thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Denver newlyweds’ trip to Arches National Park ends with wife’s death

A newlywed Denver couple ’ s road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in tragedy when a metal gate at the park exit swung open , impaled the couple ’ s car and decapitated the woman , a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist .
Esther Nakajjigo , who ’ d moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder , was killed instantly .
In October , Nakajjigo ’ s husband , Ludovic Michaud , and her parents filed a $ 270 million wrongful death claim — a precursor to a formal lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gate should have been secured to prevent it from swinging into the road .
“ The National Park Service has , in fact , known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition for its park invitees , ” the claim reads , noting at least three other instances since 1988 in which people in cars were fatally impaled by such gates .
This incident happened June 13 just before 2 p.m. as the couple were leaving the park , according to the claim .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was driving and Nakajjigo was in the front passenger seat as they drove toward the gate at about the same speed as other vehicles , according to a sheriff ’ s report .
Without warning , a gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate , which swung into the car ’ s path .
There was less than a second between when the gate started to move and when it struck the car and killed Nakajjigo , according to the report .
Park staff told investigators the gate was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gate ’ s own weight kept it in place , so it was not locked in place by any other means .
“ For want of an $ 8 basic padlock , our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good , ” the claim said .
Nakajjigo grew up in Uganda and at 17 was recognized by the United Nations for her work for women — she ’ d donated her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center that provided free reproductive health services to young women .
Nakajjigo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills , according to the claim .
The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week , and Nakajjigo was named Uganda ’ s “ Young Personality of the Year.
” After moving to Colorado , Nakajjigo met her husband — he ’ d moved to the area from France — and the pair married in March , just as the coronavirus pandemic began to make news .
They headed to Arches National Park as soon as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adventure .
They went on a hike and had a picnic , and were driving to get ice cream when the gate swung into their path .

A newlywed Denver couple’s road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in tragedy when a metal gate at the park exit swung open, impaled the couple’s car and decapitated the woman, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist.
Esther Nakajjigo, who’d moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, was killed instantly.
In October, Nakajjigo’s husband, Ludovic Michaud, and her parents filed a $270 million wrongful death claim — a precursor to a formal lawsuit — against the park, alleging that the gate should have been secured to prevent it from swinging into the road.
“The National Park Service has, in fact, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition for its park invitees,” the claim reads, noting at least three other instances since 1988 in which people in cars were fatally impaled by such gates.
This incident happened June 13 just before 2 p.m. as the couple were leaving the park, according to the claim. A video of the crash shows Michaud was driving and Nakajjigo was in the front passenger seat as they drove toward the gate at about the same speed as other vehicles, according to a sheriff’s report.
Without warning, a gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate, which swung into the car’s path. There was less than a second between when the gate started to move and when it struck the car and killed Nakajjigo, according to the report.
Park staff told investigators the gate was usually left unsecured, and that typically the gate’s own weight kept it in place, so it was not locked in place by any other means.
“For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good,” the claim said.
Nakajjigo grew up in Uganda and at 17 was recognized by the United Nations for her work for women — she’d donated her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center that provided free reproductive health services to young women. Nakajjigo gained national notoriety in Uganda and created a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills, according to the claim. The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Uganda’s “Young Personality of the Year.”
After moving to Colorado, Nakajjigo met her husband — he’d moved to the area from France — and the pair married in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic began to make news. They headed to Arches National Park as soon as the park reopened in June, eager for an adventure.
They went on a hike and had a picnic, and were driving to get ice cream when the gate swung into their path.


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Cleveland’s Bieber, Cincinnati’s Bauer win Cy Young Awards

Cleveland Indians ace Shane Bieber was the unanimous winner of the AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night , and Trevor Bauer became the first player to take home the NL honor for the Cincinnati Reds .
Using a versatile repertoire that includes a looping curveball and a wipeout slider , Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings during the pandemic-shortened season , leading the majors in ERA and strikeouts and tying Yu Darvish for the most wins .
Bieber became the second player in franchise history to win the pitching AL Triple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feller in 1940 .
He also was the first pitcher to lead the majors in all three categories since Johan Santana for Minnesota in 2006 .
Bauer went 5-4 with an NL-best 1.73 ERA in 11 starts , helping the Reds reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013 .
The 29-year-old right-hander struck out 100 in 73 innings and led the majors with two shutouts , a pair of seven-inning performances on doubleheader days .
The brash Bauer is the first Cy Young winner for Cincinnati , the majors ’ oldest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the season and turned down the Reds ’ qualifying offer , but left the door open for a return .
Chicago Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish finished second in balloting by the Baseball Writers ’ Association of America .
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom was third , ending his bid for a third consecutive NL Cy Young Award .
Bieber was the first unanimous AL winner since Justin Verlander for the Detroit Tigers in 2011 .
It was the 10th time that an AL pitcher was a unanimous choice for the award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second in AL voting , followed by Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu .
The BBWAA will announce the MVPs on Thursday night .
The 25-year-old Bieber was selected by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2016 amateur draft .
He made his major league debut in 2018 and went 11-5 with a 4.55 ERA .
But he really started to show off his potential last year , winning the MVP award at the All-Star Game and finishing with 15 wins and a 3.28 ERA .
“ I was kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I feel like I had to learn how to pitch and let my stuff come to me , ” Bieber said last week when he was announced as a Cy Young finalist .
“ Continue to work hard , continue to develop in the latter half of high school and going into college , was to able some velocity and kind of refine my game .
“ But in terms of development , I wouldn ’ t trade my process for anything .
I felt like my early years learning how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and locate the ball has paid dividends in the long run.
” Bieber gave Cleveland its fifth Cy Young Award since CC Sabathia won in 2007 .
Cliff Lee won in 2008 , and Corey Kluber took home the honor in 2014 and 2017 .
Gaylord Perry in 1972 is the only other Cy Young winner for the Tribe .
It ’ s the first Cy Young for Bauer , who tied for sixth in the AL voting in 2018 after he went 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA for the Indians .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-team deal at last year ’ s deadline that moved Yasiel Puig to Cleveland .
Bauer struggled after he was acquired by the Reds , going 2-5 with a 6.39 ERA in 10 starts .
But he returned to form when this season finally started in July .
He allowed just two runs and eight hits in 26 1/3 innings over his first four starts .
He also closed out the season with a flourish , recording a 1.29 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 35 innings over five September starts .
Bauer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta and struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings .
But the Reds lost 1-0 in 13 innings and failed to score during the Braves ’ sweep .
Bauer , who has his own YouTube account and nearly 400,000 followers on Twitter , was selected by Arizona with the No .
3 overall pick in the 2011 draft .
He is 75-64 with a 3.90 ERA in 205 career games , including 195 starts .

