WEEK OF JULY 6, 2023
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 32
FREE
Storm season — the good, bad and ugly Getting too much of a good thing BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ished with two bedrooms, a family room, bathroom, an office and a hallway filled up with three inches of water. This is the living space for their adult son who has special needs. “Wall to wall, there wasn’t one inch of dry spot,” said Debbie. Throughout the night, the family tried their best to mop up as much water as they could, but water continued to flow in. The family has USAA as insurance, which includes flood insurance;
When it provides vibrant green grass, supports the growth of native wildflowers and feeds our reservoirs, there is beauty in rain. But it also comes with a dark side as storms can wreak havoc and damage homes, vehicles and roadways. This spring, parts of the Denver metro area saw record breaking amounts of rain along with a longer and more consistent rain pattern. “It’s almost biblical in nature,” said Bryan Weimer, Arapahoe County director of public works and development. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Douglas, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties have seen rainfall above average. Over the past 129 years, Douglas County saw its fourth wettest May on record with 3.63 inches above normal, making it the 13th wettest year on record. Arapahoe County saw its fifth wettest May with 3.29 inches of rain above normal and Jefferson County saw its 7th wettest May with 2.28 inches of rain above normal. While some may have loved the gloomy days, listening to the sound of rain falling, for others, it posed an ongoing issue as well as citizen safety.
SEE STORM, P10
SEE RAIN, P6
Water coming through a window of the Doug and Debbie Osborne home on the lower level in the June 22 storm. COURTESY DEBBIE OSBORNE
Parker family experiences major damage caused by storms BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Debbie and Doug Osborne, a couple dedicated to serving others, have faced unprecedented flooding, hail damage and have lost precious belongings during the continuous spring storms. Recently receiving an award from the United Veterans’ Coalition for volunteer efforts in aiding veterans in need, Debbie also volunteers for the Parker Senior Center and provides meals to those recovering from surgeries and illnesses.
Her husband Doug, retired from the U.S. Air Force, works a full time job and also volunteers with American Legion and Team Rubicon. During a heavy storm on May 10, the Osborne’s hoause began to flood. “We had ridiculous rain,” said Debbie. “That was when we first noticed the water coming in, and it came in our chimney - it flooded through our chimney flue and it came in groundwater like around the foundation.” The lower level of their home is 1,1800 square feet and 100% fin-
Landmark 20th
Evergreen Jazz Festival July 28, 29 & 30
Dancers Welcome!
Free Parking!
EvergreenJazz.org
303-697-5467
Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting! VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19
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