Week of March 23, 2023
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
CastlePinesNewsPress.net
VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 31
Check out
SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS In this week’s paper!
New library on track for August opening Role of ‘taxpayer
dollars’ in plan for apartments is complicated
100 turn out for tour BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Castle Rock’s new library celebrated a construction milestone this month as it nears the expected August grand opening. Despite a sprinkling of snow, more than 100 community members gathered at the Castle Rock Library, 100 S Wilcox Street, on March 16 to tour the progress on the new building, enjoy a BBQ lunch and get details on the future space. “I want to thank all of the tradesfolk and everyone who’s putting this wonderful facility together for us,” Bob Pasicznyuk, executive library director for Douglas County Libraries, said. “We’re really looking forward to this library.” Douglas County Libraries invested SEE LIBRARY, P7
Residents voice concern BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The new Castle Rock Library is a two-story, 62,000-square-foot building that will have outdoor amenities, a kids and family area, space for library staff and an archive room, PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD among other features. A grand opening is planned for August.
Bozarth, Venafro receive American Legion top honors Annual public safety awards announced BY HALEY LENA HLENAD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
At the American Legion Department of Colorado mid-year Conference, Douglas County Sheriff ’s Deputy Tammy Bozarth and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department’s Casey Venafro were awarded Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the year honors.
The American Legion is an organization of veterans who are dedicated to preserving America’s freedoms and believes national security must be maintained to fulfill the mandate for a strong national defense. The Legion is organized into local Posts, county and area districts, departments for each state and the National American Legion. Each year, Posts work with local police and fire departments to nominate candidates for Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year. In late January, the American Le-
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 24
gion Harry C. Miller Post 1187 Castle Rock awardees Bozarth and Venafro won at the district and department level for Colorado. According to Christopher Desmond, Jr. Vice Commander of the American Legion Harry C. Miller Post 1187, the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award is presented to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements of their position. The officer has also shown a pattern of community service, professional SEE HONORS, P5
As news spread about a proposed affordable housing development near Parker — yet another flashpoint in the ongoing battle against new apartment complexes in the Denver suburbs — many area residents expressed concern about its funding. “70% of the development cost will be absorbed by Douglas County taxpayers,” one resident wrote to the county. That’s just one complaint in a long list of comments the county compiled that objected to the development’s funding. Said another: “We do not appreciate subsidizing 60 to 70% of the cost of that development after we have paid over 800,000 for our home.” “Please hear the voices of the SEE CONCERNS, P2
T BEFSTHE O T BES
2023
VOTE NOW - APRIL 15th DouglasCountyNewsPress.net CastlePinesNewsPress.net CastleRockNewsPress.net
Special CD Rate
5.01% APY* 10 Month Term
120 S Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 303-660-4001 *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate of Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 9 month CD with current rate at renewal. *The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of March 16, 2023.