Week of April 2, 2025
Week of April 2, 2025
With the announcement of Coach Prime's contract extension, Cimmini's Italian restaurant has decided to rebrand as Coach's Creole Kitchen, bringing a bold new look and menu to Niwot. The move comes after University of Colorado head football coach Deion "Prime" Sanders was reportedly spotted dining at the restaurant last year. According to the restaurant staff, the visit left a lasting impression. "We realized we weren't just serving food, we were serving the future of Buff football," waiter Jack...
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), acting on a recommendation from Parks and Open Space (POS), unanimously agreed on April 1 to create a Niwot Animal Sanctuary Train Yard (NASTY) on the median in the center of CO Highway 119 north of Niwot Road as part of the ongoing CO 119 Safety, Chaos, Access, and Technology (SCAT) project. The decision was made after extensive public input at Sight Review hearings, and after consultation with the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and NCAA, although NIL money from...
After months of negotiations, the Niwot city council approved Option 34a for an over-underpass access to Niwot from the bikeway-pedestrian-stroller path currently under construction in the CO 119/Diagonal Highway median. Option 34a includes an overpass from the mini-multi-modal path over the Longmont-bound lanes of the Diagonal Highway, using the same design as the 63rd Street overpass in Gunbarrel. "They wanted us to pay them another million dollars to design an underpass, so we figure by...
Behind every trusted face on television lies a story, and for longtime CBS Denver7 anchor Mitch Jelniker, that story begins in the hallways of Niwot High School. Though born in Oklahoma, Jelniker considers himself nearly a Colorado native, having moved to the state when he was just a few months old. His father, an aerospace engineer, moved the family several times during Jelniker's childhood - from Colorado Springs to Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, before finally settling back in...
The $165 million CO 119 Safety, Mobility & Bikeway Project, aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and adding a bikeway between Longmont and Boulder, has progressed to Niwot. The stretch of Niwot Road between the northbound and southbound lanes of CO 119, which are separated by a grassland area referred to as "the median" in transportation terminology, is scheduled to close from Monday, April 7, to Wednesday, April 16. The closure will enable crews to construct the bikeway underpass at Niwot...
The similarity between Niwot and Minot's unusual and often-mispronounced names piqued Left Hand Valley Courier reporters' interest in the city which none of them had heard of. What began as curiosity led to a serious interest in approaching Minot for getting-to-know-you discussions. As reporters learned about the city, they began referring to Minot as "Northern North Dakota's best kept secret." Minot's metropolitan area population is almost 20 times that of Niwot and it is the fourth largest...
This is a monthly feature summarizing the activities of the Boulder County Commissioners. The Niwot Business Association will be sending you a request for your signature on a letter addressed to the Commissioners. This letter urges the Commissioners to amend the minimum wage ordinance to match the $14.81 rate of neighboring municipalities. Currently, Niwot's minimum wage is $16.57 per hour, and scheduled to rise to $25 per hour by 2030. Data from the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory...
He was a lawyer in a different life. She worked in the food safety industry. That was before February 24, 2022, in Ukraine. Today, he works for a large retail outlet in Longmont. She is also employed. They live in a garden-level apartment in Niwot's Old Town area. Their surviving extended family members also live in the United States. They live in fear of being deported, with nowhere to go. Though they entered the U.S. legally as refugees, the uncertainty of their status resulting from the...
The Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms are gearing up to send out the next round of Passover/Easter boxes of cookies on April 7 to deployed troops serving the United States. Each troop has members from the local community as well as from other states. An informal group of women interested in supporting U.S. troops far away from home was first formed in 2010 by local realtor Pat Murphy along with Patty Strecker and Karen Copperberg. They officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in March...
A steady stream of Niwotians, past and present, visited Niwot Hall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, for an open house celebrating Niwot's Sesquicentennial. The town plat was recorded with Boulder County 150 years earlier, on March 30, 1875. Niwot resident Laura Skaggs, who chaired the organizing committee, was more than pleased with the turnout. Young and old were mesmerized by the slide show which paired photos of buildings past with current photos of the same property. Pete Wernick on banjo, his...
