Volume 39, Issue 32 - May 3, 2017

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mymetmedia.com

The Student Voice of MSU Denver

Volume 39, Issue 32

May 3, 2017

elving into small town Colorado

Met

News

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– Small town experience at Carr Manor – The big dogs of Bailey

– Castle continues to grow over 165 – Transplants find a place to settle

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– Positive legacy after tragedy – A baker’s dream in Salida

– Vintage clothing shop sets the bar – Alice’s school house turned museum

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– Whiskey and Gin find a home in Salida

– Country vibes at General store

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Auraria police assuage crime fears

Opinion

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Features

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War of words, clash of opinion

Sports

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Chet Higher, a regular of Bud’s Bar in Sedalia, Colo., sits at the bar on April 11. Higher has frequented the bar since it opened in 1948. Photo by Nikolai Puc • npuc@msudenver.edu

Hayley Fields, hits and throws

PAGE 12 >>

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May 3, 2017

News Briefs Campus police alleviate students’ worries MSU Denver

>> MSU Denver sparks cannibis study

Senior psychology major Deborah Daugherty and Katherine G. Hill, assistant professor of psychology at MSU Denver have launched two surveys which aim to study the correlation between personality and cannibis use. So far they’ve received 400 responses and they’ll be collecting more data throughout the summer. Daugherty and Hill are also conducting another survey exploring the impacts of legalization on the Colorado community, by observing legalization and policy impacts on different ethnic populations.

Colorado

>> House fire in Weld County The home explosion that killed two people in Firestone, Colo. on April 17 has been found to be the result of an abandoned gas line that had been cut. Investigators found a 1-inch supply line running from a nearby gas well that had been cut when a tank battery was moved before the Oak Meadows subdivision was built.

The gas leaking into the home was prerefined, meaning it had not been odorized. Therefore the owners would not have smelled the gas leaking into their house.

By Erika Foster efoste12@msudenver.edu Crime on college campuses is the last thing any student or faculty member wants to worry about. In the past month, Auraria has been home to crimes such as arson, burglary and accusations of attempted robbery. Fortunately, there isn’t much to worry about.

According to Auraria Campus Chief of Police Michael Phibbs, crimes like this are rare. Small crimes on campus take place everyday, but crimes like this are unusual.

Student Savannah Carey said that she has never heard of any unusual crimes taking place on campus.

“I have heard about the occasional assault or robbery, but to me that doesn’t seem so extreme considering our campus is in the heart of downtown.”

The burglary and arson crimes were committed at the same time by the same person, Phibbs explained. He also said that there should be no reason to worry because the department works hard and fast to ensure that the perpetrator is caught and future crimes are prevented.

“Crimes on campus happen everyday, however, they are rarely crimes against people and more crimes against property,” Phibbs said. “I recommend that everyone pay attention to their surroundings and belongings to prevent property from

being stolen.”

Jason Mollendor, Commander of Investigations and Community Relations, explained why crime is more prone to happening on a campus like Auraria.

“Being on Auraria Campus, we are in a vibrant area. This means that a multitude of serious crimes occasionally happen,” he said.

Both Phibbs and Mollender had similar answers on how the department keeps campus safe.

“We work incredibly hard to be vigilant and proactive in preventing crime. Our officers are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week patrolling the Auraria Campus. We also have Neighborhood Community Officers that are constantly walking through the individual neighborhoods during regular school hours,” Mollender said.

As of press time, another arson was reported at the 1st floor of the plaza building at 7:15 p.m.

Historic French presidential election

National >>Federal shutdown postponed Congressional negotiators reached a bipartisan spending bill late on April 30, to fund the government through September of this year. Congress has not confirmed the $1 trillion bill so far, but is expected to do so by the end of the week. The package includes Republican policies such as $12.5 billion in new military spending and $1.5 billion for border security. Democrats get $295 million to help Puerto Rico continue making payments to Medicaid, $100 million to combat opioid addiction and increases in energy and science funding that Trump had proposed cutting.

The measure will also ensure that Planned Parenthood continues to receive federal funding through September.

Auraria Police Chief of three years Michael Phibbs in his office in the MSU Denver administration building on May 2. Phibbs has been an active officer for almost 25 years, serving multiple Colorado communites. Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

Marine Le Pen Nationalists

VS

Emmanuel Macron Liberal Centrist

Economy

Economy

Wants to turn the euro into a common currency but restore franc in the domestic economy.

Make budget savings of 65 billion so that France sticks to the EU deficit limit of 3 percent

Labor Market

Labor Market

Keep a 35-hour work week, lower retirement to 60 and impose a new tax on hiring foreign workers.

Cut social security contributions boosting people’s purchasing power.

Maintain retirement age at 62.

Immigration

Immigration Suspend all legal immigration and limit immigration to 10,000. Deport all foreign criminals.

Make fluency in French the main qualification for obtaining French nationality and strengthen borders

Education

Education

Prioritize teaching of French, history and math. Restore school uniforms and make “secular zones” free of social conflict.

Limit class sizes in poor suburbs to 12 pupils per teacher and encourage a “cultural pass” giving students roughly $650 on cultural pursuits.

Le Pen considers herself a patriot and spreads a nationalist message.

In the first round of voting on April 23 she was right behind Macron with 21 percent support. If she wins she, plans on holding a referendum on taking France out of the European Union.

If Macron wins, he will be the youngest president, 39-years-old, that France has had. In the first round of voting Macron came in first with 24 percent support. Macron leads “En Marche!” which means “On the Move” a new progressive movement.

Graphic composed by Lindsay Milburn. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia and Wikiwand

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Mile Break High Events May 3,26,2017 News April 2017 MetMet Sports Review Features Insight

The future of food is in biodiversity

By Joella Baumann jbauma17@msudenver.edu

Hospitality, Tourism and Events faculty member Paula Gonzalez-Thomas speaks about the harm GMOs can cause at the Hot Topics event in the Multicultural Lounge on April 27.

Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

Greeley, it’s the smell of cattle farms.”

GMOs are produced to feed the CAFO machine. The majority of the land we used to generate crops are to feed CAFOs. This type of farming is destroying biodiversity because we only grow and reproduce one type of corn when there are thousands of varieties.

Gonzales-Thomas gives a stark example.

“Corn in Mexico is hugely important and they grow hundreds of varieties. Here we grow one variety. It’s a waste of land, a waste

of resources and a waste of water.”

This cost is also seen in the prices of fresh produce in our grocery stores.

“Only 2 percent of our land is used to grow fruits and vegetables. It doesn’t make sense that a can of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs cost two dollars but two apples cost $3.50,” she said.

Gonzales-Thomas also talked about the health of our birds, insects and our children.

“Our kids have type 2 adult-onset

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER BFA THESIS EXHIBITION \ SPRING 2017

1 2

As the semester comes to a close the triinstitutional Hot Topics group hosted its final session on April 27 in the Tivoli Multicultural Lounge. MSU Denver Hospitality, Tourism and Events faculty member Paula GonzalesThomas broke down genetically modified organisms and what they mean for our food and our future.

A GMO is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering. In most cases, GMOs have been altered with DNA from another organism. According to GonzalesThomas this practice of changing the DNA structure not only harms our bodies, but contributes to a myriad of other issues. Risks to biodiversity of our bodies, ecosystems and plants are not the only concern.

Gonzales-Thomas cited that the production of GMOs is directly intertwined with the mass production of food which is one of the biggest contributors to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, like cattle farms, typically feed their animals GMOs to fatten them up for slaughter.

“CAFOs create more greenhouse gas emissions than anything else in the world,” she said. “More than transportation.

The biggest cattle farm in the country is in Greeley. When people drive through northern Colorado it’s not the smell of

diabetes at 9 years old because we are subsidizing their diets with all these fillers and additives.”

