8 The News-Press
July 11, 2019J
Castle Rock gives green light to ducks, pigs and goats New animal code rules take effect Oct. 1 BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is ready to ride! Join us for the Parade! The 2019 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo kicks off July 27 with the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Parade in downtown Castle Rock at 9:30 a.m. Things will ramp up, Aug. 1-4, with Xtreme Bulls, PRCA performances and more. For additional information, a schedule of events or to purchase tickets online visit www.fairandrodeofun.com or call 720-733-6941.
Need a Passport? We can help! Get a jump on your fall break travel plans — get your family’s passports before the kids go back to school. Children under the age of 16 must apply in person for a passport, even if they’ve had one before. During Passport Week, July 22-26, we’re offering photos for only $1. Applications are accepted at 301 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out what to bring with you at www.douglas.co.us and search for Passports.
Neighbors helping Neighbors Join the Neighbor Network volunteer services program, where volunteers are connected to their senior neighbors. These volunteer services help senior residents stay independent and in their own homes! To volunteer visit agingresourcesdougco.org/neighbornetwork.html and complete an online application or call 303-814-4300.
Discover Douglas County Outdoors! Warmer weather is here. It’s time to get outdoors and play. Keep Douglas County the healthiest in the state and nation. Discover DCOutdoors.org to learn more.
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Resource & Service Fair Tuesday, July 23 from 4 - 6 p.m. Cherry Hills Community Church 3900 Grace Blvd. Highlands Ranch
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Douglas County families who are struggling financially can receive back-to-school items and access resources from more than 20 different organizations. Attendees in need of school supplies must preregister with the Foundation for Douglas County Schools. To preregister please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Community of Care.
Visit www.douglas.co.us
Come October, Castle Rock residents could see their neighbors walking not just their pet dog down the street, but a miniature goat or maybe, a miniature pig. The town council on July 2 gave final approval to begin allowing residents miniature goats, miniature pigs and ducks, a policy that’s set to take Bower effect on Oct. 1. Councilmembers James Townsend and Caryn Johnson voted against the issue in a 7-2 decision. Johnson said she worried allowing the animals would burden the police department, which has one less animal control officer than usual, but also that goats and pigs tend to be escape artists. Townsend has repeatedly expressed concerns about added cost to the town, not just through enforcing the updated code but in training officers to handle the new animals. Deputy Town Attorney Heidi Hugdahl said she could not be sure how much the new policy would cost Castle Rock without knowing the number of people who would ultimately choose to raise the animals. “There could be significant impact
if there’s a number of goats and pigs in town and there are enforcement challenges,” she said. “On the other hand, if there’s good pet ownership and people adhere to our code, which we all hope, then maybe less of an impact.” When asked by Mayor Jason Gray if neighboring communities that allow the animals had reported issues, she said the animals did not appear to be a significant problem. Other councilmembers said they know constituents who have interest in owning the animals while Mayor Pro Tem Jason Bower doubted town residents will mind if neighbors bring the new kinds in as pets. “I don’t think we’re going to have that many people in town go out and get goats,” Bower said. “I just don’t think we’re going to have an issue.” The proposal was considered on a first reading at the council’s June 18 meeting. Staff made some changes between its first and second consideration. Those included stipulations around food storage to deter attracting any wildlife, adding a fence height requirement and putting the burden of proof on the owner if the town needs to confirm an animal’s breed. Multiple people spoke during public comment in favor of the proposal at the July 2 meeting. The town has previously solicited input from residents that garnered mixed reviews, leaning mostly positive in 2017 and 2018 but negative in 2019. More information on the animal code and requirements for goats, pigs and ducks is available at CRgov.com.
Douglas County School District offers free summer lunch program Meals offered Monday through Friday at various sites BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Six years ago, the Nutrition Services team at the Douglas County School District enacted the Summer Food Service Program and served 10,000 free meals to kids and teens across the county. This summer, Jennifer Peifer hopes to raise that number to 40,000. “There is not a community in this country that does not need this program,” said Peifer, manager of operations for the school district’s Nutrition Services team, comprising 20 employees. Federally funded, the Summer Food Service Program is a state-administered program that reimburses school districts that serve free meals to ado-
lescents and children in low-income areas, according to the Department of Agriculture. Douglas County enacted the program to address a need: 11.9% percent of students in the district qualify for free or reduced lunches, according to the district. That breaks down to 8,092 students in grades pre-K through 12. Free meals are available to those 18 and under, Monday through Friday, from May 28 to Aug. 2, at 12 sites across Parker, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch. Menu options, which vary at each site, typically include an entrée, such as a burrito, a side of fruit and milk. All kids and teens are welcome, and no identification is required. To locate the nearest site throughout the state, parents can use the Kids Food Finder website at kidsfoodfinder.org, or text “Food” or “Comida” to 577-577. “It’s open to any kid,” Peifer said. SEE LUNCH, P12