Katie Wallace, who has long been active in local Democratic politics, was selected to fill the vacant Senate District 17 seat previously held by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, who resigned amid reports of improper treatment of and use of her staff. Wallace was selected over seven other candidates who were considered for the appointment, which was made by the Boulder County Democratic Party vacancy committee, which consists of approximately 100 members. She will serve until 2026, when she will be...
For his enduring leadership and volunteerism for the Niwot community and advocacy for Niwot's businesses, Tony Santelli is the Left Hand Valley Courier's April Left Hand Laurel. As a former co-owner of the Niwot Tavern, a past president of the Niwot Business Association (NBA), and a current member of the community's minimum wage task force as well as the Niwot Future League (NFL), Santelli's leadership and dynamism is apparent when he discusses his love for the Niwot community. Niwot is the...
As April ushers in the beautiful renewal of spring, Niwot Hall hosts a month of invigorating cultural events, lectures, dance, music, and opportunities to connect where all are welcome. Dance Classes with Lindy Bartruff Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Participate in fun and fitness while dancing under the instruction of director-choreographer Lindy Bartruff. 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Aerobic Dance Do you love to dance and yearn for an easy, energizing outlet? Ignite your...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, launched a fundraising campaign in November 2024 with the goal of raising $250,000 to pay reporters and vendors, print the newspaper weekly, upgrade our printing quality, and support our educational mission. Your generosity has been overwhelming. To date, we have raised $49,573.00 with $4,985.00 of that donated in 2025. Our success is due to the outpouring of local support from you, our loyal readers. We are in the process of applying for grants to supplement our local...
The Courier often profiles "familiar faces," community members around Niwot and/or Gunbarrel that you might see on a regular basis, but don't know their story. These individuals do a lot for our community to make it the tightly knit and functioning area it is. Yet there are many familiar names without a corresponding face. We call those "Unfamiliar Faces." This week's Unfamiliar Face is Frederick Niwot. His name appears on signs directing motorists to exit 235 on I-25 but, as much as we might...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at editorial@lhvc.co...
The Niwot High School boys volleyball team showcased both its potential as well as growing pains this week, beginning with a commanding victory before facing mixed results in tournament play. The Cougars delivered a decisive 3-0 victory against the Fossil Ridge High School Sabercats on Thursday, March 27. The Cougars dominated from the opening serve, particularly in the first set, finishing with set scores of 25-12, 25-16, 25-20. Junior Diego Kheng led Niwot's offensive charge with 12 kills, while Jasper Helgans orchestrated the attack with...
Senior Samantha Zacky has spent the past four years making her mark on Niwot High School's tennis program. A dedicated doubles player, she has built a strong partnership with her teammate Anne Haley and has cherished every match they have played together. She thrives in the strategy of doubles play and the energy of team competition, but what she values most is the support that comes with it. "I always have so much fun every game, no matter the outcome," Zacky said. "That's what I love most...
The Cougar girls soccer team had a rough home opener against Erie High School on Thursday, March 27, but bounced back two days later with a dramatic last-second win over Steamboat Springs High School. These results bring Niwot High School to a 1-2-1 season record. Against the Erie Tigers, Niwot struggled to find its rhythm as the Tigers controlled the game from the start. Erie wasted no time getting on the board, scoring just 10 minutes into the match. Despite Niwot's efforts to regroup, the...
The Niwot High School girls golf teams competed in their third tournament of the season this week. Eight athletes represented Niwot at the Granite Peaks League Tournament, with its two teams securing fourth place in the top division, and third place in the lower division. The group headed to Twin Peaks Golf Course on Monday, March 24 for its first Granite Peaks League tournament, hosted by Longmont High School. Coach Ed Weaver reflected on the competition, saying, "We're playing a lot better...
The Third Annual Niwot Invitational took place on Saturday, March 29, at the Art Stapp Sports Complex at Niwot High School, bringing together some of the top track and field talent in the state. Before the rain rolled in, the day featured warm sunshine, great competition, and even a few shattered meet records. Though a lightning delay cut the meet short, plenty of standout performances made their mark. For Niwot Head Coach Maurice "Mo" Henriques, hosting this event is the fulfillment of a...
Skyler Messinger reported to spring training in Arizona this year with the Colorado Rockies minor league organization in his first full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery over a year ago. At the start of spring training, Messinger was listed on the Class A Spokane roster, which is where he finished last season in limited action. But Messinger was also invited to participate in the Arizona Fall League as one of the Rockies' top prospects, and he did not disappoint, earning AFL All-Star...