She did concede, however, that she isn’t the expert opinion or the final verdict on these things because there is no proof that GMOs are bad for us and there is no hard evidence on the effects of GMOs. She did however play a commercial advertising the benefits of cigarettes, which are now known to cause cancer and other major health problems.

Gonzales-Thomas ended the event by inviting everyone to a three day conference coming to MSU Denver in July. Slow Food USA is an organization founded in Italy in the ’80s, which created the slow food movement and will partner with No Kid Hungry and Art of Taste to bring farmers, ranchers and coffee growers together.

The Hot Topic events are hosted triinstitutionally through the collaboration of the student activities offices from each school.

According to MSU Denver junior and student activities leader Tatiana Chavez, MSU Denver took the lead on this important topic.

“One of our supervisor’s families owns farms in Florida and we were talking a lot about it. That’s where we got the idea. We think it’s really important to talk about where our food comes from,” Chavez said.

CCD student David Carpenter said he felt the seminar was very informative.

“I learned a lot about food and GMOs, which I didn’t know anything about,” he said.

“I like American junk food, but I know it’s bad.

This makes me want to try and eat healthy.”

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May 3,2017

August 21, 2014

5

Point/Counterpoint: Cultural salad vs stew

By Cassie Ballard cballar7@msudenver.edu Racism is an evolving topic that has gained momentum in the last decade. There is the kind of racism that is from a strong, ignorant hate and there is the kind that just comes from ignorance.

The best representation I find is in movies, specifically “classics that stand the test of time.” But many of these classics have offensive lines that ruin the nostalgia of childhood memory. No wonder, with such a strong push for political correctness, some people have felt attacked for something they didn’t realize was wrong.

This is not a justification of racism by any means. It is a glance at a possible solution. It is understanding, the lack of which led us here in the first place.

In “The Goonies,” the character Data is stereotyped as a math-wiz, tech-savvy Vietnamese kid who became the butt of jokes because of the way his accent made certain phrases sound.

Kind of like Long Duk Dong from “Sixteen Candles.”

As a matter of fact, most movies from before 2005 somehow mock race, religion, culture, mental capacity, sex and/or sexuality. This was considered a common form of comedy. I know I have ignorantly mocked everything above, including my own sex and culture.

Now I could go white-woke-girl on you and say that the only thing not mocked is precious white people, but I don’t even think they’re safe. Some received it far worse than others but I can think of multiple, horrible jokes about the Irish, British, Norwegians, Germans and Polish.

Why was it socially acceptable for so long?

Ignorance and separation. Humans stick to groups they feel comfortable with and trust.

When my mom was growing up in Colorado, she was raised by her grandma, a Spanish immigrant with light skin

complexion. My mom talked about there being a dividing line on what streets she could walk home on because of her complexion and what streets her lineage let her walk on.

In a city like New York, areas like Chinatown or Italian neighborhoods are known by tourists and locals for their authentic food. Colorado was divided that same way, minus the tourism.

This separation is present nationwide. We all come from immigrants in some way, and the people who share your culture, beliefs, language and physical appearance are easiest to trust.

No wonder people have been so ignorant of each other for so long. We built walls to block each other from getting too close. No wonder we want to build more.

The only thing worse was the blind attempt to reverse racism. The colorblind idea that we are all the same. The same harmful ignorance, but in the name of good intent.

We are not the same, an AfricanAmerican, a Native-American and a European-American all have very different hair and skin types that require different treatment. People of different cultures have different senses of humor, food interests and goals. Why can’t we acknowledge that and enjoy learning? We have transitioned from saying race is as different as a mouse and an elephant to saying that we are all just goldfish in a bowl.

I hate to compare us to dogs, but breeds make a better metaphor. Superiority is subjective and they all have defining characteristics. Though, mutts are usually my favorite.

Separation only brings ignorance and hate but assimilation is just as harmful. Saying we are all the same is saying that you want everyone to be like you. One is superior and everyone else should follow suit, at least in this day and age.

Americanization is the sickening modern day version of assimilation. Like sriracha, a Thai dipping sauce has turned into a bastard american staple that now includes: sriracha ranch, sriracha flavored chips, even sriracha flavored hot cocoa. Modern assimilation just taints the original meaning.

But remember, I did say mutts were usually my favorite.

Americans are not ready to fi nd equality with a fair exchange. We are more focused on conquering than sharing. For now, true understanding is the only way to surpass racism.

Instead of melting into an eventual cultureless cauldron, we should see ourselves as a plentiful buffet of colorful options, which complements and betters all of us.

By Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu One of the most prominent features of America’s culture wars today is the push and pull between two ideas, assimilation versus tradition. In a way, the argument itself is an oxymoron. Assimilation’s end goal is still an argument for tradition under the standard conservative argument in this country.

To fall into this dichotomous myopia is a mistake. The most exciting creation always happens where separate human currents collide. Entire societies, from European and Middle Eastern to Asian and American have always been shaped by the interaction of different cultures.

Beware however, this is not an apology for the atrocities visited upon each other in the name of cultural superiority.

However, to dismiss that dynamic process in simple black and white terms misses much of the nuance that brought us to our current cultural moment. Rock descends from Jazz which descends from the rich musical tradition that came to our shores.

By no means should we forget that African-American music was borne out of slavery and Jim Crow. That said, had we the opportunity to prevent its mixture with other forms of music we would not have the diverse forms of sic we enjoy today.

The work of traditionally marginalized artists should not be exploited financially by a dominant racial majority, but that does not preclude the public at large from finding their own personal form of expression that’s available through the larger cultural zeitgeist, regardless of origin.

The problem with today’s social justice movement is that many of these groups have balkanized into their own little fiefdoms; jealously guarding their turf against the grand historical forces that have enriched the human experience as a whole.

Have a view on current events you’d like to share? Want to voice your thoughts on a subject that has been covered in the paper?

Send your pieces to themetonline@gmail.com or Managing Editor Esteban Fernandez at eferna14@msudenver.edu

Again beware, I am not saying that social activists should stop their crusade to elevate marginalized groups to true equality. However, do they not harm their cause by adopting a siege mentality? Rather than approaching the problem from one of confidence and strength, many social activists approach it with a fearful, factional attitude. Many appear, to me at least, that they would prefer to turn inward and shy away from a grander, more interesting world than face the grand challenge of having to refi ne their thinking.

Of course, the same is true of modern conservatism. However, therein lies the great irony. Both sides belong to the same coin.

Perhaps it is difficult to blame either of them, especially when it seems our culture as a whole has regressed to provincialism rather than outward engagement. One only need look as far as the “buy/grow local” movement to see evidence of provincialist rot.

History has shown time and time again that humanity flourishes when it looks outward and is confident in its endeavours.

Humanity flounders when it allows itself to be consumed by fi lter bubbles.

The current turn appears to be against globalization. That is a mistake. I fi rmly believe that humanity’s ultimate destiny is to leave this terrestrial cradle. To do so, the entire resources of the planet are required.

I can fi nd no rational argument against humanity working peacefully together in common cause toward a unified goal.

Th is vision requires the combined talents of every culture and nation on the planet.

Globalization is the seed that will take us to the stars. Economics has already proven itself mightier than the shield and sword.

However, to reach that point will require sacrifice. It will require that mingling cultures give and take of themselves freely, out confidence rather than fear. Without a doubt, it will mean the death of certain dearly held beliefs.

However, the species cannot give itself to the straightjacket of tradition. Death lies in that direction.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that “foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.”

Let not our great human endeavor end with the provincialism of the fearful few, but end in the mutual work to boldly go where no one has gone before.

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May 3, 2017

R unner on the

SMALL TOWN CO

Road

Carr Manor gives a taste of the old west Story and photo by Angela Yeager ayeager2@msudenver.edu The gold rush put Cripple Creek on the map as a mining camp in the 1890s. Cripple Creek is located 44 miles southwest of Colorado Springs and is nestled at the base of the Pikes Peak mountain range. It is now known as a gambling town with nine state-of-the-art casinos.