Cleveland Indians ace Shane Bieber was the unanimous winner of the AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday night, and Trevor Bauer became the first player to take home the NL honor for the Cincinnati Reds.
Using a versatile repertoire that includes a looping curveball and a wipeout slider, Bieber went 8-1 with a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings during the pandemic-shortened season, leading the majors in ERA and strikeouts and tying Yu Darvish for the most wins.
Bieber became the second player in franchise history to win the pitching AL Triple Crown, joining Hall of Famer Bob Feller in 1940. He also was the first pitcher to lead the majors in all three categories since Johan Santana for Minnesota in 2006.
Bauer went 5-4 with an NL-best 1.73 ERA in 11 starts, helping the Reds reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The 29-year-old right-hander struck out 100 in 73 innings and led the majors with two shutouts, a pair of seven-inning performances on doubleheader days.
The brash Bauer is the first Cy Young winner for Cincinnati, the majors’ oldest franchise. He became a free agent after the season and turned down the Reds’ qualifying offer, but left the door open for a return.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish finished second in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom was third, ending his bid for a third consecutive NL Cy Young Award.
Bieber was the first unanimous AL winner since Justin Verlander for the Detroit Tigers in 2011. It was the 10th time that an AL pitcher was a unanimous choice for the award.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda was second in AL voting, followed by Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu.
The BBWAA will announce the MVPs on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old Bieber was selected by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2016 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 2018 and went 11-5 with a 4.55 ERA. But he really started to show off his potential last year, winning the MVP award at the All-Star Game and finishing with 15 wins and a 3.28 ERA.
“I was kind of a late bloomer in high school, so I feel like I had to learn how to pitch and let my stuff come to me,” Bieber said last week when he was announced as a Cy Young finalist. “Continue to work hard, continue to develop in the latter half of high school and going into college, was to able some velocity and kind of refine my game.
“But in terms of development, I wouldn’t trade my process for anything. I felt like my early years learning how to pitch, learning how to change speeds and locate the ball has paid dividends in the long run.”
Bieber gave Cleveland its fifth Cy Young Award since CC Sabathia won in 2007. Cliff Lee won in 2008, and Corey Kluber took home the honor in 2014 and 2017. Gaylord Perry in 1972 is the only other Cy Young winner for the Tribe.
It’s the first Cy Young for Bauer, who tied for sixth in the AL voting in 2018 after he went 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA for the Indians. He was traded to Cincinnati as part of a three-team deal at last year’s deadline that moved Yasiel Puig to Cleveland.
Bauer struggled after he was acquired by the Reds, going 2-5 with a 6.39 ERA in 10 starts. But he returned to form when this season finally started in July.
He allowed just two runs and eight hits in 26 1/3 innings over his first four starts. He also closed out the season with a flourish, recording a 1.29 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 35 innings over five September starts.
Bauer pitched Game 1 of the playoffs at Atlanta and struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings. But the Reds lost 1-0 in 13 innings and failed to score during the Braves’ sweep.
Bauer, who has his own YouTube account and nearly 400,000 followers on Twitter, was selected by Arizona with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft. He is 75-64 with a 3.90 ERA in 205 career games, including 195 starts.


thedenverpost--2020-11-11--Is Colorado State’s strength finally on defense? A win at Boise State would solidify Steve Addazio’s

Is Colorado State’s strength finally on defense? A win at Boise State would solidify Steve Addazio’s vision.

The reputation for Colorado State football over the past decade , fair or not , is a dynamic offense paired with lackluster defense .
The Rams score points .
They don ’ t win with defense .
Maybe someone should remind Steve Addazio ’ s team .
Because entering Thursday night ’ s road game at Boise State , a program CSU has never beaten , the Rams seem to be doing away with stereotypes .
“ When you start talking about Colorado State , ” linebacker Cam ’ Ron Carter said , “ you ’ re gon na talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first win of the Addazio era against Wyoming last week .
It started on D. Cornerback Marshaun Cameron began the first quarter with a pick-six , and one series later , he stripped the ball from Wyoming quarterback Levi Williams .
A Rams ’ recovery and ensuing touchdown provided a 14-0 lead — on a night that CSU won by 10 points .
More impressive , though , has been the overall play of the front seven .
The Rams have 10 sacks among seven different players .
Defensive coordinator Chuck Heater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ bell cow ” with senior Manny Jones ( 2 sacks ) and Miami graduate transfer Scott Patchan ( 2.5 sacks ) pacing the unit .
In total , CSU returned eight starters on defense from a year ago .
Their experience is paying early dividends .
“ We ’ re older , so we know what ’ s going on , and we play a lot faster and ( more ) physical , ” Carter said .
“ We send a lot of pressures to get to the quarterback and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rams defense can prove it has truly turned a corner on Thursday with a victory at Boise State .
The typically powerful Broncos offense has faced challenges this season with three quarterbacks — Hank Bachmeier , Jack Sears and Cade Fennegan — already seeing action due to injuries .
Boise State has not announced a starter after the Broncos got clobbered at home by No .
8 BYU last week , 51-17 .
Regardless , Boise State ’ s high-tempo spread offense under head coach Bryan Harsin is still enough to keep opposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rams know better than most .
The final scores from CSU ’ s last five meetings with Boise State : 31-24 , 56-28 , 59-52 , 28-23 and 41-10 .
“ There are a lot of motions , shifts , and trying to get lined up on people — probably as much as any team I ’ ve ever dealt with , ” Heater said about the Boise State offense .
“ Everything from the quarterback to schematically what they do makes it a little bit unsettling as you prepare to defend them.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t been perfect , either .
The Rams allowed more than 400 total yards in each of their first two games with secondary coverage busts often leading to chunk yardage .
But having a defense that can simply keep CSU in games would be an uncommon luxury in Fort Collins .
The new coaching staff sees it as part of a larger culture change .
“ What we ’ re trying to build here is a tough football team , ” Addazio said .
“ Our plan to win , number one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The reputation for Colorado State football over the past decade, fair or not, is a dynamic offense paired with lackluster defense. The Rams score points. They don’t win with defense.
Maybe someone should remind Steve Addazio’s team.
Because entering Thursday night’s road game at Boise State, a program CSU has never beaten, the Rams seem to be doing away with stereotypes.
“When you start talking about Colorado State,” linebacker Cam’Ron Carter said, “you’re gonna talk about defense, too.”
CSU notched its first win of the Addazio era against Wyoming last week. It started on D. Cornerback Marshaun Cameron began the first quarter with a pick-six, and one series later, he stripped the ball from Wyoming quarterback Levi Williams. A Rams’ recovery and ensuing touchdown provided a 14-0 lead — on a night that CSU won by 10 points.
More impressive, though, has been the overall play of the front seven. The Rams have 10 sacks among seven different players. Defensive coordinator Chuck Heater called his defensive line the team’s “bell cow” with senior Manny Jones (2 sacks) and Miami graduate transfer Scott Patchan (2.5 sacks) pacing the unit.
In total, CSU returned eight starters on defense from a year ago. Their experience is paying early dividends.
“We’re older, so we know what’s going on, and we play a lot faster and (more) physical,” Carter said. “We send a lot of pressures to get to the quarterback and make it confusing for the offense.”
The Rams defense can prove it has truly turned a corner on Thursday with a victory at Boise State. The typically powerful Broncos offense has faced challenges this season with three quarterbacks — Hank Bachmeier, Jack Sears and Cade Fennegan — already seeing action due to injuries. Boise State has not announced a starter after the Broncos got clobbered at home by No. 8 BYU last week, 51-17.
Regardless, Boise State’s high-tempo spread offense under head coach Bryan Harsin is still enough to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. The Rams know better than most. The final scores from CSU’s last five meetings with Boise State: 31-24, 56-28, 59-52, 28-23 and 41-10.
“There are a lot of motions, shifts, and trying to get lined up on people — probably as much as any team I’ve ever dealt with,” Heater said about the Boise State offense. “Everything from the quarterback to schematically what they do makes it a little bit unsettling as you prepare to defend them.”
CSU’s defense hasn’t been perfect, either. The Rams allowed more than 400 total yards in each of their first two games with secondary coverage busts often leading to chunk yardage. But having a defense that can simply keep CSU in games would be an uncommon luxury in Fort Collins. The new coaching staff sees it as part of a larger culture change.
“What we’re trying to build here is a tough football team,” Addazio said. “Our plan to win, number one, starts with playing great defense.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-11--West Virginia hunter shot dead in Grand County by fellow hunting party member

An out-of-state hunter died in Grand County after reportedly being shot by another member of his hunting party .
At about 10 a.m. Monday , a group of elk hunters “ contacted law enforcement to report that a member of the party had been shot by another member ” of the same party , according to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation news release .
The incident occurred in Game Management Unit 27 , an “ extremely remote ” area west of Kremmling , the release said .
The victim is identified as Simon Jacob Howell , 26 , of Ridgeley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Howell died of a gunshot wound .
An investigation is ongoing and the alleged shooter is cooperating .
There has been no arrest .
The sheriff ’ s office is being assisted by the CBI , Colorado Parks and Wildlife , the district attorney ’ s office and the coroner ’ s office in the investigation .
Randy Hampton , a CPW spokesman , described the incident as “ tragic.
” Annually , more than 500,000 hunters take to the field in Colorado .
The last hunting fatality in the state was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand County .
Colorado averages about one death per year associated with hunting .

