The DougCo Download
Posts
Douglas County Launches Cutting-Edge Wildfire Defense Tools

Douglas County Launches Cutting-Edge Wildfire Defense Tools

May 26, 2025

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend, despite the weather. First, I want to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. As we spend time with family and community, let us also reflect with gratitude on the freedoms we enjoy—made possible by those who gave everything to protect them.

In this issue, we share some local news updates and take a look at what's happening this week and into the weekend. Enjoy!

Also, a quick reminder: Wednesdays are for our DougCo Pets of the Week! Send your pet pics to [email protected] to have your furry (or feathery, or scaly!) friend featured!

In today’s DougCo Download:

More weapons for Douglas County in the fight against Wildfires
Lone Tree Breaks ground on new city building
Homes across DougCo
Music, Exercise, Chess and more!

Here we go.

The Digest

Douglas County Unveils New Helicopter and AI Technology to Combat Wildfires

Douglas County has introduced a state-of-the-art wildfire response system featuring a dedicated Type 2 firefighting helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water, along with AI-powered cameras for early fire detection. Officials showcased the new tools on May 23, highlighting the county’s proactive approach to wildfire prevention. Douglas County is now the only county in Colorado with its own year-round firefighting helicopter and crew. Read more at the DenverPost.com.

Lone Tree Breaks Ground on $30M Justice Center Amid Rapid Growth

Credit: City of Lone Tree

With plans to double its population, Lone Tree has begun construction on a $30 million Justice Center that will house both the municipal court and police department. Set to open in 2026 as part of the RidgeGate development, the facility aims to meet rising demand for judicial and law enforcement services. The project is one of two major infrastructure investments totaling $50 million, including a new public works facility breaking ground next month. Read more at the DenverGazette.com.

CPW Warns Castle Rock Residents After Bear Caught Digging Through Trash

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging Castle Rock residents to secure their trash after a bear was caught rummaging through a garbage can near a home. Officials say once bears find food in trash, they often return to the same spot. CPW advises keeping trash indoors until pickup, removing birdfeeders, and using bear-resistant containers to help prevent repeat visits. Read more at the DenverGazette.com.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats to Debbie! Check your inbox and I can get you the latest gift card! Enjoy some Margaritas on The DougCo Download!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 1 at noon MST.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues.
Connect with our social accounts and submit your newsletter subscriber email to a a form I have posted on our instagram and facebook account!

All of these will count as individual submissions. And make sure the emails you submit on Facebook and Instagram forms are the same that are signed up here because this giveaway is just meant as a benefit to subscribers, not social media treasure hunters so any non subscriber emails submissions will not count.

Our Social Accounts: Instagram I Facebook

DougCo Homes

Who doesn’t love some real estate window shopping? We’ve rounded up a few intriguing listings—from great deals to dream homes—currently on the market in Douglas County. Dive in and enjoy the views!

Local Events: Monday-Wednesday

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check the Weekend Lineup later in the issue for some help planning out your weekend!

Family Fun

🎶 Grey Rails Live
📅 Mon, May 26 | 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock
💲 Free

Live music, shopping, and summer vibes! Part of the Rock the Mountain series.

Overbooked: Middle School Book Club
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕟 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library, Conference Room D

Grades 7–8 meet monthly to discuss a book, enjoy a snack, and do a fun activity. Pick up your copy at the welcome desk! Register here.

Teen Library Connections
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Parker Library, Event Hall A & B

Middle and high schoolers can earn community service hours by helping plan events, recommend materials, and represent teen voices at the library.

Bark for Books
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕓 4:00–5:30 PM
📍 Parker Library

Kids ages 6–12 can practice reading skills by reading aloud to friendly, trained therapy dogs. Registration required for a 15-minute session.

Overbooked Book Club
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕔 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, 1st Floor Conference Room

Middle schoolers (Grades 7–8), join us to chat about great reads, do a fun activity, and enjoy a snack! Pick up this month’s book at the children's desk.

Play Chess!
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall B

Join players of all ages for casual, friendly chess. New to the game? Come early for a lesson at 5:30 PM. Drop in and make your next move!

Adult Community Events

Great Decisions: India, a Rising Power
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall B

Join guest lecturer Dr. Debak Das from DU’s Korbel School for a deep dive into India’s growing role on the world stage. Registration required.

20 Mile Book Club
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM
📍 Parker Library, Event Hall B

Join fellow book lovers for a monthly discussion of both fiction and nonfiction reads.

Newbie Adults Book Club
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library, The Studio

Join fellow adults to discuss books featuring protagonists in early adulthood. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Registration required.

Adult Events

🎶 Live Music: The Meaty Ogres
📅 Mon, May 26 | 🕐 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

Enjoy an afternoon of live tunes with The Meaty Ogres while you relax and sip your favorite drinks!

Trails N' Ales (Run Club)
📅 Mon, May 26 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Join for a run and enjoy $1 off beers afterward!

Trivia Night with Jake Woods
📅 Mon, May 26 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Downhill Brewing, Parker

Two rounds of general trivia with chances to win free beer!

Run Club
📅 Mon, May 26 | 🕡 6:30–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree

5K run followed by beer and conversation. All paces welcome. 15% off draft beer for runners!

Dart League
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Show off your dart skills in a fun league night!

Parker Pickers — Bluegrass Jam
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Free open jam night for all pickers and bluegrass fans! Bring your instrument or just come to listen. All skill levels welcome.

Trivia Night
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

Test your knowledge and enjoy great mead at this fun and friendly trivia night!

JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia
📅 Tue, May 27 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., Castle Rock

Free to play with prizes—bring your team for America’s Favorite Quiz Show experience!

Dogtopia Pop-Up
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Living the Dream Brewing, Highlands Ranch

Hang out with Dogtopia and fellow dog lovers at this fun brewery pop-up! Bring your pup and maybe win a free month of dog daycare.

Trails N' Ales (Mountain Bike)
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Meet at Bison Park, then return to 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Join a trail ride and enjoy $1 off beers afterward!

D&D Night
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

Gather your party for an evening of Dungeons & Dragons fun and adventure!

Trivia Night
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Test your knowledge and have fun with friends at trivia night!

Euchre Tournament
📅 Wed, May 28 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree

Teams of 2 (or paired solo players) compete for prizes! All skill levels welcome. Register: [email protected].

Weather

Weekend Lineup

🎶 Live music

We’re so grateful to be part of such a vibrant Douglas County community! If there’s a local event, neighborhood favorite, or inspiring small business you think we should spotlight, drop us a line at [email protected]. And of course, keep those adorable pet pics coming for our Wednesday Pet of the Week—they’re a highlight for us and our readers alike!

Thanks for being the heartbeat of this newsletter. We’ll catch you again Wednesday with more local love!

Click here to follow us : Instagram I Facebook