Week of November 24, 2022
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
CastleRockNewsPress.net
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 32
Ohana Grille marks two years in Castle Rock Commissioners highlight ARPA designations State of the County event held in Lone Tree BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
restaurateur said he’s tweaking the theme with new menu items and modifications to the decor. Currently, large windows, a bluegray ceiling and canoe paddles on the wall give the dining room a mild beachy feel. But in the next few months, the eatery will take on a
In honor of the multi-generational impacts of public services to Douglas County, the annual State of the County address focused on the 20 years of partnership and the commissioners distribution of federal funds. Douglas County Commissioners George Teal, Abe Laydon and Lora Thomas came together to speak about the intentions of the county’s $68.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, or ARPA, during the Nov. 16 event. Teal said the ARPA funding decisions were based on five investment principles focused on ensuring a legacy benefit, responding to immediate needs, being forward-looking, integrating board core priorities, avoiding duplication and leverage partnerships. “These investment areas were informed by consultations with
SEE OHANA, P10
SEE ARPA, P6
Ohana Grille celebrates its second year in Castle Rock this November.
Chef reflects on family, fusion and future changes BY RACHEL LORENZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
After two years of getting to know his customers in Douglas County, chef and owner Rich Braunthal is bringing changes to his Hawaiian fusion restaurant on Mercantile Street. “I’ve learned about our customers there in Castle Rock and what they’re looking for,” Braunthal told Colorado Community Media. “I felt it was kind of time to try something different.” After decades of restaurant experience in Hawaii and Colorado, Braunthal opened Ohana Grille in the The Meadows’ Town Center in November 2020. The restaurant
PHOTO COURTESY OF OHANA GRILLE
serves dishes inspired by the blending of cultures that Braunthal sees in Hawaii and in his own life. Asian, Hispanic and American influences mingle on the menu which features meaty mains, grilled fish, savory sandwiches and innovative tacos. The restaurant’s most popular entree is the combination plate with slow-cooked kalua pork and chicken katsu, that is, breaded and fried chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy sauce. Grilled Spam and rice wrapped in roasted seaweed, an appetizer called Spam musubi, is also a favorite. “We go through cases and cases of Spam a week for that particular little item,” Braunthal said. Ohana Grille, he said, has hooked a lot of formerly non-Spam-eating people on the $3 snack. While the fusion aspect of the eatery will continue, the 55-year-old
Dream Big Dreams...
Check out
Hometown Holidays In this week’s paper!
Special CD Rate
Also in this week’s paper! 2022 DOUGLAS COUNTY
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
4.17% APY
Special CD Rates ** Term * Term Or 2.74% APY 2.33% 16APYMonth 27 Month
* 10 Month
120 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock | (303) 660-4001
120 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock ♦ (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 October 31, 2022.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate for Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 12 month CD with current rate at renewal. **To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 24 month CD with current rate at renewal. The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of 11/22/018.
Term