Read the stories from the latest issue:
by Einar Jensen, Life Safety Educator South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Although not everyone does it, most adults are familiar with the suggestion to change the batteries in their smoke alarms at least once if not twice each year and to test the smoke alarms monthly. A Coloradan – Duane Pearsall – invented the residential…
Newly-appointed Ward 1 representative, Tera Radloff, takes her oath of office. For the second time since November 2009, when residents in the City of Castle Pines North voted for elected officials to represent them, a vacant council seat has been filled by appointment of the existing city council. City council selected Tera Radloff to represent…
Castle Pines North is a small community with a bright future. We want to take a moment of your time simply to share a key part of our vision for the future of the community as it pertains to simplifying our governmental structures, minus political overtones, misinformation or mixed messages. Our plans are simple and…
Information from Leadership Douglas County website Strong community leaders make for a strong community. Area citizens seeking a hands-on community education and higher level of civic engagement are encouraged to consider applying to Leadership Douglas County (LDC), a program that offers an opportunity for those who want to become more knowledgeable about the community in…
Column by Anthonette Klinkerman Bill Cosby once said, “Fatherhood is pretending the gift you love best is Soap on a Rope.” To my poor dad’s credit, I think I may have actually given him that one Father’s Day. In reality, the favored gift must be the necktie, otherwise why would Baskin Robbins make an ice…
Article by Kathy Dunker with photo by Amy Shanahan Each year, thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography.…
Information and statistics submitted by Doug Hutchins, Castle Pines Real Estate Specialist, Broker Associate – The Kentwood Company The performance of Castle Pines real estate in the first quarter of 2010 depended upon the price point of the home. Homes priced below $500,000 saw strong sales with prices holding steady or increasing slightly. Homes priced…
RCHS sophomore Jake Dysart wins the 800-meter race at the Continental League Championship and goes on to state finals with the Jaguars. by Elizabeth Wood West with photo by Todd Lytle Two members of the Rock Canyon High School track and field team won first place at the Continental League Championship, which was held on…
Information provided by South Metro Fire Rescue The 2164 Foundation will be holding a Dinner Auction July 12 at the Inverness Hotel in Englewood to raise money to help the families of fallen firefighters. The dinner will be after the Brian Kopp Memorial Golf Tournament which is already sold out! The buffet dinner will include…
Mark Taylor, owner and head tennis pro at Rocky Mountain Tennis Association is pictured with kids from one of his summer tennis camps. Article by Elean Gersack with photo courtesty of RMTA Mark Talyor, a father and former ThunderRidge High School tennis coach, is the owner and head tennis pro of Rocky Mountain Tennis Association. A…
Pictured above, the Good Witches of the North have cast their spell and pulled out the correct spelling for the word “why”, during the Spelling Challenge assembly. During the assembly Good Witches from the North and Bad Witches form the West cast spells to come up with the correct spelling of words in the game…
Practicing different moves on the pole during a pole instruction class are (left to right) Tisa Meisel, June Uralli, Sally Wagner and Mile High Pole Club owner and instructor Dionne Sieretzki. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard A new business recently opened just to the east of the Castle Pines community in Parker. Mile…
Article by Sharon Majetich with photo by Amy Shanahan Each year, eighth grade teachers are asked to nominate outstanding eighth grade students for the Douglas County Federation of Teachers Eighth Grade Student Recognition Award. The criteria for nomination is a student’s scholarship, creativity, responsibility, school and community involvement, and cooperation with students and teachers. Many…
This Douglas County Highway 85 Train Noise Study map covers the area of Castle Pines Village and Sedalia residents and businesses located one-half mile to two miles within the vicinity of the railroad tracks and crossings. by Elizabeth Wood West with graphic provided by Douglas County Engineering Douglas County is continuing to work on the…
Sky Ridge Medical Center will host the annual Kids Safety and Wellness Expo at The Lone Tree Recreation Center on Saturday, June 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free event geared for children ages three to thirteen, and their parents, is a fun way to learn about being safe. Utilizing the newly completed…
Assistant Principal Russ Jenson and former Buffalo Ridge Safety Patrol member Valentino DiPasquale recognize 2009-2010 safety patrol members for their responsibility and hard work throughout the school year. by Carin R. Kirkegaard Members of the Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) Safety Patrol were recognized for their responsibility and hard work helping BRE students arrive and…
Information provided by Douglas County School District The Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen in April as the new Superintendent of the Douglas County School District. Celania-Fagen has broad experience in various educational roles. Beginning as a high school biology and chemistry teacher in Iowa, Celania-Fagen progressed into positions from associate principal and…
The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Food Bank has a new, spacious home at 1638 N. Park Street in Castle Rock. While some construction is still underway at the new location, the food bank set up temporary quarters in a finished section of the building and is operating Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12 noon. The Thrift Store will be…
Jason Ortman, O.D., a Castle Pines optometrist, has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Colorado Optometric Association Board of Trustees. Dr. Ortman graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry where he received the Corning Low Vision Award for excellence in low vision care and served as President of the Beta…
Information provided by the Dumb Friends League Many may think that a cat cannot be trained, but felines prove that this belief is a myth through the Dumb Friends League Kitten Kindergarten class. During the three-week course, young cats become socialized and learn tricks that would impress any non-believer. “The goal of Kitten Kindergarten is…
Rock Canyon students turned out in force for the school’s annual prom in April. Following the dance, the school hosted its traditional after-prom party in the gym.
Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard To celebrate a great year in the newspaper business, the staff of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) online-student-run publication The Ridgeline was rewarded with a field trip to 5280 Magazine. The fourth and fifth graders, two RCHS volunteers, as well as their teaching advisors, Shannon Herzog and Jennifer…
Celebrate this magnificent day with stars and stripes, music, parades, and fireworks displays. Here are a few ideas to help plan your celebration. Baseball and Fireworks The Colorado Rockies will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3, at Coors Field in downtown Denver. There will be a spectacular fireworks…
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce will host an Independence Day Celebration at Coyote Ridge Park on Friday, July 2 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The party will include some traditional features like a pie contest, games and barbeque concessions as well as some more unusual features – “The Top Hogs,”…
Dr. Bryan J. Rudiak, D.C, owner of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic in Castle Pines North, is committed to providing his patients a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment for life. By Patte Smith Local Castle Pines North (CPN) business owner and author Dr. Bryan Rudiak held a book signing…
by Sally Uhrich Outdoor grilling is a welcome relief for many cooks, as there is little mess and easy cleanup. Yet, many people think of grilling only, with regard to sauces, rubs and marinades for meat. There are, however, many fine recipes for vegetables which cook on the grill. The “Taste of Home,” Easy Grilling…
Tri-County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the roundups. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, an estimated 1,900 vehicles participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2009, safely disposing of more than 84 tons of hazardous materials. This included 11,085 pounds…
Information provided by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC)is partnering with Douglas County Living Magazine to produce a 2010 membership directory. The new directory will be 8 1/2” X 11” and will be distributed to CPCC members as well as to businesses throughout Douglas County. The chamber will…
Budding artists in grades first through fifth can register for a four-week art camp held at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE). Each week students will complete a new project. The class, taught by Nancy Macintosh, BRE art teacher, will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from June 7 through July 30. Students will have the opportunity to participate…
Friday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why: Helping Hands mission is to help those in need within our community with home improvement projects to better a family’s quality of life. Helping Hands supports the elderly, the young, the disabled, the economically challenged, and those…
Information submitted by Cherokee Ranch & Castle “Besides Cherokee Ranch and Castle, the only other public appearance internationally known jazz pianist Henry Butler has on his June calendar is the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — I point this out not only to toot Henry’s horn, but Cherokee’s as well,” said Cherokee Ranch and Castle…
More than 200 people gathered outside Castle Pines Community Church on May 16 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the church’s new location. Mayor Jeffrey Huff and Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce representatives joined Senior Pastor Tom Curtright as he gave the invocation and cut the ribbon. After the ceremony, visitors and church members…
Proposed signage changes at the Outlets in Castle Rock may dramatically change the view of the shopping complex from I-25. Pictured above are renderings of the existing signage as well as what the proposed LED signage may look like from vehicles traveling along I-25. by Elizabeth Wood West The Outlets at Castle Rock is considering…
by Sally Uhrich There is now a new addition to the many fine pet daycare and boarding facilities in and around Castle Rock. Tails Up Deluxe Pet Hotel and Daycare has been in operation since July ’08. Co-founders and owners, Marc and Jill Sousa, are Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) Certified Advanced Pet Care Technicians,…
Charlie, played by Jake Mullins, and Grandpa Joe, played by Ian Nouss, being airlifted from fizzy drinks. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Desi Lederman The American Academy (AA) gymnasium was transformed last month into a spectacular setting, a chocolate factory! The Willy Wonka Jr. play, directed by AA’s music teacher Mark Middlebrooks, was…
CPN Metro District Board Files Lawsuit Against City’s Urban Renewal Authority “Blight” Designations Raise Concern With unanimous support of its five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, Metro District President Steve Labossiere downplayed the lawsuit’s significance and expressed the Board’s willingness to work directly with the Mayor and City Council to resolve issues without litigation. Citing…
by Elizabeth Wood West It appears that not everyone in and around the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area is bothered by train horn noise. A recent telephone survey, sponsored by Douglas County, indicates there is not enough local support for the creation of a public improvement district (PID) and an assessment to pay for…
