The Connection

by Lane Roberts With the opening of a new charter school in Castle Pines North (CPN), may residents have expressed concerns regarding a potential increase in traffic along Monarch Boulevard, primarily near Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. American Academy, a Douglas County K-8 charter school, is set to open in their new 83,000 square foot facility…

by Carin R. Kirkegaard As part of a community unit taught at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) two different groups of second graders took a tour of Colorado’s State Capitol and seven students, Kristin Palyo, Johnny Stoughton, Larrysa Meyers, Justus Novak, Madison Tran, Jaxson Bell and Aidan Svenson were selected to say the “Pledge of Allegiance”…

Castle Pines Athletics and Dazbog Coffee are celebrating summer in CPN on Sunday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us at Dazbog for a fun day of jump castles, face painting, bungee relay, music, raffle prizes , coupons and more! Bring the children and celebrate summer in CPN! Summer camps now offered…

by Terri Wiebold No more cash or coin payments accepted Since E-470 opened in 1991, customers using the toll highway have had the option of paying either by cash or with EXpressToll transponders. Beginning in July, that will change, and customers can keep their change. Effective July 4, 2009, coin and currency payment will no…

Sixteen-year-old Mike Elmore (second from left) and his fellow troop members from Boy Scout Troop 316 erect a “hawk house” in Castle Pines North for Elmore’s Eagle Scout project. The houses encourage vole- and rabbit-eating hawks to spend time in the area to keep pests under control. (Photos courtesy of Wayne Elmore) by Lisa Crockett…

WARP Ambassadors join Colorado State Representative Frank McNulty for a photo after being recognized for their efforts in raising water conservation awareness. By Carin R. Kirkegaard WARP Ambassadors from Rock Canyon, Douglas County, Chaparral and Castle View High Schools were recognized for their efforts in raising water conservation awareness at Colorado’s House of Representative’s general…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard The Castle Pines North (CPN) Empty Nesters golf group have teed off for the season. In May, the group held their first social golfing event at The Ridge Golf Course. The golf group meets twice a month at either The Ridge in CPN, Red Hawk in Castle Rock and Bear Dance…

Submitted by Horizon Pain Center Horizon Pain Center is showcased for applying innovative healing technologies in patient therapy on the KUSA Channel 9, June 13, 6 pm episode of “American Health Front.” This medical news program educates viewers about important advances in medical techniques and technologies. Horizon is featured for treating acute and chronic pain…

by Terri Wiebold The Kiwanis Club of Douglas County will host its fifth annual golf tournament at the Perry Park Country Club in Larkspur on August 31. The cost is $175 per person, which includes an amazing day of golf – including cart, range balls, a “goodie bag” and lunch. Proceeds from the tournament go…

By Lisa Crockett Summer is just starting, but for most students at Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE), classes will begin soon. Because TTE operates on a four-track calendar, the first day of school is July 6 for more than three quarters of the student body. Budget cuts district wide have dictated changes in the school…

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE Sheriff David A. Weaver 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 CONTACT #1: Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822 RELEASE DATE: 05/08/09 RELEASE TIME: 9:00 am Douglas County Sheriff Will Honor Citizens and Employees in Awards Ceremony to be Held on May 14, 2009, at the…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Graduates 4th Class of Community Safety Volunteers, 2nd class to include volunteers that will serve the Lone Tree and Castle Rock Police Departments Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver, Lone Tree Police Chief Steve Hasler, Lone Tree Mayor Jim…

Gov. Bill Ritter has ordered that United States and Colorado state flags be lowered to half staff at state and federal facilities throughout Colorado tomorrow (Saturday, May 9, 2009) in honor of Sgt. James Dewel Pirtle, 21, of Colorado Springs. Sgt. Pirtle died May 1, 2009, in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as…

Bailey McHenry accepting the CSOC scholarship award from Douglas County Sheriff, David A. Weaver Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Douglas County Sheriff, David A. Weaver, is pleased to announce that Bailey McHenry is this year’s recipient of the County Sheriff’s of Colorado, CSOC, scholarship award for Douglas…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver is very excited about being part of the Colorado Information Sharing Consortium with 42 other Law Enforcement Agencies from across the State of Colorado. The Colorado Information Sharing Consortium (CISC) was formed in 2008 by public…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 Deputies for the Patrol and Detention Divisions as well as officers from the Lone Tree, Castle Rock and Parker Police Department have received training on Autism Awareness. Many times deputies and officers have been called to situations that involve a person; child…

by Anthonette Klinkerman Castle Pines North has an international connection through ZONTA International. The club met recently at La Dolce Vita to honor a young woman from Douglas County that has demonstrated concern for a global issue. Amy Lynn Eckert, among the first graduating class of Castle View High School this year, was the recipient…