For those who want to experience the old west, there is the Carr Manor Bed and Breakfast in the original 1896 high school. The school operated until 1977 when a new high school opened.

On Memorial Day in 2004, Gary and Wini Ledford opened the renovated high school as a bed and breakfast.

The Carr Manor is much bigger than average, but that does not take away from its coziness. The 25,000 sq. ft. B&B is packed full of charm, from the antique furniture to the slate chalk boards throughout, it is like taking a step back in time.

Capturing the history was easy as each guest room is named after a former resident of Cripple Creek. For $400.00 per night, guests can stay in a king spa suite named after student and former Governor of Colorado, Ralph Carr.

Howard and Lynda Lerner are the current general managers of Carr Manor. They take a lot of pride in their work.

“This is a boutique hotel that operates like a B&B,” Lerner said.

The Lerner’s are not locals. They moved here from California and they had to earn their place among the locals. Howard quickly earned a nickname of “The Damn Californian.”

Many events bring people to the small town of Cripple Creek. Some of the most popular are Donkey

General manager of the Carr Manor Bed and Breakfast Howard Lerner hands over the key to a room in his establishment in Cripple Creek, Colo., on April 9.

Derby Days and A Cruise Above The Clouds Car Show.

People from all over Colorado come to join in the festivities. In February of 2016, Ice Fest brought 30,000 people into town. The end of summer also brings a rush of tourists on the scenic highway leading to Cripple Creek. They come to catch the stunning aspen trees as

the leaves change to gold in mid-to-late September.

The Manor not only offers a cozy place for visitors to call home while enjoying the casinos, special events and the surrounding beauty of Cripple Creek, but also offers a glimpse into historic Cripple Creek and the type of hospitality that can only be found in a small town.

Missing link musters up merriment for all

By Dayna L. Himot dhimot@msudenver.edu The big hot dog, in Bailey, Colo., is creating new memories the old-fashioned way, one customer at a time. Husband and wife co-owners, Shantelle Stephens and John Wallace, purchased the old Coney Island Boardwalk in 2016. The duo is serving a modern twist on a classic hot dog, by way of good old-fashioned hospitality and Colorado ingredients.

The couple has worked together in the restaurant industry for ten years and plan to grow old together as their business evolves. Shantelle has cooked since she could stand on a on a chair to cook eggs for her mother. She loves cooking for people.

“That’s love,” Stephens said. “I feel weird when I meet people that don’t like food because I feel like I can’t give them of myself.”

When they first bought the stand the couple struggled with poor water quality in the building. They worked with a private company to improve their water quality and most recently the state of Colorado has issued them a grant that

will enable them to keep doing research on the property to improve the water.

Catering to locals and tourists requires flexibility, imagination and home grown products. Because of their current location on the corner of Highway 285 and Old Stagecoach Rd, Stephens

and Wallace haven’t had to invest money in advertising. Instead they prefer to invest in high quality foods and believe in using Colorado made products including ketchup and soda.

“We buy actual potatoes and cut them up, fry them twice European style. We

John Wallace and Shantelle Stephens outside their business Coney Island in Bailey, Colo., on April 8.

Wallace and Stephens continue to serve the hotdogs and french fries that have made Coney Island famous while adding a few modern twists to their menu. Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

serve Continental brand hot hogs, Rocky Mountain sodas and Elevation ketchup out of Denver and Mady’s Mustard from Colorado Springs,” Wallace said.

The hot dog stand’s journey spreads over 50 miles of Colorado highway from its original 1966 location on West Colfax in Denver, to Aspen Park and now in Bailey, Colorado. The couple lives and works on the property. They plan to add on a brewery to one of the existing buildings.

“People love this place. You’re always going to have customers here, it’s a huge hotdog in the mountains. It’s gorgeous up here,” Stephens said.

Bailey resident Melissa Ammon is excited about the hours and utilizing the location as a regular eating spot for her family.

“I think the fact they serve hot dogs is always a good thing. Also, any place that is a good breakfast place out here because, there’s not many, is good,” Ammon said.

During the spring commute to Denver, motorists can stop by the Coney for homemade burritos as early as 6 a.m.

Runner on the Road

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May 3, 2017

7

Jim Bishop builds castle of dreams

By Dayna L. Himot dhimot@msudenver.edu Jim Bishop welcomes dreamers, wanderers and visionaries from around the world to his castle in the clouds in Rye. Nestled in the center of the forest, the castle towers over Highway 165 along the old Rye-Star Wetmore postal route. For Bishop, the sound of children laughing on the property is better than money.

“What an interesting man. I can’t imagine 57 years and at some point not saying, ‘I’m going to give up.’ It just amazes me that somebody could have that, stick to it and keep going.”

–John Burks on Bishop’s drive to build castle Bishop and his father Willard began construction on the two-and-a-half acre parcel of land in 1959 when Highway 165 was still made of gravel and there was nothing on the land but timber. After 57 years he’s handled every stone of the castle at least six times and hauled all of it in from as far as the town of Westcliffe.

John Burks has ridden his motorcycle past Bishop Castle with his touring buddies for two decades.

Jim Bishop, 73, sits on the outside staircase leading to the main floor of Bishop Castle in Rye on April 7. Bishop purchased the land at the age of 15 in 1959 and has been building his dream with his wife Pheobe since 1969.

Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

The Afton, Illinois, man was impressed with what he found. This year he brought his wife of 34 years, Joan, to see this metallic fortress as they journeyed to the Grand Canyon.

“What an interesting man. I can’t imagine 57 years and at some point, not saying I’m going to give up. It just amazes me that somebody could have that, stick to it and keep going,” Burks said.

Bishop is far from finished. Whether he is shoveling snow during mud season or preparing for the summer foot traffic, his attention is required year round. He believes the popularity of the castle stimulates the local economy.

“I am the Chamber of Commerce Pueblo, Custer County and the United States of America because people are coming from Germany, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania to see the castle,” Bishop said.

The hand-built three-story castle also has a firebreathing dragon that towers over the landscape. There are no admission fees but Bishop accepts donations.

Guests are required to sign the guest book that releases any liability to Bishop Castle. Bishop’s dedication to the castle is deep, regardless of any obstacles he may face. He believes if he had followed football the castle wouldn’t exist.

“Kids need to stay in school, so they don’t have to work their butt off like I did to amount to something to be somebody,” Bishop said.

The gift shop on the property is operated by Christian Sutherland and his mother Shelley Beierle, who owns it. Sutherland, a finance student at CSU Pueblo, has been working at the gift shop for 12 years.

“I think it’s really awesome that people can come and enjoy something just for the freedom of being able to do it,” Sutherland said.

As springtime approaches, the peaceful sound of birds chirping, bees buzzing and wind howling all pass through the castle of dreams in the clouds of Colorado.

Nederland suddenly the place for transplants

By Carolyn Jarvis cjarvis1@msudenver.edu

In the last decade, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado have seen a disproportionate spike in the population of its small mountain communities.

This spike has become extremely prevalent in Nederland. Once a free-spirited

mountain town, Nederland is showing signs of transforming into an extension of the cities its new bourgeois inhabitants couldn’t afford.

Cheryl Fanelli, owner of Nikki’s Nook and founder of Club Ned, a local

Nikki’s Nook owner Cheryl Fanelli in front of the small shop offering a variety of treasures that she and her husband run in Nederland. Fanelli is also the founder of the nation’s first legal cannabis club. Photo by Taelyn Livingston • tliving4@msudenver.edu

cannabis club, is one of many locals worried about the changes occurring in her small town. With good reason too, since Fanelli moved to Nederland in 1988, the town has grown by 50 percent to more than 1,500 residents.

