Read the stories from the latest issue:
by Terri Wiebold More than thirty concerned citizens gathered at the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center on August 7 to hear the Parker-South Metro Fire Authority’s (PSMFRA) recommendations for improved fire and emergency medical services to the Castle Pines North community. A new station in CPN has been the topic of discussion for several…
From left to right around the table, Lindsay Kamel, Bob Hanak, Sandra Kip, Laurel Mueller, Sue Wagoner, Corbin Wagoner, Warren Lynge, Aspen Walker, Justin Van Landschoot, Lisa Albro by D. Corbin Wagoner In the classic 1948 movie, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, a now famous line was…
by Terri Wiebold November 2007 was the beginning of the Castle Pines North (CPN) story. Now, six months after formally becoming a city, officials are busy writing CPN’s next chapter. Revisiting the Incorporation Process During the incorporation process that spanned more than 12 months, a team of seven CPN residents including representatives from the CPN…
Breanna Duran (above), third place essay contest winner, shakes hands with Metro District President Ted Lohr at the June 16 award presentation. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District Board of Directors announced the winners of the WARP (Water Awareness Responsibility Program) high school essay contest during its…
September 12 Mark the calendar for Friday, September 12, and attend the Sassy Soiree luncheon benefiting the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The luncheon – with silent auction, fashion show and door prizes – will take place at the Douglas County Events Center. Advance tickets are $35, reserved runway tables for eight are $400, and reserved tables…
by Terri Wiebold The business association for the city of Castle Pines North, Business in the Pines, announced in July that it was changing its name to the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce. Founded in January 2007, Business in the Pines was established to promote an environment of communication, cooperation and support for local businesses…
September 5 – 6 Families 4 New Hope (a non-profit) will be hosting a children’s consignment sale at the Castle Pines North Community Center Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th from 8am to 4pm each day. All proceeds from the event go towards projects in need locally, regionally and internationally. We are committed to…
CPN residents, John and Margita Torres, enjoy their first “Concert in the Park” with their daughter, Angie, and grandkids, Dylan, Roman, Brianna and Lucas. (photo by Elean Gersack) Boy Scout Troop 316 grills up meal deals for the crowd at the 2008 Concert in the Park. (photo by Tim Gamble) by Elean Gersack Reckless Abandon…
Park illustration provided by Design Concepts by Terri Wiebold Plans for the approximately 37-acre park on the Lagae Ranch parcel between the proposed American Academy Charter School and God’s Grace Community Church are moving forward and the park design is beginning to take form. “The new park will be an amenity that has something for…
Kids get a break from the heat with a spray from South Metro Fire Rescue during the July 5 celebration. A youngster anticipates the egg being tossed his way during the egg toss event. Campbell D. takes a bite of pie during the pie tasting contest. Best Pie Winner Pam Dolan is congratulated by Mayor…
by Terri Wiebold This is the rough Russian translation for, “I messed up!” In the June-July issue of The Connection, it was reported that the hours of operation for DazBog Coffee were Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In reality, the hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. – much…
by Terri Wiebold A third T-Mobile cellular tower is proposed in the Daniel’s Gate neighborhood of Castle Pines North (CPN), according to CPN Metro District Manager, James McGrady. Senior Project Manager representing T-Mobile, Matt Butler, reports that the proposed 45-foot, 18-inch diameter tower will be similar in shape and size to the existing towers at…
by Lisa Crockett A towering power pole that was placed in CPN adjacent to Coyote Ridge park is slated to come down, but perhaps not before year’s end. “When we talked to Xcel, they said the pole would come down no later than January,” said Jennifer Havercroft, the city council’s liaison to the citizen’s task…
by Terri Wiebold It has been said that a dog is a man’s best friend. Well, in Castle Pines North and surrounding communities, a dog’s best friend is a man – Dr. John Vickers at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic. Colorado native and former school teacher, Vickers left the student classroom for the pet operating room…
CPN residents may now enter the Wildcat Mountain Trail if they are willing to pay for a horseback ride. Access to the trail on foot or bicycle is still prohibited to CPN residents. (photo by Lisa Crockett) by Lisa Crockett It’s been more than a year since Castle Pines North (CPN) residents clashed with their…
CPN Safety Task Force Chair Carol Langley-Finnegan by Lisa Crockett Nearly everyone knows someone who seems to accomplish the impossible. Someone who can take the same number of hours in the day as everyone else and do three times as much. And anyone who is a friend to Carol Langley-Finnegan knows that she is that…
by Terri Wiebold Founded in 1923, the Colorado Municipal League (CML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents and serves Colorado’s cities and towns. Currently, more than 95 percent of Colorado communities are members of CML and benefit from its informational and advocacy services – Castle Pines North (CPN) being one of the newest members.…
