ‘We’d like to experiment with the electronic whistle. Can you send us some?’”
Fox 40’s version is one of a handful of models available; Windsor and iSport, among others, make their own versions. But Fox 40’s position in the industry — its clients include the NBA and the NFL and even the White House, where multiple presidents have used its whistle to start the annual Easter Egg Roll — means it has seen a surge in both inquiries and orders.
Before mid-April, the Canadian company’s largest order for electronic whistles had come from a European train company, which bought 3,000 for its employees. Since May 1, though, Foxcroft estimated, the company had received orders for about 50,000 more. Most are headed to sports officials.
Many of the referees who receive them will be trying one for the first time. Verne Harris, a Division I men’s basketball official for the past 32 years, said in an interview that he did not know the electronic whistle existed until this spring. But during his coronavirus-imposed refereeing hiatus, he said, he has been pondering what changes might be coming to the profession.
“I didn’t really think of anything that would be an alternative, but I was like, ‘How in the world?’” Harris said of the conundrum of reducing transmission risks during games. “The minute they touch the ball and then we touch the ball and then we kick it out and turn around and put the whistle in our mouth.
“And when you blow on the whistle,” he added, “then all of those particles are coming out into the air.”
Some leagues are making plans to use them. Hockey Quebec, the governing body for the sport in the province, recently included the mandatory use of electronic whistles by referees and coaches in its protocols for a return to play. And the NCAA’s chief medical officer this spring raised the idea that game officials be included — along with trainers and some coaches — in the group of people required to wear masks at games.
While the push-button whistle, which looks a bit like a small flashlight, certainly addresses some virus fears, head-to-head comparisons with the sounds of more traditional whistles can sometimes be unsatisfying. And in interviews over the past several weeks, veteran referees raised more practical concerns.
“Are they weatherproof? Do they work in the snow? Do they work in the rain? You know, those sorts of things,” said Steve Shaw, the national coordinator of officials and secretary rules editor for college football, who tried out Fox’s electronic whistle in May. “And do we have to carry a spare battery around with us?”(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)Other officials wondered how an electronic whistle would be synced with the Precision Time System, a relatively new mechanism that uses the sound of referees’ whistles to stop the game clock. Experts say this system can save 30 seconds or more of playing time during the average 40-minute college basketball game, and it is used in the NBA, the WNBA and the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments.
“When you put air in the whistle it triggers the clock to stop at that point like instantaneously,” said Donnie Eppley, a Division I men’s basketball official since 1997. “I’m not sure how they would do that with an electronic whistle.”
(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)Shaw said he thought the electronic whistle could be a good alternative if sports officials determined that referees should shift away from traditional models. But the most difficult part in using the new whistle is just that, Shaw explained: using it. He and several other officials interviewed raised concerns about what is considered to be one of the graver sins in their job: the inadvertent whistle.
“We have that momentary time lag between taking your whistle from your hand to your mouth, and that little instance sometimes can save you from blowing an inadvertent whistle,” Shaw said. “And this has none of that kind of delay built into it because it’s right there in your hands. And right there, your thumb is on the button. So we’d have to really talk through being patient.”
Eppley added: “I can see, maybe, a lot of inadvertent whistles where people are just running up and down the court and you’ve got this thing in your hand and you just inadvertently touch the button.” He called it a challenge of “whistle discipline.”
For now, the bigger challenge may be educating the experts tasked with making decisions regarding the return of sports about the electronic whistle’s existence.
Brian Hainline, the chief medical officer of the NCAA, said in an interview that he had suggested during a conference call in May that officials might be among those, including coaches and trainers, who need to wear masks until the pandemic is over.
But upon learning about the electronic whistle, he became a quick convert.
“I hadn’t thought of this, but the idea of this electronic whistle, it actually solves a lot of problems,” Hainline said. “It’s a brilliant idea, in my opinion.”