The new RidgeGate Parkway Interchange is at RidgeGate Parkway and I-25, approximately one mile south of Lincoln Avenue. It provides direct access to the Sky Ridge Medical Center and the RidgeGate development. The Interchange design is similar to the nearby Lincoln Interchange with a partial cloverleaf of two loop ramps and was built for the…

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 11, 2009 PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Every day, peace officers put on their uniforms and go to work to safeguard America’s communities and uphold the freedoms we hold…

Submitted by Deputy Cocha Heyden Public Information Officer Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 303-660-7586 CONTACT #1: Deputy Rob Rotherham 303-814-7005 ext 6514 303-660-7500 (dispatch) Upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Parker Police Department will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend Intoxicated and Impaired drivers during the Memorial Day…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to establish a City Economic Development Committee. According to council member Chris Dooley, this five-member advisory committee of city council members, business leaders, and CPN residents will advance the interests of the community by promoting economic growth in the city of Castle…

Information submitted by the Douglas/Ebert Task Force Now more than ever our Douglas County neighbors need our help. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force’s mission is to provide for those in need. To do that, the Task Force is hosting “A Reason to Wine,” a wine tasting with an art and silent auction, to raise money toward…

Submitted by CPN Master Association President, Earl Millspaugh During the January Master Association (MA) meeting, it was decided that several committees comprised of delegates and a Board liaison would be formed to address some issues facing the MA. One of these committees was to address the issue of collecting the funds expended by the MA…

Local Brownie Troop 628 smiles for the camera after a presentation of the colors (American and Colorado flags) and after leading the audience in The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the Star Spangled Banner at the February 11 Castle Pines North City Council meeting. The Troop earned their “Citizens Near and Far” Try-It (badge)…

by Carin Kirkegaard For children not riding a school bus, arriving at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) School can be a maze of walkers, skateboards, scooters, walkers, dogs and vehicles. At times, navigating this maze can be perilous according to some BRE parents. “Parents park their vehicles on sidewalks and in cross walks, execute U-turns in…

by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) city council voted in February to approve two ordinances granting franchise fee agreements with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) and Xcel Energy. Both ordinances call for a three percent (3%) franchise fee agreement for a term of twenty years. What is a Franchise Fee? Franchise fees are…

Lt. Troy McCarty and Mayor Shul Article and photo by Terri Wiebold In late February, the City of Castle Pines North council voted to pass a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office regarding public safety. The IGA provides the city of…

Local Castle Pines North artist Nancy Meiser will host an art show called, “Wildflowers in the Springtime.” More than 30 acrylic paintings of floral arrangements will be on display April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Fifteen percent (15%) of the total proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. The show will be held in…

These photos are conceptual and intended to display before (below) and after (above) examples of an area to be redesigned with Xeriscape features. (Photos courtesy Norris Design.) By Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District Landscape Master Plan – Construction plans for Phase One of the District’s Landscape Master Plan are currently being drawn up…

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority firefighters put out hot spots after containing a brush fire in Parker earlier this year. Information submitted by South Metro Fire Rescue Little moisture in Douglas County this winter and spring have created extremely dry conditions which could worsen. The South Metro Fire Rescue offers the following information to help…

Kelly Durie, Steve Durie and Mary Williams celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Castle Pines North’s newest restaurant – The Barking Goat. (Photo by Tim Gamble) by Lisa Crockett A new eatery is open in Castle Pines North (CPN). Dubbed The Barking Goat Tavern, the establishment opened in March in the former Celtic Crossing location, 363…

by Lisa Crockett After years, the long process of making plans, submitting them to Douglas County, then re-submitting plans, Castle Pines Community Church (CPCC) has moved one step closer to building a permanent home in Surrey Ridge. In March, Douglas County approved plans for a 344-seat church in Surrey Ridge at 9009 Clydesdale Road. “I…

by Carin Kirkegaard The Empty Nesters coordinates two Bridge groups in the Castle Pines North community – a singles ladies bridge group and a couples bridge group. The singles ladies bridge group meets the third Monday of the month and has eight ladies that rotate hosting the game in her home. Currently, there is a…

