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What’s Home Rule? Douglas County Voters Face Big Choice June 24

What’s Home Rule? Douglas County Voters Face Big Choice June 24

June 23, 2025

Welcome back to the DougCo Download! I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for another fantastic summer week. In this Monday issue, we highlight some of the latest news stories. The Home Rule vote ends on Tuesday, so make sure you’re up to date. Students in Highlands Ranch are bringing innovation to transportation, and a new brewery is now open in Castle Rock. Congrats to Anna for winning this week’s gift card—enjoy the ice cream! There are also some very cool houses for sale across the county, so be sure to check them out. Plus, we’re featuring the Bike to Work events happening Wednesday—get your helmets ready!

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:

Douglas County’s Home Rule Vote: What You Need to Know for June 24
Young Innovators Take on Icy Roads — With a Little Help from Nature!
Raise a Glass to Adventure: Alidade Brewing Opens in Castle Rock!
Music, Exercise, Chess and more!

Here we go.

The Digest

Douglas County Home Rule Vote: What You Need to Know for June 24

Douglas County voters will decide Tuesday whether to adopt a home rule charter, allowing the county more local control over policies like taxes, public safety, and regulations. If approved, a 21-member commission will draft the charter, which voters will then consider in November.

What is Home Rule?
Home rule lets counties set their own government structure and rules, different from the state’s statutory laws. Only a few Colorado counties have home rule charters. Douglas County’s GOP commissioners are pushing for this to steer local governance more independently.

Controversy & Support
The process has faced criticism as rushed, with opponents calling it a “power grab,” while supporters say it’s about increasing citizen involvement. Over 32 public meetings have been held, but a lawsuit challenges the special election’s legality.

Voting Details

Polls close Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m.
Mail-in ballots and voting centers are active now.
Early turnout strong in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Parker.

Voter Polls
Recent surveys show a divided community: 54% oppose home rule, especially in northwest Douglas County and Highlands Ranch, while 44% support it.

If the vote passes, residents will elect members to a charter commission tasked with drafting the new government framework. More info on Home Rule here.

STEM School Students Use Nature to Tackle Dangerous Icy Roads

Two seventh graders at STEM School Highlands Ranch, Aarna Varre and Anirudh Rao, have developed a nature-inspired solution to improve road safety during icy conditions. Frustrated by the environmental impact and limited effectiveness of traditional road treatments like salt and sand, they turned to biomimicry—the practice of copying nature’s designs.

Studying surfaces like mint leaves and cicada wings, which naturally resist ice, they 3D printed patterns and embedded them into asphalt samples. Testing showed these patterns reduce ice buildup and improve traction. Their work earned them a national award at the 33rd annual ExploraVision Competition in Washington, D.C.

Now, with support from local agencies, Varre and Rao are working to bring real-world tests to Colorado roads, aiming to make winter travel safer and greener. Their teacher praised their curiosity and impact, highlighting the blend of science, engineering, and technology behind their innovation.

This project showcases how young minds, inspired by nature, can engineer solutions for today’s pressing challenges. Read more here!

New Business Opening: Alidade Brewing

Alidade Brewing is the newest gem in Castle Rock’s growing craft scene, bringing a spirit of exploration to every sip and gathering. This independently owned brewpub specializes in small-batch beers, handpicked wines, and house-made cocktails designed to spark curiosity and conversation.

More than just a place to grab a drink, Alidade Brewing is a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and community. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local partners shines through in every detail, making it a true neighborhood hub.

Whether you’re searching for a new favorite brew or looking to join one of their upcoming events, Alidade Brewing invites you to chart your course and choose your craft with them.

Visit them at:
680 Atchison Way, Ste 800, Castle Rock, CO 80109 alidadebrewing.com/home

Hours:
Mon-Wed: 12 PM – 9 PM
Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats Anna for winning last weeks giveaway! Check your inbox and shoot me a reply and I can get that gift card out to you! Thanks for supporting the newsletter and enjoy the cold snack!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 29 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

Reading Buddies
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕧 12:30–2:30 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Kids Corner

Kids 6–10 can drop in and practice reading with trained teen volunteers—no registration needed!

