Douglas County Works with Arapahoe County for Regional Crime Lab

October 24, 2016 / admin / Blog

Douglas County has teamed up with Arapahoe County and Aurora, Colorado to create and develop a regional crime lab that’ll be used by the two counties to fight crime. After the Douglas County Sherriff’s Office sent a sexual assault case to the state crime lab for DNA testing, a year later they still had no results. This promoted Douglas County to look for alternatives to fighting crime and put suspects behind bars quicker than the turnaround time for the state crime lab.

Arapahoe County faced similar circumstances with cases from 2015. They’ve submitted several cases last year that still haven’t seen results back, stalling cases and other investigative work. Typically, the wait for DNA analysis from the state crime lab can take four to 18 months. Colorado isn’t the only state fighting this battle, especially when it comes to sexual assault cases.

The Regional Forensics Crime Laboratory is estimated to cost roughly $13.7 million and is two years in the making. It will serve Douglas and Arapahoe Counties, including the City of Centennial who has contracts with the Arapahoe County Sherriff’s Office. Other areas may also be able to use the crime lab once built for a fee per analysis or case, giving Colorado law enforcement a chance to help reduce the backlog the state crime lab currently has on its plate.

The agreement to work together on a regional crime lab should be finalized by the end of October 2016. Groundbreaking would take place in the summer of 2017 and would be located on the northern border between Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. In August of 2016, the three groups came together to put this plan in place for a regional crime lab. They believe the overall cost of the project will be $13.7 million but once the designs are finalized, the true cost will be calculated.

Douglas County will focus on the land acquisition, along with construction costs through the use of Justice Center Sales and Use Tax. Then, once the construction is complete, Arapahoe County and Aurora will take over. Aurora will pay and install the information technology infrastructure, along with the support staff for it. Arapahoe County will provide a variety of specialized staff and equipment for the regional crime lab.

Arapahoe County, Aurora, CO, Colorado, Douglas County

Homeless Have New Shelter Options in Douglas County

October 17, 2016 / admin / Blog

New programs to help support women and children affected by domestic violence are being developed and opened in Douglas County. These homeless shelters will focus on Douglas County residents displaced by escaping domestic abuse situations at home. Hotel vouchers will be given to a family who wants to stay with their father, whereas those staying with their mother will be housed at various churches throughout the county.

In addition to being referred to a shelter, you can also visit WinterShelterNetwork.org for more information and to register for a safe place to spend the night away from domestic abuse. The Southeast Christian Outreach in Parker, Parker Task Force, Douglas/Elbert Task Force and Catholic Charities will help facilitate referral to shelters in the covered areas throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and other areas in Douglas County.

The Winter Shelter Network began with just four churches housing those displaced by domestic abuse, including Southeast Christian. Meeting every four to six weeks, they looked for ways to help people along with getting other churches and locations to join the network. Douglas County currently has the fourth highest median household income by county in the United States; it also has the lowest poverty rate for all US counties within the same demographics and size. This often hides the homeless population that does exist within Douglas County borders.

Food, hygiene products, and other items will be provided by the churches when possible funded by donations of items and monetary donations. The churches want to do what they can to help fight homelessness in Douglas County and those suffering from domestic abuse on the home front.

Visit WinterShelterNetwork.org to learn how you can help the organization this winter and beyond. Whether you donate items, money, or volunteer your time, you can have an impact on homelessness in Douglas County.

Castle Rock, Douglas County, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Winter Shelter Network

DCHS Softball Team Poised to Make History Again

October 8, 2016 / admin / Blog

The Douglas County High School softball team took its first Continental League softball title since 2003. While they’ve won three regional titles in the last four years, they’ve yet to take the Continental League title in over a decade. The last time the DCHS softball team won this title, there were no cell phones, no YouTube or Facebook, and its players weren’t even born yet. DCHS won the 1994 Class 4A state championship and the 2003 Continental League championship in the past, something the players, coaches, and families cheering them on think about often.

On Wednesday, October 5, 2016, the DCHS Huskies took the title beating Heritage 23-6. The Huskies went into Wednesday’s matchup 14-4, 8-1 on the season. This last conference and regular season game was a matchup in history for the Huskies. Since DHCS is currently ranked third in the RPI standings, they may host the next regional game on October 15, 2016.

