The DougCo Download
Posts
Tornado Outbreak Near Bennett and Parker Damages Homes

Tornado Outbreak Near Bennett and Parker Damages Homes

May 19, 2025

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I also hope you're all safe after the tornadoes that touched down just east of us. We have a few other stories from around the county to share as well.

Congratulations to Carly from Parker on winning the giveaway — and thank you for the great feedback!

Looking ahead, Rock the Mountain kicks off this weekend for the summer, and there are three Farmers Markets to check out across the county!

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:

Tornadoes wreak havoc this weekend
Are we finally reaching stable Property Taxes?
Congrats to Carly from Parker!
Homes across DougCo
Music, Exercise, Chess and more!

Here we go.

The Digest

Severe Weather Strikes Eastern Colorado

A tornado touched down three times near Bennett and Parker on Sunday, May 18, damaging at least 17 buildings, including 6 homes — but thankfully, no injuries were reported. The tornado first struck around 1:50 PM, part of a larger outbreak that saw at least six tornado sightings across eastern Colorado.

The strongest storms swept across the Eastern Plains, with large hail — up to 2 inches in diameter — and wind gusts up to 50 mph. The Denver metro area saw rain and minor hail, but avoided the worst impacts.

Assistance for those affected is available at the Bennett Rec Center. Animal shelters have been set up at the Adams County Fairgrounds (large animals) and the Town of Bennett Safety Building (small pets). Read more about the storm at the Denver Post.

More storms are expected Monday.

Property Values Level Off, But Tax Concerns Remain

Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch reports that residential property values have stabilized following the sharp spikes of 2023, with most changes ranging from -10% to +5%. Despite the leveling off, homeowners won’t see relief in their property taxes just yet.

Taxes remain high due to lingering effects from the last valuation cycle, which saw record-breaking increases. While 2025 bills won’t be finalized until later this year, elevated tax levels are expected to persist. Valuations are now more neighborhood-specific, and property owners can appeal through June 8.

The commercial sector, especially large office buildings in areas like Lone Tree, has seen notable value drops due to remote work and weaker demand. Read more at Douglas County News.

Douglas County Assessor Website (for valuation maps and appeals)

Castle Rock Band to Kick Off Summer Series with Free Memorial Day Concert

The Castle Rock Band and American Legion Post #1187 will host their annual Memorial Weekend concert at 2 p.m. on May 24 in Festival Park. Featuring patriotic music and a ceremonial flag presentation, the free event honors the armed forces and launches the band's summer concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and sun protection. Read more here.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats to Carly from Parker! Great suggestions for future issues! Enjoy some Margaritas on The DougCo Download!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, May 25 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

Bark for Books
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕞 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library

Kids ages 6–12 can build reading confidence by reading to friendly therapy dogs. Sign up for a 15-minute session!

Page Twisters Book Club
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕟 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library, Conference Room F

Kids in grades 4–6 meet monthly to chat about a new chapter book. This month’s meeting is on the third Monday due to the holiday schedule. Register here.

Play Chess!
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Parker Library – Event Hall A & B

Drop in for casual chess games with players of all ages and skill levels—no registration needed!

Bark for Books
📅 Tuesday, May 20 | 🕓 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library

Kids ages 6–12 can build reading confidence by reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs. Register for a 15-minute session.

Slick Science
📅 Tuesday, May 20 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library, Event Hall B

Hands-on science fun for kids ages 8-12. May’s topic: Morse Code. Registration required for each child.

Junior Page Turners Book Club
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕟 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library – Kids Corner

Kids in grades 1–3 meet monthly to read a book together and enjoy a fun STEM activity. No book pickup needed—just register and join the fun!

Adult Community Events

Free Professional Headshots
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library

Get a polished headshot for LinkedIn or work—free with DCL for Business!

👔 Register online and arrive 10 minutes early.

Great Decisions: U.S. Leadership in the World Economy
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall A & B

Join CU Professor Thomas Zeiler for a thought-provoking discussion on America’s global economic role. Registration required.

Castle Rock Chess Club
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library, Event Hall A & B

All ages and skill levels welcome for casual, friendly chess matches. Drop in and play!

