Read the stories from the latest issue:
by Lorraine Masonheimer Background – – In the last five years, Xcel Energy has applied and been granted two expansions to increase voltage in the Castle Pines North (CPN) transmission corridors. In 2005, Xcel requested a significant increase in audible noise levels for the second expansion. Bruce Thompson, as a board member of the Master…
by Lisa Crockett Douglas County residents received a newsletter this summer entitled Douglas County Connection, which reports funding sources and expenditures on road projects from 1996 to 2006. The newsletter details road and bridge funding, road sales and use tax, as well as other quality of life issues relating to roads in Douglas County. The…
New Kindergartner Sam C. heads to class, ably assisted by fourth-grade teacher Karen Kolibaba. (photo by Lisa Crockett) Timber Trail Elementary School, Castle Pines North’s (CPN) year-round school, has been bustling with kids all summer long. Other neighborhood schools – American Academy (founded by CPN parents and temporarily based in Lone Tree), Buffalo Ridge Elementary,…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) residents now have one less local banking option. The Washington Mutual (WAMU) branch on Lagae Road closed its doors on July 20. WAMU customers will now have to travel to the bank’s location on Milestone Lane in Castle Rock (near WalMart and Kohl’s.) “Accounts will automatically transfer to…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines was created earlier this year by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association to promote an environment of communication, cooperation and support for local storefront and home-based businesses. The membership-based organization has grown to more than 60 members to date. As a networking, cooperative marketing and advertising group,…
by Terri Wiebold The land once slated for 1,600 residential homes known as the Tanterra Development near Centennial Airport will instead become soccer fields, open space and airport-compatible businesses under a deal brokered with Dove Valley Business Park Associates, Ltd. by the airport and the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners in June. The proposed residential…
Developer Chris Fellows presents plans for Lagae Ranch at the Master Association board meeting. by Lane Roberts The Master Association Board of Directors has offically adopted a resolution to publicly support the development of Lagae Ranch in Castle Pines North (CPN). The 240-acre parcel, located behind King Soopers and adjacent to HOA1, is owned by…
by Lorraine Masonheimer There will be a little something for everyone at the Buddy Center’s first Cat Crawl on June 16 – including adoption, face painting, carnival games, food and beverages, shopping for that special feline, and classes about cat behavior. Staff specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about litter…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North Metro District’s three-phased Xeriscape project begins in July at the Community Center, located at 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The Metro District Board recently allocated $120,000 to the venture which will take two and half months to complete. The plan introduces low water use perennial shrubs and native grasses, along…
Dave Fraser, News2’s Chief Meteorologist and parent of a Timber Trail student, runs the live auction at the school’s fundraiser, “La Noche de la Fiesta.” Fraser is flanked by TTE’s outgoing principal, Lisa Phillips (right) and new principal, Michelle Radke (left.) The event raised money for science and reading programs as well as assemblies and…
by Elean Gersack Get fit and have fun with the little ones at the same time. Stroller Bods meets every Tuesday and Thursday at the Retreat Park in Castle Pines from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Retreat Park is located just off of Tangleoak Lane and Castle Pines Parkway. From I-25 and Castle Pines…
by Terri Wiebold Construction is underway of a new and innovative meal preparation company in Castle Pines North, and Greenbriar resident Kay Lynn Anderson is the driving force behind it. Entrée Vous is a franchise that began in 2003 as a place for individuals or groups to prepare nutritious meals in a clean and friendly…
Scrub oak clearing begins in the Pine Ridge open space. by Terri Wiebold Nestled amid some of the most beautiful topography in the area – Daniel’s Park, The Sanctuary, Cherokee Ranch, and The Ridge Golf Course – residents in the Pine Ridge neighborhood of Castle Pines North enjoy the breathtaking scenery and abundant surrounding landscapes,…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Castle Pines Community Church will host vacation bible school June 25-29, 9 a.m. to noon, age three to fifth grade. The event will take place at Timber Trail Elementary, 690 W. Castle Pines Parkway. To register online, go to www.castlepineschurch.org or call 303-663-9755. Christ the King and Epiphany Lutheran Church will present…
by Lisa Crockett The Alpert Corporation (Alpert), developer of The Canyons, has cleared the first major hurdle in its long journey toward build-out. The Douglas County Commissioners approved the sketch plan for the new community, which will be located east and south of Castle Pines Parkway (CPN) across I-25. The sketch plan is the first…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) and the thousands of acres of open space surrounding the community are home to nearly 10,000 people, a varied collection of pets, countless deer, elk, rabbits, raccoons and the predators that prey on these creatures. While mountain lions are generally elusive animals which typically avoid human contact, CPN…
by Lane Roberts The Master Association has received reports of rattlesnake sightings in yards in the Serena neighborhood of Daniel’s Gate. Snakes come out of hibernation in May and June as the weather warms and rely mostly on rodents for food. Rattlesnake babies have venom and are dangerous from birth. Please use caution with small…