  Castle Pines Community Spellers pictured above Bergen Templin (TTE), Victoria Vanderpoel (RHMS) and J.T. Snowden (BRE). (Photo by Carin Kirkegaard) by Carin Kirkegaard The Castle Pines community sent three spellers to the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Spelling Bee on February 18 at Northeast Elementary School in Parker. J.T. Snowden, a fourth grader from…

By Lisa Crockett Five area businesses have closed their doors in recent months including: Entrée Vous, Jimmy’s Steakhouse, Rejuvinations Spa, Jasmine Boutique and Castle Pines Chiropractic. Though economic times are precarious for many, Castle Pines area businesses aren’t without a support network. Sharon Kollmar, the president of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, sees continued…

by Carin Kirkegaard Tri the Rock returns for its fourth year of benefiting youth health and fitness on May 17 at Butterfield Park in Castle Rock. A USA Triathlon sanctioned event, Tri the Rock is open to all kids ages five through 14. Cost is $30 for registration prior to May 11 and after is…

by Tracy Dudley In the spring of 2007, a local grassroots group rallying for a recreation center in Castle Pines North (CPN) commissioned a survey that found 81 percent of CPN residents in favor of a recreation center for the community. This was nearly two years ago, and Castle Pines Recreation (CPR) has since paused…

Birds of a Feather: (from left) Skyler Draper, Nathan Cook, Cameron Lindemann and Chase Bell all received their Eagle Scout awards on the same day. All four of the boys are students at Rock Canyon High School. The boys are scouts in troops 365 and 530. (Photo by Lisa Crocket) by Lisa Crockett The journey…

by Lisa Crockett Another hurdle on the long route to a library for the Castle Pines community has been cleared. At its regular meeting on April 16, the Library Board of Trustees instructed Douglas County Libraries Director, Jamie LaRue, to pursue lease negotiations for a library space here. “We are giving our permission to our…

Submitted by Dr. Bryan Rudiak, Canyon Ridge Chiropractic The Rock Canyon High School choirs joined forces with local doctor, Dr. Bryan Rudiak of Canyon Ridge Chiropractic, to raise $1,000 for the school program. The students were able to raise the money rather easily and in a rather short period of time. Dr. Rudiak donated a…

by Carin Kirkegaard Longer daylight hours and warmer weather have Castle Pines North (CPN) neighbors taking advantage of Colorado’s early spring days. Whether riding a bike, taking a jog, or walking a dog on CPN’s 13.5 miles of recreational trails, many residents have been out enjoying spring. In addition to these walking trails CPN residents…

Submitted by Heather Halpape, CDOT 9484 or 303-888-6319 (cell) CSP PIO, 303-239-4583 The Colorado State Patrol and 40 law enforcement agencies wrote 2,761 seat belt tickets during a week-long, nighttime Click It or Ticket enforcement that occurred April 1-7 in 11 counties. The special overtime traffic enforcement took place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.…

by Lisa Crockett With no confirmed tenants for the parcel of land at the corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway – a parcel known as “CC-20”, construction plans that were introduced more than two years ago remain unchanged but also unrealized. The site, which is owned by Pinark, LLC, was to have been…

by Denise Bassett, Castle Pines North Metro District On average more than eight percent of residential water use is lost through leaking fixtures or pipes! Knowing how much water you use is the first step toward getting a handle on water consumption. As you evaluate your water use, try to look for ways to reduce…

April Parcells Article and photo by Carin Kirkegaard MacKenzie Rae Parcells was born a perfectly healthy baby to Castle Pines North residents, April and Bill Parcells. It was at her two-month check-up, when MacKenzie received her DTap immunization that things began to change. According to April Parcells, co-founder of the MacKenzie Grace Foundation, MacKenzie had…

by Lane Roberts On Thursday, March 5, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted its first membership meeting at The Ridge in Castle Pines North (CPN.) Don Bobeda, chairman for the Chamber, gave the introductions and welcomed more than 60 businesses in attendance. Dr. Jason Ortman of Castle Pines Eye Care sponsored the event.. Guest…

by Lane Roberts Verizon Wireless has been working with the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District to add a new flag pole cell tower at the Community Center located on Yorkshire Drive at Castle Pines Parkway. The nation’s largest wireless telecommunications provider has determined that wireless coverage in the CPN area, primarily to the west…

by Carin Kirkegaard Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is promoting literacy throughout the school and tying in a fundraising component through learning. With budget cuts looming across the Douglas County School District, the parents from the parent/teacher organization, the Buffalo Ridge Educational Alliance (BREA), decided to be proactive and start raising money for the coming year…

