Colorado Community News

This was my first full-time newspaper job with Colorado Community News based in Castle Rock, Colo. Our coverage area included Douglas and Elbert counties.

A jubilant Arapahoe High School graduate clicks his heels together after receiving his diploma at Littleton Public Schools Stadium. He was among the seniors from Arapahoe, Heritage and Littleton High Schools to receive their diplomas as they completed their K-12 education.

A jubilant Arapahoe High School graduate clicks his heels together after receiving his diploma at Littleton Public Schools Stadium. He was among the seniors from Arapahoe, Heritage and Littleton High Schools to receive their diplomas as they completed their K-12 education.

In the Limelight

An airline manager assists firefighters in removing a Cessna from a snowdrift where it crash landed shy of Centennial Airport due to mechanical failure.

An airline manager assists firefighters in removing a Cessna from a snowdrift where it crash landed shy of Centennial Airport due to mechanical failure.

Rodeo cowboys reflect in a word of prayer prior to the start of a PRCA rodeo at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, Colo.

Rodeo cowboys reflect in a word of prayer prior to the start of a PRCA rodeo at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, Colo.

Judging by his expression, Hotshot, an Australian Shepard belonging to Cassie Kloe, 13, of Castle Rock, isn’t too enamored by the blow dryer being wielded by his owner. The grooming took place Saturday before the Douglas County 4-H Dog Show at the fairgrounds.

Judging by his expression, Hotshot, an Australian Shepard belonging to Cassie Kloe, 13, of Castle Rock, isn’t too enamored by the blow dryer being wielded by his owner. The grooming took place Saturday before the Douglas County 4-H Dog Show at the fairgrounds.

A motorist removes clumps of hail stuck together from his pickup truck windshield after a heavy hail from a passing severe thunderstorm in Parker, Colo.

A motorist removes clumps of hail stuck together from his pickup truck windshield after a heavy hail from a passing severe thunderstorm in Parker, Colo.

Mrs. Elizabeth, Heidi Hillida, hisses back at a baby boa snake that was part of an exhibit from the Elizabeth Animal Hospital. The hospital was one of the many vendors to participate in the Elbert County Community Expo at Elizabeth High.

Mrs. Elizabeth, Heidi Hillida, hisses back at a baby boa snake that was part of an exhibit from the Elizabeth Animal Hospital. The hospital was one of the many vendors to participate in the Elbert County Community Expo at Elizabeth High.

Face Plant

A youngster braces his feet between two flag posts while placing his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem at a Veteran's Day service at Littleton cemetery.

A youngster braces his feet between two flag posts while placing his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem at a Veteran’s Day service at Littleton cemetery.

A Marines Corps color guard somberly stands in the shadow of the American flag during a Veteran’s Day observances Nov. 11 at Littleton cemetery.

A Marines Corps color guard somberly stands in the shadow of the American flag during a Veteran’s Day observances Nov. 11 at Littleton cemetery.

Horse Groomer

Grand Prix

Thornton Police officer Chris Owen plays ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, concluding funeral services for Ron King. King was killed when the motorcycle he was riding while on patrol slammed into a van driven by an allegedly drunk Denver man who cut off King and his partner, Christopher Washburn.

Thornton Police officer Chris Owen plays ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, concluding funeral services for Ron King. King was killed when the motorcycle he was riding while on patrol slammed into a van driven by an allegedly drunk Denver man who cut off King and his partner, Christopher Washburn.

A construction worker stands atop a girder being put into place while constructing the Perry Street bridge in Castle Rock, Colo.

A construction worker stands atop a girder being put into place while constructing the Perry Street bridge in Castle Rock, Colo.

A bull rider is driven into the ground by a raging bull during a PRCA rodeo in Elbert County.

A bull rider is driven into the ground by a raging bull during a PRCA rodeo in Elbert County.

A rodeo cowboy watches a bull trot away after being bucked off during the Cowboy Up rodeo in Kiowa, Colo.

A rodeo cowboy watches a bull trot away after being bucked off during the Cowboy Up rodeo in Kiowa, Colo.