An out-of-state hunter died in Grand County after reportedly being shot by another member of his hunting party.
At about 10 a.m. Monday, a group of elk hunters “contacted law enforcement to report that a member of the party had been shot by another member” of the same party, according to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation news release.
The incident occurred in Game Management Unit 27, an “extremely remote” area west of Kremmling, the release said.
The victim is identified as Simon Jacob Howell, 26, of Ridgeley, W.Va., according to CBI. Howell died of a gunshot wound. An investigation is ongoing and the alleged shooter is cooperating. There has been no arrest.
The sheriff’s office is being assisted by the CBI, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the district attorney’s office and the coroner’s office in the investigation.
Randy Hampton, a CPW spokesman, described the incident as “tragic.”
Annually, more than 500,000 hunters take to the field in Colorado. The last hunting fatality in the state was on Nov. 5, 2018, also in Grand County. Colorado averages about one death per year associated with hunting.


thedenverpost--2020-11-11--The Masters in November gives golf a big sendoff

AUGUSTA , Ga. — Any optimism that the next Masters will be restored to its full glory of spring blooms and the endless chorus of cheers was dampened only by the reality of the calendar and the recent spikes in coronavirus cases .
It has been eight months since Augusta National said it was postponing the Masters because of the COVID-19 pandemic , and seven months since the club targeted two weeks before Thanksgiving as the most practical time to play this year .
“ I ’ m hopeful that we will see improved conditions regarding this virus , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so there ’ s no assurance of that , ” Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said .
“ But we do have hopes that the tournament in April will be closer to normal than it is right now.
” There is very little normal about the 84th Masters , starting with the opening tee shots from both the first and the 10th tees .
That has never happened on a Thursday morning .
Abraham Ancer of Mexico , one of 26 newcomers to the Masters , was playing his final practice round on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been taking part in the Par 3 Contest , which was canceled .
The Par 3 is entertainment for the patrons , and there are no patrons this year .
On Tuesday , Jon Rahm skipped a tee shot across the pond , onto the 16th green , and watched it roll the length of the green , down the slope and into the cup .
He raised his arms in celebration .
There was video .
And that was about it .
“ Just imagine the roars that would have created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McIlroy said .
“ It ’ s a different look .
It ’ s November , and I think everybody just has to embrace that we ’ re here and we ’ re playing and that ’ s a great thing.
” In some respects , this Masters is a celebration of what golf has done and a sendoff the sport has never had .
Except for World War II and the one time in 1971 when the PGA Championship moved to February in Florida , the Masters always has been the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spring was about more than azaleas , dogwoods and the pursuit of a green jacket .
For many , it signaled the start of golf season , whether that meant playing or watching .
“ All the Masters I ’ ve watched over the years in Ireland , the golfing season started normally the weekend of the Masters , ” British Open champion Shane Lowry said .
“ That ’ s when everyone gets the clubs out of the garage and dusts off the cobwebs and gets out and starts playing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go from 6 degrees to about 12 ( low 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit ) .
And it only rains a little bit rather than loads.
” In November , it ’ s more like the grand finale .
The Masters already is the most popular of the majors because it ’ s held on the same course each year and there ’ s a magic about Augusta National that creates so much drama .
Is there a better way to end the year ?
Sure , there are two more official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s not unusual considering no other sport has a longer season than golf .
But having a Masters in November reads like the final chapter .
McIlroy , Lowry and Tiger Woods are among the many players who will put their clubs back in the garage .
Golf , like so many other sports , needs a feel-good finish .
The sport was shut down for three months on March 13 .
One of the majors , the British Open , was canceled .
Golf resumed in June with a hectic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving — and no assurances of safe health for anyone in the traveling circus .
“ I think when The Open Championship was canceled , I had serious doubts we ’ d play a Masters this year in 2020 , ” McIlroy said .
“ I think the R & A were in a tough situation , the fact that if they pushed it back , the daylight in the U.K. just isn ’ t there to hold a field of 156 .
One of the nice things about the Masters is its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PGA Tour have tested positive for the coronavirus , including Dustin Johnson , the No .
1 player in the world .
One player had to miss the PGA Championship in August , two withdrew from the U.S. Open in September and two more — including former Masters champion Sergio Garcia — tested positive ahead of the Masters .
But golf played on .
And now it ’ s at the finish line with no gallery .
Imagine the final turn onto Boylston Street in the Boston Marathon with no one lining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger issue might be the starting line .
The final day of practice was halted midafternoon because of dangerous storms approaching and more rain expected for the opening round .
The course already is slightly softer this time of the year , anyway , and it figures to play longer .
But they ’ re playing .
The anticipation is building .
The course looks like it always does , except for the color of the leaves down at Amen Corner and the lack of blazing colors of flowers everywhere .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving us a golf course that ’ s similar to what we ’ re used to , but obviously a few months earlier than when we normally are here , ” Webb Simpson said .
Earlier than next April .
Later than last April .
Whatever .
It ’ s the Masters , and it ’ s here .
And after Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit the honorary tee shots , starters on the first and 10th tee will introduce each player with that familiar phrase .

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Any optimism that the next Masters will be restored to its full glory of spring blooms and the endless chorus of cheers was dampened only by the reality of the calendar and the recent spikes in coronavirus cases.
It has been eight months since Augusta National said it was postponing the Masters because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and seven months since the club targeted two weeks before Thanksgiving as the most practical time to play this year.
“I’m hopeful that we will see improved conditions regarding this virus, but April is less than five months away, so there’s no assurance of that,” Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said. “But we do have hopes that the tournament in April will be closer to normal than it is right now.”
There is very little normal about the 84th Masters, starting with the opening tee shots from both the first and the 10th tees. That has never happened on a Thursday morning.
Abraham Ancer of Mexico, one of 26 newcomers to the Masters, was playing his final practice round on Wednesday at about the time he would have been taking part in the Par 3 Contest, which was canceled. The Par 3 is entertainment for the patrons, and there are no patrons this year.
On Tuesday, Jon Rahm skipped a tee shot across the pond, onto the 16th green, and watched it roll the length of the green, down the slope and into the cup. He raised his arms in celebration. There was video. And that was about it.
“Just imagine the roars that would have created in a normal year,” Rory McIlroy said. “It’s a different look. It’s November, and I think everybody just has to embrace that we’re here and we’re playing and that’s a great thing.”
In some respects, this Masters is a celebration of what golf has done and a sendoff the sport has never had.
Except for World War II and the one time in 1971 when the PGA Championship moved to February in Florida, the Masters always has been the first major of the year. That rite of spring was about more than azaleas, dogwoods and the pursuit of a green jacket. For many, it signaled the start of golf season, whether that meant playing or watching.
“All the Masters I’ve watched over the years in Ireland, the golfing season started normally the weekend of the Masters,” British Open champion Shane Lowry said. “That’s when everyone gets the clubs out of the garage and dusts off the cobwebs and gets out and starts playing. That’s when the weather starts to go from 6 degrees to about 12 (low 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit). And it only rains a little bit rather than loads.”
In November, it’s more like the grand finale.
The Masters already is the most popular of the majors because it’s held on the same course each year and there’s a magic about Augusta National that creates so much drama.
Is there a better way to end the year?
Sure, there are two more official PGA Tour events after the Masters. That’s not unusual considering no other sport has a longer season than golf. But having a Masters in November reads like the final chapter.
McIlroy, Lowry and Tiger Woods are among the many players who will put their clubs back in the garage.
Golf, like so many other sports, needs a feel-good finish. The sport was shut down for three months on March 13. One of the majors, the British Open, was canceled. Golf resumed in June with a hectic schedule of only one week off — Thanksgiving — and no assurances of safe health for anyone in the traveling circus.
“I think when The Open Championship was canceled, I had serious doubts we’d play a Masters this year in 2020,” McIlroy said. “I think the R&A were in a tough situation, the fact that if they pushed it back, the daylight in the U.K. just isn’t there to hold a field of 156. One of the nice things about the Masters is its limited field.”
Fifteen players on the PGA Tour have tested positive for the coronavirus, including Dustin Johnson, the No. 1 player in the world. One player had to miss the PGA Championship in August, two withdrew from the U.S. Open in September and two more — including former Masters champion Sergio Garcia — tested positive ahead of the Masters.
But golf played on. And now it’s at the finish line with no gallery. Imagine the final turn onto Boylston Street in the Boston Marathon with no one lining the streets to cheer runners on.
The bigger issue might be the starting line. The final day of practice was halted midafternoon because of dangerous storms approaching and more rain expected for the opening round. The course already is slightly softer this time of the year, anyway, and it figures to play longer.
But they’re playing. The anticipation is building. The course looks like it always does, except for the color of the leaves down at Amen Corner and the lack of blazing colors of flowers everywhere.
“They’ve done a great job of giving us a golf course that’s similar to what we’re used to, but obviously a few months earlier than when we normally are here,” Webb Simpson said.
Earlier than next April. Later than last April. Whatever. It’s the Masters, and it’s here. And after Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hit the honorary tee shots, starters on the first and 10th tee will introduce each player with that familiar phrase.
Fore, please.
Finally.


