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On Thursday, Castle Rock Water explained its plans to upgrade the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility and double its capacity from 6 million to 12 million gallons per day.

The effort aims to boost renewable water use to 75% by 2050 and 100% by 2065 to support the town's growing population.

The Colorado State Patrol advises drivers this fall to watch for wildlife as animals move lower in elevation, and notes that Interstate 25 near Castle Rock is a high-risk area (drive slowly and stay alert).

An upcoming episode of Real Talk with Micah Smith will address living organ donation with community members and medical experts including donor Brian Tiell and transplant recipient Mark McIntosh.

The episode airs Sundays at 5:30 p.m. on Denver7.

The DEA warned that cychlorphine—a synthetic opioid 10 times more potent than fentanyl—is an emerging threat as counterfeit pills in states next to Colorado prompt authorities to urge caution with unprescribed medications.

Castle Rock’s Fall Festival is set for Sunday, Oct.

18 at Festival Park (300 Second St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering seasonal treats, pumpkin decorating, outdoor games and a Creepy Crawlies animal booth for kids. Local vendors will sell fall produce and festive goods during the event.

Gas prices spiked overnight in Colorado as AAA data showed regular unleaded averaged $4.37 per gallon and diesel hit a record high of $6.04 — with Denver area prices for unleaded rising from $4.18 to $4.32 from Wednesday.

Next Step Next One, a nonprofit working to reduce the kidney transplant waitlist by inspiring living kidney donors, began a series of community conversations Wednesday evening that will continue through the next month.

The events aim to educate locals on kidney donation (especially in underrepresented communities) and share stories of donors’ experiences.

Tens of thousands of Medicaid recipients ages 19 — 64 must show they are working or have an exemption and renew coverage every six months starting in January 2027, as the state issues notifications.

About 175,000 of 377,000 affected members need to act, officials said.