thedenverpost--2020-05-05--Pelosi pushes new virus package as McConnell hits “pause”

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next coronavirus aid , a sweeping package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic .
Key to any plan to reopen the economy , Democrats say , is robust testing .
They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans , funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy .
Pelosi had indicated more than $ 800 billion could be needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a final figure Tuesday .
“ We still don ’ t have a national testing strategy that is adequate , ” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said .
“ It ’ s life and death.
” The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more spending and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its economic devastation .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday it ’ s time to push “ pause ” on more aid .
President Donald Trump is encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual comeback will kick-start the economy , reducing the pressure for more pricey aid .
“ Now it ’ s time to go back to work , ” Trump said at the White House .
Under strict social distancing guidelines , the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March , while the House is staying away due to the health risks .
The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules .
McConnell has focused the chamber ’ s workload on confirming Trump ’ s nominees , with several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP leader insists that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals , health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic .
He said Tuesday he wants to prevent “ an epidemic of lawsuits.
” But McConnell also signaled an interest in beefed-up virus testing strategies as central to the nation ’ s ability to take steps “ back toward normalcy.
” By reconvening , Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate , frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $ 3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump ’ s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid .
“ I just don ’ t think we need to act as quite urgently as we did last time , ” Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas told reporters at the Capitol .
The No .
2 Republican , Sen. John Thune of South Dakota , said Washington had already “ flooded the zone ” with virus relief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what ’ s not.
” Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines , including the recommendation that senators wear masks , though not all of them were complying .
Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , who tested positive for the virus in March , asserted he no longer needs to cover his face because he has “ immunity ” — even though health officials warn there is no guarantee that infected people can ’ t contract the virus again .
It ’ s not just lawmakers and the Capitol ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander , R-Tenn. , said he disagreed with McConnell ’ s decision to decline Trump ’ s offer of instant virus testing , warning that lawmakers should be screened on exit .
“ Members of Congress would represent sort of a virus-spreading machine , coming in here to a coronavirus hot spot and then going home , ” Alexander said .
Senators were encouraged to keep their distance and leave most staff at home , though Republican senators gathered as a large group for their traditional luncheon .
Public access to the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours .
In a first , the Banking Committee convened with most of the Democratic senators appearing remotely for a hearing to consider two nominations , including Brian Miller to be the inspector general of the pandemic recovery .
“ We ’ re making a little bit of history here , ” said Sen. Mike Crapo , R-Idaho , the chairman .
With Democrats eyeing a new aid package , Pelosi outlined the governors ’ requests for $ 500 billion , with the counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 billion , which she has said could be spread out over the next several years .
Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday .
But Republicans are divided on that approach , with some questioning whether it helps the 30 million jobless Americans .
“ I ’ ve never thought that really would be very effective , ” Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine .
Collins is part of a bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers , including Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia , who met to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The White House , however , is also hitting pause on new aid .
White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland said before the administration commits to new spending , “ the president and his team would like to assess how successful we ’ ve been as these resources have gone out the door.
” In the Senate , McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump ’ s nominees , including a hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe , the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump ’ s choice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Intelligence .
Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor , Mary Clare Jalonick , Kevin Freking and Laurie Kellman contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next coronavirus aid, a sweeping package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.
Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy. Pelosi had indicated more than $800 billion could be needed, but her office declined to confirm a final figure Tuesday.
“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said. “It’s life and death.”
The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more spending and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its economic devastation.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday it’s time to push “pause” on more aid.
President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.
“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said at the White House.
Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.
McConnell has focused the chamber’s workload on confirming Trump’s nominees, with several committees meeting remotely this week.
The GOP leader insists that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic. He said Tuesday he wants to prevent “an epidemic of lawsuits.”
But McConnell also signaled an interest in beefed-up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”
By reconvening, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.
“I just don’t think we need to act as quite urgently as we did last time,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas told reporters at the Capitol.
The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, said Washington had already “flooded the zone” with virus relief and should assess “what’s working and what’s not.”
Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks, though not all of them were complying.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who tested positive for the virus in March, asserted he no longer needs to cover his face because he has “immunity” — even though health officials warn there is no guarantee that infected people can’t contract the virus again.
It’s not just lawmakers and the Capitol’s workers at risk.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said he disagreed with McConnell’s decision to decline Trump’s offer of instant virus testing, warning that lawmakers should be screened on exit.
“Members of Congress would represent sort of a virus-spreading machine, coming in here to a coronavirus hot spot and then going home,” Alexander said.
Senators were encouraged to keep their distance and leave most staff at home, though Republican senators gathered as a large group for their traditional luncheon. Public access to the Capitol is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.
In a first, the Banking Committee convened with most of the Democratic senators appearing remotely for a hearing to consider two nominations, including Brian Miller to be the inspector general of the pandemic recovery.
“We’re making a little bit of history here,” said Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the chairman.
With Democrats eyeing a new aid package, Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years.
Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.
But Republicans are divided on that approach, with some questioning whether it helps the 30 million jobless Americans.
“I’ve never thought that really would be very effective,” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Collins is part of a bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who met to discuss a state and local aid package.
The White House, however, is also hitting pause on new aid.
White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland said before the administration commits to new spending, “the president and his team would like to assess how successful we’ve been as these resources have gone out the door.”
In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe, the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
___
Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking and Laurie Kellman contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-05-05--Disney profit sinks amid shuttered parks, movies and sports

NEW YORK — The House of Mouse is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Disney reported a steep decline in profit as many segments of its media and entertainment offerings ground to a standstill .
Its second quarter profit dropped 91 % to $ 475 million , down from $ 5.4 billion a year earlier .
Overall , the company said costs related to COVID-19 cut Disney ’ s pretax profit by $ 1.4 billion .
One bright spot was its Disney Plus streaming service , which debuted in November in the U.S. and rolled out to the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of May 4 , the company said Disney Plus had 54.5 million subscribers .
Netflix , by contrast , has 183 million subscribers worldwide , a base it has spent years building .
Disney Plus contributed to an almost $ 3 billion revenue increase for Disney ’ s direct-to-consumer and international business .
Hulu and ESPN Plus , two other streaming servces owned by Disney , had 32.1 million and 7.9 million paid subscribers , respectively .
Overall Disney revenue rose 21 percent to $ 18.01 billion , just short of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s shares fell roughly 2 % in after-market trading .
In a conference call with analysts , CEO Bob Chapek said the company plans to reopen its Disney Shanghai park on May 11 .
The phased opening will include limits on attendance , an advance reservation system , social distancing procedures such as wearing masks , and temperature screening and contract tracing efforts that are mandated by the government .
The Walt Disney Co. shuttered its parks in mid-March as the new coronavirus spread .
Its theme parks furloughed a reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including 43,000 workers at Walt Disney World in Orlando , Florida .
Those workers can keep their benefits for up to a year .
Disney Cruise Lines have also been suspended .
The company ’ s film studios , known for churning out blockbusters , have also suspended production .
Disney pushed back most of its 2020 big budget movies , including the live-action “ Mulan , ” “ The New Mutants , ” the horror-thriller “ Antlers , ” and Marvel ’ s “ Black Widow , ” to late this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its streaming arm ESPN Plus are also suffering from the dearth of live sports during the pandemic .
Chapek said Disney has “ substantially reduced ” senior executive compensation and will keep the cuts in place until there is a “ substantive recovery.
” He offered no further details .
Disney is also suspending its semi-annual dividend , scheduled for July , which will save it about $ 1.6 billion .