Nederland claims there are now 5,000 residents inhabiting the areas around the town proper, located 8,230 feet above sea level.

“It’s really expensive to live down in Boulder,” Fanelli said. “So those people come up here looking for less expensive options. Those people don’t come here and buy a house because they love it. They come here and buy a house because they couldn’t afford the house down in Boulder, or in Aspen or in Vail.”

The town’s slogan, “life is better up here,” expresses the pride and admiration locals have for the town. However, residents agree that the local government could and should be doing more to coordinate efforts to improve the impacts of gentrification.

However, new HOA rules are forcing them to change their ways.

“The people that come up here with that kind of money, they seem to want to change us. They want everything clean, they want the grass cut and they want the dirty people cleaned up and moved out of town. They want us to lose our character, they want us to lose our soul. They want us to be like every other town that you see on every other post card so that they live in homogenous America,” Fanelli said.

As property value and population grows, locals hope that some of the original charm of the town will remain.

Only time will tell.

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May 3, 2017 Runner on the Road

Emily’s last words brings closure to tragedy

By Dayna Himot dhimot@msudenver.edu The death of Emily Keyes on Sept. 27, 2006, lit the way for her parents, John-Michael Keyes and Ellen Stoddard-Keyes of Bailey, to turn a devastating loss into a series of benevolent acts.

A decade after the couple’s daughter was killed in the Platte Canyon High School shooting, the foundation that was created in her memory, iloveuguys.org, is still thriving.

“I love you guys,” were Emily’s last words she said to her father via text. They served as the catalyst for her parents to start the non-profit. Despite the devastation and sadness of losing a child in a brutal murder, JohnMichael and Ellen chose to help people who have been affected by a similar tragedy. Their humanity continues to permeate throughout the community.

“You don’t choose tragedy, but you can choose your response,” Ellen said.

They personified strength

Ellen Stoddard-Keyes and John-Michael Keyes stand next to cabinet they keep full of memories of their daughter Emily in their home in Evergreen, Colo. on April 8, 2017. Although the Keyes’ recently moved to Evergreen, their life still revolves around the community in Bailey, Colo. Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

and dignity during moments that would otherwise break a parent.

They organized an event called Emily’s Parade 10 days after the shooting. In 2016 they held the

final parade. It was an annual 45-mile motorcycle ride from Columbine to Platte Canyon High Shool to commemorate people affected by school violence. John-

Michael speaks at 80 presentations a year to tell what iloveuguys.org foundation is about. The couple’s commitment to educating people about school safety comes from a

desire to make sure people know what their choices are during a school shooting.

Emily worked at the Cutthroat Cafe in Bailey. Sarah Turkington a current employee, was 12 when the shooting happened.

“I think the whole thing that could have happened to us as a community didn’t. We were already close knit. It brought us closer together,” Turkington said.

The foundation offers The Kindness Scholarship awarded annually to Platte Canyon High School students for college.

Every year an independent committee distributes surveys to students who vote for their peers regarding their kindness and compassionate practices. The scholarship recipients receive an award for up to four years until they have completed their undergraduate degrees.

To learn more about the foundation or how to respond during a school shooting, visit iloveuguys.org

Small town sourdough rises to the occasion

By Bianey Bermudez bbermude@msudenver.edu

Sourdough loaves of all shapes and sizes sit neatly on a rack behind the counter of the Little Red Hen Bakery in Salida. The local bakery offers a variety of breads and pastries made from scratch every morning.

Steve and La Sal Miller opened Little Red Hen nearly five years ago, but the smell of fresh bread hasn’t always wafted from the same location. Roughly a yearand-a-half ago, Little Red Hen outgrew its original store. Even in a town with just over 5,000 people, a small bakery wouldn’t suffice. Delicious baking attracted too many locals and tourists for the shop to support, so Little Red Hen moved down the block to a new, and current, location.

Little Red Hen isn’t the only bakery in town, but Steve knows his bakery has one thing that distinguishes it from the rest of the bread-kneading, dough-rolling pack: his wood fired oven. According to Steve, the loaves that finish in the specialty oven resemble old sourdough loaves that bakers made in 19th Century Europe.

“We make a sourdough in here. It’s delicious, but wood fired oven breads are something special,” Steve said.

While the peculiar oven is certainly a draw, Steve’s dedication to providing only the best baked goods for his customers is more likely the reason people can’t get enough Little Red Hen. He starts baking every morning at 3:30, and doesn’t break until everyone walks away with a delicious morsel in their stomachs.

Owner of Little Red Hen Bakery Steve Miller in the kitchen of his establishment that has a tendancy to serve repeat customers in Salida, Colo., on April 10.

Photo by Taelyn Livingston • tliving4@msudenver.edu

“We’ll make in here about 140 to 150 rolls, different shapes and sizes. It’s all from scratch,” Steve said. “There’s no cheating the process. It’s good, honest work.”

A sample of the Monday specials include cranberry orange braided bread and shortbread cookies. Steve greets

every customer with a smile, a sample and a conversation. While he said Little Red Hen is committed to the community, he does not discriminate against the tourists who followed the smell to try a freshly baked scone.

In some small towns, people rise at

the crack of dawn to a rooster’s crow.

In Salida, people rise refreshed to the welcoming aroma of Steve’s baked goods at Little Red Hen.

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Runner on the Road

May 3, 2017

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Finding diamonds in the rough at Ruby Blues

By Bianey Bermudez bbermude@msudenver.edu A navy blue, 1940s-style collared dress paired with a vintage leather satchel greets shoppers in the window display of Ruby Blues eclectic recycled clothing shop in Salida.

“We’re really brand sensitive.

We do everything vintage.”

– Michael

Almeida

on his store’s branding Ruby Blues is not a typical consignment thrift store. It is authentic vintage to the core.

Owner Michael Almeida has been buying, selling and trading for as long as he can remember.

To accommodate this innate passion, he founded Ruby Blues seven years ago. Almeida has five pickers across the state of Colorado who scavenge the best vintage items in the state for Ruby Blues. The friendly thrift store welcomes anyone looking to pass on their treasures to sell and trade their items. The

Owner of Ruby Blues vintage store Michael Almeida in his establishment in Salida, Colo. on April 10. Almeida greets his customers everyday with a smile. Photo by Andrea Herrera • aherre38@msudenver

cordial atmosphere is equally as welcoming for those buyers looking for a quality steal.

Ruby Blues consists of men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing and accessories, home goods and

all types of knick-knacks from generations past. A Patagonia jacket from the 90s, a Hawaiian dress from the 60s and vintage Harley Davidson riding boots have all visited Ruby Blues at

one time or another. The store also boasts stacks of vinyl records. But the daunting racks and stacks shouldn’t intimidate customers from sifting through.

The prices are truly unbeatable.

Ruby Blues has seen a rise in business thanks to tourism and the wave of people making Salida their new home. More specifically, Almeida’s seen a rise in the number of 18-to-25 year olds buying vintage and second-hand.

He even dubbed this age group his most prominent customers.

Support from locals and tourists helped Ruby Blues achieve record sales months all year, and Almeida is busy expanding his inventory.

Finding second hand vintage items is not a hard thing to do at any secondhand store, but Ruby Blues makes the experience easier. Almeida described his shop as being one of a kind in the sense that it keeps a constant selection of items that match the brand image.

“We’re really brand sensitive.

We do everything vintage: 1980s, 1990s all the way to 1900s stuff and we do all the outdoor brands, because we are in a mountain town,” Almeida said.

With his obvious zeal for vintage items and appeal to Salida’s small-town, outdoorsy lifestyle, it’s no surprise that vintage Ruby Blues is the modern shopper’s paradise.

Historical schoolhouse revives memory with museum

By Carolyn Jarvis cjarvis1@msudenver.edu Once more, the small neighborhood of Alice has a beating heart, 32 years after St. Mary’s Glacier Ski Resort was shut down along with it all of the shops, thanks to Jaquie Zegan.

