Douglas County News-Press 1224

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December 24, 2015

THIS WEEK IN

VOLUME 114 | ISSUE 8 | 75¢

SPORTS

LOCAL

Meet the All-South Metro Football team

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DouglasCountyNewsPress.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

A publication of

Tipster praised for helping prevent threat Douglas County school was alleged target of two girls

Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen spoke about the alleged Mountain Vista threat on Dec. 16. “Generally, students are really good people,” she said, “and do good things.” Behind Fagen is Rich Payne, the district’s director of school safety and security. Photo by Alex DeWind

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY “To the @mountainvistahs student brave enough to #tellsomeone, thanks for helping keep a lot of people I love safe…” was retweeted 19 times on Twitter.

By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com After the news of two classmates accused of plotting to kill students and staff at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, senior Katie Pickrell said students are coming together to raise awareness about Text-A-Tip, a reporting system that she said “essentially saved people’s lives.” “It was a really brave thing to do,” said Pickrell, referring to the anonymous student who texted the information that led to the arrests of the 16-year-old female students before they could follow through with their plan. Students are using the hashtag “tellsomeone” to thank the student who sent in the tip and show their support for the school. Both teens were detained Dec. 12. One of the girls appeared in court the morning of Dec. 17, but no formal

“@mountainvistahs Thinking of you guys today. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help. #SoarAboveTheRest,” Arapahoe High School tweeted to Mountain Vista High School. “Thank you! #respect #tellsomeone,” Mountain Vista High School tweeted.

charges have been filed against her or the other teen. The girl who appeared in court is being held without bond, and a judge has ordered a mental-health evaluation and ordered her not to have contact with the other defendant. Her next court date is Jan. 5. Threat continues on Page 11

Cyclocross race rolls into Castle Rock Cold War Classic will be part of Winterfest celebration By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com

RaceCO.org will partner with the town of Castle Rock to host the newly created Cold War Classic cyclocross race to complement the downtown celebrations of Winterfest on Jan. 2. Utilizing the multitude of open spaces and natural terrain running along the Plum Creek Trail, the race will start at Castle View High School. Participants will experience multiple obstacles as they ultimately twist and turn their way down to Festival Park. Upon finishing, participants will be able to take part in all festivities and merriment provided at Winterfest in downtown Castle Rock. Cyclocross continues on Page 8

Gavin Powell, 7, wants to encourage other children his age to give. Photo by Shanna Fortier

Local boy saves allowance to help others Ronald McDonald House children get new stuffed animals By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com Gavin Powell, 7, heard on the radio about kids in need at the Ronald McDonald House and wanted to do something

about it. A home-schooled student in Castle Rock, Gavin saved up his allowance and used it to purchase brand-new stuffed animals for the children at Ronald McDonald House Denver, as well as Aurora. “I wanted them to have a smile on their face for Christmas,” Gavin said of his reasons for giving the stuffed animals. “I felt really good delivering the toys.” But Gavin’s giving didn’t stop there. “We were listening to the radio and

they mentioned that by giving $20 you can help a family stay together through the holidays,” said Rachel Powell, Gavin’s mom. “He had his allowance and said he wanted to give it to the telethon.” Gavin said his goal was to “help the children and families stay together” during their treatment and to “put a smile on their faces” while they are at the hospital. He also wanted to encourage others to Toys continues on Page 8

The Cold War Classic cyclocross race will be Jan. 2. Photo by Multicopter Warehouse

DOUGLAS COUNTY NEWS-PRESS (ISSN 1067-425X) (USPS 567-060) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Douglas County, Colorado, the News-Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 5 p.m. | Classifieds: Tue. 8 a.m. | Obits: Mon. 4 p.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.


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