NEW YORK — The House of Mouse is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. Disney reported a steep decline in profit as many segments of its media and entertainment offerings ground to a standstill.
Its second quarter profit dropped 91% to $475 million, down from $5.4 billion a year earlier. Overall, the company said costs related to COVID-19 cut Disney’s pretax profit by $1.4 billion.
One bright spot was its Disney Plus streaming service, which debuted in November in the U.S. and rolled out to the UK and other parts of Europe in April. As of May 4, the company said Disney Plus had 54.5 million subscribers. Netflix, by contrast, has 183 million subscribers worldwide, a base it has spent years building.
Disney Plus contributed to an almost $3 billion revenue increase for Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international business. Hulu and ESPN Plus, two other streaming servces owned by Disney, had 32.1 million and 7.9 million paid subscribers, respectively.
Overall Disney revenue rose 21 percent to $18.01 billion, just short of the $18.06 billion analysts expected. The company’s shares fell roughly 2% in after-market trading.
In a conference call with analysts, CEO Bob Chapek said the company plans to reopen its Disney Shanghai park on May 11. The phased opening will include limits on attendance, an advance reservation system, social distancing procedures such as wearing masks, and temperature screening and contract tracing efforts that are mandated by the government.
The Walt Disney Co. shuttered its parks in mid-March as the new coronavirus spread. Its theme parks furloughed a reported 100,000 workers without pay in the U.S., including 43,000 workers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Those workers can keep their benefits for up to a year. Disney Cruise Lines have also been suspended.
The company’s film studios, known for churning out blockbusters, have also suspended production. Disney pushed back most of its 2020 big budget movies, including the live-action “Mulan,” “The New Mutants,” the horror-thriller “Antlers,” and Marvel’s “Black Widow,” to late this year or beyond.
Disney-owned ESPN and its streaming arm ESPN Plus are also suffering from the dearth of live sports during the pandemic.
Chapek said Disney has “substantially reduced” senior executive compensation and will keep the cuts in place until there is a “substantive recovery.” He offered no further details. Disney is also suspending its semi-annual dividend, scheduled for July, which will save it about $1.6 billion.


thedenverpost--2020-05-05--Colorado surpasses 900 coronavirus deaths as hospitalizations fall to lowest point in a month

Colorado has recorded as many as 903 deaths from the new coronavirus , state health officials announced Tuesday , as COVID-19 hospitalizations reached their lowest point in a month .
There have been 2,919 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in March , but only 650 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Monday afternoon , state data shows .
That ’ s the lowest level of hospitalizations since April 1 , when 574 people were in Colorado hospitals for COVID-19 .
At least 93 people since Monday either went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
At least 17,364 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said the true number is likely far higher .
Officials recorded more than 3,000 tests on Monday , as the the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus as businesses slowly reopen .
The 54.1 tests per 100,000 people per day still falls well short of the 152 per 100,000 each day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely monitor the outbreak .
Much of that testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 170 facilities across the state , seven more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Colorado has recorded as many as 903 deaths from the new coronavirus, state health officials announced Tuesday, as COVID-19 hospitalizations reached their lowest point in a month.
There have been 2,919 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in March, but only 650 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Monday afternoon, state data shows.
That’s the lowest level of hospitalizations since April 1, when 574 people were in Colorado hospitals for COVID-19. At least 93 people since Monday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
At least 17,364 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said the true number is likely far higher.
Officials recorded more than 3,000 tests on Monday, as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus as businesses slowly reopen. The 54.1 tests per 100,000 people per day still falls well short of the 152 per 100,000 each day pegged by health experts as necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Much of that testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 170 facilities across the state, seven more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.


thedenverpost--2020-05-05--Demoted Denver firefighter tried to pass off hot tub, leather sofa as medical expenses

A Denver Fire Department lieutenant who fell through a floor and broke his hip while fighting a fire in 2016 subsequently tried to pass off purchases of a hot tub , stove , specialty mattress and seven-piece leather sofa as medical expenses , according to an April disciplinary action letter from the Denver Department of Public Safety .
Lt. Demetrius Granado was demoted to the rank of firefighter first-grade and technically fired for his actions — although the firing will not take effect if he does not violate the fire department ’ s rules for two years .
Granado was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 , 2016 , and had to have his right hip replaced in early 2017 , according to the letter .
After his injury in 2016 , he filed worker ’ s compensation claims in excess of $ 17,600 in home improvement and furniture expenses — including a $ 3,700 bill which Granado initially claimed was to install a concrete slab to hold the hot tub but later admitted included other home improvement projects .
He also spent $ 4,500 on a four-person hot tub , $ 3,200 on a stove , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hookups from electric to gas in order to accommodate the electrical requirements of the hot tub , and $ 3,900 on a king-sized specialty mattress and sectional sofa , according to the letter .
Granado claimed all of the expenses were directly related to his medical recovery , and presented a prescription from his doctor to support his claim .
The prescription said that a “ medical bed or spa would be of benefit to his current medical condition , ” according to the letter .
When questioned about the prescription , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and testified during worker ’ s compensation proceedings that the items were not medically necessary , according to the letter .
A second doctor testified that the hot tub and mattress Granado bought did not “ qualify as a medical bed or medical spa.
” An administrative judge also found that Granado exaggerated the miles he traveled during his recovery and asked to be reimbursed for driving 4,775 miles when in fact he only drove 4,257 miles .
Granado demonstrated a “ serious lack of ethics , character and judgment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deceitful and dishonest , ” the disciplinary letter said .
In an interview with internal affairs investigators , Granado maintained that all of the purchases were medically necessary and based on the advice of his doctors , according to the letter .

A Denver Fire Department lieutenant who fell through a floor and broke his hip while fighting a fire in 2016 subsequently tried to pass off purchases of a hot tub, stove, specialty mattress and seven-piece leather sofa as medical expenses, according to an April disciplinary action letter from the Denver Department of Public Safety.
Lt. Demetrius Granado was demoted to the rank of firefighter first-grade and technically fired for his actions — although the firing will not take effect if he does not violate the fire department’s rules for two years.
Granado was injured while fighting a fire on Jan. 12, 2016, and had to have his right hip replaced in early 2017, according to the letter. After his injury in 2016, he filed worker’s compensation claims in excess of $17,600 in home improvement and furniture expenses — including a $3,700 bill which Granado initially claimed was to install a concrete slab to hold the hot tub but later admitted included other home improvement projects.
He also spent $4,500 on a four-person hot tub, $3,200 on a stove, $2,100 to convert that stove’s hookups from electric to gas in order to accommodate the electrical requirements of the hot tub, and $3,900 on a king-sized specialty mattress and sectional sofa, according to the letter.
Granado claimed all of the expenses were directly related to his medical recovery, and presented a prescription from his doctor to support his claim. The prescription said that a “medical bed or spa would be of benefit to his current medical condition,” according to the letter.
When questioned about the prescription, the doctor said Granado asked him to write it, and testified during worker’s compensation proceedings that the items were not medically necessary, according to the letter. A second doctor testified that the hot tub and mattress Granado bought did not “qualify as a medical bed or medical spa.”
An administrative judge also found that Granado exaggerated the miles he traveled during his recovery and asked to be reimbursed for driving 4,775 miles when in fact he only drove 4,257 miles.
Granado demonstrated a “serious lack of ethics, character and judgment,” and his behavior was “unreasonable, deceitful and dishonest,” the disciplinary letter said.
In an interview with internal affairs investigators, Granado maintained that all of the purchases were medically necessary and based on the advice of his doctors, according to the letter.


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--CSU kicks off construction of 3-building “Spur” complex as part of National Western Center makeover

The groundbreaking celebration will have to wait , but construction is starting on the first of three buildings that will make up Colorado State University ’ s complex at the National Western Center in Denver .
The groundbreaking ceremony scheduled April 30 for the animal and human health building was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak .
However , work on the 114,000-square-foot structure is underway and is expected to be finished in September .
The building , to be named Vida , Spanish for “ life , ” will be part of the CSU System ’ s complex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex will be a key part of a more than $ 1 billion makeover and expansion of the National Western Stock Show site , which is designed to turn the area into a year-round destination and focus of education and community services as well as entertainment .
JE Dunn is the general contractor on the Vida building .
Plans for the CSU complex in Denver have been in the works for several years , university officials said Monday .
“ Six or seven years ago , we started with a series of brainstorming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to highlight the things that CSU does , ” said Mark Stetter , dean of the university ’ s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences .
Stetter said another goal was to feature the programs relevant to the school ’ s mission as a land-grant university .
CSU officials settled on three areas : animal and human health , water , and food and agriculture .
“ If COVID-19 has shown us anything , outside of the medical and disaster preparedness response world , it ’ s shown us how complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look at grocery stores , food production , our restaurants , ” said Tony Frank , chancellor of the CSU System .
“ We ’ ll get through this , and when we do , I think the complex interplay between food , water , the environment and health , all the things that will be worked on in these buildings , are going to be front and center stage.
” Construction of the other two buildings , to be named Hydro and Terra , is planned to start in October .
Legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complex in Denver and associated facilities at the main campus in Fort Collins .
The redevelopment of the National Western site is expected to be completed in 2024 , according to the Mayor ’ s Office of the National Western Center .
Plans for programs at the Spur complex are already being made , including for the annual Water in the West Symposium , said Amy Parsons , executive vice chancellor of the CSU System .
The Vida building will showcase CSU ’ s veterinary program , considered among the best in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal clinic run by the Denver Dumb Friends League and offering low-cost services and opportunities to CSU students for hands-on learning .
Health services for horses , cattle and other animals will also be in the building .
The second location of the Temple Grandin Equine Center will be in the Vida building .
The center , named after well-known CSU agriculture professor Temple Grandin , will provide horse-assisted activities and therapy .
The Temple Grandin Equine Center in Fort Collins will focus on research and education , said center director Adam Daurio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center will provide services , therapy and information for the research .
The university currently offers horse-assisted therapy in rented space at the National Western site .
“ We ’ re only able to provide services to about 25 to 30 individuals per week .
The new facility will have clinical space and exercise space .
The arena and barn space will be expanded , which will help provide services to up to 300 clients a week , ” Daurio said .
The intent is to provide treatment and services to individuals while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scale that ’ s never really happened before , ” he added .
Eventually , the plan is to work with the Dumb Friends League on therapy involving dogs and cats .
Private veterinarians will have access to the facilities , especially during the National Western Stock Show .
The building includes housing for CSU students .
All the buildings of the Spur complex will be designed to encourage public involvement , said Frank .
“ There will be in all three of these facilities a sort of rotating set of interactive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We hope to engage with K-12 students up and down the Front Range on a pretty wide scale so that as teachers are constructing their curriculum for the year , they have access to important connections in these facilities.
” The university will work with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on programs and exhibits .
Stetter said the Vida building will be equipped with up-to-date technology and glass walls so the public can watch the veterinarians at work and take virtual tours .
“ We ’ re very much interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young kids , especially when we think about under-represented minorities , or maybe more rural kids , to be excited about going to college , to be excited about picking a career in health , whether in veterinary or human health , ” Stetter said .
“ We certainly know that with the coronavirus that we need a huge number of people to go into public health in a variety of ways that can help in a crisis like this .
”