Children first walked through the doors of Alice Schoolhouse in 1896 when residents of the small mining community were looking to make their living situation feel permanent. Later on, they would add a market and a fine eatery up the hill.

In 1906, when the population grew, they built a larger schoolhouse just across the street and the old school house became a rustic cabin which still exists today. Alice thrived for nearly a half-century until mining all but shut down in the area.

The Clear Creek County School District would eventually send the remaining children of the area to a bigger school elsewhere. “The bus comes halfway up Fall River Road, there’s a paper box down there

President of the Alice Historical Society Jacquie Zegan, left, and her boyfriend Brian Bannen relax in front of the Alice school house on April 15. Zegan, along with other locals turned the one-room school house into a museum. The building fell into disrepair when students stopped attending school in Alice in 1940. Photo by Lauren Cordova • scordo22@msudenver.edu

and most people drive their kids to school,” Zegan says.

As of April 10, 1940, when the census last visited Alice School House, there were no children to be reported.

The building sat vacant,

being used here and there, until the 1980s when local women decided to create the first Alice Historical Society. They improved the building by adding a bathroom and a kitchen.

Although the school house is

in tip-top shape, it spent much of the 1990s boarded up and out of service. When the ski lodge was closed with no reopen date in sight, people started to leave town.

Zegan moved to the Alice neighborhood in 1998 and it

took her a decade of driving past the school house everyday on her commute to Denver to finally give in and look into putting the Alice Historical Society back together.

“It was closed up and dark.

Nobody ever took care of it. So then after living here for about ten years, I said, ‘I’m going to do something.’ So I got some ladies together and we started rooting together in the basement. We were pulling stuff out. We had masks on. It was a disaster,” Zegan said.

With help from her neighbors, a tech savvy Girl Scout and other historical societies in the area, Zegan was able to restore the schoolhouse to its former glory. It’s now a community center and museum of Alice’s past.

Inside the museum, located in the basement of the school house are artifacts of Alice’s past. Visitors can see a large variety of items that include photos of former Alice residents, curriculum books and items found buried in the area, like a woman’s shoe.

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May 3, 2017 Runner on the Road

Whiskey in the Woods

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By Janis Carrasquel

jcarras6@msudenver.edu The flow of life was what brought P.T. Woods to Salida. He could not resist the urge to raft the wild waters of the Arkansas River crossing the valley, under the shadow of Monarch Ridge.

But water is not the only liquid raising Salida’s adventurous spirits nowadays.

Woods’ other passion is whiskey.

Woods said he would always have whiskey with friends at the end of a rafting trip when they would sit down to share and talk. On the banks of the Colorado River, during a Grand Canyon trip, he thought of how great it would be to drink his own bourbon. That is how the idea of Woods’ High Mountain Distillery was born.

Woods has been in Salida since the late ’80s.

“I don’t know how long that is. A few weeks?” he said.

He spoke joyfully about his life in Colorado and his work as a master distiller, an adventure he started almost five years ago.

He grew up in Boulder, went to college in Durango and built a family in Salida.

“My parents were a little bit of hippies though,” Woods said.

Growing up, his family traveled a lot. That is why he said his nickname PT, stands for Passing Through Woods.

PT Woods, the man behind the art and science of Woods High Mountain Distillery, shows off his true character as he explains the process of creating his favorite alcoholic beverage, whiskey on April 10 in Salida, Colo. Photo by Andrea Herrera • aherre38@msudenver.edu

His distilling craft was pretty much self-taught.

“It was something I wanted to do, so I went out and figured out how to do it,” Woods said.

This Coloradan takes a lot of care about his commitment to local businesses and on delivering sustainable and organic products.

He collaborates with other business owners in Salida, where many have their own ventures but provide each other with resources or materials.

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING ON MAY 15 AT 7 PM!

Woods’ distillery dispenses different kinds of craft liquors in their tasting room.

To see the magic of these alchemist brews being produced, do not go far. Patrons just need to look at the back of the bar. There they will see the whole distillery from the comfort of their tables.

Back there, Woods and his team produce their bottles of Tenderfoot Whiskey and Alpine Rye Whiskey. They have three varieties of gin spiced up with local

ingredients, and herbs. They also offer exotic elderflower liqueur. Woods and his team are also developing a new blue gin.

“We use a secret botanical,” he said.

The mysterious flower gives the liquor a completely natural cobalt blue hue.

With Pearl, the distillery dog by his side, Woods pointed to a big piece of copper and other metals he calls Frankenstill.

“You probably cannot tell but I made that still myself,” Woods said.

Inside Frankenstill´s copper belly, Woods pours a beer they already made before on a dairy tank. The vapors of what started as a mix of water, grains and yeasts, are boiled, cooled and condensed.

Next he introduced Ashley, a late 1800s German still he managed to put to work.

Next he extracts the distill. Finally, the alcohol rests in oak barrels for one and a half to three years until they are ready to bottle.

Woods said about 25 percent of his venue’s visitors are local. The rest are visitors coming from other places in Colorado, other states and he also gets people from across the globe.

“We are all over the place,” Woods said about his expanding distribution. “We are all over Colorado. A little bit on the east coast, Italy.”

Patrons are greeted by an open space and can choose to sit at the bar, a table or a cozy couple of sofas. Walls are a mix of wood and brick and it feels like everything is worn out but has been given a second life.

While MSU Denver thinks all of our students are absolutely outstanding only so many awards can be given out ... So, without further ado, here's a list of the

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD WINNERS for 2016/2017 PRESIDENT’S AWARD 2017

CHRISTOPHER ESCOBAR PROVOST’S AWARD 2017

ELIZABETH HUBBARD OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD IN THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 2017

JACK MAYFIELD OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD IN THE COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS & SCIENCES 2017

JARED WILSON OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD IN THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION 2017

BRITTNI ROYBAL OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD IN THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 2017

LINDA MEDINA MARTINEZ PRESIDENT’S AWARD FALL 2016

ARIADNA OCHOA MAGALLANES PROVOST’S AWARD FALL 2016

VISIT

IN SUITE 313

STARTING TODAY AFTER 10 AM TO RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES! STUDENT ID MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF TICKET PICK UP. EVERYTHING EVERYTHING HAS BEEN RATED RATED PG-13 FOR THEMATIC ELEMENTS AND BRIEF SENSUALITY. Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit one pass per person. Each pass admits two.

Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security.

You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

IN THEATERS MAY 19

Read the Book. See the Movie | Soundtrack Available Now | EverythingEverythingMovie.com | #EverythingEverything

LEVI APPENFELDER

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

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Met Features

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May 3, 2017

General store provides quaint throwback

By Zee Nwuke znwuke@msudenver.edu Forty minutes south of Denver sits the small town of Sedalia, Colorado. Home to several hundred residents, this quaint town is reminiscent of a Colorado of the past.

Alexander’s General Store doesn’t disappoint in channeling this oldworld charm. Th is family-owned farm community store supplies the locals with all of the products they need and the owners have as much welcoming presence as their unique store.

The Robert’s family, who have dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of the Sedalia citizens, tote a smile on every customer’s face as a major accomplishment.

This farm community store has been in operation at its current location since Jan. 1, 2015, but has existed for generations.

“The store came to be many years past when the current owner’s cousins began a general store that offered hardware, foods, drinks, wares and whatalls sometime in the 1920’s. The building has had many different and diverse inhabitants and businesses,” said Morgan Roberts, co-owner of Alexander’s General Store.

The store was established when a group of like minded individuals decided to come

together to create the store as it stands today.

The Roberts’ family saw a need for products that were not available in the small town of Sedalia. They could not let this problem persist, so they created a solution.

