Douglas County

A Dougco sheriff warned drivers about driving in floods after an intersection in Douglas County flooded during heavy rain and hailstorms over the weekend.

A Wyoming man was arrested in Douglas County after officials stated that he nearly struck a deputy and swerved across I-25 while suspected of drunk driving.

Perry Park Water and Sanitation customers expressed concern over sudden, substantial bill increases, arguing that high fees are due to capital improvements rather than water usage. District Manager Sarah Shepherd clarified that the rates increased because a board adopted various rate hikes and a radium mitigation fee during a public hearing on March 18. Customers also cited a lack of warning regarding these significant rate changes and expressed general dissatisfaction with the board's transparency.

Douglas County Schools Superintendent Erin Kane discussed planning for the 2026 mill levy override to help offset inflation and fund maintenance costs, such as restoring instrumental music. She also outlined efforts to create diverse student pathways, including trade programs, and explained that school consolidation decisions are driven by ensuring new communities have easy access to local schools.

The Douglas County Assessor warned seniors about an AI-generated property tax scam circulating on YouTube, which makes multiple false claims to homeowners. The assessor stated the videos are clickbait, likely for advertising revenue, and advised citizens against sharing personal information with unreliable sources. He confirmed that a genuine relief option, the Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption, is available.

A missing 89-year-old man from Mendota Heights has been found dead in the Wisconsin woods after a two-week search. Human remains were discovered in a remote part of Douglas County, ending the search.

The emerald ash borer has been identified for the first time in Douglas County, specifically in Parker's Parker Vista neighborhood. Colorado State University confirmed the discovery, and several ash trees in the area are affected, with some requiring removal.

John Adams Academy, a public charter school in Sterling Ranch, Colorado, will be the first in the state to install a drone active shooter suppression system provided by Texas-based Campus Guardian Angel. The technology, which includes remotely operated drones capable of real-time surveillance and deploying pepper gel, faces criticism from parents and neighbors over ethical and safety concerns, despite the school's claims of enhanced response time for first responders.

Douglas County commissioners in Colorado are exploring the feasibility of constructing small modular reactors (SMRs) as a carbon-free energy source. County Commissioner George Teal highlighted SMRs' potential as a safe, renewable energy option, while residents expressed concerns about proximity to population centers and environmental impacts. A feasibility study is being considered to assess regulatory frameworks and site vulnerabilities.

Douglas County's helitack crew provided crucial assistance during a busy wildfire season. The containment effort was attributed to the county's dedicated firefighting helicopter, the only one of its kind in the state.

Evacuation orders have been issued for an area west of Sedalia in Douglas County, Colorado, due to the Penley Fire, which threatens about a dozen structures. The fire, currently around 3 acres, has drawn over 100 firefighters from 10 agencies, with no injuries or structural losses reported.

Evacuation orders were issued in Douglas County, Colorado, due to a wildfire west of Sedalia. Mandatory evacuations cover a two-mile radius around West Douglas Fire Station 132. No injuries or structural damage have been reported, and the fire's cause remains unknown.

Castle Rock Water has upgraded to Stage 2 Drought Restrictions due to worsening conditions, aiming for 25% water savings. Key measures include outdoor watering limits, reduced landscaping exemptions, and bans on non-recycled fountains. Residents like Andy Stewart are removing lawns to comply, while businesses like Pegasus Restaurant owner John DeLay note unprecedented challenges.

A trashed house in Douglas County initially suggested a home invasion, but the cause was later identified as bear cubs. The incident showed all signs of a break-in but was actually the result of animal activity.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and local animal law enforcement are reminding people not to leave pets unattended in hot cars. Hundreds of calls have been made this summer regarding this issue.

John Adams Academy, a public charter school in Sterling Ranch, Colorado, will be the first in the state to install a drone active shooter suppression system. The system, provided by Texas-based Campus Guardian Angel, includes drones that can deploy rapidly to provide real-time surveillance and potentially use pepper gel or physical force against threats. Concerns about safety, ethics, and unproven technology were raised by local parents and neighbors.

Anthony Kistle, a Pennsylvania man wanted in connection to a 2024 murder, was arrested in Douglas County, Colorado, during a traffic stop on I-25 on July 14. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed his arrest around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Crews are fighting a brush fire in Douglas County near 6544 Village Road that threatens multiple homes, according to South Metro Fire Rescue officials. Details about the number of homes at risk, fire size, or cause remain unspecified, and Denver7 is seeking further information as the story develops.

Two suspects involved in road rage incidents on Interstate 25 were arrested by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, who found 'very real looking' BB guns on both individuals.

Larkspur Fire Chief Timothy McCawley warns Douglas County residents to prepare for potential wildfires after battling the 35% contained Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado. He highlights challenging fire conditions and community mitigation efforts, while resident Carrissa Ahlstrom shares concerns about dead trees and emergency preparedness.