The groundbreaking celebration will have to wait, but construction is starting on the first of three buildings that will make up Colorado State University’s complex at the National Western Center in Denver.
The groundbreaking ceremony scheduled April 30 for the animal and human health building was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. However, work on the 114,000-square-foot structure is underway and is expected to be finished in September 2021.
The building, to be named Vida, Spanish for “life,” will be part of the CSU System’s complex, which will be branded Spur. The complex will be a key part of a more than $1 billion makeover and expansion of the National Western Stock Show site, which is designed to turn the area into a year-round destination and focus of education and community services as well as entertainment.
JE Dunn is the general contractor on the Vida building. Plans for the CSU complex in Denver have been in the works for several years, university officials said Monday.
“Six or seven years ago, we started with a series of brainstorming sessions on what would be a great way to highlight the things that CSU does,” said Mark Stetter, dean of the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Stetter said another goal was to feature the programs relevant to the school’s mission as a land-grant university. CSU officials settled on three areas: animal and human health, water, and food and agriculture.
“If COVID-19 has shown us anything, outside of the medical and disaster preparedness response world, it’s shown us how complex and interrelated our supply chains are. Look at grocery stores, food production, our restaurants,” said Tony Frank, chancellor of the CSU System. “We’ll get through this, and when we do, I think the complex interplay between food, water, the environment and health, all the things that will be worked on in these buildings, are going to be front and center stage.”
Construction of the other two buildings, to be named Hydro and Terra, is planned to start in October. Legislators approved $250 million in 2015 for the complex in Denver and associated facilities at the main campus in Fort Collins.
The redevelopment of the National Western site is expected to be completed in 2024, according to the Mayor’s Office of the National Western Center.
Plans for programs at the Spur complex are already being made, including for the annual Water in the West Symposium, said Amy Parsons, executive vice chancellor of the CSU System.
The Vida building will showcase CSU’s veterinary program, considered among the best in the country. It will house an animal clinic run by the Denver Dumb Friends League and offering low-cost services and opportunities to CSU students for hands-on learning. Health services for horses, cattle and other animals will also be in the building.
The second location of the Temple Grandin Equine Center will be in the Vida building. The center, named after well-known CSU agriculture professor Temple Grandin, will provide horse-assisted activities and therapy.
The Temple Grandin Equine Center in Fort Collins will focus on research and education, said center director Adam Daurio. The one at the National Western Center will provide services, therapy and information for the research.
The university currently offers horse-assisted therapy in rented space at the National Western site.
“We’re only able to provide services to about 25 to 30 individuals per week. The new facility will have clinical space and exercise space. The arena and barn space will be expanded, which will help provide services to up to 300 clients a week,” Daurio said.
The intent is to provide treatment and services to individuals while also collecting data for research “on a scale that’s never really happened before,” he added. Eventually, the plan is to work with the Dumb Friends League on therapy involving dogs and cats.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Crews work at the new construction site for three Colorado State University buildings at the National Western Stock Show Complex on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The three buildings will serve to educate the community about various agricultural aspects such as water.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Crews work at the new construction site for three Colorado State University buildings at the National Western Stock Show Complex on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The three buildings will serve to educate the community about various agricultural aspects such as water.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Crews work at the new construction site for three Colorado State University buildings at the National Western Stock Show Complex on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The three buildings will serve to educate the community about various agricultural aspects such as water.
Private veterinarians will have access to the facilities, especially during the National Western Stock Show. The building includes housing for CSU students.
All the buildings of the Spur complex will be designed to encourage public involvement, said Frank.
“There will be in all three of these facilities a sort of rotating set of interactive exhibits,” Frank said. “We hope to engage with K-12 students up and down the Front Range on a pretty wide scale so that as teachers are constructing their curriculum for the year, they have access to important connections in these facilities.”
The university will work with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on programs and exhibits.
Stetter said the Vida building will be equipped with up-to-date technology and glass walls so the public can watch the veterinarians at work and take virtual tours.
“We’re very much interested in using this as a way to get young kids, especially when we think about under-represented minorities, or maybe more rural kids, to be excited about going to college, to be excited about picking a career in health, whether in veterinary or human health,” Stetter said. “We certainly know that with the coronavirus that we need a huge number of people to go into public health in a variety of ways that can help in a crisis like this.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--How Denver businesses plan to deal with face mask enforcement

Beginning Wednesday , any customer entering a Denver business will be required to put on a mask .
That part is straightforward .
But what happens when people refuse to do so ?
It ’ s a question that cities and states around the country are grappling with as mandatory mask orders become more common to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus .
While compliance only takes a cloth mask , the mandate has generated strong backlash in parts of the country , with deadly consequences in at least one instance .
Groups from Florida to California have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on individuals ’ freedom .
Several states and municipalities have been forced to retract their mask orders after threats of violence and physical abuse were directed at business employees .
But on the eve of the new requirement taking effect , Denver business owners say they ’ re not overly concerned with compliance , though there ’ s still plenty of gray area about how they should handle unruly customers .
Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s order , announced Friday , states that critical businesses — such as supermarkets , marijuana dispensaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all reasonable steps ” to keep people without masks from entering .
If they do come in , those businesses “ must not serve that person and must seek to remove that person.
” Businesses will be asked to ensure customers are complying , Kristin Bronson , Denver ’ s city attorney , said Tuesday in a news conference .
“ But we don ’ t want them getting into confrontations in their place of business , ” she said .
“ We also expect customers to make a good-faith effort to comply.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , business owners are encouraged to call 311 , Heather Burke , a city spokeswoman , said in an email .
For some Mile High businesses , the new mask requirement is , well , nothing new .
Ballpark Holistic Dispensary near Coors Field already had a strict mask policy for all its customers before Hancock announced the citywide measure .
The pot shop would hand out masks to those who didn ’ t have them , and other than a few arguments here and there , it has mostly been a nonissue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s inventory manager , said .
“ Some people agree and leave ( because they don ’ t have one ) or some get upset and leave , but it hasn ’ t gotten too bad , ” he said .
“ Everybody kind of gets it.
” Marczyk Fine Foods has had a masks-for-all policy since April 22 and it has “ mostly gone pretty smoothly , ” said Joe Rodriguez , the store ’ s customer service representative .
Employees simply bring in a manager if there are any issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never had to call the authorities .
The citywide order is a relief for some stores , such as Leevers Locavore , which encountered more customers eschewing masks after Gov .
Jared Polis said all essential workers were required to don them .
“ We ’ re very happy there ’ s a uniform standard , ” Chris Franklin , the independent grocer ’ s store director , said .
“ Our perception is , we ’ re wearing masks to protect customers .
We feel if customers wear them as well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he ’ s directing his employees to talk to customers lacking face coverings in a nonconfrontational manner .
That means no shaming and no political arguments .
“ It ’ s very clear we are tasked with enforcing the rules , ” he said .
“ But we don ’ t want a repeat of what happened in Flint.
” On Friday , a Family Dollar security guard in the Michigan city was shot and killed after he told a customer to put on a mask .
Three people have been charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which serves as an extreme example of the opposition to these government mandates .
The backlash has prompted some elected officials to back off .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , who initially adopted some of the nation ’ s strictest social distancing measures , rescinded his mask requirement Sunday , saying people “ were not going to accept the government telling them what to do.
” And the mayor of Stillwater , Okla. , reversed course on a mask mandate over the weekend after store employees and business owners said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipate 99.9 % of customers will follow the rules and not cause a raucous .
Still , Franklin said , “ I ’ m sure we ’ ll be tested at some point before the week ’ s end .
”