“The store was conceived on the ideals of offering a true experience of a turn of

the century farm community style store and family friendly location which would be the outlet of the family Ranch/Farm production of organically raised produce and handcrafted goods,” Roberts said.

Patrons can purchase seasonal farm produce, handcrafted tools, a selection of

Greg Alexander mixing up a classic Rootbeer Float, his favorite drink at Alexander’s General Store in Sedalia, Colo., on April 11. Photo by Nikolai Puc • npuc@msudenver.edu

antique ranch tools and wares. They also offer homemade goods and food grown on their own ranch as well. Everything offered to customers is hand selected by the Alexanders in order to fi ll the needs of a small farm town.

The experience they provide for their customers is what sets them apart from similar stores.

Greg Alexander, the owner of the store, said, “Modern day stores are set up to bring the customer in, get their money, and rush them out of the door. Our store welcomes you in regardless of your money. There is always a free cup of coffee and plenty of conversation.”

The store enriches the community by attracting customers from neighboring counties and tourists from around the country.

It also brings neighbors together, providing a place for neighbors to make friends.

“Our store provides a comfortable and welcoming location open to making new friends and introducing neighbors and visitors to one another, which does not happen in the fast paced retail outlets being built today,” Roberts said.

Alexander’s General Store is unique to the area, providing a high level of service to its customers. Alexander’s General Store takes it to another level, making its customers feel that they are part of the community.

Theater Center: “Godot” is worth the wait

By Avery Anderson aande133@msudenver.edu As the old saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” This phrase could not be more appropriately applied to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities production of “Waiting for Godot.”

This classic show by Samuel Beckett was originally produced in French in 1953. At the time the show was met with criticism and poor reviews. The world was not yet ready for a show like “Godot.”

“Waiting For Godot” became one of the first plays of the “theatre for the absurd” genre; a style of show that tries to shock audiences while exposing them to truth and realism. Audiences are exposed to themes such as time, friendship, and reality. The main characters are faced with the dilemma of staying and waiting for Godot many times or finally leaving and moving on.

“Godot” fits into this category because it is a show in which nothing happens, twice.

Audiences watch as Estragon and Vladimir spend their day waiting for Godot to come. They fi ll their time by talking, fighting and interacting with Pozzo and Lucky, two travelers, when they come by.

The second act is essentially the same, but slightly different. Estragon and Vladimir are still waiting for Godot. They still talk, but about different topics. Pozzo and Lucky come by again, but are different as well.

“Godot” makes its viewers think. It does not lay out the path or the morals and messages it wants you to learn on a silver platter. The audience, just like the characters, must discover the themes along the way.

This fantastic production is brought to life

by director Geoff rey Kent. His style of directing enhances the production to a breathtaking level. The direction is perfectly timed, creating a spectacle of dialogue and action all in one.

Sam Gregory and Timothy McCracken play the roles of Vladimir and Estragon and play them perfectly. Their comedic timing, interaction with each other and ability to shift the mood of the show at the drop of a hat is pure perfection.

Audiences can see that they enjoy each other and enjoy these roles and that adds the cherry on top of a stellar production.

“Waiting for Godot” is a show that needs no introduction. It has a long and rich history but if you want to see the show done justice then this production is your chance.

If you go: “Waiting For Godot” now playing at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities through May 20.

6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003.

Directed by Geoffrey Kent.

Starring Sam Gregory and Timothy McCracken.

For tickets visit aravadcenter.org

11

Timothy McCracken (Estragon) and Sam Gregory (Vladimir) in “Waiting For Godot’ at the Arvada Center. Photo Courtesy of M. Gale Photography

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Sports

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May 3, 2017

Roadrunner News » Softball endures unexpected losing streak The MSU Denver softball team continued their late season slide April 30 in a doubleheader against Adams State. The Roadrunners lost both games, which brings their season-high losing streak to six games. The games against Adams State were the last of the regular season for the Runners. The team finished the regular season in third place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and will begin their RMAC tournament title defense against Colorado Christian University on May 4. All games will take place in Grand Junction due to the fact that Colorado Mesa University finished the regular season with the best conference record.

» 2017 Rowdy Award winners announced The MSU Denver Athletics Department conducted the 2017 Rowdy awards on April 26. This year it was volleyball that took home the team of the year honors. The junior female academic athlete of the year award was shared by women’s soccer player Cassi Fischer and softball player Kristyn Peters. For the men it was baseball player Sean Kennedy that won the award. The senior academic athletes of the year were Sabrina Naccarato of the golf team and Nic Atkinson of the men’s tennis team. Men’s basketball and women’s golf won the academic teams of the year.

The big awards of the night went to Josh Belfrage of the men’s soccer team and Brandi Torr of the volleyball team, who won athlete of the year awards.

Hayley Fields: Excellence on and off the mound

By David Schaut dschaut@msudenver.edu If you think athletic talent and humility don’t coincide, then you don’t know MSU Denver softball star Hayley Fields.

Fields has succeeded on the diamond with every team she’s played for, from her state championship winning days in high school to her Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship last season. She’s a woman of many hats: she pitches, she hits and she fields, and she does it all at a level that would make most people green with envy. But if you ask her about her successes, she’ll be the first to place the credit elsewhere.

“Growing up with a whole family of support has helped me,” Fields said. “They watch every game on video and I always get my good luck text in the morning. Then during the game they text me the whole time what I’m doing wrong, what I need to fix, what I’m doing good.”

“We didn’t really get into contact until shortly after our 2015 season ended. She’d sent me an email and we had an opening. It was kind of too good to be true because I was looking for another stick but also needed a pitcher.”

–Annie Van Wetzinga on Fields’ recruitment This is where Fields’ maturity shines. Many athletes would balk at the idea of their parents critiquing them, especially when they’re a college athlete, but it’s something that she looks forward to. She appreciates the time her parents and siblings have spent helping her achieve success, and she craves more.

MSU Denver pitcher Hayley Fields throws a pitch during the second game of a double-header against UCCS at the Regency Athletics Complex on March 5. Roadrunners won both games.

Photos by Kenny Martinez • kmart143@msudenver.edu

“I look forward to it,” she said. “I loved being coached by my dad.”

With the kind of support system she’s had, it’s no surprise that her numbers in high school were off the chart. She finished her senior season at Arlington High School in Washington state with a 2.25 ERA, a .522 batting average and a .767 slugging percentage, yet she wasn’t heavily sought out of high school.

“We didn’t really know the process, we didn’t really know how to go about recruiting or anything,” she said. “We started playing on a travel ball team that was highly recruited and looked at our senior year, but that’s already too late. The majority of people do it in their junior summer.”

Because of her lack of offers, Fields ended up at North Idaho College, where she continued her success. She didn’t pitch in her freshman year in Idaho because she was burnt out on pitching in high school, but she decided to return to the circle in her sophomore season. It was a good decision. She went 10-1 that year and posted a 2.91 ERA to go along with 54 strikeouts.

She was just as good at the plate. She set the school record for doubles in a season with 32, hit nine home runs and batted

in 70 RBIs. Being that North Idaho College is a two-year school, Fields was forced to set out and find a new team if she wanted to continue her softball career.

Coincidentally, MSU Denver head softball coach Annie Van Wetzinga was looking for both a pitcher and a hitter. She’d kill two birds with one stone.

“We didn’t really get into contact until shortly after our 2015 season ended,” Van Wetzinga said. “She’d sent me an email and we had an opening. It was kind of too good to be true because I was looking for another stick but also needed a pitcher.”

But nothing was set in stone.

It wasn’t until Fields came to Denver and Van Wetzinga got a taste of her laid back personality that all parties realized it was a great match.

“We got her on campus and she was just really pleasant to have on campus and show around. Really easy to talk to,” Van Wetzinga said. “She’s a very outgoing person. Sometimes you get people on campus and they’re shy, but she’s not shy, which is really nice, and always having that steady personality on the mound has been good.”