Castle Pines Athletics and the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) PTO will host a week-long summer camp designed exclusively for BRE kids ages 5 and older. The camp, led by BRE staff members and Coach Emily Bishop, will feature different sports each day, along with other exciting activities. The entire week will be full of organized…
Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) student Bray P. displays his first-place-winning invention, “The Pickle Picker” at TTE’s Invention Convention. TTE hosted the event to encourage students to learn more about simple machines as part of the science curriculum. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Fourth graders in Douglas County learn about simple machines as part of…
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 30, 2010 DEATH OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service…
As of press time, the water was still at the HOA1 pool – just waiting for swimmers to jump in and start practicing their strokes and starts and turns. By Carin R. Kirkegaard The pools in the Castle Pines community opened with the Memorial Day weekend and will soon be churning with swimmers as the…
This information has been provided by Castle Pines North Metro District. On January 26, 2010, the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) filed a petition in District Court to dissolve the Castle Pines North Metro District. The Metro District exists primarily to deliver drinking water, wastewater and storm water services, and parks and open space…
Information submitted by Keith Reeves, Columbine Printing Columbine Printing & Copy Center in Castle Rock’s owner, Keith Reeves, was honored for his company’s sales growth by CPrint® International. According to Todd Nuckols, CPrint® president, Columbine Printing & Copy Center is among an elite group of companies who are seeing sales increases in the slow economy.…
Article by Anthonette Klinkerman As the snow fell outside the day before spring break, inside Buffalo Ridge Elementary students were using magic words, saluting, and shouting out, “Ma’am, yes, ma’am!” as “Colonel Klinkerman” put them through their etiquette paces. “There’s no giggling in Courtesy Bootcamp!” she cried, causing the students to erupt in laughter. “I…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North The City of Castle Pines North is on strong financial footing. The latest fiscal update includes: January and February revenues exceeded expenditures by more than 10% each month (more than $60,000 per month) As of February 28, 2010, the City was at a…
Eighteen RCHS seniors participated in Signing Day. Not pictured: Ty Henry, Fort Lewis College; Steffani Meusburger, White Water College. Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of RCHS National Signing Day is a big day for many high school seniors. It is the first day these seniors can sign a binding national letter of intent…
Brownie Troop 646 had a career try-it with Angie’s restaurant, located in Castle Rock. The girls had the opportunity to learn about being self-employed as well as how to juggle being a working mom from April McCaffrey, owner of Angie’s and resident of Castle Pines North. Mike McCaffrey showed the girls the kitchen and they…
RHMS student Sabrina Pham getting a face full of pie on Pi Day. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan As you may or may not remember, pi is defined as a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi is an unusual number since…
Information provided by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photo by Vivian Jenner Pictured above, Marielle Renehen competes in the breaststroke at USA Swimming Sectionals held in Federal Way, Washington located just outside of Seattle. Renehen competed along with anywhere from 70 to 130 swimmers in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke and in the 100 and…
Castle Pines North Ward 1 Council Member Jennifer Havercroft Information provided by City of Castle Pines North Castle Pines North Ward 1 Council Member Jennifer Havercroft has resigned her position effective April 14 due to a family move. Havercroft submitted a letter of resignation to the city council at its April 13 meeting. The council…
South Suburban Parks and Recreation celebrates three days of fitness and wellness during the first week of May. All events are free and open to the general public. On Tuesday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, attendees can visit a variety of booths with a myriad…
Photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth graders sang, danced, hula hooped and balanced on balls all to entertain the BRE community. Two performances were held Thursday, April 15, one as an all-school assembly and another that evening for BRE families. The school’s specials teachers produced the show and art walk. The…
Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Community Safety Volunteer program (Volunteer In Policing program in the City of Lone Tree) is community policing in its most basic form – a structured way for citizens to participate in helping provide for the safety and security of their own community.…