Beginning Wednesday, any customer entering a Denver business will be required to put on a mask.
That part is straightforward. But what happens when people refuse to do so?
It’s a question that cities and states around the country are grappling with as mandatory mask orders become more common to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. While compliance only takes a cloth mask, the mandate has generated strong backlash in parts of the country, with deadly consequences in at least one instance.
Groups from Florida to California have argued loudly that such orders are unconstitutional restrictions on individuals’ freedom. Several states and municipalities have been forced to retract their mask orders after threats of violence and physical abuse were directed at business employees.
But on the eve of the new requirement taking effect, Denver business owners say they’re not overly concerned with compliance, though there’s still plenty of gray area about how they should handle unruly customers.
Mayor Michael Hancock’s order, announced Friday, states that critical businesses — such as supermarkets, marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores — “must take all reasonable steps” to keep people without masks from entering. If they do come in, those businesses “must not serve that person and must seek to remove that person.”
Businesses will be asked to ensure customers are complying, Kristin Bronson, Denver’s city attorney, said Tuesday in a news conference.
“But we don’t want them getting into confrontations in their place of business,” she said. “We also expect customers to make a good-faith effort to comply.”
If customers decide not to listen, business owners are encouraged to call 311, Heather Burke, a city spokeswoman, said in an email.
For some Mile High businesses, the new mask requirement is, well, nothing new.
Ballpark Holistic Dispensary near Coors Field already had a strict mask policy for all its customers before Hancock announced the citywide measure.
The pot shop would hand out masks to those who didn’t have them, and other than a few arguments here and there, it has mostly been a nonissue, Jon Thursday, the dispensary’s inventory manager, said.
“Some people agree and leave (because they don’t have one) or some get upset and leave, but it hasn’t gotten too bad,” he said. “Everybody kind of gets it.”
Marczyk Fine Foods has had a masks-for-all policy since April 22 and it has “mostly gone pretty smoothly,” said Joe Rodriguez, the store’s customer service representative.
Employees simply bring in a manager if there are any issues, he said, and the store has never had to call the authorities.
The citywide order is a relief for some stores, such as Leevers Locavore, which encountered more customers eschewing masks after Gov. Jared Polis said all essential workers were required to don them.
“We’re very happy there’s a uniform standard,” Chris Franklin, the independent grocer’s store director, said. “Our perception is, we’re wearing masks to protect customers. We feel if customers wear them as well, that levels the playing field.”
Franklin said he’s directing his employees to talk to customers lacking face coverings in a nonconfrontational manner. That means no shaming and no political arguments.
“It’s very clear we are tasked with enforcing the rules,” he said. “But we don’t want a repeat of what happened in Flint.”
On Friday, a Family Dollar security guard in the Michigan city was shot and killed after he told a customer to put on a mask. Three people have been charged with first-degree murder in the incident, which serves as an extreme example of the opposition to these government mandates.
The backlash has prompted some elected officials to back off.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who initially adopted some of the nation’s strictest social distancing measures, rescinded his mask requirement Sunday, saying people “were not going to accept the government telling them what to do.”
And the mayor of Stillwater, Okla., reversed course on a mask mandate over the weekend after store employees and business owners said they were being threatened.
Denver businesses say they anticipate 99.9% of customers will follow the rules and not cause a ruckus.
Still, Franklin said, “I’m sure we’ll be tested at some point before the week’s end.”
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--There’s no timeline yet for when Denver restaurants will reopen, Hancock says

As Denver prepares to lift its stay-at-home order on Friday , a few key businesses remain closed with no set date for reopening .
Among them are stadiums , fitness centers , movie theaters , bars and restaurants .
At a press conference on Tuesday , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told a reporter that “ there ’ s no schedule at this point in time for restaurants and bars to open.
” Across the state , social distancing guidelines and limits on gatherings of more than 10 people are still in effect until May 26 , and Hancock said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ lead in what will be a “ slow rollout ” of business openings over the next month or more .
“ We are turning to many of the industry professionals to give us some guidance as well , ” Hancock added of his and Polis ’ decision-making .
Some Colorado restaurant owners in recent weeks have expressed uncertainty about reopening their doors at half capacity or at all during the month of May .
Those hesitant to reopen cite worker health and safety as their top concern , even as they face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we needed to take care of our team first and foremost rather than continuing service , ” Denver restaurateur Paul Reilly told The Denver Post this week .
“ We think it ’ s in the best interest of our team and of our guests to remain closed until we get better answers from our elected officials on what the new hospitality is going to look like.
” Whether or not it will signal a new hospitality , some restaurant owners and chefs are stepping outside the models of takeout and delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example , Work & Class and Super Mega Bien owners Tony Maciag and Dana Rodriguez are washing cars and cooking at customers ’ homes , respectively .
“ It ’ s given us a big lesson about how we can adjust to the challenges we have in life , especially in this industry , ” Rodriguez told The Denver Post ahead of the nomination , as she was dealing with vandalism to her one shuttered restaurant while working longer hours at the other .
“ I try to stay positive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subscribe to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

As Denver prepares to lift its stay-at-home order on Friday, a few key businesses remain closed with no set date for reopening. Among them are stadiums, fitness centers, movie theaters, bars and restaurants.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told a reporter that “there’s no schedule at this point in time for restaurants and bars to open.”
Across the state, social distancing guidelines and limits on gatherings of more than 10 people are still in effect until May 26, and Hancock said he will follow Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ lead in what will be a “slow rollout” of business openings over the next month or more.
“We are turning to many of the industry professionals to give us some guidance as well,” Hancock added of his and Polis’ decision-making.
Some Colorado restaurant owners in recent weeks have expressed uncertainty about reopening their doors at half capacity or at all during the month of May. Those hesitant to reopen cite worker health and safety as their top concern, even as they face plummeting revenues.
“We did feel like we needed to take care of our team first and foremost rather than continuing service,” Denver restaurateur Paul Reilly told The Denver Post last week. “We think it’s in the best interest of our team and of our guests to remain closed until we get better answers from our elected officials on what the new hospitality is going to look like.”
Whether or not it will signal a new hospitality, some restaurant owners and chefs are stepping outside the models of takeout and delivery. To raise money for their employees, for example, Work & Class and Super Mega Bien owners Tony Maciag and Dana Rodriguez are washing cars and cooking at customers’ homes, respectively.
(Rodriguez on Monday was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for best chef in the mountain region, so hiring her to cook in a private residence is now akin to having an Oscar-nominated celebrity over for some home theater.)
“It’s given us a big lesson about how we can adjust to the challenges we have in life, especially in this industry,” Rodriguez told The Denver Post ahead of the nomination, as she was dealing with vandalism to her one shuttered restaurant while working longer hours at the other. “I try to stay positive, and hopefully that keeps us alive.”
Subscribe to our food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--Nuggets nab three of ESPN’s top 74 NBA jerseys of all time

ESPN on Tuesday unveiled its list of the 74 best jerseys in NBA history to commemorate the league ’ s 74th year of existence .
The Nuggets had a strong showing , landing three spots in the rankings , including one in the top 10 .
The top three spots went to three iconic dynasties ’ looks in the Lakers ’ showtime gold ( No .
1 ) , Celtics ’ classic green ( No .
2 ) and Bulls ’ road red ( No .
3 ) .
Here ’ s a look at how Denver fared : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just screams 2000s .
The dazzle cloth version stands out above the set that just followed it , ” ESPN ’ s Andrew Lopez writes .
“ The yellow cursive .
The dazzle fabric .
The baby blue side panels pairing with the dark blue base .
These were legit , ” ESPN ’ s Dave McMenamin writes .
“ In the 1980s , when the Denver Nuggets introduced new uniforms , they were statistically the fastest team in the NBA .
High tempo defined Mile High Basketball , and the franchise even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jerseys featuring a rainbow skyline theme , ” ESPN ’ s Aaron Dodson writes .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
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+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team ?
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Ask Mike Singer here .
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Ask Mike Chambers here .
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Ask Patrick Saunders here .

