Author: Noah Festenstein
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Douglas County commissioners ponder revisiting ‘home rule’ proposal after last year’s failure
The future of Douglas County chasing “home rule” status may not be in the hands of commissioners, but instead by residents who are considering placing the issue back on the ballot, according to one commissioner. Last March, Douglas County commissioners proposed to become a home rule county. The three Republican commissioners asserted that home rule…
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Douglas County expects busy year for public safety, business growth, school changes
Douglas County officials made their 2026 goals clear: to maintain a wealthy, healthy and safe environment for the more than 400,000 residents who call the affluent county south of Denver home. The Denver Gazette asked several government, law enforcement, business and education officials about 2026 goals. ‘SAFEST, HEALTHIEST COUNTY’ Douglas County commissioners continue to characterize…
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New National Western Stock Show CEO Wes Allison rides into first year with high ambitions
The National Western Stock Show’s new President and CEO Wes Allison grabbed the reins of a renewed era for one of the nation’s largest stock shows, which rides back into action this week in Denver. On Tuesday, the new stock show leader ushered in a fresh motto for the 120th year of the NWSS: “We…
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Denver police search for suspect in deadly hit-and-run crash on Kalamath Street
Denver police are searching for a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Friday night. At around 7:42 p.m., a motorist was driving southbound on North Kalamath Street at West 11th Avenue. The driver, in a Gray Honda Accord Crosstour, struck a pedestrian who was crossing Kalamath, according to a Denver…
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Where does Colorado rank for migration growth? U-Haul has an answer
Colorado last year ranked in the top half of all 50 states when it came to in-migration growth, an improvement from 2024, at least according to new-year statistics released by U-Haul on Monday. However, U-Haul numbers also show nearly as many residents are leaving the Centennial State as there are people moving here. U-Haul, a…
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Pedestrian dies in Aurora crash on Colfax
A man was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing an intersection along Colfax Avenue on Saturday night, according to the Aurora Police Department. Aurora police officers responded to the crash at around 10:57 p.m. at East Colfax Avenue and Peoria Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 43-year-old man struck by a vehicle. He…
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Douglas County School District employee arrested on child exploitation charges
Douglas County deputies arrested a new school district staff member for allegedly possessing child pornography. On Thursday, deputies arrested John Michael Beccia Jr., 35, of Highlands Ranch. He faces charges including aggravated incest, sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust and sexual exploitation of a child. Since November, Beccia…
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Teen dies, 3 injured in Denver shooting involving group celebrating Venezuelan president’s capture, police say
A teen boy has died and three men are injured in Denver following a shooting on Saturday night that involved a group celebrating the capture of Venezuela’s president, according to the Denver Police Department. A Denver police spokesperson said a 16-year-old boy died in the shooting. Meanwhile, three men ages 26, 29 and 33 were…
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Vehicle pass fees to increase at these Colorado state parks in 2026
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials Wednesday reminded visitors of daily vehicle pass fee increases at select state parks beginning in the new year. Starting Thursday, daily fees are increased by $2 at four northwest Colorado state parks. The fees are going up from $10 to $12 a day at Elkhead Reservoir, Pearl Lake, Stagecoach and…
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Douglas County-based nonprofit delivers ‘boxes of hope’ to those in need across metro Denver
A Douglas County-based charity group underscored a new year’s resolution to expand and continue operating a mobile donation service across metro Denver. Judy and Rob Nelson are guided by a heartfelt mission: to support those in need and raise awareness through their Heart2Hand mobile donation service. For the past 18 months, the family-run nonprofit has…