For many people, the Tyrannosaurus rex is the dinosaur, and it’s easy to understand why. There’s no animal today that comes close to the sheer intimidation and raw power that this Cretaceous-era … more

Most people are familiar with Rocky Flats in northwest Jefferson County, and the role it played in creating nuclear weapons parts. But if one lives on the east side of Denver, it’s entirely … more

The Barsness family has always loved a cup of gelato. From their trips to Italy to vacations in the Cayman Islands, the four-member family frequently finds themselves at the counter of a shop selling … more

Standing tall in their royal blue gowns, STEM School Highlands Ranch graduates ignored the dark skies, light rain and dropping temperatures May 20 … more

On the stage at Cherry Hills Community Church, a robot stood in honor of Kendrick Castillo, who was killed in the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting. That robot was built by STEM Impulse — or … more

Live like Kendrick Castillo. Be brave. Be industrious. Have integrity. Show love. That was the overarching message at a May 15 celebration of life service at Cherry Hills Community Church. More … more

About 250 Jeep enthusiasts gathered in Highlands Ranch on May 15 to ride in a procession ahead of a celebration of life service for Kendrick Castillo. According to license plates, vehicles came from … more

On a cloudless day, the sun beaming down, a small group of parents and children stood along Barrons Boulevard in Highlands Ranch waving posters with words of encouragement. “You are … more

For many years, we watched from our office windows as the students at STEM High School Highlands Ranch left school for the day or headed over to the Starbucks across the street. The school is in the … more

The National Association of School Psychologists has advice for parents wanting information on how to talk to their children in the aftermath of tragedies like the one at STEM School Highlands Ranch … more

Lucas DeLeon works as a manager for Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, which sits at Lucent Boulevard and Plaza Drive in Highlands Ranch. As he drove to work May 7, he turned off Broadway and … more

Jennifer Thompson Consolo and her family had no idea her daughter was being bullied and had begun self-harming during her sophomore year at Douglas County High School. They also didn't know she was … more

In the aftermath of tragedy, mental health experts point to resources and encourage the community to stay resilient. “We are strong. Colorado is strong,” said Dr. Sarah Davidon, research director … more

On her first Mother’s Day without her only child, Maria Castillo mustered the strength to get out of bed and into the shower, where she wept.  In the kitchen, eight teenage boys and girls, friends of her son, cooked her breakfast. They added items to a bench, a makeshift shrine, with a few of her son’s favorite things: Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” and Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree.” A pair of lab safety glasses. A pocket-sized, dark-green Jeep — the same color and model as the one parked in the driveway. more

Documents distributed as part of a news release by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office on May 10 show disagreement, and some underlying tension, led to the discontinuation of a contract that provided … more

An official fundraising page has been set up for STEM School Highlands Ranch via The Foundation for Douglas County Schools. It can be found at www.coloradogives.org/STEMstrong more

The executive director of STEM School Highlands Ranch adamantly denies allegations made by an anonymous school parent that the school's climate and culture are out of control. "I can't even fathom … more

Brendan Bialy called Kendrick Castillo, who died in the May 7 STEM School shooting, a “legend.” At a press conference May 8, Bialy, who was one of three STEM School students who reportedly … more

Kendrick Castillo was kind, talented, a hero. Castillo was killed in the May 7 shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. He was less than two weeks away from graduation. more

Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler lived in a home in Highlands Ranch for 18 years. His four children are in the Douglas County school system. His wife's business is roughly one mile from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office substation in Highlands Ranch. He knows the area well. After all, he “grew up in these parts,” Brauchler, now a Parker resident, said. more