Page Twisters Book Club
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕟 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Conference Room F, Castle Rock

Kids in grades 4-6 discuss a new chapter book each month. Meets the fourth Monday (third Monday in May, Nov, Dec). Register here.

Play Chess!
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Parker Library – Event Hall A & B

Drop in for casual chess matches open to all ages and skill levels. No registration required—just bring your game face!

Yoga in Festival Park
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Festival Park, Castle Rock

Free outdoor yoga to connect body and mind. Registration recommended for weather updates.

Teen Summer Break Book Club
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library

Teens (grades 9–12), join us for pizza, fun, and lively discussion of YA reads! Meets biweekly in June & July. Books available at the children’s desk after registration.

Reading Buddies — Drop-In
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Kids Corner, Castle Rock

Kids ages 6-10 practice reading with trained teen volunteers. All welcome!

Overbooked Book Club
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕟 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Conference Room D, Castle Rock

Grades 7-8 meet monthly to discuss a great book, do fun activities, and enjoy a snack. Register here.

Teen Library Connections
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Parker Library – Event Hall A & B

Middle & high school teens can earn community service hours by planning events, recommending books, and advocating for their peers. Join the team and make your voice heard!

Reading Buddies - Drop-In
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Parker Library – Kids Corner

Kids ages 6-10 can practice reading with trained teen volunteers. Stop by anytime!

Reading Buddies – Drop-In
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕐 1:00–2:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library, Kids Corner

Kids ages 6–10 can boost their reading skills by reading aloud to trained teen volunteers. No registration needed—just drop in and read!

Popsicles with Police
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree

Kids of all ages—come enjoy a popsicle, meet Lone Tree police officers, snap fun photos, and grab cool giveaways!

Don’t Bug Me, I’m Reading: Buzzin’ Beats – Ukulele Workshop
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕝 1:45–2:30 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall A & B

Ages 8–11 can learn to strum and play in this fun, hands-on ukulele workshop with Swallow Hill Music. Ukuleles provided! Register here!

Bark for Books
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕓 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Parker Library

Kids ages 6-12 can boost their reading skills by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. Sign up for a 15-minute session!

Overbooked Book Club
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕔 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, First Floor Conference Room

Middle schoolers (Grades 7–8), join us for a fun book chat, activities, and snacks! Register here!

Play Chess!
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall B

All ages and skill levels welcome! New to the game? Join us at 5:30 PM for a beginner lesson. Friendly matches follow.

Jazz in the Park
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
🎟 Free

Enjoy a laid-back evening of cool jazz with no vendors or alcohol—just great music and small-town vibes. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and consider dining at a nearby downtown restaurant or grabbing dinner to-go!

Adult Community Events

Crime & Beyond Book Club
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library, Event Hall

Join fellow mystery lovers for a lively discussion of crime fiction and thrilling whodunits. Open to adults—meets the fourth Monday each month.

Castle Rock Chess Club
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Event Hall A & B, Castle Rock

Drop in for friendly chess competition open to all ages and skill levels.

Elevate Your Craft Writers Workshop: Advanced Revision Techniques
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Event Hall B, Castle Rock

Join author Cynthia Swanson to strengthen your writing by focusing on central themes. Learn to analyze your story scene-by-scene and character-by-character, deciding what to keep or cut for maximum impact. Dive into micro-edits to tighten prose and boost clarity. Perfect for revising drafts or works-in-progress! Register here.

Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 AM
📍 Cherry Creek Trail (by the Dog Park), Parker, CO

Ditch the car and hop on your bike! Join the Town of Parker and the Way to Go team for Bike to Work Day, celebrating the benefits of biking with fellow commuters. Stop by for breakfast and good vibes!