thedenverpost--2020-11-11--Blowout loss puts Mel Tucker’s culture to the test for Spartans

Mel Tucker was nothing if not thorough when discussing last weekend ’ s blowout loss to Iowa .
The Michigan State coach ’ s weekly video conference with reporters went on for about 45 minutes , and he set the tone right from the start .
“ Last week ’ s game was unacceptable , ” said Tucker , whose team lost 49-7 .
“ I hold , and will continue to hold this team to a higher standard of performance.
” Michigan State fans are still getting to know their new coach , and this week will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team after it was on the wrong end of a rout .
The Spartans already rebounded well from one loss this year — they beat Michigan a week after dropping their opener to Rutgers — but last weekend ’ s defeat was so comprehensive that it ’ s clear Michigan State has a lot of work to do .
“ We ’ re going to find out who wants to get better , who can get better , and we ’ re going to coach them in that manner , ” Tucker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a better football team out there this Saturday than what I saw out there in Iowa.
” Tucker ’ s comments made it clear this would be an important week of practice .
After taking over following Mark Dantonio ’ s retirement in February , his offseason was limited by the coronavirus .
Building a culture at his new program may take time , and weeks like this can shed some light on how effective a new coach can be in motivating his players .
“ Our practices have been very physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jalen Nailor said Wednesday .
“ Just getting after it , just not taking plays off , just pushing through the grind , just knowing that we have another game .
We have more games to play , and that one game ’ s not going to affect us.
” When Tucker was asked about discipline , fundamentals and the team ’ s margin for error this weekend against No .
10 Indiana , his response went on for about five minutes .
“ We ’ re tightening the screws every possible way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , you need to be able to make the practices , and the environment in practice , harder than the game , ” Tucker said .
“ If you can ’ t do that , when you get in the game , then you can ’ t have the success that you want.
” Michigan State turned the ball over seven times in that season-opening loss to Rutgers .
The turnovers were such an obvious problem that they overshadowed a lot of other issues for the Spartans .
Then they went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge underdog .
The Iowa game was a reality check , and there ’ s no easy explanation , no one area for the Spartans to focus on fixing .
Rocky Lombardi threw three interceptions , and Michigan State was outrushed 226-59 .
It was 35-0 at halftime .
“ Every week I ask the coaches , ‘ On your side of the ball , who played well , who played poorly and then who needs to make a move ?
’ ” Tucker said .
“ Offense , defense and special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding guys that played well .
It was hard to find anyone that we felt like played at a high level in that game .
And from a coaching standpoint , we need to coach better.
” So the sense now is that it ’ s back to the basics for Michigan State .
With a nationally ranked team coming to town this week , the Spartans have a lot of room for improvement .
“ You can not scheme your way out of a game if you don ’ t play with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that — and mental and physical toughness , ” Tucker said .
“ That ’ s where we are this week .
”

Mel Tucker was nothing if not thorough when discussing last weekend’s blowout loss to Iowa.
The Michigan State coach’s weekly video conference with reporters went on for about 45 minutes, and he set the tone right from the start.
“Last week’s game was unacceptable,” said Tucker, whose team lost 49-7. “I hold, and will continue to hold this team to a higher standard of performance.”
Michigan State fans are still getting to know their new coach, and this week will be a test of how well Tucker rallies his team after it was on the wrong end of a rout. The Spartans already rebounded well from one loss this year — they beat Michigan a week after dropping their opener to Rutgers — but last weekend’s defeat was so comprehensive that it’s clear Michigan State has a lot of work to do.
“We’re going to find out who wants to get better, who can get better, and we’re going to coach them in that manner,” Tucker said Tuesday. “And I expect to see a better football team out there this Saturday than what I saw out there in Iowa.”
Tucker’s comments made it clear this would be an important week of practice. After taking over following Mark Dantonio’s retirement in February, his offseason was limited by the coronavirus. Building a culture at his new program may take time, and weeks like this can shed some light on how effective a new coach can be in motivating his players.
“Our practices have been very physical the past two days,” receiver Jalen Nailor said Wednesday. “Just getting after it, just not taking plays off, just pushing through the grind, just knowing that we have another game. We have more games to play, and that one game’s not going to affect us.”
When Tucker was asked about discipline, fundamentals and the team’s margin for error this weekend against No. 10 Indiana, his response went on for about five minutes.
“We’re tightening the screws every possible way that we can, because the key is, you need to be able to make the practices, and the environment in practice, harder than the game,” Tucker said. “If you can’t do that, when you get in the game, then you can’t have the success that you want.”
Michigan State turned the ball over seven times in that season-opening loss to Rutgers. The turnovers were such an obvious problem that they overshadowed a lot of other issues for the Spartans. Then they went on the road and beat rival Michigan as a huge underdog.
The Iowa game was a reality check, and there’s no easy explanation, no one area for the Spartans to focus on fixing. Rocky Lombardi threw three interceptions, and Michigan State was outrushed 226-59. It was 35-0 at halftime.
“Every week I ask the coaches, ‘On your side of the ball, who played well, who played poorly and then who needs to make a move?’” Tucker said. “Offense, defense and special teams, we had a hard time finding guys that played well. It was hard to find anyone that we felt like played at a high level in that game. And from a coaching standpoint, we need to coach better.”
So the sense now is that it’s back to the basics for Michigan State. With a nationally ranked team coming to town this week, the Spartans have a lot of room for improvement.
“You cannot scheme your way out of a game if you don’t play with technique and fundamentals and discipline and things like that — and mental and physical toughness,” Tucker said. “That’s where we are this week.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Entrepreneurship alive and well in Colorado despite pandemic

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on small businesses in Colorado , but the state is also seeing a surge in startups willing to step into the gap , which could help ease the economic blow .
There were 38,678 new corporations , nonprofits and other entities that filed initial documents with the secretary of state ’ s office in the third quarter of this year , according to the latest Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report from University of Colorado Boulder ’ s Leeds Business Research Division .
The number of new filings increased 24.3 % year-over-year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defying the normal seasonal pattern of a decline in filings during the third quarter .
The gains follow a 1.7 % annual decline in new filings in the second quarter .
“ While the road to economic recovery remains long , this quarter ’ s economic indicators report does provide reasons for optimism , ” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a news release Tuesday .
“ Colorado ’ s diverse economy has proven resilient in the past and we are positioned to recover faster than other states , provided we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 150,000 entities filed for renewals , an increase of 5.9 % from a year earlier , and filings for trademarks and trade names rose 9 % and 17.6 % , respectively .
There were 8,457 entities that filed dissolution papers , an increase of 9.6 % from the third quarter 2019 .
New filings are an early indicator of future job gains , and the report suggests that the Colorado economy is laying the groundwork for a more robust recovery once the restrictions tied to the pandemic ease .
Limited liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic corporation filings were up 56.4 % over the year .
“ While the Colorado economy is not back to where it was before this recession , the indicators point to a faster recovery than other states might see , ” Richard Wobbekind , a senior economist at Leeds , said in the release .
“ How long it takes to fully recover will likely depend on the status of the pandemic.
” Colorado ’ s unemployment rate has fallen from a high of 12.2 % in April to a rate of 6.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains down 134,300 jobs from a year earlier .
The most recent Leeds Business Confidence Index found executives remain slightly pessimistic , but they felt better about the economy going forward than they did at the start of the year .