By Elizabeth Wood West After three hours of presentations, questions, answers, rebuttals, and public testimony, Castle Pines North City Council members voted five to one to approve the city’s proposed urban renewal plan (URP). The council’s adoption of the URP is the final step in a process that began a few short months ago with…
Douglas County Commissioner Steven A. Boand Information provided by Wendy Holmes; photo by Terri Wiebold Committed to representing the interests of local government in Colorado’s emergency planning, Douglas County Commissioner Steven A. Boand has been appointed by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., to serve on the Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC). Chair of the Board…
A local teen was driving this vehicle on the 7300 block of Shoreham Drive in Castle Pines North last August when she lost control of the vehicle and rolled it. The teen crash avoidance skills classes are designed to better prepare teens for handling situations such as this. Information provided by South Metro Safety Foundation…
by Sally Uhrich Winter’s demise leads us into two of the most anticipated seasons of all; spring and summer. Warmer weather lends itself to outdoor entertaining for such events as graduation parties and bridal showers. If you are hosting a social gathering and are in need of a light, but tasty appetizer, consider, “Rosemary and…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North City Council recently adopted a coyote management plan, providing guidelines for responses to conflicts with coyotes while maintaining public safety as its primary emphasis. The plan seeks to identify and achieve a balance between the importance of human safety and the native ecology…
This information has been provided by the City of Castle Pines North It has and continues to be City Council’s strong desire for the City and the Metro District to move expediently to cooperatively integrate the services of both entities in a manner that honors its fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of the City and…
RHMS student, Henry working on a project. RHMS students Nathan and Brenna work together to get it right. Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of Amy Shanahan Some great minds at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) were hard at work during this year’s Science Olympiad Regional competition in Fort Collins last February. Of the…
by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer As Independence Day draws near, people all across the country will be celebrating and reflecting on the liberties that we have as American citizens. However, to really appreciate these liberties, it is important to gain a working knowledge regarding the document that ensures those freedoms. In light of this, we…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Let’s face it – Mother’s Day is a complete misnomer. Ask any mom out there if she gets an entire day to herself without someone needing something, or some domestic chore that needs doing, and she’ll probably laugh in your face. I propose renaming the day to more accurately portray what happens…
Castle Pines Athletics is hosting a variety of fun summer camps again this summer in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Camp Castle Pines, for children ages 6 to 12, will feature a host of exciting activities. Castle Pines All Stars is back again this year for the little campers ages 4 to 7. And, girls ages…
Jeffrey Huff, Mayor City of Castle Pines North by Elizabeth Wood West The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) recently established four new advisory committees “to promote and protect the best interests of the citizens of CPN with respect to community needs and to provide for more efficient operation and management of the city.” City…
Join Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) first grade teachers, Mrs. Shaffner and Mrs. Jacoway, for another fun-filled night of ice cream scooping. On Monday, May 3 the teachers will be serving up 31 flavors all for cause of raising money for BRE. In March the teachers, along with third grade teacher, Ms. Carter raised over $300…
by Elizabeth Wood West Rolling Thunder Comes to Castle Rock The national non-profit veterans’ motorcycle club Rolling Thunder will be hosting “Salute to America’s POWs” in honor of POWs from past and present wars. The event will be held on Saturday, May 15 at noon, at Festival Park (2nd Street between Wilcox and Perry) in…
Information submitted by Castle Pines Community Church After meeting at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School for the last 12 years, we are excited to announce that we have moved to our new location at 7280 Lagae Road in the King Soopers Plaza in Castle Pines North. We are thankful for our new church home and are…
by Elizabeth Wood West In its ongoing efforts to address the unwanted train horn noise in the Castle Pines Village and Sedalia area, Douglas County is planning to conduct a railroad quiet zone study. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved $100,000 to fund the U.S. Highway 85/Happy Canyon Road Quiet Zone Study. The comprehensive…
by Carin R. Kirkegaard BellaRock Adventures, in its fifth year of providing women’s outdoor adventures for the Castle Pines community, is gearing up for summer with BellaRock’s signature event the “Women’s Tenderfoot 14’er Training Class.” Beginning in a classroom setting on June 5, hikers will be given information about what gear to have when hiking…