by Lane Roberts As of press time, negotiations between Castle Pines North (CPN) and Castle Pines Village (VILLAGE) were still underway. The two communities, both vying for the same business district in its proposed incorporation boundaries, recently filed a “request to stay” on both petitions in Douglas County District Court. “The intent of the court…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines kicks off summer with a fresh alternative to shopping. Like a farmer’s market with a twist, Market in the Pines will offer an array of selections such as garden accessories, clothing, jewelry, flowers, epicurean delights, produce and more. “We have unique and up-scale items to sell to our…
Parks and Open Space Manager Charlie Fagan, right, Metro District board members and WinterBerry homeowners discuss the eroding hillside on Buffalo Trail. Article and photos Lorraine Masonheimer Morning sun crested over the WinterBerry hillside, warming the sparse, fledgling blades of native grasses. The few clumps of grass that grow here cling to the steep slope—a…
Douglas County Library Bookmobile by Lisa Crockett Douglas County’s Director of Libraries, Jamie LaRue, is looking to add value to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community by giving it a new 6,500 square foot facility on the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. LaRue outlined his plans for the new CPN library, as…
by Terri Wiebold When the Cherokee Ranch fire in 2003 came within 100 yards of Pine Ridge open space and forced the evacuation of much of the Castle Pines North community, the Pine Ridge Homeowner’s Association (HOA) formed a committee to expand upon the basic Wildfire Mitigation Plan originally written for its developer in 1999.…
The view is changing at the northeast corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway as Village Homes begins retail and residential construction. (photo by TimGamble.) by Lisa Crockett Bulldozers are grading dirt and clearing debris on the land at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard in preparation for the development that…
Metro District Board Member Bruce Thompson discusses the impact of noise pollution for the CPN community. by Lorraine Masonheimer Castle Pines North (CPN) residents attended an informal meeting on May 31 to hear details regarding the power line expansion proposed by Xcel Energy to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) earlier this month. The meeting was…
Business in the Pines is growing by the day. Below is a member list as of press time. To learn more about membership benefits and to find out about upcoming Business in the Pines events, visit www.businessinthepines.com. American Family Insurance – Julie Sequeira, American Family Insurance – Tim Brown, Arbonne International – Jana Ray, Back…
On May 30, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law HB 1064, also known as Project Lifesaver. This legislation will provide start-up funds for those counties statewide wishing to participate in this program. Project Lifesaver involves tracking technology that reduces search time to less than 25 minutes for people who are prone to wander and get…
by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District has been exploring the possible purchase of water rights from the London Mine, located on the middle fork of the South Platte River for several years. At the monthly board meeting on May 21, the Metro District Board voted to terminate the contract with THF…
by Lorraine Masonheimer As Castle Pines North (CPN) prepares for Memorial Day and Independence Day festivities, many residents have family members in the military deployed throughout the world or are veterans of wars past. The burden falls especially hard on these neighbors. Differing opinions on present-day and past wars can be heard across the country…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Castle Rock, Col., (June 8, 2007) — Representatives from Castle Pines North (CPN) and Castle Pines Village (VILLAGE) have entered into a comprehensive “Revenue Sharing and Settlement Agreement” regarding the commercial area included in two separate petitions to incorporate filed by both communities last December. The agreement, signed June 7 by representatives…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North (CPN) Parks Authority Board met on April 19 to discuss future park development. Among the items discussed was the East-West Regional Trail Extension. The Lagae Ranch park proposal is delayed for 30 to 60 days due to schedule conflicts with HF Holdings, LLC. The 240-acre parcel is located…
Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees engage in a thoughtful discussion about whether or not to place a ballot question before the voters in the November 6 election. From left to right: Cathy Norris, Stevan Strain, David Starck, Mark Weston, and Steve Roper. G. Robert McLaughlin attended by phone. (photo courtesy of Douglas County Libraries)…
by Elean Gersack The cold and snow did not put a damper on the fun at Easter Fest in Castle Pines North (CPN). On Saturday, April 7, more than 300 children and adults dropped by the CPN Community Center for goodies, music and a visit with the Easter bunny. Business in the Pines storefront and…
by Lane Roberts Castle Pines North (CPN) is home to more than 560 acres of open space. The Castle Pines North Metro District is responsible for maintaining 323 acres of open space, including the three community parks. Many homes in CPN back to open space areas that are owned by the CPN Metro District. Recently,…
by Lane Roberts Douglas County Public Works has several asphalt overlay and concrete repair projects slated for Castle Pines North (CPN) this summer. The following streets (or portions of them) will be resurfaced this summer: Berkshire Court, Berkshire Lane, Clare Drive, Corby Court, Corby Place, Tenby Way, Warwick Place and Shoreham Drive (from Clare Drive…