After winning the previous game against Regis, the team began talking about history in the locker room and the excitement about winning a championship as a team became one of their goals. The Huskies are poised to make the 5A state title run this year, too, and with a win over Heritage and taking the Continental League title, look like a team destined for a state championship.

After several losses during the season, the team worked together to make shifts in starting players along with tactics that helped them overcome those challenges and win on and off the field.

The 2016 Douglas County High School softball Continental League Varsity members include:

Jordan Acosta
Katelyn Dain
Ashlyn Dzialo
Alexis Johnson
Cora Stallcup
Hanna Storey
Emily Zimmerer
Veronica Schermerhorn
Abbey Montoya
Alley Kim
Savanna Reiners
Abby Stallcup
Taylor Griffin
Katie Hilsman

Head Coach: Brian Stebbins
Assistant Coaches: Catherine Drake and Eliot Hardy

DCHS, Douglas County High School, Softball

5 of the Best Fast Food Restaurants in Castle Rock

April 11, 2016 / admin / Blog

Castle Rock families are busy. Whether you have three kids with different activities every night of the week, or a newly married couple, just looking for a way to grab a quick dinner to bring home before settling in for the night, fast food joints are the one-stop-convenience-shop for fast family dinner. Eating fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy, or even your usual burger patty and soggy fries. Castle Rock’s rapid growth has made eating-on-the run even easier, no matter what the rest of your night looks like. Check out these crowd favorites, and give them a try for yourself.

5 of the Best Fast Food Restaurants in Castle Rock, Colorado

Chick-Fil-A

This family-friendly fast food chain is a definite pleaser. Never mind the fact that their chicken is the tastiest, or their staff is incredibly friendly, Chick-Fil-A goes above and beyond when it comes to service and making your life convenient. They offer a ‘Mommy Pick Up’ service that allows busy parents to order food from the drive thru, then pick it up for a quick sit-down meal inside before dashing off to soccer practice, allowing parents to keep the kids contained longer, and saving the kids from waiting in line at the register.

Their heavy focus on the family is the drive behind healthy options and family practices. Chick-Fil-A has recently rolled out a new challenge, encouraging families to pick up a box at the register and place all electronics in the box while sitting at the table. If your entire party can go the whole meal without opening the box, everyone gets an ice cream cone. Whether you’re rushing through the drive thru, or looking for a quick bite that still allows you to sit down with each other, Chick-Fil-A is definitely one of our favorite Castle Rock fast food joints.

Mod Pizza

This hip new addition does not have a drive-thru, but does have takeout service, and an incredibly fast process. Hop in line and choose one of the seventeen pre-designed pizza creations, or personalize one of your own. With fresh ingredients right in front of you, make your way down the line adding every pizza topping of your dreams. Once your masterpiece is complete, the personal pizza experts at Mod will give your pie a quick 90 second bake in the brick oven while your fill your drink. Take your creation to go, or stay and look at all of the local’s pictures on the collage wall. Looking for quick pizza on the run? Mod is your stop for great eats – in rapid time, making it one of our favorite fast food joints.

Tokyo Joe’s

Another new addition to the Castle Rock foodie scene, Tokyo Joe’s has wholesome Japanese cuisine, prepared fresh and personalized to your individual preference. Another stop-in joint, food here is fast and the service is outstanding. Whether you’re looking for a simple bowl with rice, chicken and veggies, or an elaborate eating experience of sauces and Japanese pan noodles, Tokyo Joe’s has everything you need from mastered menu options to customized meal selections. Dine in with the whole family, or pick up meals to go and practice your chop stick skills in the comfort of your own home with dinner from Joe’s.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

A long-time favorite whose roots originate in Colorado, Chipotle Mexican Grill makes fast, fresh grub for every speedy quick foodie. Another sit-down or takeout joint, Chipotle brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘fast food.’ Work your way down the line filling your tortilla or bowl with meats, sauces and veggies that will keep you going through the rest of the evening’s activities. If you choose to stay, have yourself a beer and take a load off, and if you have to run, bring a bag of chips along for the ride. Chipotle is a family friendly stop for every occasion, and is sure to make your hectic night time routine a little easier.

