WILDFIRES

As opposed to the “call when needed” arrangement, Douglas County has contracted for socalled “exclusive use” helicopter support since 2018, according to Alexander.

Since 2018, the county’s contract helicopters have responded to 34 wild res and made 416 water drops, Alexander said.

“One of our most successful missions was the 2020 Chatridge 2 re where our contract helicopter arrived with the rst units and was instrumental in structure protection,” he added.

Douglas County can also help out its neighboring counties, according to Alexander.

“One notable 2022 incident was the Snow Creek re, an assist to Je erson County,” he added.

From June 1 to Oct. 31, 2022, Douglas County’s contracted helicopter responded to 11 wild res and made 148 water drops on res.

“All res the helicopter respond- saying it’s important for there to be consequences to putting politics before students, which is a ght not unique to Douglas County.

“Hopefully this sends the message to communities that we have to be careful about how our education systems are politicized, not to vilify minority groups that need the most support and that there is an intentional playbook that is talking place right now,” Halpern said. “ ere’s a larger attempt to exploit the situation and create division and hate for political power. It’s not happening by accident.”

Wise said he is thankful for the support he’s received from community members and wants the best for the district. He urged the district to continue to focus on educational equity and nd ways to come together.

“Each of our students’ experiences going through school is the social piece of learning, so (addressing equity) is just as imperative as teaching academics,” he said. “If we don’t provide a safe environment for every student to learn, how are they going to reach their potential?” ed to were held to 5 acres or less, and most of these did not receive any media attention due to rapid suppression,” Alexander said. e county does not own any helicopters or other manned-aviation assets, he said. e county contracted with a company called Trans Aero Ltd. A type 2 helicopter capable of delivering 300 gallons of water to the front lines of a wild re will be ready to respond from June through October this year, according to the news release.

Wise’s ring was a watershed for the school district, with more than 1,000 teachers calling out sick and students walking out of class to protest the termination the day before it happened.

It came under extra scrutiny when school board members Elizabeth Hanson, Susan Meek and David Ray alleged the decision had been made outside of public meetings, which would violate Colorado’s Open Meetings Law.

Douglas County resident Bob Marshall, who is now also a state house representative, sued the district over the alleged open meetings law violation and that suit is still in court.

In a preliminary order issued in March 2022, Douglas County District Court Judge Je rey Holmes agreed that the board members had violated the law and ordered the members to conduct all public business in public meetings and follow open meetings law.

School board members Myers, Peterson, Williams and Winegar maintain they did not violate any laws. Wise currently works for the Cherry Creek School District.

In 2022, Douglas County’s helicopter costs totaled about $1 million, according to Alexander.

“Our primary mission is initial attack wild re suppression, and we have utilized the helicopter on a limited basis for smoke investigations, lightning re reconnaissance, and search and rescue support,” he added.

Additionally, the county commissioners approved four “call when needed” air support contracts for use from April 12 to Dec. 31 this year, each for up to $100,000, providing additional re ghting resources, the news release said.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Slash-mulch site open

The County’s main slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock, is open Saturdays only from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Oct. 28. For more information, directions and a list of acceptable items, please visit douglas.co.us and search Slash Mulch

Join us for a Live Town Hall on Property Taxes

Join us for a Live Town Hall - What’s Happening with Your Property Taxes - on Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m., in person, by phone or online. Visit douglas.co.us and search Live Town Halls for more information.

Are you, or do you know, a Veteran in need of help?

Funds are available to provide emergency assistance to Veterans struggling with housing, transportation, employment, healthcare and other immediate needs. Visit DouglasVeterans.org to learn more.

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings via live stream, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings / Public Hearings.