ESPN on Tuesday unveiled its list of the 74 best jerseys in NBA history to commemorate the league’s 74th year of existence. The Nuggets had a strong showing, landing three spots in the rankings, including one in the top 10.
The top three spots went to three iconic dynasties’ looks in the Lakers’ showtime gold (No. 1), Celtics’ classic green (No. 2) and Bulls’ road red (No. 3).
Here’s a look at how Denver fared:
No. 67: Nuggets’ blue dazzle (2003-08)
“This is one of those jerseys that just screams 2000s. The dazzle cloth version stands out above the set that just followed it,” ESPN’s Andrew Lopez writes.
No. 51: Nuggets’ navy cursive (2008-12)
“The yellow cursive. The dazzle fabric. The baby blue side panels pairing with the dark blue base. These were legit,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin writes.
No. 5: Nuggets’ rainbow skyline (1985-93)
“In the 1980s, when the Denver Nuggets introduced new uniforms, they were statistically the fastest team in the NBA. High tempo defined Mile High Basketball, and the franchise even took on-court style to new heights with jerseys featuring a rainbow skyline theme,” ESPN’s Aaron Dodson writes.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--Meet Michelle Perkins, a Superior bedside nurse combatting the coronavirus outbreak in the delivery

Meet Michelle Perkins, a Superior bedside nurse combatting the coronavirus outbreak in the delivery room

Michelle Perkins has a story about her father that she often likes to share .
Dr. Joao doVale practiced family medicine in a rural community just outside of Waco , Texas .
And , as compensation for the good doctor ’ s services , patients would occasionally offer livestock .
One time , when a bill came due , a cow was brought to the family home .
“ And the cow ended up in his swimming pool , ” Michelle laughed .
Such is the example that guided Perkins into medicine , sent her across the globe as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combating the coronavirus pandemic as a bedside nurse at St. Anthony ’ s North in Westminster and Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville .
“ I always saw him taking care of the community growing up , ” said Perkins , whose mother , Maryjo , was also a nurse .
“ He was a good doctor and a good guy and it made an impression on me.
” That impression , it seems , has trickled down the family tree to Perkins ’ son , Hunter .
As a part-time food service worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 18-year-old Fairview High School student delivers meals to seniors ’ doorsteps every Sunday .
Just like his mother , Hunter must strip down in a makeshift “ hot zone ” inside the garage of their Superior home whenever he returns from work .
“ It ’ s weird to undress before I ’ m even in my room , ” Hunter said , “ and have to walk into the house in a towel and down the stairs.
” Weird is the new normal with COVID-19 , when even the simple task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliberation for those on the front lines .
Michelle knows it better than most .
The CU ( bachelor ’ s ) and Regis University ( master ’ s ) graduate has participated in medical mission work across the globe since 2011 .
A 56-year-old asthmatic , she ’ s gotten into the habit of taking precautions whenever she travels .
This past year , that meant masking up and being diligent with her hygiene on trips to Asia and Africa .
“ I know that viruses like this , an illness like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , ” she said .
“ All it takes is that one person that ’ s infected to land here and start spreading it.
” Michelle estimates she leaves the country five times a year while serving as manager of “ Helping Babies Breathe ” — one of Centura Health ’ s Global Health Initiatives that teaches caregivers how to deal with the early dangers faced by newborns in remote settings .
Her travels have included frequent trips to rural areas in Nepal , Tanzania , Uganda and Peru , where infant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon alone , where the program helped 1,700 health care providers receive training on resuscitation techniques over the past four years , the area ’ s infant mortality rate has been cut in half .
“ The relationships I have made with health care providers in other countries , I have made some friends for life , ” Michelle said .
“ Their challenges are just so immense and I think it ’ s truly impacted the way I practice medicine when I ’ m home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for granted .
“ … We complain and protest — ‘ we ’ being the cumulative American society — about being on lockdown and being in social isolation and social distancing ( during the pandemic ) , but they don ’ t have the luxury of doing that .
A lot of them are living in a home that might only have two rooms and there might be eight , nine , 10 people living in a room.
” When the COVID outbreak first began in early March , Michelle ’ s husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alto , Calif. , to bring their 20-year-old daughter , Emma , back from Stanford .
Now Michelle finds herself confronting the virus while assisting mothers and their babies during labor .
Pregnant women are believed to be at risk with COVID , given that their immune systems are compromised by their pregnancies .
There ’ s also fear that if a mother contracts the virus and her baby isn ’ t infected , she will still be forced into isolation immediately after delivery — as has reportedly happened numerous times across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is much higher , and the baseline level of anxiety in labor and delivery is always elevated because we ’ re dealing with two patients , ” Michelle said .
“ We ’ re always kind of dealing with not only mom , but with baby .
“ … People think of labor delivery as being kind of a safe place and kind of a low-risk area of the hospital , but we ’ re really very similar to our counterparts in the ( emergency department ) .
We don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to take social distancing guidelines seriously in the Perkins household .
Even when Hunter ventures into the outdoors for an occasional hiking trip with his friends , he does so with a mask , always staying at least six feet apart and always with the virus in the back of his mind .
He may miss out on senior prom or a traditional graduation ceremony with his Fairview classmates , but there ’ s a community to think about .
“ It ’ s definitely passively on my mind , just every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m being as safe as I can , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve been super careful if I ’ m going to the grocery store or anything like that , just for ( the seniors ’ ) sake , because I don ’ t want to bring it to them .
”

Michelle Perkins has a story about her father that she often likes to share.
Dr. Joao doVale practiced family medicine in a rural community just outside of Waco, Texas. And, as compensation for the good doctor’s services, patients would occasionally offer livestock.
One time, when a bill came due, a cow was brought to the family home.
“And the cow ended up in his swimming pool,” Michelle laughed.
Such is the example that guided Perkins into medicine, sent her across the globe as a perinatal educator, and now has her combating the coronavirus pandemic as a bedside nurse at St. Anthony’s North in Westminster and Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville.
“I always saw him taking care of the community growing up,” said Perkins, whose mother, Maryjo, was also a nurse. “He was a good doctor and a good guy and it made an impression on me.”
That impression, it seems, has trickled down the family tree to Perkins’ son, Hunter. As a part-time food service worker at Frasier Retirement Community in Boulder, the 18-year-old Fairview High School student delivers meals to seniors’ doorsteps every Sunday. Just like his mother, Hunter must strip down in a makeshift “hot zone” inside the garage of their Superior home whenever he returns from work.
“It’s weird to undress before I’m even in my room,” Hunter said, “and have to walk into the house in a towel and down the stairs.”
Weird is the new normal with COVID-19, when even the simple task of coming home must be done with deliberation for those on the front lines.
Michelle knows it better than most. The CU (bachelor’s) and Regis University (master’s) graduate has participated in medical mission work across the globe since 2011. A 56-year-old asthmatic, she’s gotten into the habit of taking precautions whenever she travels. This past year, that meant masking up and being diligent with her hygiene on trips to Asia and Africa.
“I know that viruses like this, an illness like this… it’s one plane ride away,” she said. “All it takes is that one person that’s infected to land here and start spreading it.”
Michelle estimates she leaves the country five times a year while serving as manager of “Helping Babies Breathe” — one of Centura Health’s Global Health Initiatives that teaches caregivers how to deal with the early dangers faced by newborns in remote settings. Her travels have included frequent trips to rural areas in Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda and Peru, where infant mortality remains a serious issue.
In the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon alone, where the program helped 1,700 health care providers receive training on resuscitation techniques over the past four years, the area’s infant mortality rate has been cut in half.
“The relationships I have made with health care providers in other countries, I have made some friends for life,” Michelle said. “Their challenges are just so immense and I think it’s truly impacted the way I practice medicine when I’m home. I don’t really take anything for granted.
“… We complain and protest — ‘we’ being the cumulative American society — about being on lockdown and being in social isolation and social distancing (during the pandemic), but they don’t have the luxury of doing that. A lot of them are living in a home that might only have two rooms and there might be eight, nine, 10 people living in a room.”
When the COVID outbreak first began in early March, Michelle’s husband, Eddie, rushed off to Palo Alto, Calif., to bring their 20-year-old daughter, Emma, back from Stanford.
Now Michelle finds herself confronting the virus while assisting mothers and their babies during labor. Pregnant women are believed to be at risk with COVID, given that their immune systems are compromised by their pregnancies. There’s also fear that if a mother contracts the virus and her baby isn’t infected, she will still be forced into isolation immediately after delivery — as has reportedly happened numerous times across the country.
“The level of anxiety is much higher, and the baseline level of anxiety in labor and delivery is always elevated because we’re dealing with two patients,” Michelle said. “We’re always kind of dealing with not only mom, but with baby.
“… People think of labor delivery as being kind of a safe place and kind of a low-risk area of the hospital, but we’re really very similar to our counterparts in the (emergency department). We don’t know who’s infected.”
Hence the need to take social distancing guidelines seriously in the Perkins household.
Even when Hunter ventures into the outdoors for an occasional hiking trip with his friends, he does so with a mask, always staying at least six feet apart and always with the virus in the back of his mind. He may miss out on senior prom or a traditional graduation ceremony with his Fairview classmates, but there’s a community to think about.
“It’s definitely passively on my mind, just every day, just to make sure that I’m being as safe as I can,” he said. “I’ve been super careful if I’m going to the grocery store or anything like that, just for (the seniors’) sake, because I don’t want to bring it to them.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-06--Ask Amy: Anti-vax mother-in-law worries parents