by Terri Wiebold The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) Safety Task Force has jumped right into action, working diligently on areas of safety concern for the City. Committee members have been working with HOAs to establish “USA on Watch” (formerly Neighborhood Watch) programs and organizing block captains for the program. Ultimately, the committee would…
by Terri Wiebold Thrive – the latest beverage to hit the booming energy drink market is changing the way consumers think about energy drinks, and it is changing the lives of three Castle Pines North residents in the process. Patrick Drawe of Forest Park, Doug Emerson of Greenbriar, and Rich Marshall of WinterBerry are three…
City council members Chris Dooley and Ron Clark participate in the city’s first golf tournament. (photo by Terri Wiebold) Tournament flight winner, Charles Schwartz, with a net score of 63 accepts his award. (photo by Tim Gamble) Barbara Saenger, Pine Ridge resident and employee at The Ridge, found a creative way to keep the tournament…
Summer’s long days and ample sunshine afford Castle Pines North’s (CPN) faith community opportunities to serve the community and look forward to the coming school year. Here is how area churches have spent the summer, and what they have coming up: Castle Pines Community Church Meets at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School;www.castlepineschurch.org The summer schedule, Memorial…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Two hundred and ten people decided the outcome last year. The issue of the library initiative not passing in the last election lost by 210 votes. It was not the populus of Castle Pines North (CPN), but the surrounding parts of Douglas County that determined they already had new libraries and did…
For Immediate Release Contact: James McGrady General Manager Castle Pines North Metropoliatan District (303) 242-3262 7404 Yorkshire Drive Castle Rock, CO 80108 September 3, 2008—Castle Pines North, Colo.— Castle Pines North Metropolitan District has reached one of its most significant milestones in its procurement of renewable water.. The agreement with the Parker Water and Sanitation…
by Anthonette Klinkerman and Mayor Maureen Shul Giving local students the topic “If I were Mayor for a Day” as an essay contest seemed certain to generate some creative ideas. What arrived were thoughtful and well-constructed responses, most of which were concerned with safety for pedestrians and the health and fitness of all age groups.…
by Terri Wiebold Family owned and operated by mother-son team Sherry Lea and Castle Pines North resident Tim Hannon, the Flower Shop at Castle Pines is the alternative to mainstream creations and grocery store flower arrangements. Hannon is an award winning pastry chef who brings his creative instincts to the flower industry for a beautifully…
The City of Castle Pines North fun run, “Running in the Pines” is being planned for Saturday, September 20. This combination 5K and one-mile run/walk will take participants throughout the city. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the one-mile event will start at 9 a.m. Residents of all ages are invited to participate.…
by Terri Wiebold It began with a community meeting in May of 2004 to gain support for a South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) special district mill levy increase. Today, more than four years later, residents are still recounting promises of a new fire station in Castle Pines North (CPN) and SMFR is continuing to work…
Are you a senior living in Castle Pines North (CPN)? CPN is home to many seniors, so why not get connected? From playing cards and golf outings to social lunches, there are many great ways to get acquainted with others in the community. If you are interested in getting involved or have other ideas for…
by Lisa Crockett The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) is hosting a Candidate Forum on July 22, at 7:00 p.m., at the CPN Community Center located at 7404 Yorkshire Dr. The forum will allow each candidate to present a brief opening statement and then to respond to questions from the audience. Candidates participating in…
Colorado Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division 1375 Sherman St. Denver, Colorado 80261 Forms and other services: (303) 238-FAST (3278) Assistance: (303) 238-SERV (7378)www.taxcolorado.com GENERAL INFORMATION The Colorado Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting and administering local sales taxes for all counties, statutory cities and special districts that impose a sales tax. Sales taxes…
by Bill Porter – City Safety Task Force Everyone hears about the Mountain Pine Beetles that are devastating the forests in the mountain areas of our state. These and other beetles will also attack other varieties of pine trees in our own back yards. The following are articles from Colorado State University Extension Horticulture Department. …
by Lisa Crockett The summer time temperatures weren’t the only things heating up during July in Castle Pines North. This year’s primary election, already one of the most-watched contests in recent history, is kicking in to high gear and CPN residents are at the forefront of the action. More than 100 people were in attendance…
by Terri Wiebold and information provided by Parker-South Metro Fire Authority It began with a community meeting in May of 2004 to gain support for a South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) special district mill levy increase. Now, more than four years later, residents are still recounting promises of a new fire station in Castle Pines…