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on small businesses in Colorado, but the state is also seeing a surge in startups willing to step into the gap, which could help ease the economic blow.
There were 38,678 new corporations, nonprofits and other entities that filed initial documents with the secretary of state’s office in the third quarter of this year, according to the latest Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report from University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds Business Research Division.
The number of new filings increased 24.3% year-over-year and 23.9% from the previous quarter, defying the normal seasonal pattern of a decline in filings during the third quarter. The gains follow a 1.7% annual decline in new filings in the second quarter.
“While the road to economic recovery remains long, this quarter’s economic indicators report does provide reasons for optimism,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a news release Tuesday. “Colorado’s diverse economy has proven resilient in the past and we are positioned to recover faster than other states, provided we properly manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
More than 150,000 entities filed for renewals, an increase of 5.9% from a year earlier, and filings for trademarks and trade names rose 9% and 17.6%, respectively. There were 8,457 entities that filed dissolution papers, an increase of 9.6% from the third quarter 2019.
New filings are an early indicator of future job gains, and the report suggests that the Colorado economy is laying the groundwork for a more robust recovery once the restrictions tied to the pandemic ease. Limited liability corporation filings were up 25.5% and domestic corporation filings were up 56.4% over the year.
“While the Colorado economy is not back to where it was before this recession, the indicators point to a faster recovery than other states might see,” Richard Wobbekind, a senior economist at Leeds, said in the release. “How long it takes to fully recover will likely depend on the status of the pandemic.”
Colorado’s unemployment rate has fallen from a high of 12.2% in April to a rate of 6.4% in September, and the state remains down 134,300 jobs from a year earlier. The most recent Leeds Business Confidence Index found executives remain slightly pessimistic, but they felt better about the economy going forward than they did at the start of the year.


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Colorado looks to Biden for help tackling climate and environmental challenges

As climate warming clobbers the West , Colorado officials facing rising costs from wildfires , shrinking water supplies and worsening air pollution are embracing the shift from the Trump administration to a Biden team they see as more aligned with state environmental priorities .
The state officials overseeing efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels , conserve natural landscapes and beat rising heat in Colorado anticipate better opportunities for federal help under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden .
And they ’ re preparing for teamwork with the Environmental Protection Agency , Fish and Wildlife Service , Forest Service and the departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other federal agencies , to move beyond planning to aggressive action on challenges from saving dying forests to cutting vehicle emissions .
“ It ’ s going to be a 180-degree shift , ” Colorado Energy Office director Will Toor said in a video call with state agency chiefs .
“ The Trump administration has been probably the most anti-environmental administration in history .
Certainly when it comes to addressing the challenges of climate change , they ’ ve done a surgical attack on virtually every federal policy that would support climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state level .
“ Having an administration that will have a proactive climate policy and respect climate science will make an impact at the national and international level , but will really help support state-level innovation and action , ” Toor said , urging tougher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles , funding for battery-charging stations and new tax incentives for drivers to switch to electric cars .
Biden ’ s pledge to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and an expected push to contain warming sync with efforts under Democratic Gov .
Jared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by closing coal-fired power plants and increasing regulation of the fossil fuel industry .
Colorado ranks among the leading oil-and-gas producer states , exporting fossil fuels that when burned elsewhere accelerate climate warming .
Biden has called for a $ 2 trillion stimulus investment to hasten a shift to clean energy and create jobs — funds that Colorado officials planned to tap .
Biden also has promised reversals of Trump rollbacks of environmental regulations for protecting air , land and water .
If Congress doesn ’ t collaborate , Biden has indicated he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act unilaterally , which may reduce oil and gas drilling on western public lands .
And Biden transition team officials are reviewing proposals that would advance climate action Colorado officials have begun to consider .
For example , they ’ re mulling creation of a “ carbon bank ” run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would pay farmers who adopt no-till methods and store more carbon in soil — helping a draw-down of heat-trapping air pollution that causes climate warming .
“ We face persistent drought that has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean energy… And forest health and wildfires are important , critical in Colorado , ” said Dan Gibbs , director of the state ’ s Department of Natural Resources , pointing to a $ 4.2 billion state backlog in forestry work and water conservation compelled by reduced flows in the Colorado River .
“ We feel like we ’ ve been playing defense for the last four years .
My hope is that , moving forward with the new administration , we ’ ll be partners — that we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Forest Service , or from the undersecretary of agriculture who is in charge of the Forest Service , saying , ‘ Hey , Dan , what are your priorities ?
’ ” At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , state efforts dealing with air pollution , emerging water contaminants such as PFAS “ forever ” chemicals and degradation of waterways traditionally have hinged on cooperative support from federal agencies .
John Putnam , director of the state public health department ’ s environmental programs , anticipated a reinvigoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean air and clean water regulations that under Trump were weakened .
“ We will move faster and farther when we are all pulling in the same direction , ” Putnam said .
“ I ’ m certain there are going to be changes at the EPA ” following four years of a Republican administration , both refocusing policies and respecting “ the dictates of science , ” Putnam said .
“ When those get turned around , we ’ re going to be pulling in the same direction.
” State officials cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stymied Colorado environmental efforts , including legal action against California ’ s stricter fuel-efficiency standards , which Colorado recently decided to follow .
Trump officials also pressed Colorado to take the lead on toxic mine cleanups , and assume liability if things went wrong .
And the weakening of Clean Water Act protections removed safeguards for many streams across Colorado .
The increasing costs of dealing with climate change are falling largely on local communities where extreme weather and wildfires linked to warming hit home .
In Boulder County , commissioners recently allocated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erosion and destruction of homes caused by the Calwood and Lefthand Canyon fires .
A consultant hired by the county estimated costs for building resilience to climate warming will top $ 150 million a year for non-disaster impacts on infrastructure such as roads .
The shift from Trump to Biden “ means the world — the future of our planet , ” said Boulder County Commissioner Elise Jones , who also serves on Colorado ’ s Air Quality Control Commission .
“ We have to get on track on climate change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If we spent four more years under a climate change denier , we might have dug ourselves into a hole bigger than we can get out of .
”