Dear Amy : My mother-in-law has refused vaccines for years .
My daughter , who is now five , was a micro preemie .
Once she was born , the NICU required a Tdap vaccine and a flu shot for anyone to visit .
My MIL was worried her arm would hurt and said she didn ’ t need the shots , claiming she never gets sick .
We said it was the hospital ’ s rules , and if she didn ’ t vaccinate , then she would have to wait at least six months for the flu season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have a heart condition .
My daughter has asthma and is prone to pneumonia .
She was sick five times this year , once with the flu ( Type A ) .
My husband and I were both sick .
Currently both of my parents have COVID-19 .
I am stressed and a bit panicked .
I tried talking to my MIL .
I said that this fall it would mean a lot if she would get the flu shot .
She refuses .
I can ’ t even imagine what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for coronavirus .
What should I do ?
Come October when flu season hits , we may very well be in isolation again .
My husband and I are planning to tell her that if she refuses the flu shot , she can ’ t come around our family — and if we let her be with us for Christmas , she will need to wear a mask and avoid physical contact .
I feel like I am being mean , but I couldn ’ t live if something happened to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to tell her any more plainly that she would be helping us if she gets these vaccines .
Dear Anxious : You have a lot on your mind right now .
Don ’ t borrow issues to worry about that won ’ t come up for several months .
You and your husband seem to be on the same page regarding his mother , and that ’ s key .
This matter is cut and dry .
It is medically imperative that your child ’ s grandmother take what steps she can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ) against communicable illness .
As summer fades , as a couple you and your husband should both convey to her , very clearly , exactly what she needs to do in order to have close contact with your family .
The consequence of her choosing not to vaccinate will also be clear : No vaccination , no close contact .
You two must maintain a calm and unified front .
After that , you won ’ t need to worry about this further .
The decision to vaccinate will have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be up to her .
( If she says she has been vaccinated , ask to see a receipt . )
Dear Amy : My sister seems a little too obsessed with the IQ test scores that her children have received .
She also says she knows her own IQ test score – although she and I grew up in the same household and I never learned my own .
Honestly , I ’ m at a loss for how to respond to this .
Actually , I don ’ t even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Maybe that ’ s evidence of my low IQ ? )
Dear Wondering : IQ tests have something of a dark history , with the scores used to separate , discriminate , and basically pigeonhole people into categories that determined their access to schooling and careers .
On a micro level , your sister seems to be doing the same — using these scores to compare her children to others .
A massive study in Canada gave 100,000 people access to several different intelligence tests , concluding that there was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurately judge how well a person could perform mental and cognitive tasks .
“ We have shown categorically that you can not sum up the difference between people in terms of one number , ” the study concluded ( 2012 , Neuron ) .
Children should be encouraged to develop their skills across a variety of important metrics , with personal qualities such as character , kindness and integrity at the top of the list .
Dear Amy : “ Puzzled Parents ” are wondering how to interact with a friend who turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their daughter .
It reminded me of an uncle who got me a summer job .
He was the nicest guy , but took on a different persona on the job .
I never gave it a second thought when I met with my uncle outside of work , and to this day look forward to seeing him .

Dear Amy: My mother-in-law has refused vaccines for years.
My daughter, who is now five, was a micro preemie.
Once she was born, the NICU required a Tdap vaccine and a flu shot for anyone to visit. My MIL was worried her arm would hurt and said she didn’t need the shots, claiming she never gets sick. We said it was the hospital’s rules, and if she didn’t vaccinate, then she would have to wait at least six months for the flu season to pass before seeing our daughter.
I have a heart condition. My daughter has asthma and is prone to pneumonia. She was sick five times this year, once with the flu (Type A). My husband and I were both sick.
Currently both of my parents have COVID-19. I am stressed and a bit panicked.
I tried talking to my MIL. I said that this fall it would mean a lot if she would get the flu shot. She refuses.
I can’t even imagine what is going to happen when there is a vaccine for coronavirus. What should I do? Come October when flu season hits, we may very well be in isolation again. My husband and I are planning to tell her that if she refuses the flu shot, she can’t come around our family — and if we let her be with us for Christmas, she will need to wear a mask and avoid physical contact.
I feel like I am being mean, but I couldn’t live if something happened to my child. I don’t know how to tell her any more plainly that she would be helping us if she gets these vaccines.
— Anxious Parents
Dear Anxious: You have a lot on your mind right now. Don’t borrow issues to worry about that won’t come up for several months.
You and your husband seem to be on the same page regarding his mother, and that’s key. This matter is cut and dry. It is medically imperative that your child’s grandmother take what steps she can to help protect herself (and your family) against communicable illness.
As summer fades, as a couple you and your husband should both convey to her, very clearly, exactly what she needs to do in order to have close contact with your family. The consequence of her choosing not to vaccinate will also be clear: No vaccination, no close contact. You two must maintain a calm and unified front.
After that, you won’t need to worry about this further. The decision to vaccinate will have been transferred to your mother-in-law. The rest will be up to her. (If she says she has been vaccinated, ask to see a receipt.)
Dear Amy: My sister seems a little too obsessed with the IQ test scores that her children have received. She also says she knows her own IQ test score – although she and I grew up in the same household and I never learned my own.
Honestly, I’m at a loss for how to respond to this. Actually, I don’t even really know how to think about it. (Maybe that’s evidence of my low IQ?)
— Wondering
Dear Wondering: IQ tests have something of a dark history, with the scores used to separate, discriminate, and basically pigeonhole people into categories that determined their access to schooling and careers. On a micro level, your sister seems to be doing the same — using these scores to compare her children to others.
A massive study in Canada gave 100,000 people access to several different intelligence tests, concluding that there was not one single test or component that could accurately judge how well a person could perform mental and cognitive tasks.
“We have shown categorically that you cannot sum up the difference between people in terms of one number,” the study concluded (2012, Neuron).
Children should be encouraged to develop their skills across a variety of important metrics, with personal qualities such as character, kindness and integrity at the top of the list.
Dear Amy: “Puzzled Parents” are wondering how to interact with a friend who turned out to be a miserable boss to their daughter.
It reminded me of an uncle who got me a summer job.
He was the nicest guy, but took on a different persona on the job. I never gave it a second thought when I met with my uncle outside of work, and to this day look forward to seeing him.
— Nephew
Dear Nephew: Family work connections are often challenging. You’re a survivor.
(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--2020-05-06--No Colorado juries will assembly through July 6 because of coronavirus concerns

No state juries will be assembled prior to July 6 because of safety and health concerns connected to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ No person shall be summoned by state courts to assemble for jury service to begin anytime prior to July 6 , ” according to a Colorado Supreme Court order .
Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats on Tuesday extended earlier orders prohibiting jury assembly because of COVID-19 .
“ Jury pools , at least according to current practices , still can not be assembled consistent with existing public health guidelines… ” the order states .
“ Until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state courts are to continue to operate on an emergency basis , ” according to the updated order .
Various district courts are “ expected to continue to make all reasonable efforts to facilitate work by department employees from remote locations and minimize personal contact , ” the order states .
“ To that end , and with the understanding that some judicial proceedings may require personal appearance , wherever reasonably feasible , judicial proceedings , regardless of their nature , should continue to be conducted remotely.
” Certain judicial functions — those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health , safety and welfare — may not be altogether suspended .
These functions include : petitions for temporary civil protection orders and permanent protection order hearings ; shelter hearings in dependency and neglect cases or other juvenile proceedings ; and emergency mental health proceedings .
The chief judge may , however , seek a waiver of the jury prohibition to be consistent with health guidelines and local executive orders .