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Our final Castle Rock fast food favorite is Kneaders Bakery & Cafe. Far from your traditional fast food cheeseburger, Kneaders has healthy and wholesome options for every taste. Soups, sandwiches, pastries, and a wide variety of breads makes dinner on-the-go a choice you can be confident in. Whether you decide to stop in and order, or drive thru and pick up, Kneaders makes fast food tasty, healthy and delicious. Their friendly staff serves up quality customer service, and flavorful meals that will leave you wondering why you ever settled for soggy french fries.

There you have it. These Castle Rock fast food joints are not your usual Tuesday night frozen patty stops. Make the most of your quick-stop dinner, and do your body and taste buds some good by shaking up your fast food routine.

Fast Food Restaurants

Public Concerns Over the Zika Virus Grow in Douglas County

April 4, 2016 / admin / Blog

Widespread concern of the recent Zika virus outbreak has Castle Rock doctors and residents concerned, and holding discussions about preventative options. Medical professionals throughout the Denver Metro area are seeing an increase in concerns and questions among many patients – especially among those who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.

More About the Zika Virus in Douglas County

The virus, according to the World Health Organization, originated in West Africa then South and Central America, before spreading to the United States. The highest number of confirmed cases in the U.S. was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 2015 and 2016, with 258 travel-related cases as of March 16, eighteen of which were pregnant women.

The Zika Virus is transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in heated climates. Colorado is not home to the Aedes aegypti mosquito, but the insect can be found in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia and California. The Zika virus is believed to be the cause of microcephaly, a rare condition in which infants are born with smaller heads and neurological problems. Brazil has experienced a large increase in microcephaly cases, a place where the aedes aegypti lives in mass population.

While the mosquito is the most common transmitter of the virus, it can also be sexually transmitted, raising concerns for those who are pregnant, as well as their male partners. The Scientific correlation between Zika and microcephaly is still being evaluated, but precautionary measures for would-be mothers and their partners is highly encouraged.

Colorado has seen two confirmed travel-related Zika cases among its residents, but the high level of concern is not as prevalent in the centennial state as it has been in southern states. The widespread CONCERN of the virus has led many Colorado residents to forgo vacations and travel to areas that have been affected by the virus.

Those infected often go without noticing any symptoms. Doctors advise couples who wish to have children to avoid getting pregnant for at least 12 weeks following any travel to affected areas. Many doctors are avoiding travel to Zika infected areas unless completely necessary – especially women considering getting pregnant.

Anyone who has traveled to affected areas or live in states where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present should educate themselves, avoid sexual contact, and visit the doctor for a screening following the trip. Both women and men are urged to take precaution, because medical professionals are still uncertain of how long the virus can live in semen. The virus cannot be transmitted by mosquitos in Colorado, and Zika typically stays in a woman’s system for one week.

Zika Virus

Sport Shooting Gaining Popularity in Douglas County

March 28, 2016 / admin / Blog

Widely growing popularity among Douglas County Youth is the sport of shooting firearms. Douglas County offers 340 shooting projects through the county’s 4-H sport shooting program. Led by 60 adult volunteers, the fastest growing 4-H program in Douglas County is designed to introduce kids to guns early, and teach them that firearms are safe when used and handled properly.

A Look at Sport Shooting in Douglas County

About 200 youth participants actively take part in the program, which is growing locally and nationally with Colorado leading the country in programs of its kind. Many of the programs members have trained for competitions and championships. The program is facing difficulties growing along the southern Front Range, (which includes Douglas, El Paso, Park, Teller, and Jefferson County) because safe, outdoor shooting space is not available for practice and training.

Douglas County does not have public outdoor shooting space, so many of the 4-H shooters are forced to practice on a friend’s private property near Highway 105 in the southern part of the county. Recreational shooting is legal in rural parts of Douglas County, as long as the bullet does not leave the private property. Providing a space for over 200 youths to participate in the recreational shooting is now necessary for the peace of rural communities, and the resourcefulness of 4-H shooters.

According to county officials, the need for legal public shooting space is crucial in helping to prevent accidental deaths and the destruction of the land. In an effort to allow safe and responsible sport shooting in areas across the southern Front Range, the board recently voted to participate in what is known as the Southern Shooting Partnership.

Formed in 2015, the organization is made up of a group of land-owning public agencies, whose main focus is on issues surrounding recreational shooting. The partnership includes agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Denver Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the five southern Front Range counties.

