Snow has been coming down in Castle Rock for nearly 24 hours now, and it looks to last at least another 12 hours.

 About 15 inches of snow had fallen in Town by 3 p.m. Friday, causing many closures and cancellations.

Kids’ Nite Out at the Recreation Center is canceled tonight, as is the Hoopla youth basketball event that was scheduled tomorrow.  The Hoopla will instead occur next Friday, Feb. 10. A schedule will be emailed to participants and their coaches Monday.

Castle Rock now is under a winter storm warning until 5 a.m. Saturday. The previous blizzard warning has been canceled. Still, another foot or more of snow could fall before the storm moves out of the area late tomorrow morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Town snowplow crews will continue working around-the-clock through at least 2 p.m. Saturday, with a focus on keeping main streets safe for traffic and emergency responders. Residential streets are being plowed as well. Visit CRgov.com/plowtracker to see an estimated timeframe for a plow’s arrival in your area. The Town’s plowing standard on residential streets is a single passable lane to meet the needs of emergency responders.

The Police and Fire departments have responded to a handful of accidents throughout the storm, but none have had serious injuries.Those who must travel during the storm should keep food, water, a flashlight and dry clothing in their vehicles and should stay with their vehicles if they become stranded.

Some interstates and highways throughout the state are closed due to the storm. Before heading out, check statewide road conditions a tcotrip.org or by calling 511.

This is the Town’s last planned update regarding this snowstorm unless conditions worsen, requiring further information for the public. 

A reminder that residents and business owners should clear the snow from the sidewalks surrounding their properties – and also from any nearby fire hydrants – within 48 hours after the snow stops. Snow should not be shoveled into the street, but rather onto grassy areas.

If ice control is needed after the storm due to melting and refreezing, it will be prioritized, with emphasis placed on high-pedestrian areas, such as near schools. The Town recently acquired a new piece of equipment that makes ice removal quicker and more efficient.

Source: Press Release

Candlelight & Family Friendly options in South Metro Denver and Douglas County Colordo 2011

Below you’ll find a link to many of the churches in South Denver and their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service times and details. There are many that offer candlelight and carols services before midnight. For directions and more information on each of the church services listed below, please click on the underlined link for each.

Highlands Ranch Colorado Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Services

• Cherry Hills Community Church
  Christmas Eve Services: 2:00 , 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. (candle light service)
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St. Andrews Methodist Church
  Pre-Eve Christmas Eve December 23 at 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – December 24
  Noon Communion, 3:00 Children’s Service “Front Row Seats”; music by the St. Andrew Children’s choirs
  5:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 p.m. Message and Music
  Childcare available for children ages four and under at noon, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Family service with carols
• Mountain View Christian Church
  Christmas Eve 1,3, 5 and 7 p.m. presenting “Prayers for Scrooge”
  Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 11:30 p.m.
• Christ Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
  3:30 p.m. Family Service with Children’s Choir
  5:00 p.m. Contemporary service featuring Crossroads Band
  7:00 p.m. Traditional 11:00 p.m. Contemporary Service
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Christmas Eve Services
  Dec. 24th 3:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Candlelight
  Christmas Day, Dec. 25th 10:00 p.m.
  
• Horizon Community Church
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St. Lukes United Methodist Church - Christmas Eve Services
  1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Children’s Service
  5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Traditional Service
  11:00 p.m. Candle Light Service
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• St Marks Catholic Church
  Christmas Eve – 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Eve – Midnight   (with carols at 11:30 p.m.)
  Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m.
• Living Way Fellowship Church
  Christmas Eve – 2:00, 3:30 & 5:00 p.m.
  No Services Christmas Day
• Abiding Word Lutheran Church
  Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Jubilee Fellowship Church - Highlands Ranch Campus
  11:00 p.m. Candelight Service

Lone Tree Colorado Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Services

• Jubilee Fellowship Church – Off Site at the Marriot DTC
   4900 S. Syracuse, Denver, CO  80237 MAP Childcare for pre-K, older kids will sit with their parents during the service
  1:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services  @ Marriott DTC
  3:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
• Cornerstone Church 
  Candle light service Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:15 a.m.
• Pax Christi Catholic Church 
  Christmas Eve Mass 4:00 (Worship space with Childrens Choir) 6:00 & 9:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day Mass December 25 10:30 a.m. no 5 p.m. Mass