As climate warming clobbers the West, Colorado officials facing rising costs from wildfires, shrinking water supplies and worsening air pollution are embracing the shift from the Trump administration to a Biden team they see as more aligned with state environmental priorities.
The state officials overseeing efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, conserve natural landscapes and beat rising heat in Colorado anticipate better opportunities for federal help under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.
And they’re preparing for teamwork with the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and the departments of energy, transportation and agriculture, among other federal agencies, to move beyond planning to aggressive action on challenges from saving dying forests to cutting vehicle emissions.
“It’s going to be a 180-degree shift,” Colorado Energy Office director Will Toor said in a video call with state agency chiefs. “The Trump administration has been probably the most anti-environmental administration in history. Certainly when it comes to addressing the challenges of climate change, they’ve done a surgical attack on virtually every federal policy that would support climate action… making it harder to act at the state level.
“Having an administration that will have a proactive climate policy and respect climate science will make an impact at the national and international level, but will really help support state-level innovation and action,” Toor said, urging tougher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, funding for battery-charging stations and new tax incentives for drivers to switch to electric cars.
Biden’s pledge to rejoin the Paris climate agreement and an expected push to contain warming sync with efforts under Democratic Gov. Jared Polis to reduce heat-trapping pollution within Colorado by closing coal-fired power plants and increasing regulation of the fossil fuel industry.
Colorado ranks among the leading oil-and-gas producer states, exporting fossil fuels that when burned elsewhere accelerate climate warming. Biden has called for a $2 trillion stimulus investment to hasten a shift to clean energy and create jobs — funds that Colorado officials planned to tap.
Biden also has promised reversals of Trump rollbacks of environmental regulations for protecting air, land and water. If Congress doesn’t collaborate, Biden has indicated he’ll wield executive power where possible to act unilaterally, which may reduce oil and gas drilling on western public lands.
And Biden transition team officials are reviewing proposals that would advance climate action Colorado officials have begun to consider. For example, they’re mulling creation of a “carbon bank” run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would pay farmers who adopt no-till methods and store more carbon in soil — helping a draw-down of heat-trapping air pollution that causes climate warming.
“We face persistent drought that has been a real challenge, and also transitioning to clean energy… And forest health and wildfires are important, critical in Colorado,” said Dan Gibbs , director of the state’s Department of Natural Resources, pointing to a $4.2 billion state backlog in forestry work and water conservation compelled by reduced flows in the Colorado River.
“We feel like we’ve been playing defense for the last four years. My hope is that, moving forward with the new administration, we’ll be partners — that we’re going to get a call from the chief of the U.S. Forest Service, or from the undersecretary of agriculture who is in charge of the Forest Service, saying, ‘Hey, Dan, what are your priorities?’ ”
At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, state efforts dealing with air pollution, emerging water contaminants such as PFAS “forever” chemicals and degradation of waterways traditionally have hinged on cooperative support from federal agencies.
John Putnam, director of the state public health department’s environmental programs, anticipated a reinvigoration of agencies for better enforcement of national clean air and clean water regulations that under Trump were weakened.
“We will move faster and farther when we are all pulling in the same direction,” Putnam said.
“I’m certain there are going to be changes at the EPA” following four years of a Republican administration, both refocusing policies and respecting “the dictates of science,” Putnam said. “When those get turned around, we’re going to be pulling in the same direction.”
State officials cited examples where they felt the Trump administration stymied Colorado environmental efforts, including legal action against California’s stricter fuel-efficiency standards, which Colorado recently decided to follow. Trump officials also pressed Colorado to take the lead on toxic mine cleanups, and assume liability if things went wrong. And the weakening of Clean Water Act protections removed safeguards for many streams across Colorado.
The increasing costs of dealing with climate change are falling largely on local communities where extreme weather and wildfires linked to warming hit home. In Boulder County, commissioners recently allocated $1.5 million to help deal with erosion and destruction of homes caused by the Calwood and Lefthand Canyon fires. A consultant hired by the county estimated costs for building resilience to climate warming will top $150 million a year for non-disaster impacts on infrastructure such as roads.
The shift from Trump to Biden “means the world — the future of our planet,” said Boulder County Commissioner Elise Jones, who also serves on Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission.
“We have to get on track on climate change in the next decade,” Jones said. “If we spent four more years under a climate change denier, we might have dug ourselves into a hole bigger than we can get out of.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--El Paso County jail inmates weren’t given masks prior to one of Colorado’s largest COVID-19 outbreak

El Paso County jail inmates weren’t given masks prior to one of Colorado’s largest COVID-19 outbreaks

The more than 1,200 inmates inside the El Paso County jail on any given day were not provided masks until last week , when the jail became the site of Colorado ’ s second-largest coronavirus outbreak .
Until last week , inmates generally were not provided masks unless they were walking through the facility or going to court .
They were not provided masks to wear in their housing units unless the jail ’ s medical provider decided an inmate should have one .
“ The masks were not provided all the way across the population until the week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s spokeswoman Sgt .
Deborah Mynatt said Wednesday .
That ’ s in violation of the guidance for detention facilities provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , which states facilities should provide all inmates with masks at no cost and frequently wash them .
“ Has ( Sheriff Bill Elder ) been doing nothing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the jail ?
” said Mark Silverstein , legal director of the ACLU of Colorado .
“ It ’ s mindboggling.
” The sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 .
“ We will stress that wearing a mask will slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives , ” the website states in a section that explains deputies will remind the general public of the state ’ s mask mandate , but will not enforce it .
On Monday , 911 inmates and 73 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 , according to department data .
In a jail with a recent average population of about 1,200 , that means three in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of those inmates have not been convicted of the crime they are being held on and are in jail because they can not afford to post bond or are not allowed a bond .
For example , 1,109 of the 1,244 inmates incarcerated at the jail on Wednesday were being held pre-trial — or about 89 % of the population .
Outbreak data published Wednesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed that the outbreak at the jail is the second-largest recorded in the state , after the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,766 cases .
At least 27 other correctional facilities — jails , prisons , halfway houses , immigration detention centers — also recorded outbreaks Wednesday .
According to the El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office , the number of coronavirus-positive inmates inside the jail dropped to 148 on Wednesday as inmates left the facility or were outside the 10-day infectious period .
The El Paso County jail at first did not issue masks to every inmate because there was a limited supply of face coverings that were suitable for a jail environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not use masks that have metal parts , like staples , because of safety concerns , she said .
She said she didn ’ t know why masks weren ’ t procured later .
“ I ’ m not sure on who made the decision or why , but I know that the entire time we were taking recommendations from public health , ” Mynatt said .
Neither El Paso County Public Health nor the state health department responded late Wednesday afternoon to questions from The Denver Post about whether the agencies were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jail or whether not providing masks violates the governor ’ s mask mandate .
“ We have taken the guidance from the CDC which include creating ways to reinforce hygiene practices ; intensifying cleaning and disinfection of the facility ; regular symptom screening for new intakes , visitors , and staff ; continued communication with incarcerated/detained persons and staff ; social distancing measures ; as well as testing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in our facility , ” Mynatt said in an emailed statement Wednesday evening .
The jail in late July started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court or if they were moving about the jail .
“ This is like Sheriff Elder hanging a sign on the jail saying , ‘ Please sue me , ' ” Silverstein said .
“ And I imagine someone will accept that invitation.
” The El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office discovered the outbreak the week of Oct. 26 after testing two inmates who were scheduled to be transferred to a Department of Corrections prison and receiving positive results , Mynatt said .
The Department of Corrections requires jails to quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be transferred , Mynatt said .
Neither inmate had symptoms , Mynatt said , and the sheriff ’ s office conducted more testing , including calling in the Colorado National Guard to conduct widespread testing at the jail on Nov 1 .
The number of positive cases connected to the jail exploded as testing expanded .
On Oct. 27 , 10 deputies and eight inmates recorded positive tests .
By Nov. 9 — less than two weeks later — 911 inmates and 73 staffers had tested positive .
None of the inmates have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office , and those who are sick are being treated by the jail ’ s contracted private health care company , Wellpath .
Two deputies have been hospitalized .
The number of positive tests recorded Nov. 9 might be revised to be slightly lower than previously reported as staff comb through the data and find some duplicate entries , Mynatt said .
“ This is a very fluctuating situation , ” Mynatt said .
“ A majority of these individuals were asymptomatic.
” The sheriff ’ s office was in constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials as the outbreak expanded , she said .
Mynatt said she wasn ’ t sure if inmates could receive a mask upon request prior to last week ’ s distribution .
It ’ s difficult to identify exactly how the virus entered the jail because the facility sees a constant churn of people entering and leaving the building , Mynatt said .
About 30 to 40 new inmates are admitted every day and deputies come and go from their shifts .
The jail is not testing every inmate as they are processed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures and asking questions about their health .
Most inmates live in housing units of about 60 people , Mynatt said .
The jail was able to reduce its population from an average of about 1,700 inmates before the pandemic to closer to 1,200 , which helped people practice social distancing by allowing them to spread out .
“ The thought was there in the very beginning that this may , like any disease in any jail , grow like wildfire if you can ’ t identify it quick enough , ” Mynatt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we feared.
” But some of that extra space has been lost as construction projects have caused the sheriff ’ s office to close several housing units .
The agency received $ 13.5 million in federal dollars from the CARES Act to complete a number of updates and renovations in connection to the coronavirus pandemic .
A series of repairs to the jail ’ s sliding doors has meant that entire housing units have been closed while contractors work due to social distancing and because inmates are not allowed to be near construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repairs were crucial to jail security , however .
“ We had terrible locking systems , we had inmates that could pop locks very easily , ” Mynatt said .
The sheriff ’ s office last week also installed a new air filter in the ventilation system that is intended to reduce the risks of airborne disease .
The sheriff ’ s office has not had to take up other law enforcement agencies on their offers to provide officers to replace sick staff .
The agency also has not yet had to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail , Mynatt said .
“ We are not short right now , we ’ re making everything work , ” she said .
An El Paso County jail deputy , Jeff Hopkins , died in April due to complication from the virus — the only publicly known Colorado law enforcement officer who has died in connection to COVID-19 .