Workers continue the foundation for a pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian underpass. Article and photo Terri Wiebold As construction continues on the Daniel’s Park Improvement Project, local residents anxiously await the reopening of road closures on the west ends of Buffalo Trail and Castle Pines Parkway. Detours were put into place and roads closed in late February for construction…

Information provided by South Suburban Recreation Center On Friday April 17, 2009, South Suburban Parks and Recreation celebrates 50 years of service with 50-cent Friday at the all four South Suburban Golf Courses. Warm up your swing and get into your game with a bucket of balls for only 50 cents all day on Friday,…

Big O repersentatives Brandon Elder (left) and Robyn McElroy with Little O (Photo by Steve Severin, Avocet Communications) by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North (CPN) Big O Tires mascot, Little O, joined The Children’s Miracle Network and Alice 105.9 radio station for the annual “36 Hours for Kids” event, which is a live radio broadcast…

by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce recently mailed 3,300 shop local first discount cards to Castle Pines North (CPN) residents. The complimentary discount card offers a variety of savings from more than 25 local CPN businesses. “Following the announcement of this program, we had many requests for cards from residents outside of…

by Terri Wiebold A recent study prepared for Douglas County shines new light on travel between the Sedalia area and I-25. In February, the engineering firm of Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig presented its findings on the “Happy Canyon Road Travel Analysis,” which measured travel times for three routes that would provide connection between US 85…

April 21-24 Lights, Camera, Book Fair! The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) Spring Book Fair will be held Tuesday, April 21 through Friday April 24. The spring fair is an excellent time to stock up on summer reading. All money raised will go directly back to the school’s library to refresh the school’s book collection. To…

Cherokee Ranch Fire – October 29, 2003 Submitted by Becky O’Guin Community Relations Director South Metro Fire Rescue Authority The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) will be expanding its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to the I-25/Santa Fe corridors and surrounding areas and would like to invite community members to attend a public meeting:…

by Terri Wiebold Fetch your sneakers and your furry friends and join in the 2009 Furry Scurry. In its sixteenth year, this annual event helps the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) raise money through donations and pledges to care for thousands of homeless animals. The two-mile fun walk/run will take place from 9 a.m. to…

Owner Barbara Neff, photo by Terri Wiebold As of February 2012 Neff Staffing is no longer serving the Castle Pines community. Thank you for your past support. Information provided by Neff Staffing Services Neff Staffing Services opened its doors for business March 2, 2009 in Castle Pines North’s new Pinnacle Building, located at 7501 Village…

T-Mobile Tower at the Ridge by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Cheryl McDade wants to make a call using her cell phone, but sometimes finds that difficult to do. “We switched to Verizon last year from 15 years with AT&T,” said McDade in a letter to The Castle Pines Connection. “Verizon does not…

The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and dozens of members held their official ribbon cutting ceremony at their new office in Castle Pines North in February. The new office is located at 562 Castle Pines Parkway, Suite C-1, in the Safeway Shopping Center. Learn more about the Chamber at www.castlepineschamber.com. (Photo by Tim Gamble)

Before you head to the garden to plant a new flowerbed or a crop of tomatoes this spring, take the time to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado. Locators are allowed two business days to respond to requests to accurately mark the underground lines in an excavation area. Even a small garden job can…

Don Bobeda, Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Mayor Maureen Shul, City of Castle Pines North, and Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Libraries Director at the March 19 Douglas County Library District meeting. by Lisa Crockett and Terri Wiebold Where there is a will, there is a way! The tenacity and creativity of the Castle Pines…

by Lane Roberts Life long learning is a passion for Castle Pines North resident Galen Crowder. Crowder and his wife, Angie, participate in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offered by the University of Denver. OLLI, originally established as VIVA in 1996, provides educational opportunities to people ages 55 and “better.” Three eight-week terms each…

by Terri Wiebold Transitioning from one form of “green” to another, Village Books in Castle Pines Village was borne in December, 2008. Casualties of the banking industry and the current economy, husband and wife team Steven and Stephanie Alaniz decided to turn a passion they shared into an eco-friendly business venture. “We are the new…

by Terri Wiebold The vacant lot on the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Beverly Boulevard at I-25 (adjacent to the gas station) is currently being used by many as a used-car parking lot. According to city of Castle Pines North community development director, Sam Bishop, the location has been the topic of many…