February 12, 2016
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Ponderosa wins its 22nd straight league wrestling title.
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Neighbors oppose proposed development Hilltop neighborhood would include 54 lots if rezoning is approved
By Chris Michlewicz cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com Nearly 450 people near a proposed 256-acre development on the eastern edge of Douglas County have signed an online petition urging the Douglas County commissioners to reject a rezon-
Bill aims to change concealed carry rules
ing request, saying they fear losing their way of life. “This is being done so a few developers can make large profits without regard for land and water preservation and the local citizens,” said Tina Huston, who lives near the proposed development and is helping lead the opposition. CJ Kirst, who works for Tahoe Consulting LLC and is representing the project on behalf of Derrick Myers of Parker-based 303 Investments LLC, said his client declined to comment.
The application for what’s being called the “Hilltop” development — submitted by 303 Investments LLC in July — requests the rezoning of 256 acres from an “agricultural-1” designation to “rural residential.” If approved, the proposal would create 54 separate lots for new housing due north of the intersection of Hilltop Road/County Road 158 and Delbert Road. The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners was originally supposed to consider approval of the proposal March 8, but the developer has asked for
a continuance until April. The date for the Douglas County Planning Commission meeting to review the proposal was changed from Feb. 8 to April 4, said Kati Rider, a community development planner for the county. A “rural residential” designation would allow for a density of one home for every five acres of land. Those who have signed the petition say they are concerned about an increase Hilltop continues on Page 12
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Measure in state Senate would eliminate need for gun owners to get permits
By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com A bill making its way through the state Senate would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits for gun owners. Senate Bill 16-017 is sponsored by state Sen. Tim Neville — a Republican from south Jefferson County who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate — and his son, state Rep. Patrick Neville, a Castle Rock Republican. Tim The measure would allow Neville a person who legally possesses a handgun under state and federal law to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado without applying for additional permits. If the bill were to pass both chambers and be signed into law, a person who carries a concealed handgun would have the same carrying rights and be subject Gun continues on Page 12
DOCTOR’S VISITS GO DIGITAL New advances in telemedicine allow patients to be examined from remote locations. Read more on PAGE 10.
Brooke Taylor, 17, is one of 200 Douglas County 4-H sport shooting participants. Sport shooting is the fastest growing 4-H program in the county. Photo by Shanna Fortier
Enthusiasts seek safe, legal outdoor areas for shooting By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com Nine years after joining the Douglas County 4-H sport shooting program, Sedalia resident Brooke Taylor, 17, is preparing to compete in the national championships for air pistol. “I think some people might be a little bit scared of firearms if they’re not used to being around them, which is understandable,” said Taylor, who also shoots .22-caliber pistol and compound bow in the 4-H program. “That’s why I think it’s a good idea to get kids involved early to know that guns are safe if you use them in a way that’s good.” Taylor is one of about 200 Douglas County youths involved in the 340 different shooting projects offered by the county’s 4-H program. About 60 adult volunteers lead the program, which is the fastest growing 4-H program in Douglas County. “It’s not just Douglas County,” said Brenda Kwang, 4-H extension agent for Douglas County. “It’s growing nationally, and Colorado is leading the country.” But finding safe and legal public outdoor space to practice has become a growing concern throughout the southern Front Range, which covers Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Park and Teller counties.
HOW TO FIND LEGAL SHOOTING SPOTS Regulations for shooting on public land differ from agency to agency and area to area, based on recreational uses, environmental concerns, agricultural interests and many other factors. Generally speaking, shooting is illegal on county-owned land — specifically in Douglas County — and water utility land. It is legal on some land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and designated areas of Colorado Parks and Wildlife land. For more information on the rules in a specific area, contact the appropriate agency office. U.S. Forest Service Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest — 970-295-6700 Pike/San Isabel National Forest — 719-
Because Douglas County has no outdoor shooting range open to the public, Taylor and most 4-H shooters practice on a friend’s private property on Highway 105 in the southern part of the county. “The indoor range, DCF Guns in
545-8737 Grand Mesa/Gunnison/Uncompahgre National Forests — 970-874-7691 Rio Grande National Forest — 719-8525941 Routt National Forest — 970-870-2299 San Juan National Forest — 970-2474874 White River National Forest — 970-3192670 Bureau of Land Management Colorado State Office, information — 303-239-3600 A list of target-shooting restrictions and closures is provided by the U.S. Forest Service at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/re creation/?cid=STELPRD3836311.
Castle Rock, is the closest place to do some indoor shooting,” said Troy Taylor, Brooke’s father. “But it is pricey and small compared to having outdoor space.” Place continues on Page 24