The more than 1,200 inmates inside the El Paso County jail on any given day were not provided masks until last week, when the jail became the site of Colorado’s second-largest coronavirus outbreak.
Until last week, inmates generally were not provided masks unless they were walking through the facility or going to court. They were not provided masks to wear in their housing units unless the jail’s medical provider decided an inmate should have one.
“The masks were not provided all the way across the population until the week of Nov. 1,” El Paso County sheriff’s spokeswoman Sgt. Deborah Mynatt said Wednesday.
That’s in violation of the guidance for detention facilities provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which states facilities should provide all inmates with masks at no cost and frequently wash them.
“Has (Sheriff Bill Elder) been doing nothing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the jail?” said Mark Silverstein, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado. “It’s mindboggling.”
The sheriff’s office acknowledges on its website that masks are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“We will stress that wearing a mask will slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” the website states in a section that explains deputies will remind the general public of the state’s mask mandate, but will not enforce it.
On Monday, 911 inmates and 73 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19, according to department data. In a jail with a recent average population of about 1,200, that means three in every four inmates had the virus. The majority of those inmates have not been convicted of the crime they are being held on and are in jail because they cannot afford to post bond or are not allowed a bond. For example, 1,109 of the 1,244 inmates incarcerated at the jail on Wednesday were being held pre-trial — or about 89% of the population.
Outbreak data published Wednesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed that the outbreak at the jail is the second-largest recorded in the state, after the University of Colorado Boulder, which has recorded 1,766 cases. At least 27 other correctional facilities — jails, prisons, halfway houses, immigration detention centers — also recorded outbreaks Wednesday.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the number of coronavirus-positive inmates inside the jail dropped to 148 on Wednesday as inmates left the facility or were outside the 10-day infectious period.
The El Paso County jail at first did not issue masks to every inmate because there was a limited supply of face coverings that were suitable for a jail environment, Mynatt said. The jail cannot use masks that have metal parts, like staples, because of safety concerns, she said. She said she didn’t know why masks weren’t procured later.
“I’m not sure on who made the decision or why, but I know that the entire time we were taking recommendations from public health,” Mynatt said.
Neither El Paso County Public Health nor the state health department responded late Wednesday afternoon to questions from The Denver Post about whether the agencies were aware of the lack of masks at the jail or whether not providing masks violates the governor’s mask mandate.
“We have taken the guidance from the CDC which include creating ways to reinforce hygiene practices; intensifying cleaning and disinfection of the facility; regular symptom screening for new intakes, visitors, and staff; continued communication with incarcerated/detained persons and staff; social distancing measures; as well as testing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in our facility,” Mynatt said in an emailed statement Wednesday evening.
The jail in late July started providing inmates with masks if they went to court or if they were moving about the jail.
“This is like Sheriff Elder hanging a sign on the jail saying, ‘Please sue me,'” Silverstein said. “And I imagine someone will accept that invitation.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office discovered the outbreak the week of Oct. 26 after testing two inmates who were scheduled to be transferred to a Department of Corrections prison and receiving positive results, Mynatt said. The Department of Corrections requires jails to quarantine and test any inmates before they can be transferred, Mynatt said.
Neither inmate had symptoms, Mynatt said, and the sheriff’s office conducted more testing, including calling in the Colorado National Guard to conduct widespread testing at the jail on Nov 1.
The number of positive cases connected to the jail exploded as testing expanded. On Oct. 27, 10 deputies and eight inmates recorded positive tests. By Nov. 9 — less than two weeks later — 911 inmates and 73 staffers had tested positive. None of the inmates have been hospitalized, according to the sheriff’s office, and those who are sick are being treated by the jail’s contracted private health care company, Wellpath. Two deputies have been hospitalized.
The number of positive tests recorded Nov. 9 might be revised to be slightly lower than previously reported as staff comb through the data and find some duplicate entries, Mynatt said.
“This is a very fluctuating situation,” Mynatt said. “A majority of these individuals were asymptomatic.”
The sheriff’s office was in constant communication with county and state public health officials as the outbreak expanded, she said. Mynatt said she wasn’t sure if inmates could receive a mask upon request prior to last week’s distribution.
It’s difficult to identify exactly how the virus entered the jail because the facility sees a constant churn of people entering and leaving the building, Mynatt said. About 30 to 40 new inmates are admitted every day and deputies come and go from their shifts. The jail is not testing every inmate as they are processed into the facility but is checking their temperatures and asking questions about their health.
Most inmates live in housing units of about 60 people, Mynatt said. The jail was able to reduce its population from an average of about 1,700 inmates before the pandemic to closer to 1,200, which helped people practice social distancing by allowing them to spread out.
“The thought was there in the very beginning that this may, like any disease in any jail, grow like wildfire if you can’t identify it quick enough,” Mynatt said. “That’s what we feared.”
But some of that extra space has been lost as construction projects have caused the sheriff’s office to close several housing units. The agency received $13.5 million in federal dollars from the CARES Act to complete a number of updates and renovations in connection to the coronavirus pandemic.
A series of repairs to the jail’s sliding doors has meant that entire housing units have been closed while contractors work due to social distancing and because inmates are not allowed to be near construction equipment because of safety concerns. The repairs were crucial to jail security, however.
“We had terrible locking systems, we had inmates that could pop locks very easily,” Mynatt said.
The sheriff’s office last week also installed a new air filter in the ventilation system that is intended to reduce the risks of airborne disease.
The sheriff’s office has not had to take up other law enforcement agencies on their offers to provide officers to replace sick staff. The agency also has not yet had to call on patrol deputies to work in the jail, Mynatt said.
“We are not short right now, we’re making everything work,” she said.
An El Paso County jail deputy, Jeff Hopkins, died in April due to complication from the virus — the only publicly known Colorado law enforcement officer who has died in connection to COVID-19.


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Contact tracing isn’t keeping up with Colorado’s coronavirus surge