Franktown Colorado Christmas Services

• CastleWood Canyon Church
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Trinity Lutheran
  Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th - 2:00pm – Children and Family Christmas Eve Worship 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight (8:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated)
  Sunday, December 25th 8:00 &10:45am – Readings and Carols with Holy Communion
• Community Baptist Church
  Christmas Eve Candlelight service 3:00 & 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
• Solid Life Christian Center

Castle Pines Colorado Christmas Church Services

• Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
• Castle Pine Community Church
  Christmas Eve Services 4:00 & 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Heritage Evangelical Free
  Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Abiding Hope Lutheran
  Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m.

Larkspur Colorado Christmas Church Services

• New Covenant Church
  Christmas Eve 5-8:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Church Services in Castle Rock Colorado

• First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock - Christmas Eve
  3:00 Family Candlelight Service (Candy Land Theme)
  5:00 Non-traditional Candlelight Service
  7:00 Traditional Candlelight Service
  11:00 Candlelight Service with Communion
• Covenant Church of Castle Rock
  None Listed
• Christ Episcopal Church
  Christmas Eve 5:30 p.m. The Family Christmas Service, with Carols & Communion
  Christmas Eve 10:00 p.m: Musicmakers Christmas Concert
  Christmas Eve 10:30 p.m: The Christmas Service, Candlelight with Communion
  Christmas Day 9:00 a.m.
• Grace Chapel Castle Rock
  Christmas Eve, 6:00 p.m. Christmas Carols, Special Music and Candle Lighting
• The Rock Christmas Eve December 24, 2:30, 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. childcare for under 3 only
• St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Christmas Eve Masses
  Christmas Eve  4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Spanish Mass at 1:30 p.m.
• Calvary Chapel – Castle Rock 
  Christmas Eve 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.Candlelight 11:30 (no childcare)
• Castle Oaks Church
  Christmas Eve 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. Candle Light Service
  Christmas Day 10:45
• Creekside Bible Church
  Christmas Even Candlelight Service at 3:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m.
• Jubilee Fellowship Church – Off Site at the Marriot DTC
   4900 S. Syracuse, Denver, CO  80237 MAP Childcare for pre-K, older kids will sit with their parents during the service
  1:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services  @ Marriott DTC
  3:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  5:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service @ Marriott DTC
  No Services Christmas Day

Parker Colorado Christmas Eve Candlelight Church Services

• Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church PEPC 
  Christmas Eve  – 5:00, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. 7 & 8:30 Candlelight services
• Parker United Methodist Church PUMC
  Christmas Eve  4:00 Children’s Service – No candles
  5:30 & 7:00  Lessons and Carols
  8:30 p.m. Candlelight and Carols
• South East Christian Church SECC
  Christmas Eve 1:00 2:30 4:00 & 5:30 p.m.
  Childcare  at the 1, 2:30 and 4:00 Services.
  Christmas Day 11:00 a.m.
• Ave Maria Catholic Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 p.m. and Midnight Mass Candlelight Church Service
  Christmas Day 7:30,  9:30, 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. in Spanish (no 5:00 p.m. Mass Christmas Day)
• The Lighthouse Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m.
• Joy Lutheran
  Christmas Eve 4:00 pm  Family Service
  7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service
  Christmas Day 9:30 a.m. (No Sunday School)
• Pinecrest Community Church
  Christmas Eve 4:30, 6:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day 9:30 a.m.
• Providence Presbyterian Church
  Christmas Eve 4:30 Family  7:00 Traditional
  Christmas Day  their website was unclear.
• Redeemer Presbyterian Church – Meets in the Mainstreet Center
  Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Candlelight and  Carols followed by cookies and punch
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. (No Sunday School)
• St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
  Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Children’s Pageant
  7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service
  10:30 p.m. Sung Eucharist
• Parker Bible Church
  Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Carols and Candlelight
  Christmas Day 10:30 a.m.
• Epic Church 
  Christmas Eve 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Services
• Crossroads Community Church
  Christmas Eve December 24th, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 pm
  Christmas Day December 25th, 9:30 and 11:00 am (NOTE: There will be no 8:00 am service)
• Parker Christian Center
  Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:15 a.m.
•  Parker Hills Bible Fellowship
  Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.
  Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.