Bike to Work Day!
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕡 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM
📍 Highlands Ranch Super Stop, High Line Canal Trail & Centennial Trail

Start your morning right with burritos, coffee, snacks, water, music, and giveaways! Join Highlands Ranch Community Association, Metro District, and Highlands Ranch Water for this energizing community event. Come fuel up and celebrate Bike to Work Day!

Bike to Work Day 2025
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 AM
📍 Festival Park, Castle Rock

Join Castle Rock’s annual Bike to Work Day! Embrace active transportation, boost your health, reduce traffic, and help the environment. Biking, walking, rolling, and carpooling all welcome!
Learn more and sign up today.

20 Mile Book Club
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM
📍 Parker Library – 2nd Floor Conference Room

Join fellow adults monthly to dive into engaging fiction and nonfiction reads.

Community Blood Drive
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center

Donate blood and help save lives! Schedule your appointment at 877-258-4825 or donors.vitalant.org (use code 1353).

Newbie Adults Book Club
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library – The Studio

Join fellow adult readers each month to discuss books featuring characters navigating early adulthood. Register now to join the conversation!

Adult Events

Brewery Boot Camp
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Get fit with a total body workout at the brewery! All levels welcome, equipment provided, and enjoy discounted drinks after. Just $15 to join the fun and earn your beer!

Trails N' Ales Run Club
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Run with the crew, then enjoy $1 off beers!

Trivia Night with Jake Woods
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Downhill Brewing, Parker

Two rounds of trivia and chances to win free beer every Monday. Come test your knowledge and have fun!

LTBC Run Club
📅 Mon, June 23 | 🕡 6:30–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Join a quick 5K run and then unwind with 15% off draft beer! All paces welcome, plus mileage incentives.

Trivia Night at Living the Dream Brewing
📅 Monday, June 23 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Living the Dream, HR

Join the Denver Trivia League for a fun-filled night of brain-busting questions and cold brews! It’s free to play, and prizes go to the top 3 teams—bring your smartest crew! 🍻🏆

Dart League
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Join the fun and show off your skills every Tuesday night!

Parker Pickers — Bluegrass Jam
📅 Tue, June 24 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing — Parker

Join us every fourth Tuesday for an open bluegrass jam! All instruments and skill levels welcome—come to play or just listen to some great tunes!

JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., Castle Rock

Play America’s Favorite Quiz Show live! Free to join with prizes. Bring your team for two hours of fun.

Trivia Night – Movie Musicals
📅 Tue, June 24 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

Test your knowledge of movie musicals while enjoying great mead and good vibes! Bring friends for a fun, musical trivia night.

Trivia Night at Max Taps – Highlands Ranch
📅 Tue, June 24 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Max Taps, Highlands Ranch

Put your knowledge to the test at Max Taps! This trivia night is fast-paced and interactive—bring your phone to play. Great beer, good vibes, and bragging rights await! 📱🍻

Trivia Night
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Test your trivia skills and enjoy great brews! Bring friends and have fun.

Euchre Tournament
📅 Wed, June 25 | 6:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Team up or come solo—prizes for top 3! Email [email protected] to register. All skill levels welcome.

Trivia Night @ Parker Pour House
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Parker Pour House, Parker

Grab your team and your thinking cap for a fun-filled evening of trivia, drinks, and prizes!

Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Meet at Bison Park, then 105 West Brewing

Ride the trails and earn $1 off beers back at the brewery!

Wednesday Night Dart League
📅 Wed, June 25 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Join weekly dart fun with teams, house darts (or bring your own), and gift cards for top teams at season’s end!

Weather

Weekend Lineup

🎶 Live music

We feel lucky to be part of such a lively, tight-knit Douglas County community! Got a must-see event, a hidden local treasure, or a business making waves? We want to hear about it—drop us a line at [email protected]. And hey, keep those Pet of the Week photos coming—our Wednesdays shine brightest with your adorable furry friends!

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Thanks to those who have reached out about sponsorship. I want to keep the newsletter sponsor free for a bit longer as we tweak the content for the community. I have your info and will shoot you an email when we open up spots. Cheers!