The goal is to create multiple outdoor locations where shooting is legal and safe. Though the organization and movement have gained traction and a following, developing designated safe recreational shooting areas will not be a quick or easy process.

Education is key. The more people and government officials that can be educated on the need and benefits of the partnership, the more favor the organization can build for fulfilling the need. Included in the education process, the partnership must first identify locations where it would be inappropriate and to shoot firearms. Then focus heavily on the education of safely handling and shooting firearms.

Those in the community who advocate for this sport are moving closer to getting the resources they need to safely shoot in public areas in the community. Their goal is to protect the land, protect people, and educate everyone on the safety and sport that is made available by the use of firearms.

Sport Shooting

“Quiet Zone” for Train Horns Proposed in Castle Rock

March 21, 2016 / admin / Blog

The regular passing of trains through the Castle Rock area is a staple sight that embodies the history of the once-small cowboy town. Train tracks that make their way through the town are the tattoos that mark what was first in the town, and what will always remain a part of the town. After all, the train depot was the very first town structure ever built on Jeremiah Gould’s land, and still today serves as a reminder of the foundation the town was built on.

While the train is a special part of Castle Rock’s personality, many residents have found that the noise of the train’s horn has become increasingly loud and disturbing over the past decade. The disturbance has become too much for many home and business owners in the downtown area, who have called for the town to do something about it.

In February, Castle Rock Town Council members evaluated the option of closing the second street railroad crossing in efforts to establish a train horn quiet zone. Residents of the community expressed strong concerns against it, and Town Council decided not to pursue the option. The overwhelming response was the importance of accessibility.

The Downtown Development Authority along with many residents, strongly opposed the closing of the second street railroad crossing. They believe that Second street is an important downtown access point, and it is better for the access to be maintained. that of which would not be available should the second street railroad crossing be closed off.

A short conversation at the February Town Council meeting focused on the potential option of establishing one-way streets conversions ar Second and Third street. The proposal will be explored, but many feel it to be too narrow of a solution, especially as population and traffic continues to grow throughout the town.

City councilmember, Chip Wilson, has been pushing for the town to establish a train quiet zone since he was elected to office in 2008. He, with other members of the Town Council believe that all of the options should be evaluated, rather than making a quick decision and expediting the ‘fix.’ A timeline has not been set to explore further options.

Castle Rock, Quiet Zone

United Way of Douglas County Rose $1.3 Million in 2015

March 14, 2016 / admin / Blog

United Way is a humanitarian organization whose efforts go beyond temporary adjustments, to create lasting change in communities around the world. The organization encourages innovative solutions designed to bring people and organizations together to improve the lives of others. With an emphasis on the foundational values of education, income and health, United Way creates opportunities for all by advancing the common good.

On a mission to encourage improvement in the lives of the community, the United Way of Douglas County’s 2015 fundraising campaign raised $1.5 million to help 33 of their neighborhood partnering organizations. Hundreds of people within the community rallied to raise the money, which is imperative to United Way’s success in improving lives through education, health, and financial security.

Also vital to the success of the organization, and those who partner with it is the team of volunteers who support the annual campaign. United Way volunteers donate their time and efforts to ask people in the community for support and contributions.

West Middle School assistant principal, Kathy Branson, and her husband, Douglas County District Attorney, Charles Branson, were the 2015 campaign co-chairs. Together, they advised the board to, “make it fun.” Kathy Branson believes that there isn’t anybody who finds joy in asking for money. People share in joy, though, when they’re able to learn about what money can do for the neighbors in the community.

The Douglas County chapter of United Way has set a goal to recruit 6,000 volunteers for the 2016 campaign. Totals currently sit at 5,500. Branson is encouraging the team to, “keep pushing,” for 6,000 because they need every single one of those 6,000 volunteers.

United Way is hard at work in communities across the globe. Their platform is that when one succeeds, we all succeed, and when one fails, we all fail. In 40 countries worldwide, the organization has 1,800 local outreach campaigns and 2,900,000 volunteers. Coming together to create lasting change allows United Way to measure success by the number of lives that are transformed. Intentional development programs bring people together to teach and promote success among people of all ages.