If your church has been left off or there is incorrect information please add in the comments below and have a very Merry Christmas from Chrissy your Douglas County Colorado Examiner.

Don’t want to drive all the way to Denver? You are in luck with these three family friendly creepy Halloween events that have become one of South Denver’s Annual traditions.

 Castle of Terror haunted house turns into Zombie Town

Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29.  7 to 10 p.m. This years theme is Zombie Town and it is NOT recommended for youth children. Those under 13 will NOT be admitted without an adult

Town’s Fire Training Tower, 333 Malibu Court, Castle Rock CO

“Castle of Terror gives local residents the opportunity to experience a good scare without having to drive all the way to Denver,” Fire Chief Art Morales said. “We strive to compete with anything being offered in the metro area.”

Admission $10 fundraiser for Police and Fire Explorers programs. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance, at CRgov.com/terror.

Spooktacular Festival October 29, 2011  1:00 p.m.t0 3:00 p.m.

The spooktacular festival is geared to the younger set where activities include face painting, jumpy houses, games, crafts and contests. It will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Castle Rock Recreation Center, 2301 Woodlands Blvd. Castle Rock CO

Trick or Treat Street October 31, Halloween Night 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Costume contest, pumpkin decorating, live music and trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating is at Downtown businesses – look for the orange and black balloons – and the main event is at Festival Park, 300 Second St. Castle Rock CO

Trick or Treat Street Costume Contest

Preregistration is encouraged and can be completed by Oct. 27 at CRgov.com/trickortreat or by calling 303-660-1365.

The Spooktactular and Trick or Treat Street are free.

Fall Festival Halloween fun in Castle Rock CO 2011

Costume contest schedule

Under 2 years
Sign in by 2:15 p.m.; contest begins at 2:30 p.m.
Winners announced at 3:15 p.m.

2-4 years
Sign in by 2:30 p.m.; contest begins at 2:45 p.m.
Winners announced at 3:30 p.m.

5-7 years
Sign in by 3:45 p.m.; contest begins at 4 p.m.
Winners announced at 4:30 p.m.

8-10 years
Sign in by 4 p.m.; contest begins at 4:15 p.m.
Winners announced at 4:45 p.m.

11 years and up
Sign in by 4:15 p.m.; contest begins at 4:30 p.m.
Winners announced at 5 p.m.

Group costume contest
Sign in by 4:30 p.m.; contest begins at 4:45 p.m.
Winners announced between 5 and 5:15 p.m.

Source: Town of Castle Rock Press Release

For the past five years, Reece’s family and friends have put together a 5K- / 1-mile run / walk to raise money for Reece and awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This condition is the No. 1 genetic killer of children under age 2.

Copyright: Reeces Roundup

Please come and support this worthy local cause.

Date: July 30
Time:7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Butterfield Park, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (MAP BELOW)
Cost:$25 per walker or $35 per runner

Groups of four may register for $75 for walkers or $90 for runner

For more information  on Reeces Roundup and photos of past events you can see their website here.

Email show coordinator for more information here.

Castle Rock Police Department members who demonstrated exemplary performance during the past year were recognized for their efforts Wednesday during the department’s annual awards ceremony.

The Police Department successfully responded to more than 52,000 calls for service last year – a direct reflection of the department’s personnel, who consistently perform at a very high level.

Seven awards were given to staff members and to one member of the public who performed exceptionally.