Good is an understatement.

Fields led the Roadrunners to an RMAC championship last

season and is aiming to do the same this year. She’s 14-4 with a 3.09 ERA, both of which lead the team, and she’s tied for the team lead in strikeouts with 49.

She hasn’t been a slouch with the stick, either. She’s batting at a .368 average, good for second best on the team, and has three home runs and 37 RBIs. But numbers just don’t matter to Fields. During the interview, she had such a hard time deciding whether she’d rather pitch a perfect game or hit a walk off home run that she ultimately decided on the home run because her teammates would enjoy it more.

Third baseman Harley Huser described why teammates love playing with Fields.

“She’s awesome. She’s always super positive with us,” Huser said. “She loves to make us laugh and she always keeps it light on the field and stuff. She’s always laughing and super fun to be around during the games.”

Fields, Huser, Van Wetzinga and the softball team have completed their regular season slate and are awaiting the start of the 2017 RMAC softball tournament. They begin their quest for back-to-back RMAC championships on May 4 against Colorado School of Mines.

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May 3, 2017 Met Sports

Roadrunners baseball jockeying for seed

Nationwide News » Broncos complete 2017 NFL Draft

MSU Denver Junior Donny Ortiz Jr. prepares to tag out University of Northern Colorado player Matt Burkart as he slides in an attempt to steal second base at the Regency Athletic Complex on April 15. The Roadrunners win the game 2-1. Photo by Geoff Ziegler • gziegler@msudenver.edu

By Richard Allen rallen57@msudenver.edu The Roadrunners baseball team has clinched a spot in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament, with seeding all that is left to decide.

After a three-game sweep of Colorado Christian University April 28-30, MSU Denver has clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2015 with only four games left in the regular season. The Runners are currently second in the conference with an 18-13 record and are 24-20 overall. But with little separation between seeds 2-6 and their final series being against first place Colorado Mesa University, which boasts a 28-3 RMAC record, the Runners have little room for error.

During the series with CCU, the Runners were victimized by the weather, which forced a cancellation of game four. CCU, at 10-21, is a bottom feeder of the conference. The fact that the weather denied the Runners an opportunity for an additional win could hinder the team’s goal of a high seed, but it’s an obstacle that head coach Jerrid Oates said is worth noting, but nothing more.

“It is what it is, we can’t control it,” he said. “We came out here and took care of business and we’ll move on to next week now.

What happens in the final weekend of regular season

games has huge implications on the tournament seeding. The Runners are ahead of the third and fourth seeds by only a pair of games, with Regis University at 18-14 and Colorado School of Mines at 17-15.

In fifth place, Colorado State University-Pueblo is lurking at 15-14 with a four-game set against last-place Adams State concluding their schedule.

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs occupies the sixth seed at 17-16 and could watch their way to a higher seed if another team drops to .500 or below.

CMU has secured the top seed and with it the right to host the tournament at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction.

CMU is ranked No. 8 in the country in Division II baseball with a 34-8 overall record and have not lost any series in the RMAC this season. Their sophomore outfielder Bligh Madris is likely to win the RMAC triple crown, leading the conference in batting average, RBI and home runs as well as hits, on base percentage, slugging percentage and total bases. On the mound, their ace Kyle Leahy boasts a microscopic .96 ERA, and has allowed only eight runs in 75 innings pitched.

Three CMU players sit in the top ten in conference batting average and nine have ERAs under 3.00.

Mesa is the last potential RMAC tournament opponent MSU Denver has left to face.

With bracketing in the air, the Runners could realistically face any of the other five seeds early in the tournament. A sweep from Mesa could drop them down to the final spot, while claiming any of the four contests could slot them anywhere from fifth to second depending on what happens in the conference’s other games this weekend. Regis and Mines go head-to-head for four, making a shakeup throughout the standings plausible.

In terms of ideal opponents, the Runners must be hoping for a matchup with UCCS in the early going. The Runners won the season series against the Mountain Lions 5-1 and outscored them 42-34. The Runners pitching kept the Lions offense under five runs in four of those games. It is also worth noting that the UCCS team the Runners handled somewhat readily is the only one in the RMAC to have a non-losing record against Mesa this season with a 2-2 record.

They may also be seeking redemption against Mines, to whom they lost the season series 1-3 with sloppy defense and a pitching meltdown. In four games, MSU Denver allowed 10 unearned runs on nine errors and walked 22. They allowed at least eight runs in each game and were outscored 44-30. After a much cleaner brand of baseball in the second half of the season, it may

be time to set the record straight.

CSU-Pueblo was the first team the Runners took on in conference play, splitting the series 2-2. Their two victories were hotly contested, with scores of 5-3 and 12-9, while their losses were blowouts of 11-1 and 19-6.

In those games, the pitching staff issued 12 and 10 walks, respectively, numbers they haven’t reached since the middle of March. With the pitchers able to locate their spots better as of late, a revisit with the Pack may be a beneficial one for the Runners.

The final potential matchup is with Regis University, who made short work of MSU Denver in the regular season. In six games, the Rangers took five victories, scoring twice as many runs as the opposition. However, as late as April 12, Regis appeared to be a lock for the second seed in the tournament with a 17-4 RMAC record at the time. What followed was a stretch that saw them go 1-7 and tumble in the standings.

After dropping a series 3-1 to CSU-Pueblo, the Rangers of late April look much different than those of two weeks before.

Regardless of the final weekend, the Runners are poised to at least be in the conversation in the late rounds. After coming within one win of being conference champions in 2015, the team is ready for another chance starting May 10.

The Denver Broncos 2017 NFL Draft class has been chosen. General Manager John Elway addressed positions of need in the draft in the first and fifth rounds with the selections of Utah tackle Garett Bolles and Michigan tight end Jake Butt, respectively. They also attempted to find DeMarcus Ware’s replacement when they drafted defensive end DeMarcus Walker out of Florida State in the second round. Cornerback Brendan Langley from Lamar University was added to the No Fly Zone in the third round. The Broncos also addressed the punt and kick return game with the selections of wide receiver Carlos Henderson from Louisiana Tech in the third round and wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie from Georgia in the fourth round. Both returned punts and kicks while in college.

To finish up, the Broncos selected running back De’Angelo Henderson in the sixth round and made Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly Mr. Irrelevant with the final pick of the draft.

» Broncos sign former Chief Jamaal Charles Former Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos after completing a physical.

Charles was one of the most prolific running backs in the league before injuries started forcing him to miss games. In the three seasons spanning 2012-14, Charles started 45 games and appeared in 46, rushed for a combined 3,829 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging about 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 13 touchdown passes in that span. However, Charles has only played in eight games in the past two seasons because of injuries. If he can resurrect the Charles of old, the Broncos will have a lethal weapon in the backfield. If not, the Broncos will have yet another injuryplagued back.

13

Mile High 14

Events mymetmedia.com f: themetropolitan @themetonline

May 3, 2017

Auraria Events 05.03

Tri-Institutional Open Mic Night Open to everyone.

Location Price Time

Multicultural Lounge Free 4 p.m.

05.03

Esquire Film Series & Discussion Open to everyone.

Location Price Time 05.03

Esquire Theater $8.50 6 p.m.

MSU Denver Chamber Music Ensembles Open to everyone.

Location Price Time 05.04

King Center $5 7:30 p.m.

Lavender Graduation Open to everyone.

Location Price Time

Tivoli 440 Free 4 p.m.

Catch DJ Larry Ali, on Monday from 4-5 p.m. Larry mixes the hottest in hip-hop and R&B with his own unique flair and style.

Other News >>Trending • Former South Carolina police officer Michael Slager pled guilty to using excessive force in the shooting of Walter Scott that went viral in 2015.

• Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was the target of racial slurs and hit with a bag of peanuts in a game at Fenway Park on May 1.