By the time he briefed City Council on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday , Boulder County ’ s public health director had already joined seven others in sounding the alarm over the state of the outbreak in Colorado in a letter to state leaders .
Now , Jeff Zayach had another dire message .
“ Across the entire state , not just in Boulder County , we are beyond the ability to control the outbreak of this disease with case investigations and contact tracing , ” he told city council members .
A rapid increase in new coronavirus cases is outpacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with the disease , identify their close contacts and ask them to isolate and quarantine .
Colorado has the capacity to trace contacts for between a third and a half of the total number of new cases that need to be investigated , Zayach said .
This means health officials are not only unable to identify how a majority of cases are spreading — information that helps guide what interventions to use to slow transmission — but they are also unable to make sure people who test positive and their contacts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t further transmit the disease .
“ We have just mushrooming of cases , ” said Margaret Huffman , the director of Jefferson County Public Health .
“ It ’ s just blown up.
” Colorado is in its third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and inching closer to hospital capacity , which officials say could be reached in a month , just as cold temperatures and holidays are expected to drive people indoors and together .
And public health officials said one of the tools needed to contain the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay open and more people go out into the community is no longer effective .
“ It ’ s kind of a moot point at this stage , ” said Glen Mays , a professor of health policy at the Colorado School of Public Health .
“ There ’ s too many new cases to try to staff up.
” Local public health officials said that the swift surge in new coronavirus infections — which arrived sooner than expected this fall — led to the state ’ s contact tracing abilities being eclipsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges agencies have faced in increasing the workforce to respond to a major public health crisis following at least a decade of budget cuts .
“ There isn ’ t an army of trained contact tracers sitting around waiting to be activated for this kind of response , ” said Theresa Anselmo , executive director of the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials .
“ This has been the struggle throughout this entire pandemic .
It is happening everywhere at the same time.
” The state ’ s 53 local public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 million in funding from various sources , including via the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , or CARES Act .
But the local agencies estimated that they needed three times that amount to handle a surge in infections like Colorado is now experiencing , she said .
Roughly 800 people are doing contact tracing and disease investigations in Colorado .
Of those , between 350 and 375 staffers are working with local public health agencies , said a spokeswoman with the state Department of Public Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency announced that more than 800 AmeriCorps members could come to Colorado to help with contact tracing and case investigations .
But those volunteers are not serving all at once and their length of stay varies , according to the spokeswoman .
So far , 660 AmeriCorps volunteers have helped the state and another 140 will arrive in the next six weeks , according to the Department of Public Health and Environment .
“ During rapid rises in cases , traditional contact tracing remains an important tool to identify and mitigate outbreaks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are continuing to increase our contact tracing workforce in response to the rapidly spreading virus.
” For five weeks in a row , Colorado has set records for its numbers of new coronavirus cases .
Last week , the Department of Public Health and Environment reported more than 22,300 new cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
( The number has increased since Tuesday after the health department added more cases following a delay in reporting test results ) .
The percentage of tests coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 11.51 % — well above the recommended 5 % ceiling .
The high positivity , along with hospitalizations , means transmission of the disease is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply due to more testing .
On Wednesday , 1,169 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and 84 % of the state ’ s intensive-care unit beds were in use , according to the agency .
“ We have such a high infection rate right now in our community that we need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to get a handle on this disease , ” said Boulder ’ s Zayach during the City Council meeting .
Zayach was one of eight local public health directors who signed a letter sent to the Department of Public Health and Environment on Nov. 5 , asking state officials to impose tough restrictions to curb the slow of COVID-19 in the community .
State officials are reluctant to implement tighter restrictions , including a statewide lockdown .
The rise in COVID-19 cases has surpassed Boulder County ’ s contact tracing abilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last week , the public health agency had more than 600 cases that it won ’ t be able to reach for contact tracing and case investigations .
Instead , the agency is mailing those people letters with isolation and quarantine guidelines , said Carol Helwig , who leads the epidemiologist team .
“ The transmission is so widespread that pinpointing that transmission is not as much as a priority , ” she said , adding that it is more important to get people to stay away from others if they test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear how much contact tracing Denver Public Health and Environment is doing .
The agency was closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday .
In Jefferson County , the local public health department is only calling people for case investigations and contact tracing when their test results are three or fewer days old .
“ It ’ s not a decision we want to make , ” Huffman , the public health director , said .
“ We just do not have the capacity to do that .
”

By the time he briefed the Boulder City Council on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday, Boulder County’s public health director had already joined seven others in sounding the alarm over the state of the outbreak in Colorado in a letter to state leaders.
Now, Jeff Zayach had another dire message.
“Across the entire state, not just in Boulder County, we are beyond the ability to control the outbreak of this disease with case investigations and contact tracing,” he told the council.
A rapid increase in new coronavirus cases is outpacing public health agencies’ ability to locate people with the disease, identify their close contacts and ask them to isolate and quarantine. Colorado has the capacity to trace contacts for between a third and a half of the total number of new cases that need to be investigated, Zayach said.
This means health officials are not only unable to identify how a majority of cases are spreading — information that helps guide what interventions to use to slow transmission — but they are also unable to make sure people who test positive and their contacts are isolating and quarantining properly so that they don’t further transmit the disease.
In El Paso County, the public health department warns on its website that it’s experiencing such a high volume of cases it may not be able to complete contract tracing, and recommends people who test positive reach out to their close contacts themselves.
“We have just mushrooming of cases,” said Margaret Huffman, the director of Jefferson County Public Health. “It’s just blown up.”
Colorado is in its third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and inching closer to hospital capacity, which officials say could be reached in a month, just as cold temperatures and holidays are expected to drive people indoors and together.
And public health officials said one of the tools needed to contain the spread of the virus so that businesses can stay open and more people go out into the community is no longer effective.
“It’s kind of a moot point at this stage,” said Glen Mays, a professor of health policy at the Colorado School of Public Health. “There’s too many new cases to try to staff up.”
“There isn’t an army of trained contact tracers”
Local public health officials said that the swift surge in new coronavirus infections — which arrived sooner than expected this fall — led to the state’s contact tracing abilities being eclipsed. But the shortage also reflects the challenges agencies have faced in increasing the workforce to respond to a major public health crisis following at least a decade of budget cuts.
“There isn’t an army of trained contact tracers sitting around waiting to be activated for this kind of response,” said Theresa Anselmo, executive director of the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials. “This has been the struggle throughout this entire pandemic. It is happening everywhere at the same time.”
The state’s 53 local public health agencies and two reservations received about $72 million in funding from various sources, including via the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. But the local agencies estimated that they needed three times that amount to handle a surge in infections like Colorado is now experiencing, she said.
Roughly 800 people are doing contact tracing and disease investigations in Colorado. Of those, between 350 and 375 staffers are working with local public health agencies, said a spokeswoman with the state Department of Public Health and Environment.
In the summer, the agency announced that more than 800 AmeriCorps members could come to Colorado to help with contact tracing and case investigations. But those volunteers are not serving all at once and their length of stay varies, according to the spokeswoman.
So far, 660 AmeriCorps volunteers have helped the state and another 140 will arrive in the next six weeks, according to the Department of Public Health and Environment.
“During rapid rises in cases, traditional contact tracing remains an important tool to identify and mitigate outbreaks,” the spokeswoman said in an email. “We are continuing to increase our contact tracing workforce in response to the rapidly spreading virus.”
Rising cases and hospitalizations
For five weeks in a row, Colorado has set records for its numbers of new coronavirus cases. Last week, the Department of Public Health and Environment reported more than 22,300 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. (The number has increased since Tuesday after the health department added more cases following a delay in reporting test results).
The percentage of tests coming back positive over the past seven days is 11.51% — well above the recommended 5% ceiling. The high positivity, along with hospitalizations, means transmission of the disease is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply due to more testing.
On Wednesday, 1,169 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 84% of the state’s intensive-care unit beds were in use, according to the agency.
“We have such a high infection rate right now in our community that we need to be around 90% social distancing in order for us to get a handle on this disease,” said Boulder’s Zayach during the City Council meeting.
Zayach was one of eight local public health directors who signed a letter sent to the Department of Public Health and Environment on Nov. 5, asking state officials to impose tough restrictions to curb the slow of COVID-19 in the community. State officials are reluctant to implement tighter restrictions, including a statewide lockdown.
The rise in COVID-19 cases has surpassed Boulder County’s contact tracing abilities for almost three weeks now. As of last week, the public health agency had more than 600 cases that it won’t be able to reach for contact tracing and case investigations. Instead, the agency is mailing those people letters with isolation and quarantine guidelines, said Carol Helwig, who leads the epidemiologist team.
“The transmission is so widespread that pinpointing that transmission is not as much as a priority,” she said, adding that it is more important to get people to stay away from others if they test positive or have been exposed.
It’s unclear how much contact tracing Denver Public Health and Environment is doing. The agency was closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday.
In Jefferson County, the local public health department is only calling people for case investigations and contact tracing when their test results are three or fewer days old.
“It’s not a decision we want to make,” Huffman, the public health director, said. “We just do not have the capacity to do that.”