No state juries will be assembled prior to July 6 because of safety and health concerns connected to the coronavirus pandemic.
“No person shall be summoned by state courts to assemble for jury service to begin anytime prior to July 6,” according to a Colorado Supreme Court order.
Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats on Tuesday extended earlier orders prohibiting jury assembly because of COVID-19.
“Jury pools, at least according to current practices, still cannot be assembled consistent with existing public health guidelines…” the order states.
The Chief Justice has extended the order prohibiting jury assembly through July 6, 2020. No jurors will be called to duty through July 6 #CoLaw https://t.co/bOeZ5hwNhm — Rob McCallum (@rwmccallum) May 5, 2020
“Until further directive by the Chief Justice, the state courts are to continue to operate on an emergency basis,” according to the updated order.
Various district courts are “expected to continue to make all reasonable efforts to facilitate work by department employees from remote locations and minimize personal contact,” the order states. “To that end, and with the understanding that some judicial proceedings may require personal appearance, wherever reasonably feasible, judicial proceedings, regardless of their nature, should continue to be conducted remotely.”
Certain judicial functions — those considered essential for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare — may not be altogether suspended. These functions include: petitions for temporary civil protection orders and permanent protection order hearings; shelter hearings in dependency and neglect cases or other juvenile proceedings; and emergency mental health proceedings.
The chief judge may, however, seek a waiver of the jury prohibition to be consistent with health guidelines and local executive orders.


thedenverpost--2020-05-07--Man who died in two-vehicle crash near Roggen is identified

A 22-year-old man who died in a two-vehicle crash near Roggen has been identified .
Armando Geraldo-Quiahua died at about @ @ @ @ @ at the intersection of Weld County roads 73 and 16 , according to the coroner @ @ @ @ @ was an unrestrained backseat passenger in a van that collided with a pickup truck .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Two other people in the van were taken to area hospitals to be treated @ @ @ @ @ by the Colorado State Patrol is ongoing .
A final manner and cause of death @ @ @ @ @ .

A 22-year-old man who died in a two-vehicle crash near Roggen has been identified.
Armando Geraldo-Quiahua died about 6 p.m. April 25 at the intersection of Weld County roads 73 and 16, according to the coroner’s office.
Geraldo-Quiahua was an unrestrained backseat passenger in a van that collided with a pickup. He died at the scene. Two other people in the van were taken to hospitals.
An investigation by the State Patrol is ongoing. A final cause of death awaits autopsy and laboratory reports.


thedenverpost--2020-05-07--Police upping patrols at Tri-County Health after “civil war” threat over coronavirus restrictions

Police in Greenwood Village are increasing patrols around the Tri-County Health Department after authorities say someone sent a threatening email to the office ’ s receptionist that warned of a looming “ civil war ” over ongoing coronavirus restrictions .
Greenwood Village police say they took a report Tuesday from an employee at Tri-County Health ’ s offices at 6162 S. Willow Drive who passed along a profane email urging the health department to “ END .
THE LOCKDOWN .
NOW .
Or face severe consequences.
” Tri-County Health ’ s extended stay-at-home order — covering Adams and Arapahoe counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expire Friday night .
Tri-County officials have announced they will not extend the order , and will shift to the statewide “ safer-at-home ” plan beginning Saturday .
The text of the email released by police Wednesday : “ I know you ’ re the receptionist and not responsible for these edicts… but tell the 9 petty tyrants who want to keep locking most of Colorado down to ( expletive ) OFF .
‘ We the people ’ are DONE with this ( expletive ) ( expletive ) , and you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expletive ) civil war .
END .
THE LOCKDOWN .
NOW .
Or face severe consequences.
” Gov .
Jared Polis was asked about the threat during a Wednesday news conference at the state Capitol .
He likened safety restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic to enforcement of health codes at restaurants , which , for example , can be shut down over hepatitis C outbreaks .
“ Threatening a civil war over decals on the floor of the store telling you where to stand in the takeout line is really offensive to anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we enjoy in this country , ” he said .
The governor stressed that most Coloradans have been supportive of the state ’ s coronavirus restrictions — a sentiment echoed by a new poll released Wednesday — and urged everyone to keep taking protective measures , including wearing facial coverings when going into businesses .
The Tri-County Health Department ’ s Board of Health has strongly urged the use of masks , but has not ordered it across the counties it covers .
“ For the few Coloradans who feel that their liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to also exercise their own personal responsibility to protect themselves , their families and others , whether you agree or disagree with counties that want you to wear masks in stores and have required that , ” Polis said .
“ It ’ s important as a matter of responsibility , whether you live in an area that requires it or not , to wear a mask when you ’ re around others .
”

Police in Greenwood Village are increasing patrols around the Tri-County Health Department after authorities say someone sent a threatening email to the office’s receptionist that warned of a looming “civil war” over ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
Greenwood Village police say they took a report Tuesday from an employee at Tri-County Health’s offices at 6162 S. Willow Drive who passed along a profane email urging the health department to “END. THE LOCKDOWN. NOW. Or face severe consequences.”
Tri-County Health’s extended stay-at-home order — covering Adams and Arapahoe counties, but not Douglas County — will expire Friday night. Tri-County officials have announced they will not extend the order, and will shift to the statewide “safer-at-home” plan beginning Saturday.
The text of the email released by police Wednesday: “I know you’re the receptionist and not responsible for these edicts… but tell the 9 petty tyrants who want to keep locking most of Colorado down to (expletive) OFF. ‘We the people’ are DONE with this (expletive) (expletive), and you’re about to start a hot-shooting no (expletive) civil war. END. THE LOCKDOWN. NOW. Or face severe consequences.”
Gov. Jared Polis was asked about the threat during a Wednesday news conference at the state Capitol. He likened safety restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic to enforcement of health codes at restaurants, which, for example, can be shut down over hepatitis C outbreaks.
“Threatening a civil war over decals on the floor of the store telling you where to stand in the takeout line is really offensive to anyone who supports the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy in this country,” he said.
The governor stressed that most Coloradans have been supportive of the state’s coronavirus restrictions — a sentiment echoed by a new poll released Wednesday — and urged everyone to keep taking protective measures, including wearing facial coverings when going into businesses.
The Tri-County Health Department’s Board of Health has strongly urged the use of masks, but has not ordered it across the counties it covers.
“For the few Coloradans who feel that their liberties are being threatened, I ask them to also exercise their own personal responsibility to protect themselves, their families and others, whether you agree or disagree with counties that want you to wear masks in stores and have required that,” Polis said. “It’s important as a matter of responsibility, whether you live in an area that requires it or not, to wear a mask when you’re around others.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-07--Keeler: Brian Mullan, ex-Rapids midfielder, now battling coronavirus on the front lines

Grandma Betty had a hug that would make an anaconda weep .
The loving vice was honed from four decades as a registered nurse , when she used that 120-pound frame to lug around patients twice her size .
Wednesday was National Nurses Day , a time when those nurses , thanks to the coronavirus pandemic , are handling more of the load than usual .
It chased my mind back to my late grandmother , hauling the sick and infirm with an iron grip .
And to Brian Mullan , the former Rapids midfielder , now a nurse at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after hearing a story about Mullan that one of his former Colorado teammates , forward Omar Cummings , shared a few weeks back , from when the two were teammates on the Rapids ’ 2010 MLS Cup champions .
Cummings admired the way Mullan relished the visits Rapids players made to local hospitals .
How Mullan could survey a patient ’ s room and seemingly pull a conversation out of thin air .
“ Oh , you ’ re into Paw Patrol ?
” Mullan said to one youngster .
Mullan was , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I used to watch Brian and how he ’ d interact , ” said Cummings , now an ambassador with the FC Cincinnati soccer club .
“ To watch him , to see him interact with those kids , to see him just change that demeanor and just relate to them .
“ Knowing that that ’ s part of the medicine , that when you get there , you want to be upbeat and you want to be cheerful .
Now , as a dad , I can see those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young man , I couldn ’ t. ” A Denver native and a Regis Jesuit grad , the 42-year-old Mullan made four appearances with the USMNT and won five MLS Cups .
The last one came with the Rapids a decade ago , before knee problems in 2014 put the kibosh on a 14-year year pro career .
It was as that chapter was winding down that the Regis alum started taking prerequisite courses for nursing school , following in the career footsteps of his mother , Jackie .
Mullan was learning those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , toward the end of his MLS career , when the victims of a car crash were brought in .
“ And I said to him , ‘ How do you have the stomach for something like that ?
’ ” recalled former Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni , now an assistant with the Houston Dynamo .
“ ’ And more importantly , how do you stay calm ?
’ “ He doesn ’ t doubt himself .
It was something he always wanted to do .
And once he put his mind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Full disclosure : I ’ d texted Brian earlier this year , when the world started grinding to a halt because of COVID-19 , to ask about his career switch .
A few hours later , he texted back , politely declining comment .
His former teammates and coaches had plenty to say , however .
“ To do a complete 180 and go into a different field , ” Mastroeni said , “ it takes a lot of courage for a guy to say , ‘ OK , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really love it and I want to get better at it.
’ ” “ He ’ s one of the most selfless people ( I ’ ve met ) , ” offered Dominic Kinnear , the former Rapids defender and a current LA Galaxy assistant .
“ I always said , ‘ If I had 11 Brian Mullans on the team , I ’ d win the MLS Cup every year.
’ If you would ask his coworkers , I ’ m sure you ’ d be hard-pressed to find a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humble one , given the resume .
In October 2019 , Mullan received the DAISY Award , an honor presented for “ extraordinary ” work in the nursing field , after being nominated by the daughter of a recent patient .
“ I don ’ t know that I have adequate enough words , ” Swedish Medical quoted the daughter as saying last fall , “ to describe the differences Brian made in helping to save my mama ’ s life.
” As the virus swept the state , Kinnear called Mullan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding up .
Mullan rang back six days later , exhausted .
“ He said , ‘ It ’ s busy , it ’ s a crazy time , ’ ” Kinnear said .
“ ( He ’ s ) very much more of a giver than a taker .
Which I think is a good characteristic to have.
” Especially now .
A toast to Mullan .
To Betty .
To the nurses who selflessly , thanklessly , not only keep pulling their weight over the line .
But ours , too @