Organizers of a Douglas County initiative to increase the number of county commissioners from three to five are in the final 13 days of collecting over 15,000 verified signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. Current progress shows more than 11,000 signatures collected, with efforts focused on pre-validation to ensure compliance before submission to the county clerk's office. Supporters argue the expansion would improve government accountability and representation.

A bear was shot and killed in a Douglas County neighborhood, prompting residents to report increased bear sightings. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirms that the rise in bear activity is not just a perception.

Officials have contained the deadly Chelan Hills wildfire, which spread across nearly 10,000 acres in unincorporated Douglas County. At least one person died in the blaze, which was fully contained by firefighters on Friday.

Sterling Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado, prioritizes water conservation through drought-tolerant home appliances, indoor and outdoor water meters, and resident education on water-efficient plants. The community secured water rights before construction and uses technology like Rachio sprinkler controllers to help residents manage water usage, with residents like Sam Johnson highlighting the community's proactive approach to drought preparedness.

Law enforcement is seeking suspects after at least 20 vehicles were broken into and a Ford F-150 was stolen from hotels in Douglas County.

The 9,776-acre Chelan Hills fire, which killed one person, is being investigated as human-caused. As of Tuesday, it was 20% contained, destroying 19 homes and dozens of other structures, according to Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille.

A drone caused a helicopter to halt operations during a grass fire response in Douglas County. The interference disrupted emergency efforts to address the fire.

Douglas County may impose up to $1,000 fines for illegal fireworks. A commissioner promoted drone shows as a safer alternative during high fire danger periods.

Douglas County in Colorado is under Stage 1 fire restrictions that ban fireworks use but not sales, causing confusion among residents. Fireworks retailers like Discount Fireworks argue sales remain legal during the season, emphasizing safety measures for ground-based 'safe and sane' fireworks. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office advises buyers to wait until restrictions lift before using fireworks.

Douglas County has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, including a firework ban, ahead of the Fourth of July. The measures follow wildfires burning around the state, prompting Front Range cities and counties to announce similar bans and fire restrictions.

Douglas County will construct a Helitack hangar to support its firefighting crews and aircraft, approved through a $4.2 million contract with TCC Corporation. Construction is set to begin in 2026 and finish in 2027, aiming to enhance wildfire preparedness and resource readiness.

Douglas County commissioners approved an ordinance to regulate the illegal use of low-powered scooters and off-highway vehicles. The new regulation targets unauthorized operation of these vehicles.

Douglas County commissioners passed an emergency ordinance requiring helmets for riders under 18 and imposing up to $1,000 fines for reckless riding of electric dirt bikes (e-motos). The regulations address public safety concerns highlighted by Sheriff Darren Weekly and residents like Lynne Bussard, who reported dangerous behavior on roads and sidewalks. The ordinance, effective immediately, does not apply to e-bikes with pedals and includes educational efforts with schools.

Douglas County has restricted the use of electric dirt bikes and off-road scooters following a surge in crashes. The emergency ordinance, approved by commissioners, was enacted as an urgent safety measure, bypassing the standard 30-day timeline for such regulations.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office used artificial intelligence cameras to help stop a fire in a remote mountainous area west of Castle Rock.

An evacuation warning has been issued for a wildfire near Jackson Creek Road and Rampart Range Road in Douglas County, Colorado, affecting a 3-mile radius including Devils Head Recreation Area. Road closures are in effect at South Platte River Road and South County Highway 67, with officials urging those needing extra time to evacuate to leave immediately.

A wildfire burning near Devil's Head Recreation Area in Douglas County has prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning. The situation remains active as authorities urge residents to prepare for potential evacuation.

A 59-year-old woman named Marilyn Jensen was last seen on June 19 in Glenwood and has been declared missing by authorities. The Alexandria Police Department is seeking the public's help to locate her or the brown 2007 Chevrolet Silverado she was driving with license plates LRT028.

A citizen-led initiative in Douglas County, Colorado, seeks to expand the number of County Commissioners from three to five, with a debate over whether the change would affect term limits. Current County Commissioner George Teal argues the proposal could allow commissioners to bypass term limits by alternating between district and at-large roles, while organizer Angela Thomas contends term limits apply to the position itself. Legal precedent from 2000 involving former Attorney General Ken Salazar supports Teal's interpretation.

Safety concerns over e-bikes and e-motorcycles are rising in Denver metro areas as summer begins, with teenagers engaging in reckless behavior like wheelies and wrong-way riding. Local authorities, including Aurora Police Department, report increased incidents and are shifting focus to education over fines, while cities like Douglas County and Thornton explore new ordinances to address the issue.