United Way, United Way of Douglas County

Douglas County Proposes Open Recreation at Reuter-Hess Reservoir

March 7, 2016 / admin / Blog

During February, the Parker Sanitation and Water District held three open houses in Douglas County to collect feedback on the proposal to use the Rueter-Hess Reservoir for open recreational purposes. This plan comes just months after an online survey of the proposal gathered nearly 4,000 responses.

The reservoir, located a few miles southwest of Parker, is 75,000 acres in volume, and supplies drinking water to over 50,000 customers in the Parker area. Since its construction in 2011, residents have been looking forward to the opportunity to swim and actively take part in recreational activities in the Rueter-Hess Reservoir.

The district and architecture firm, Wenk Associates will present alternative plans this month for potential activities to be allowed on and around the reservoir. Interested parties are invited to attend one of three open houses to learn more about future plans and offer a response to officials, who will draft an official recreation master plan later in 2016.

Because it is a drinking water reservoir, water quality concerns have already led officials to rule out the use of motorboats and other motorized water vehicles at Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Similar issues could raise concern about a swim beach environment, yet officials have noted that large-scale events like triathlons could be held from time-to-time. According to the initial online survey, residents are most interested in hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing.

The first open house is set to be held at Parker Town Hall, between 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The second will be at the Lone Tree Recreation Center, from 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 20. The third is set for the Castle Rock Recreation Center, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Douglas County residents are encouraged to attend one or more of these open houses. There are a lot of open water recreation opportunities at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir. To propose open recreation, county officials need to know that people want it.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir

Initiative Giving Castle Rock Residents a Say in Annexations Gaining Popularity

February 29, 2016 / admin / Blog

Once a remote cowboy town, Castle Rock is a growing community with a history of small-town charm. However, fear of losing the small town appeal has residents concerned about how the accelerated expansion will affect the current lifestyle, community, and personality of the town.

In an effort to keep town decisions in the hands of the people, corporate attorney and Castle Rock resident, Bill Placke, is seeking to lead residents a slow-growth movement. Placke believes that Castle Rock is approaching the town’s growth at a develop-at-any-cost method, and it’s leaving residents frustrated, feeling as though they don’t have a voice. The town’s approach is the root cause for the expedited growth.

Placke has launched a campaign to get a measure on the ballot that requires any land annexation greater than five acres to first get approved by voters. To hold a special election this spring, the campaign team must gather 4,103 valid signatures from registered voters.

Castle Rock is currently home to just under 60,000 residents and is on the fast track to reaching 100,000 in the coming years with continued growth. Placke feels as though this population number of 100,000 is the drive behind the majority interest of the town council. The town needs specifically, 2,500 acres of land – on the east side of I-25 in and around the up and coming promenade area, to reach 100,000 in population.

Placke is interested in targeting three proposed annexations in the 2,500 acres, which are currently being put through the town’s approval process. The proposed developments are set to SPREAD into Pine Canyon, Canyons South, and Pioneer Rach, bringing with them more than 4,000 new housing units, 900,000 square feet of retail space, and 208,000 square feet of light industrial space.

Should the campaign get the necessary valid signatures, it will mean more say for Castle Rock residents – but at what cost? Passing the ballot measure would likely lead builders and developers to build outside of Castle Rock, in nearby areas such as Castle Pines or unaffiliated Castle Rock through Douglas County council.

Taking annexation to a vote would cost the town money and time, in a process that is intended to benefit the town, not stifle it. The building boom and development that is taking over the open land in Castle Rock is almost necessary in order to maintain the current infrastructure, as well as that of the future. If open land in Castle Rock – such as the 2,500 acres on the east side of I-25 – is not annexed, it is left as unincorporated Douglas County. This means that residents will continue to use the town’s roads while the town has no control over improving the roads or expanding the infrastructure, because the county holds that power. By annexing in Castle Rock, the town then has more control over what is built, and how it’s built, while expanding the town’s tax base.

Placke is not against Castle Rock growth and development. He did not represent or take part in the citizen attempt to stop construction of the Promenade at Castle Rock retail project in 2015. In fact, Placke much supports the development of more commercial space in Castle Rock, so that more people can work where they live.

Castle Rock is a desirable town for many. While some feel overwhelmed by the growth and expansion, others feel as though Castle Rock cannot be kept a secret anymore. A town that isn’t growing is dying.

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