by Lane Roberts On Monday, May 7, more than 30 residents attended the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District’s public hearing regarding a proposed water and wastewater rate increase. During the meeting, Metro District Manager James McGrady gave a presentation that detailed the need for the proposed 10 percent water rate increase and the restructuring…
by Lane Roberts Construction on the long awaited restrooms for all three Castle Pines North parks are set to begin this summer. Three “vault” restroom facilities will be built this summer at Coyote Ridge Park, The Retreat Park and Daniel’s Gate Park. Vault restrooms are commonly used throughout Colorado’s State Parks. The waterless toilets provide…
by Elean Gersack In the August issue of 5280 magazine, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) received accolades as the overall number two high school in the Denver area. The article titled, “Denver’s Best High Schools” evaluated private and public high schools by student-teacher ratio, lowest number of disciplinary issues, ACT and SAT scores, teachers with…
Army Chaplain Ellison (left) and his family. by Lisa Crockett Being in the Army Reserves usually means serving your country two days a month and two weekends a year. It was a comfortable arrangement for Chaplain James Ellison (Col.), a Castle Pines North (CPN) resident who was busy in his work as a chaplain, supporting…
Residents can now travel safely across Hidden Pointe Boulevard without crossing over the rocky center island. (photos by Tim Gamble) by Terri Wiebold Last December, the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association Safety Committee, the CPN Metro District, and Douglas County Public Works cooperatively took on two pedestrian crosswalk projects in the Castle Pines North…
by Elean Gersack The ReJuveniles will perform at the 2007 Summer Concert in the Park on Sunday, July 22. This free concert, sponsored by the Castle Pines North Master Association and Castle Rock Bank, will take place at Coyote Ridge Park. Bounce castles and concessions will kick off the fun at 4:30 p.m. and the…
by Elean Gersack On Thursday, April 12, more than 25 local business owners attended the kick-off event for Business in the Pines – an association formed by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association in January to unite local businesses. Members and Margaritas was organized as a meet and greet opportunity for store-front and home-based…
Fire = Oxygen + Heat Source + Fuel. Fuel = Combustible material, both living and dead, that is capable of burning in a wildland situation. Fire Mitigation = The actions taken that lessen the risk to people, property and resources from wildfire. Defensible Space = An area around homes or structures, either man –made or…
by Terri Wiebold On the heels of what some might argue was one of the wettest winters in Colorado history, is it possible that Douglas County is still in danger of wildland fire this summer? Absolutely. According to Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Director, Jamie Moore, snow does not always contain a lot of…
Patty Moschner (left) and Leslie Clemesen partner on many projects, including participating in the CPN Master Association sponsored Suicide Forum. by Terri Wiebold On the evening of April 18, residents in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community gathered at the community center to share in an open discussion about suicide and how to prevent this…
by Lisa Crockett After months of delay, the planned shopping center at the northeast corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. The County Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for the center, which is being developed by Minneappolis-based Anxon, Inc. Anxon is ready to start construction.…
by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 2,650 Douglas County households participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2006, safely disposing of more than 121 tons of hazardous materials. This included 12,825 pounds of pesticides, 150 pounds of mercury-containing devices, 6,204 gallons of hazardous liquids, and more than 91…
by Lisa Crockett Despite several delays in recent months, the construction of a new Walgreens store on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway at Lagae Road is still in the works, though its arrival will be several months – possibly more than a year — later than planned. The County required the developer, Anxon,…
by Terri Wiebold Everything but the kitchen sink – is what Castle Pines North (CPN) residents often pack as they begin the summer pool, picnic and barbecue season. However, outdoor food gatherings would be safer if residents could actually pack the kitchen sink! Food-borne illnesses resulting from cross contamination increase during this season of outdoor…
by Lisa Crockett Voting in an election is always an important way of voicing an opinion. In a local election, where the total number of voters is much smaller than a state or national election, voters have even more power to effect change. Castle Pines North (CPN) will soon be making important decisions about its…
by Elean Gersack On Saturday, June 9, Market in the Pines debuted in Castle Pines North (CPN). With open-air shopping and artisan vendors, Market in the Pines is a monthly summer event created by the Business in the Pines Association. According to Business in the Pines Vice-President, Carla Kenny, having the first market was a…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Before looking into hiring a lawn service, scheduling sprinkler repair, or deciding which company will perform annual maintenance for the air conditioner, check out the “Who to Hire” section of Castle Pines North (CPN) website. There are a multitude of listings for air conditioning repair, basement finishing, pet grooming, and more –…