Free Retirement Planning Class – Social Security Strategy
📅 Tuesday, May 20, 21 I 🕕 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker, CO

Learn how to make informed decisions about when and how to claim Social Security to maximize your retirement income. Open to the public—registration required.

Adaptations Book Club
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall B

Join fellow book and movie lovers to discuss stories across genres and how they translate to film. Meets monthly—view the reading list online.

Adult Events

Brewery Boot Camp
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕠 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company | 💪 $15

Get a full-body workout and a discounted beer after! All fitness levels welcome—equipment provided. Cheers to earning your brew!

Trails N' Ales Run Club
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕠 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing

Join the crew for a group run followed by cold brews! All paces welcome.

Trivia Night
📅 Monday, May 19, 2025 | 🕠 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍Downhill Brewing, Parker

Join Jake Woods Entertainment for two rounds of general trivia every Monday. Play for a chance to win free beer!

Trivia Night
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕠 6:30–8:30 PM
📍Living the Dream Brewing | 💰 Free to play

Bring your team and test your knowledge—prizes for the top 3 teams!

Lone Tree Brewing Run Club
📅 Monday, May 19 | 🕠 6:30–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company | 🏃 Free

Join for a casual 5K run, then unwind with a cold beer—15% off for runners! All paces welcome, with mileage incentives for regulars.

April Showers Bring May Flowers: 3D Painting Class
📅 Monday, May 20 | 🕠 6:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing – Parker
💰 $25 | All skill levels welcome

Join Create with Dani for a fun, spring-inspired 3D painting class. Unleash your creativity and leave with your own floral masterpiece!

Dart League
📅 Tuesday, May 20 I 🕠 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing

Test your aim and compete in a fun, friendly dart league! All skill levels welcome.

Teaching Tuesday with Hunter’s Hope – Soap & Bath Salt Crafting
📅 Tuesday, May 20 I 🕠 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Ecclesia Castle Rock

Get creative while supporting local nonprofit Hunter’s Hope! Learn to make handcrafted soaps and bath salts with all supplies included. Premade items available for purchase. Cocktails sold separately.

Tickets and info: www.eventbrite.com/o/ecclesia-market-20157765494

JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia
📅 Tuesday, May 20 I 🕠 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., 519 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO

Join the official trivia experience from America’s Favorite Quiz Show! Grab your friends for two hours of fun, fast-paced JEOPARDY!

Bikes n Brews: ADV Bike Night
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Adventure and dual-sport riders—gather for brews, bike talk, and a quick seminar on tire repair by Adventure Motorcycle Works. Enjoy a facility tour, food truck eats, and a chance to win prizes—including a free oil change!

Pints and Paint
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕠 6–9 PM
📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., 519 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO

Create a 16" canvas with step-by-step guidance, craft baby sea turtles, and enjoy a drink for $56. Minimum 4 participants required. No refunds.

Trails N' Ales (Mountain Bike) – 105 West Brewing
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕠 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Bison Park, Castle Rock, CO

Join this social mountain bike ride followed by a refreshing brew. Meet at Bison Park, $1 off beers after.

Trivia Night
📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕠 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing - Parker

Free to play! Grab a brew and bring your team for a fun evening of trivia and prizes.

Flash Jam Classic Rock
📅 Wednesday, May 21 I 🕠 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Join Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia for an ’80s & ’90s mix flash jam. Free admission and great vibes for a night of classic rock jams!

Weather

Monday, May 19: 61° / 39° ☁️ | 17% chance of rain | 💨 NNW 12 mph

Tuesday, May 20: 72° / 41° 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain | 💨 W 10 mph

Wednesday, May 21: 68° / 46° 🌥️ | 10% chance of rain | 💨 N 20 mph

Weekend Lineup

🎶 Live music

We love staying connected with our Douglas County community! If you know of a local event, a hidden gem worth sharing, or a new business making an impact, send us a note at [email protected]. And don’t forget to share your furry friends for our Wednesday Pet of the Week—those photos always brighten our day (and our readers’ too!).

Thanks for being such a vital part of what makes Douglas County shine. Stay tuned—we’ll see you again on Wednesday!

Click here to follow us : Instagram I Facebook