Concerts 05.03 Location Price Time

Gnash Summit Music Hall $20-$25 6:30 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

Nothing, Nowhere Summit Music Hall $20-$24 6 p.m.

05.05 Location Price Time

Pegboard Nerds Red Rocks $30/$75 5 p.m.

05.03 Location Price Time

Chance The Rapper Red Rocks $59.95 7 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

Todd Park Mohr 1st Bank Center $25-$55 7:30 p.m.

05.05 Location Price Time

King Lil G Summit Music Hall $23-$25 7 p.m.

05.03 Location Price Time

Murray Perahia Newman Center $10-$60 7:30 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

Jon Pardi Grizzly Rose $25 8 p.m.

05.05 Location Price Time

Colorado Symphony Boettcher Concert Hall $34-$94 7:30 p.m.

05.03 Location Price Time

Veil of Maya Fox Theatre $26 7:30 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

Tatanka Bluebird Theater $10 8 p.m.

05.05 Location Price Time

Aimee Mann Boulder Theater $25 8 p.m.

05.03 Location Price Time

Brent Cobb Ogden Theater $35-$45 8 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

...Baby One More Time Fox Theatre Ladies Free/$5 10 p.m.

05.05 Location Price Time

Brother Ali Cervantes' Ballroom $20/$25 9 p.m.

Other News

Met Sports

• The Gorillaz released their first album in seven years on April 28. "Humanz," the 20-song album featured collaborations with many artists, including Vince Staples and Popcaan.

Baseball

• Jimmy Kimmel went viral after giving a teary-eyed monologue following the birth of his son who was found to have several heart defects. He questioned the morality of denying people with pre-existing conditions health insurance.

• President Donald Trump proudly compared himself to former President Andrew Jackson and claimed that had he been alive at the time, he could have prevented the Civil War.

05.05 Location Price Time

Softball vs. Colorado Mesa Home Varies 6 p.m.

05.04 Location Price Time

RMAC Tournament Grand Junction Varies 8:30 a.m.

Pro Sports 05.05 Location Price Time

Rockies vs. DBacks Coors Field Varies 6:40 p.m.

04.22 Location Price Time

Rapids vs. Whitecaps DSPG Varies 5:30 p.m.

05.03 Location Price Time

Eagles vs. Americans Loveland Varies 8:05 p.m.

05.06 Location Price Time

Mammoth vs. Stealth Vancouver Varies 8 p.m.

Met

Break

f: themetropolitan

mymetmedia.com

Horoscopes

Things to do...

Capricorn

Aquarius

In Colby, Kansas 1. Slowly die.

2. Drink. Heavily.

3. Look for ways out of Colby, Kansas.

possession.

Take care not to get on a soapbox today, Aquarius. You may feel the urge to air your grievances today, but your strong opinions could inspire extreme reactions from unwanted sources.

Your emotions may prove overwhelming today, Leo. Don't worry though, all these things shall pass.

The stars and the globe may decide that your emotions are irrelevant anyway, so get through it.

Pisces

Virgo

February 19 - March 20

August 23 - September 22

Sometimes it's OK to indulge. Maybe some chips or some pie. Today, you may feel gluttonous and you have worked hard lately. You deserve this. Just don't complain later.

You may find some financial success soon, Virgo.

Your enterprising nature, regardless of how successful all your endeavors turn out, will open many doors for you. See you in 2028, you ambitious person you.

March 21 -April 19

September 23 - October 22

5. Something about tornadoes and

Today could be filled with delays and mix-ups at the office, Aries. Try to stay grounded and keep on keeping on. There may be a diamond in the dirt.

Libra

You're feeling especially creative today, Libra.

Great ideas are seemingly pouring out of you.

However, don't let this distract you from the fact that bees are dying at an alarming rate globally.

Scorpio

Taurus

witches?

October 23 -November 21

April 20 - May 20

6. Spelunk in nuclear missle silos.

7. Where?

Hear or see something that makes you laugh?

Shake your head? Roll your eyes or say WTF? Tweet it to @themetonline with the hashtag #overheardoncampus

You have big plans, Taurus, and your dreams may be keeping you from paying attention to your work. Be wary of grabbing the bull by the horns, as more productive things are at hand.

1. Pack down firmly 5. Mast attachment 10. Crazy way to run 14. Orchestra pitch-setter 15. Up in arms 16. Denmark native 17. Superabundance 18. Insincere promise 20. 6-3, e.g., in tennis 21. Circus structure 22. Macho types 23. Ghostly verb 25. ''The Last Emperor'' actress Joan 27. Consecrate 29. Cinephiles go to them 33. The Velvet Fog 34. High school dances 35. Big, fat mouth 36. They sometimes get the ax 37. Ruckuses 38. Jacob's son 39. Smart-whip connectors 40. Utilizes a spatula 41. Champion of dance 42. They're on the lookout 44. Absolutely useless 45. Opposite of ''yippee!''

46. Low grade?

47. Pallid 50. Japanese aborigine 51. Pen tip

Don't get stung by a malicious manipulation today, Scorpio. Be ware of those wearing yellow, as their intentions, beyond their clothing decisions, are questionable at best.

Sagittarius

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

November 22 - December 21

Double down today, Gemini. Have an extra serving of dessert. Know you're wrong in an argument, but keep fighting. Turn every light on and off twice. Repeat every sentence you say. Live life to its fullest.

Take a day to appreciate yourself, Sagittarius. Your stretches have paid off lately, so feel good about it. Things don't always pan out, so when they do it's OK to feel good. Just remember the feeling next time it doesn't.

Across

54. Pearly-gray fur 57. Relinquish 58. Orange coat 59. Ring-shaped reef 60. ''... against ___ of troubles'' 61. They can be made to meet 62. Skein components 63. Peter the Great, e.g.

“Work six days a week.”

— Lauren Cordova

Leo

July 23 - August 22

Aries

What are your summer plans?

June 21 - July 22 This is a good day to get organized, Cancer. Let's be honest, you've taken it easy lately and paid the price. The stars are calling your recent slobbiness to task, time to get it together.

January 20 - February 18

4. Go to jail for marijuana

15

Met Picks: Cancer

December 22 - January 19 Today you're feeling especially energetic.

However, be wary of where your newfound proactivity takes you, as spontaneous actions can have long term effects.

May 3, 2017

Down 1. Glad rags 2. Having the right stuff 3. Harmonica, e.g.

4. Dog or gerbil, perhaps 5. Word in a Christmas carol title 6. Computer command 7. Absorbed 8. ''___ alive!''

9. It's only one until you cross it 10. Pre-Christmas period 11. Hurt severely 12. Some years back 13. Intellectually acute 19. Ostrich relatives 21. Melody 24. Draws a bead on 25. Pork portions 26. Mini features 27. First cervical vertebra 28. Gallows sight 29. Lint catchers, e.g.

30. One who sees firsthand 31. ''Bolero'' composer 32. Part of a steeple 34. Carries on, as a trade 37. Emulate a butterfly 38. Builder's units 40. It was spent on the Riviera once 41. Spiritual teacher 43. Fashion shifts 44. Epilogue or coda, e.g.

46. Occupies completely 47. Measurement in a Caldwell title 48. Tibia locale 49. Forest forager 50. Medicinal lily from Africa 52. Mental inspiration 53. Unwilling fairy tale host 55. Crone 56. Suffix meaning ''resident'' 57. Grimalkin, for one Source: http://www.onlinecrosswords.net

“Going to Colby, Kansas!”

— Madison Lauterbach “The same thing I do every year: try to take over the world!”

— Andrew Crosthwaite “Whiskey and crying.”

— Esteban Fernandez “Get money.”

— David Schaut “Definitely not doing drugs with my cat.”

—James Burky “Hopefully going to Cali.”

– Jamel Jones

Sudoku

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty: Hard

Answers:

@themetonline

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