by Elean Gersack The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) and the CPN Master Association are planning an old fashioned Independence Day celebration for the entire community. The celebration is planned for Saturday, July 5, beginning at 3 p.m. at Coyote Ridge Park. This first time City of CPN event is sure to delight the…
by Anthonette Klinkerman Care for a favorite furry friend has another option in Castle Pines North (CPN). Dr. Sean Wayment, of the Animal Care Center in Castle Rock, has opened a satellite office in CPN. The Animal Care Center of Castle Pines North is now open in the Safeway Shopping Center, and is offering services…
Top to bottom: Andy Rhodes, Bill Santos and Mark Carlson by Lisa Crockett On Tuesday, May 6, three new members were elected to the Metro District Board of Directors. Only 319 of more than 5,000 registered CPN voters took time to stop by the polling place and cast their vote in this important election. Mark…
by Lisa Crockett A task force of Castle Pines North (CPN) citizens continues to negotiate with Xcel Energy regarding the installation of new poles near Coyote Ridge Park. The tallest pole, which stands a towering 180 feet and sits atop a hill, drew complaints from all parts of CPN. The pole will come down sometime…
by Lane Roberts The 2.75 percent city sales tax approved by the citizens of the City of Castle Pines North (CPN) in November 2007 is set to go into effect as of July 1, 2008. (see article on page 1) The City Council has enacted a sales tax ordinance designed to be consistent with existing…
by Anthonette Klinkerman/Vicki Bougan Admit it. There is a shoebox filled with old photos in the garage. Or perhaps a filled memory card in the digital camera? Getting around to getting them into a scrapbook seems a daunting task, but there is someone who can help. Enter Vicki Bougan. As a Creative Memories unit leader,…
All residents of Douglas County are eligible to participate in a free prescription-drug discount program, which offers a 20 percent discount on retail prescriptions at designated locations throughout the county. The program, which is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NaCo), is open to all county residents regardless of age, income, or existing health…
Rocky Mountain Tennis will begin their spring tennis program in CPN on April 28. Classes are available for all ages and ability levels, with short three week sessions. To view classes, times and prices, visit www.rockymountaintennis.com or call 303-791-6720.
by Lane Roberts The City of Castle Pines North (CPN) is working to create a Youth Commission, where high school students will be asked to provide input to the new city. Mayor Maureen Shul has expressed a desire to form this commission for young CPN residents to assist, organize and help implement programs that will…
by Lane Roberts Each summer, CPN receives a few sighting of black bears in the community. While bird feeders bring colorful feathered friends to yards, they can also bring an unexpected guests. According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDW) bears that become accustomed to bird feeders must often be destroyed as they become more…
CPN resident Dick Lichtenheld (left) confers with Douglas Couty Clerk Jack Arrowsmith (right) by Lisa Crockett During the 2006 election, many Douglas County voters put in long hours in line in order to exercise their right to cast a ballot. “We had high voter turnout and a very long ballot,” said Douglas County Clerk and…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) is home to two grocery stores and both of them are working to protect the environment. Both King Soopers and Safeway offer in-store recycling of plastic bags. “Plastic bags can come from any store, not just Safeway,” said CPN Safeway manager Celeste Davis. In addition to plastic bag…
by Lane Roberts Rising gas prices are not the only reason to shop local businesses. In fact, shopping right here in Castle Pines North (CPN) will soon benefit the entire city. Effective July 1, the new sales and use tax for the City is set to take effect. In the 2007 November election, voters supported…
by Lisa Crockett The shopping center on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway at the intersection of Lagae Road is beginning to take shape. “A cold winter delayed our construction a bit,” said Max Heitzmann, who is managing the project for Mineappolis-based developer Anxon, Inc. “The store should be open some time in the…
Artist’s rendering of planned development on the commercial portion of CC-20, slated for construction at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. (design courtesy of The Laramie Company) by Lisa Crockett Stymied by a failed library funding measure on last year’s ballot and a sluggish real estate market, the commercial portion of the…
by Lane Roberts Exciting things are happening in the new City of Castle Pines North (CPN). The development of a brand new school, the City’s first permanent church building, and a long-awaited community park are now moving forward at a rapid pace. So quickly, in fact, it is causing a few “growing pains” for the…
Doug Glibert Treasurer City of Castle Pines North The work of the Treasurer has begun. Key items at city start up for a treasurer are to start the process of revenue collection (sales tax, property tax, fees, etc.) and start to develop policies around revenue and expenses. The Treasurer must work with several groups outside…
RE/MAX Elite is announcing new ownership, a new name, and a new office in Castle Pines North, featuring state of the art technology that will not only give customers extraordinary value, but also keep the company at the forefront of the industry. RE/MAX Elite Broker/Owners Sandi Zimmerman, Elizabeth Owens, and Mary Anne DeYoung see the…