In a heartbreaking week of baseball, the Niwot High School Cougars suffered two narrow defeats, falling to Skyline High School 11-10 on Thursday, March 27, before losing 5-3 to Riverdale Ridge High School on Saturday, March 29. Thursday's home contest against Skyline was a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple lead changes. The Cougars jumped out to an early 3-1 advantage after the first inning, highlighted by Charlie Shaw's triple that drove in Haden Shaw. Henry Noblin added a two-run double...
Niwot High School’s Varsity tennis team played a match against Legacy High School on Thursday, March 27, winning by a score of 5-2. Up and coming freshman Georgia Jaffe played in a doubles match with her partner, Hazel Awsumb, winning points for the team with a victory. “I was a bit nervous going into my first match because I didn’t know what to expect, but I was also excited,” said Jaffe, reflecting on the lead-up to the competition. Despite some early nerves, she and Aswumb fought through a challenging match, with Jaffe focusing on...
On Monday, February 24, middle school and high school students from the Boulder County area were excited to present their science projects at the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) Corden Pharma Regional Science Fair at the Boulder Valley School District Education Center. The BVSD Regional Science Fair website explains, "Science fairs allow students the opportunity to research, create, and present while constructing their own ideas through reading informational text, participating in...
The www.nhsef.org/" target="_blank">Niwot High School Education FoundationNiwot High School Education Foundation (NHSEF) is preparing for its annual online auction, set for April 9-13. Proceeds from the auction support teachers, staff and Niwot High School seniors through scholarships and grants. Seniors at Niwot High School have the opportunity to win merit-based, needs-based, and technical school scholarships. The event, formerly an in-person live and silent auction, became an online auction...
Camryn Bell's love of theater stems from the community within it. "Like any other extracurricular," he said, "doing theater is being in a team. It's exhilarating to perform for an audience alongside people who have worked incredibly hard with you for months prior. Putting the work in and getting to share your effort with the world is truly an unmatched feeling." The Niwot High sophomore went into high school with no intention of doing theater. He was more focused on sports, but then he had a...
This week’s edition of Tooth Be Told discusses one of many questions I get asked all the time: What is periodontal disease and how do you treat it? By definition, periodontal disease is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bone. Symptoms associated with this infection can be red, swollen, or bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and sometimes, pain or sensitivity. However, most often, most patients are asymptomatic. Bacterial biofilm (a sticky layer of microorganisms) deposits form around the base of the tooth between the...
Ok. It's that vacation planning time of year. After figuring out the when and the where of your trip, you inevitably find yourself swiping Tripadvisor trying to find the perfect hotel or Airbnb to settle in for five days away from the luxuries and familiarity of home. Location, amenities, size, and local food options all factor into this daunting task. As any seasoned traveler would tell you, ratings are not always helpful. Why do the Travelodge and the Four Seasons have the same rating? A...
ACROSS 3. losses 4. Kheng 6. Weaver 9. detours 12. online 13. Shaw 15. West 16. Haley 17. Fletemeyer 18. Bronx DOWN 1. cookie 2. Jelniker 5. tennis 7. Bell 8. Rockies 10. Santelli 11. Wallace 14....
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email...
Niwot is no stranger to businesses that aim to help with many forms of personal care. As of November, 2024, Biscochito HomeCare has been operating in Boulder County and its surrounding areas. Biscochito, named after the state cookie of New Mexico where the non-profit company originated, is an at-home service organization, pairing caregivers with individuals who may need different levels of support. A biscochito is a sweet, shortbread cookie. One of the organization's favorite taglines is "live...
Harold Ian Hayes June 16, 1931 – March 4, 2025 Harold Ian Hayes, known to those close to him as Ian, passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 4, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. His wife Jacquelyn and his daughters, Alex and Sue, were by his side as he took his final rest. Born in a London suburb, Ian grew up in the shadow of World War II, surviving the bombings that shaped both his resilience and his sharp perspective on the world. He carried that resilience into a lifelong...
Sharon A. Pierson Longtime Gunbarrel resident Sharon A. Pierson, 82, died March 26, 2025. She was employed in the banking industry for many years. Donations may be given to Meals on Wheels of Boulder. Services will be announced at a later...