Grandma Betty had a hug that would make an anaconda weep. The loving vise was honed from four decades as a registered nurse, when she used that 120-pound frame to lug around patients twice her size.
Wednesday was National Nurses Day, a time when those nurses, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, are handling more of the load than usual. It chased my mind back to my late grandmother, hauling the sick and infirm with an iron grip. And to Brian Mullan, the former Rapids midfielder, now a nurse at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood.
Especially after hearing a story about Mullan that one of his former Colorado teammates, forward Omar Cummings, shared a few weeks back, from when the two were teammates on the Rapids’ 2010 MLS Cup champs.
Cummings admired the way Mullan relished the visits Rapids players made to local hospitals. How Mullan could survey a patient’s room and seemingly pull a conversation out of thin air.
“Oh, you’re into Paw Patrol?” Mullan said to one youngster.
“Yeah,” the boy would reply.
“Awesome, man! What’s your favorite character?”
“Chase.”
“Chase? Oh, dude, my kids love Chase. He’s awesome.”
Mullan was, too. Explicitly when kids were involved.
“I used to watch Brian and how he’d interact,” said Cummings, now an ambassador with the FC Cincinnati soccer club. “To watch him, to see him interact with those kids, to see him just change that demeanor and just relate to them.
“Knowing that that’s part of the medicine, that when you get there, you want to be upbeat and you want to be cheerful. Now, as a dad, I can see those things. Whereas when I was a young man, I couldn’t.”
A Denver native and a Regis Jesuit grad, the 42-year-old Mullan made four appearances with the USMNT and won five MLS Cups. The last one came with the Rapids a decade ago, before knee problems in 2014 put the kibosh on a 14-year year pro career.
It was as that chapter was winding down that the Regis alum started taking prerequisite courses for nursing school, following in the footsteps of his mother, Jackie. Mullan was learning those ropes at the ER several years back, toward the end of his MLS career, when the victims of a car crash were brought in.
“And I said to him, ‘How do you have the stomach for something like that?’” recalled former Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni, now an assistant with the Houston Dynamo. “’And more importantly, how do you stay calm?’
“He doesn’t doubt himself. It was something he always wanted to do. And once he put his mind to it, there was no going back.”
Full disclosure: I’d texted Brian earlier this year, when the world started grinding to a halt because of COVID-19, to ask about his career switch. A few hours later, he texted back, politely declining comment.
His former teammates and coaches said plenty.
“To do a complete 180 and go into a different field,” Mastroeni said, “it takes a lot of courage for a guy to say, ‘OK, I don’t know anything about this, but I really love it and I want to get better at it.’”
“He’s one of the most selfless people (I’ve met),” offered Dominic Kinnear, the former Rapids defender and a current LA Galaxy assistant. “I always said, ‘If I had 11 Brian Mullans on the team, I’d win the MLS Cup every year.’ If you would ask his coworkers, I’m sure you’d be hard-pressed to find a better nurse than him.”
Or a more humble one, given the resume. In October 2019, Mullan received the DAISY Award, an honor presented for “extraordinary” work in the nursing field, after being nominated by the daughter of a recent patient.
“I don’t know that I have adequate enough words,” Swedish Medical quoted the daughter as saying last fall, “to describe the differences Brian made in helping to save my mama’s life.”
As the virus swept the state, Kinnear called Mullan in late March to see how he was holding up. Mullan rang back six days later, exhausted.
“He said, ‘It’s busy, it’s a crazy time,’” Kinnear said. “(He’s) very much more of a giver than a taker. Which I think is a good characteristic to have.”
Especially now. A toast to Mullan. To Betty. To the nurses who selflessly, thanklessly, not only keep pulling their weight over the line. But ours, too.


thedenverpost--2020-05-07--Two teens who died in pickup truck crash in Weld County are identified

Two teenagers who died in a single-vehicle crash in Weld County have been identified .
Ivan A. Dominguez Castillo , @ @ @ @ @ on April 25 was the driver of a pickup truck that ran off the road @ @ @ @ @ County roads 39 and 66 , according to the Weld County Coroner ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ the truck , Cesar Armando Madera , 17 , of LaSalle , also died in @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead at the scene after both were ejected from the truck .
The crash @ @ @ @ @ Colorado State Patrol .
The official manner and cause of their deaths are awaiting autopsy @ @ @ @

Two teenagers who died in a single-vehicle crash in Weld County have been identified.
Ivan A. Dominguez Castillo, 18, of Evans, on April 25 was the driver of a pickup that ran off the road near the intersection of Weld County roads 39 and 66, according to the coroner’s office. The lone passenger, Cesar Armando Madera, 17, of La Salle, also died.
They were pronounced dead at the scene after both were ejected.
The crash remains under investigation by the State Patrol. The official cause of their deaths are awaiting autopsy and laboratory reports.


thedenverpost--2020-05-07--Opening of Mount Evans Highway to vehicle traffic pushed back by coronavirus

The opening of Mount Evans Highway will be delayed into July , if not later , because of safety concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Due to the unique risks associated with COVID-19 , the opening of Mount Evans Highway ( Colorado 5 ) will be delayed , ” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release .
The roadway , popular with Coloradans and tourists from around the globe , typically opens for Memorial Day weekend .
“ At this time , the Colorado Department of Transportation , the U.S. Forest Service and Denver Mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mount Evans — have reached an agreement that Mount Evans Highway will not open until at least early July due to delays related to COVID-19 and public health orders , ” the release said .
Visitors to the summit of Mount Evans would have difficulty practicing social distancing , according to the release .
Gatherings at fee stations , the nature center , restrooms and other mountain spots would present safety concerns .
CDOT , the Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks are considering operating an abbreviated season on Mount Evans .
Non-motorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as hiking and biking , is allowed .
Officials urge all Mount Evans visitors to follow state and local orders regarding recreation , the release said .
Gov .
Jared Polis has ordered the public to recreate only within 10 miles of home , and many roads in Clear Creek County are open to locals only .
Law enforcement , emergency response and search and rescue operations may be limited because of COVID-19 issues .
Weather conditions on the mountain vary and may be extreme at times .
If plowing begins , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road .

The opening of Mount Evans Highway will be delayed into July, if not later, because of safety concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Due to the unique risks associated with COVID-19, the opening of Mount Evans Highway (Colorado 5) will be delayed,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release.
The roadway, popular with Coloradans and tourists from around the globe, typically opens for Memorial Day weekend.
“At this time, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks — the agencies that jointly manage Mount Evans — have reached an agreement that Mount Evans Highway will not open until at least early July due to delays related to COVID-19 and public health orders,” the release said.
Visitors to the summit of Mount Evans would have difficulty practicing social distancing, according to the release. Gatherings at fee stations, the nature center, restrooms and other mountain spots would present safety concerns.
CDOT, the Forest Service and Denver Mountain Parks are considering operating an abbreviated season on Mount Evans. Non-motorized use of Mount Evans Highway, such as hiking and biking, is allowed. Officials urge all Mount Evans visitors to follow state and local orders regarding recreation, the release said. Gov. Jared Polis has ordered the public to recreate only within 10 miles of home, and many roads in Clear Creek County are open to locals only.
Law enforcement, emergency response and search and rescue operations may be limited because of COVID-19 issues. Weather conditions on the mountain vary and may be extreme at times. If plowing begins, the public may be asked to stay off the road.