Some obvious things that may indicate a crime occurring or about to occur: An unknown person running from your neighbors house carrying merchandise A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when you know they are gone Anyone forcing entrance to, or tampering with a residence, business, or vehicle Persons being forced into vehicles Anyone peering into…
Business in the Pines members joined for lunch and fellowship at the annual meeting in May. Left to right: Cathy Anderson, Deborah Johansen, Linda Watson and Linda Clure. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold Business in the Pines (BIP) celebrated a successful first year of enterprise in Castle Pines North (CPN) during its annual…
Information provided by Douglas County Public Works The plans for the proposed improvements in Daniels Park are proceeding as planned. Road closures in the area will begin on June 16, 2008, and could last for up to five weeks. The first closure is on Olde Happy Canyon Road, also known as Castle Pines Parkway from…
A large bobcat walks behind a home in Forest Park last winter. (photo courtesy of Chip Coppola) by Terri Wiebold In Castle Pines North, natural open space provides peace and beauty. It also provides homes for a number of wild animals including bobcats, coyote, fox, deer, mountain lions, and bears. In the past few years,…
The CPN Master Association will plant a tree in Castle Pines North to honor Royann Cygan’s commitment to the community and her service to the Castle Pines Parks Authority. by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Parks Authority says goodbye to one of the community’s greatest advocates for parks and recreation. Members of the Parks Authority…
McGruff the Crime Dog and Deputy Charles Vernier of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office meet two-year-old CPN resident, Stevie, during CPN’s “Ask A Cop” Event at Safeway. (photo by Terri Wiebold) CPN Mayor Maureen Shul stands with DCSO Deputy Charles Vernier in front of a newly-decaled DCSO vehicle that features “Serving Castle Pines North” on…
by Terri Wiebold With one of the most recognized jingles in Colorado, FirstBank in Safeway strives to be the Castle Pines North (CPN) bank for you. FirstBank is Colorado’s largest locally owned banking organization and is well established in the marketplace as a premier consumer bank. Headquartered in Lakewood, FirstBank has been providing full-service banking…
by Lane Roberts This fall, residents can expect to see construction in the Xcel power line corridor that runs through the City of Castle Pines North (CPN). No, the power lines are not being buried. Instead, the Castle Pines North Metro District is partnering with the Centennial Water and Sanitation District and the Town of…
POOLS – The CPN Master Association does not own or maintain any property or pools in CPN. To report pool problems, contact the Neighborhood HOA. Find a complete list of HOAs at www.cpnhoa.org (click on neighborhoods.) PARK ISSUES – The CPN Metro District owns and maintains all CPN parks. To report problems, or to reserve…
Five year old Alex, picks up his Get WARPed t-shirt from the CPN Metro District (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) started the spring off with a splash, introducing a Water Awareness and Responsibility Program (WARP) to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community – its schools, residents,…
Dear Castle Pines Resident: As your Sheriff, I would like to inform you of certain criminal activities that are occurring throughout Douglas County as well as the area of Castle Pines. There has been an increase in criminal activity to include residential and commercial burglaries, as well as vehicle trespasses and stolen vehicles in the…
2008 Douglas County School District’s Apple Award winner and CPN resident Kristie Krier. Krier, who teaches second grade at CPN’s Timber Trail Elementary School, won the award’s elementary education division. (photo courtesy of Douglas County School District) by Lisa Crockett Red carpets, cheering fans, flashbulbs and fabulous prizes. Teaching school is not always this glamorous,…
by Terri Wiebold In the summer months, the Douglas County Animal Services Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office frequently respond to calls of dogs or other animals that have been left unattended in vehicles with little or no airflow on hot days. This can prove to be deadly. The Humane Society of the United…
Tri County Health Department employees and volunteers dispose of the chemicals and hazardous waste at the Household Chemical Roundups. (photo by Terri Wiebold) by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 3,064 Douglas County households participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2007, safely disposing of more than 135 tons…
by Terri Wiebold Douglas County plans to begin construction late this spring on three additional sections of the East-West Regional Trail project that, once complete, will form one continuous trail from Highway 85 east to the Bluffs Regional Park. This phase will complete the western portion (approximately 50 percent) of the planned East-West Regional Trail…
Dozens of spectacular professional fireworks displays are planned for the Fourth of July. Leave the fireworks to the professionals this year and enjoy one of the many displays close to home. Rockin’ the Fourth – Red, White and Boom – Castle Rock Rhyolite Regional Park, 1701 Crystal Valley Parkway Fireworks will be shot from the…
by Terri Wiebold When cars collide with pedestrians, there is high potential for serious injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Association and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian fatalities account for 11 percent of motor vehicle deaths. On average, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every eight minutes and one is…