Douglas County

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Douglas County sheriff drops Flock for Axon

The sheriff says privacy concerns and lost trust drove the switch.

News

The Douglas County Sheriff&#x27;s Office is dumping Flock Safety after Sheriff Darren Weekly said he lost trust in the surveillance technology company.State of play: County commissioners last week approved a nearly $23 million, 10-year contract with Axon, which makes Tasers, body cameras, drones and license plate readers.

DougCo towns pump brakes on drone delivery

Officials want answers on noise, privacy and safety before approving hubs.

Business

Parker and Castle Rock are likely among the nation&#x27;s first municipalities to pause approvals on drone-delivery hubs that launch retail orders from ground facilities into nearby neighborhoods.Why it matters: Back-to-back ordinances passed last week reveal a cautious approach from two fast-growing Douglas County communities better known for competing to attract retail convenience and sales tax dollars.

Douglas County weighs e-moto crackdown

Crashes, complaints and near-misses are driving concerns.

Health

What started as a fun way for kids to get around has become one of Douglas County&#x27;s fastest-growing public safety headaches.The latest: County commissioners on Tuesday will discuss potential regulations aimed at high-powered e-motos as complaints, crashes and enforcement challenges pile up.

Douglas County's dwindling dog park drama

DougCo data show just three reported incidents this year.

Culture

Dog parks in unincorporated Douglas County have been unusually quiet this year.Why it matters: Contrary to some assumptions, summertime isn&#x27;t prime time for dog park problem around here — which is why our review of incidents is so encouraging.

Castle Rock's new I-25 ramps open soon

The project is expected to ease congestion and unlock new growth.

Northbound ramps at the Crystal Valley interchange are set to open soon, giving southern Castle Rock its long-awaited direct connection to Interstate 25.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The interchange" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crgov.com/3131/Crystal-Valley-Interchange" data-vars-content-id="dae80f02-4d56-4a31-8256-2a20586f557c" data-vars-headline="Castle Rock&#x27;s new I-25 ramps open soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crgov.com/3131/Crystal-Valley-Interchange" target="_blank">The interchange</a> will relieve traffic pressure in a rapidly expanding area, and it&#x27;s a major step for Castle Rock&#x27;s commercial and residential growth.

Lone Tree rises after decades of planning

New parks, housing and retail are pushing RidgeGate into its next era.

After 25 years of planning, Lone Tree is seeing major development across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RidgeGate" data-vars-click-url="https://ridgegate.com/" data-vars-content-id="0a102223-4def-402c-934b-02b32d2b833b" data-vars-headline="Lone Tree rises after decades of planning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ridgegate.com/" target="_blank">RidgeGate</a> — the massive mixed-use district that city leaders hope will become the south metro&#x27;s next urban center. Why it matters: Hundreds of acres surrounding RidgeGate&#x27;s light rail stations are now primed for offices, housing, hotels and entertainment projects — giving Lone Tree one of the region&#x27;s largest remaining transit-oriented development corridors.

How to be a better neighbor, according to a pro

The woman who makes my block feel connected.

Everyone should have a neighbor like Amy McDermott.Why she matters: New to the block? Amy&#x27;s gonna make you feel welcomed.

The scoop: Bag vs. bag

Which Douglas County poop bag dog-walks the competition?

I&#x27;m a poo-bag connoisseur — thanks to my two goldens, Dolly and Macy.Context: They poop.

Douglas County readies residents for fire season

Officials urge residents to create evacuation and mitigation plans, coordinate with neighbors, and sign up for emergency text alerts now.

Climate

Colorado is heading into what officials warn could be an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="active fire season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" data-vars-content-id="5e52c5aa-c4ec-410d-92d0-0505b9d496fe" data-vars-headline="Douglas County readies residents for fire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" target="_self">active fire season</a>, with up to 9,000 wildfires expected this year.Why it matters: In Douglas County, that means creating evacuation and mitigation plans, coordinating with neighbors, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signing up for emergency alerts" data-vars-click-url="https://dougcoalert.com/" data-vars-content-id="5e52c5aa-c4ec-410d-92d0-0505b9d496fe" data-vars-headline="Douglas County readies residents for fire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dougcoalert.com/" target="_blank">signing up for emergency alerts</a> now.

Coffee, served with a second chance

A popular Parker coffee shop's owner shares his journey from incarceration to community impact.

Parker&#x27;s most colorful coffee shop owner lives out of a used Ram ProMaster van with a license plate that reads &quot;CON.&quot;Why it matters: Dan Klehm&#x27;s Convict Coffee Co. is a second act rooted in redemption for people affected by incarceration.

Neighborhoods

DougCo towns pump brakes on drone delivery

Douglas County weighs e-moto crackdown

Douglas County's dwindling dog park drama

Castle Rock's new I-25 ramps open soon

Lone Tree rises after decades of planning