by Lisa Crockett Cherokee Ranch and Castle, a historic location in Douglas County, has opened its second season of music and drama. The property is located in Sedalia and was sold in 1996 by its owner, Mildred “Tweet” Kimball, to Douglas County as a conservation easement. The property is home to a Scottish-style castle, which…
by Lorraine Masonheimer There will be a little something for everyone at the Buddy Center’s first Cat Crawl – including adoption, face painting, carnival games, food and beverages, shopping for that special feline, and classes about cat behavior. Staff specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about litter box and scratching…
by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as officers from the Douglas County Animal Services Department, responds to calls of dogs or other animals that have been left in vehicles with little or no air flow on hot days. This can prove to be deadly. The following tips are provided by the…
by Terri Wiebold Due to recent sightings of rattlesnakes in Castle Pines North (CPN) neighborhoods, the following information has been compiled by the CPN Master Association and provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife: Prevention – Effective snake control begins with prevention. Make your property an undesirable home for snakes and be prepared for possible…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Improvements to the oldest park in Castle Pines North are set to begin in mid-July. The Metro District Board of Directors recently approved the $100,000 park improvement project. The Retreat Park, located on Tangleoak Lane off of Castle Pines Parkway in The Retreat neighborhood, will now be home to new play ground…
by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Douglas County Recorder’s Office have partnered up to address possible license plate fraud issues. Colorado statute requires that a resident register a vehicle within 30 days of residency in Colorado, even if the vehicle plates are from another state and are not expired. “There…
by Elean Gersack An Old Fashioned Holiday Christmas Boutique will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 15, 16 and 17, at the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center. The boutique celebrates twelve years and is a local holiday favorite for CPN residents. Crafters from years past, as well as new crafters, will be on hand…
by Lisa Crockett A metering study of the I-25 interchange at Castle Pines Parkway will take place sometime in the fall, although as of press time, no exact dates had been decided. “This metering study won’t require a change in driving habits and most drivers will likely not even know we’re doing the study,” said…
by Terri Wiebold Information provided by United States Postal Service (USPS) New postage rates went into effect on Monday, May 14, including a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 41 cents. Post Offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also one and two-cent stamps for customers who…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North Boy Scout Troop #316 and Troop #637 will hold their annual sprinkler blow-out fundraisers October 13, 14, 20, and 21. Prices for the service vary; contact troops for more information. Scouts will be fully supervised by adults. All proceeds support troop activities. To schedule a blow out with Troop…
CPN kids enjoy making a snow cave (photo by Elean Gersack) by Lane Roberts Mother Nature has been busy in Colorado this winter. Record snowfall across the state has continued to cause slick roads, delayed school days, and frigid tempatures. Castle Pines North (CPN) saw more than 57.6 inches of snow in less than a…
The Super School News Crew from TTE. Pictured back row (left to right): Ms. Harrington, and Amanda. Front row (left to right): Georgia, Ashley, Gabby, Emily and Laura. Photo by Elean Gersack Spanish for “The Night of the Party”, the TTE Silent Auction, will be held on Friday, May 4 at The Marriott at Park…
by Lisa Crockett A community effort to reach an agreement with the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) regarding the use of the Wildcat Trail (pictured above) is still underway; however, at this time the future of the project remains uncertain. Talks between the HRCA and the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association have failed to…
May 5 What: Denver Dumb Friends League’s Furry Scurry When: Saturday, May 5 Where: Washington Park in Denver This annual event helps the Denver Dumb Friends League raise money to care for thousands of homeless and abandoned animals. The 2-mile walk will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 9 a.m. at Washington Park…
by Terri Wiebold The south and west sides of the Castle Pines North community will be getting “vastly improved (cellular) coverage in homes,” according to the senior project manager for Technology Associates International Corporation, Matt Butler. Butler is working on behalf of T-Mobile in the design and construction of a new cellular tower in the…
by Terri Wiebold There is a knock at the door. On the other side of the peep hole stands a man, unfamiliar to you, carrying a clipboard with a smile on his face. What to do? This is a decision many Castle Pines North (CPN) residents will face this spring as door-to-door solicitors begin making…
by Lisa Crockett Though most of Castle Pines North (CPN) has almost reached “build out,” a few important parcels still remain under construction. Here is a progress report: Walgreens Development Delayed The developer of the proposed shopping area at Lagae Road on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway has met a minor delay. Missing…
by Elean Gersack This year marks the 10th anniversary of DCS Montessori. As part of the celebration, the school held a Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction at the Marriott Park Meadows on Saturday, March 10. The event was part celebration, part fundraiser, and ALL fun! More than 150 guests enjoyed a fun evening while raising…