Community Service Award (for fundraising for the police dog memorial): Seth Morrissey, Tom O’Donnell, Scott Webster, Jody King, Adrian Mendez and Todd Thompson

Citizen Commendation (for creating the police dog memorial): Janene DiRico

Chief’s Unit Citation (for making the largest marijuana bust in Castle Rock’s history): Randall Speaect, Troy Stembel, Renda Albergotti, Jason Zwickl and Terry Watts

Chief’s Unit Citation (for work during a 12-hour standoff in December): Michell Grizzle, Ashley Dickens, Amy Shost, Lindsey Barron and Rachael Williams

Superior Tactics and Response (STAR) Award: (for work during a 12-hour standoff in December):Sam Varela, James Novick, Jason Zwickl, Fabiola Jacquez-Lauther and Mark Foster

Merit Award (for solving a July robbery at Ultra Diamonds): Michael Williams

Merit Award (for work during a 12-hour standoff in December): Tim Ratcliff

One group of police employees and an artist were honored for the work they put into getting a police dog memorial installed in Downtown Castle Rock last year. A group of officers was honored for making the largest marijuana bust in the Town’s history, and a detective was recognized for solving a July jewelry store robbery.

The remaining groups and individuals were honored for their efforts in peacefully ending a 12-hour standoff that occurred in December.

“The Castle Rock Police Department is fortunate to have some of the finest men and women in law enforcement serving this community,” Chief Tony Lane said. “I am proud to be working with them.”

Thank you for your outstanding service to the Douglas County Community!

Source: Town of  Castle Rock Press Release

Your first opportunity to check them out will be at the debut of the Rocky Mountain Freedom Festival a new music venue, carnival and BBQ competition with over 75 teams competing.

7/1 Rocky Mountain Freedom Festival 6:00PM to 7:00PM

They’ll be performing on the Main Stage at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center so come early, grab a good parking spot and catch a great blues show. Then stay for all the awesome attractions at the Festival. Cook-offs, carnival rides, Fireworks show on Sunday.

7/22 Next Door Bar, Castle Rock 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (next door to the world famous Castle Cafe)

Come spend the evening with the guys in the band as we dish out that sweet edged blues sound you love. We’ll be at the Next Door Bar in Castle Rock from 9 p.m.  to 1 a.m.. Come, drink, dance and hang out with friends.
Admission is Free.

9/11 Castle Rock Artfest 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you’ve never attended the Artfest you are in for a treat. This is a juried arts and artisans show with top quality items to buy and enjoy. The band will be headlining on the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.

Admission is Free. All ages welcome.

The Front Street Blues Band includes:

• Tom Davis – Guitar and Vocals
• Tom Curry – Drums
• Jim Hebb – Bass Guitar and Vocals

You can listen to a few of their offerings on the videos on the Front Street Blues Band website here.

You can also join the band Fanpage on Facebook here.

Town staff sets sights on 58 major projects for 2011

Town staff spends a majority of its time on direct service delivery, customer service and organizational leadership and management.

Still, the staff – with Town Council’s direction – sets out to complete a litany of major projects each year in the areas of community services, community planning, economic development, capital improvements and organizational efforts.

Staff has a very good track record in those efforts and never has completed less than about 95 percent of the major projects it has outlined at the beginning of the year.

Town Council on Tuesday approved the Town leadership team’s ambitious, 58-item 2011 Major Projects Work Program. The full list is posted at CRgov.com/2011projects. It does not identify every project – only the major ones, which typically are the most important to complete.

A highlight in the first half of the year is April’s municipal election, which not only will see three Town Council seats on the ballot but also a commercial medical marijuana referendum. Several medical marijuana-related items are on the projects list, including Town Council consideration of whether to regulate residential grow houses.

During the second half of the year, a major focus will be on long-term water efforts, including a renewable water project involving East Plum Creek, as well as regional water partnerships.

Some other projects Town of Castle Rock staff intends to complete in 2011:

• · Implement an optional water bill round-up program to assist low-income customers
• · Establish a new nonprofit grant program
• · Complete the trail expansion project at Ridgeline Open Space, Phase I of Hangman’s Gulch Trail and the Sellars Gulch low water crossing project at Lewis Street
• · Complete construction of Wrangler Park and prepare for construction of Phase I of Philip S. Miller Park in 2012
• · Conduct a resident survey and present the results to Town Council
• · Add live streaming Town Council meetings and other new videos to CRgov.com
• · Complete final design and right of way acquisition for the North Meadows Extension
• · Complete planning and design for an expansion to the Town’s Fire Training facility
• · Prepare for an April 2012 election on a long-term renewable water property tax, bond authorization and de-Brucing
• · Complete recommendations for new economic development assistance programs
• Plan and prioritize for future trail and bicycle lane projects