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The Left Hand Valley Courier has been fortunate to have devoted staff members who bring you the news every week. We profiled many of our staff members last week, and have had some new valuable additions this year and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read....
I am a new reporter for the Left Hand Valley Courier after responding to their ad. Although I do not have any reporting experience, I am a retired professional civil engineer who has spent many hours writing technical documents over my career, so I will try not to bore you. I moved to a farm outside of Lyons, Colorado in 1968 with my family and have resided in Colorado the entire time. Although I grew up outside of Lyons, Colorado, I did not attend school in Lyons and consequently graduated...
I'm Lisha Nouhan, and I've been writing for the Courier since last August. However, as a very busy (and poor) Studio Art major at the University of Denver, writing for the paper has been a great opportunity. I have lived in Colorado for most of my life, and while I live in Denver during school, on breaks I live in Longmont with my parents and my younger brother who is a freshman at CU Boulder. I graduated from Silver Creek High School in 2021. As a DU student in my junior year, I keep myself...
With the new year, many of us resolve to change something in our lives. “New Year’s Resolutions” sounds a little daunting but really, small changes can make a difference. Whether it is to eliminate a behavior or add a behavior or perhaps treat yourself to a new experience, there are many good reasons to start the year with a “clean slate” and resolve to make 2024 a better year. The Courier staff shares some of their resolutions below. Maybe they might inspire you to do the same. Detox from sugar. Enjoy my family before my daughter leaves fo...
The Boulder County Communications Center received a call regarding a grass fire near Tally Ho Trail at 1:12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19. This is south of the Twin Lakes neighborhood in Gunbarrel. According to a press release, the grass fire grew to be just under 10 acres in size. Multiple homes in the surrounding area, including Carter Trail, were evacuated during door-to-door evacuations. Firefighters were able to quickly gain control of the fire, and fortunately, there was no structure loss and...
It is with great sadness that we report that Courier Advertising Director Ann Whitehill passed away suddenly last weekend. Ann resided in the Niwot-Gunbarrel area for many years and worked for the Courier for over three years, helping the Courier and its advertisers navigate through the pandemic. Selene Luna, who worked closely with Ann on the Courier, expressed our thoughts well: “I will truly miss that special lady. We had some challenging times at the paper, but we worked through them together. When we met a special challenge with success w...
This is not an April Fool's "announcement.".... The Left Hand Valley Courier will mark 25 years of serving the Niwot-Gunbarrel community on Friday, April 1, with an Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside the offices of Warren, Carlson & Moore, LLP, Attorneys located in Cottonwood Square. The community is invited to join the founders and current staff of the newspaper for a celebration outside the law office, where the staff meets once a week to plan each edition of the weekly newspaper. The Courier is the only independently...
Over the years, Boulder County residents have been quick to come to the aid of neighbors during times of disaster, and the aftermath of the Dec. 30 Marshall Fire is no exception. As of Jan. 5, more than $25 million has been raised to assist survivors of the wildfires that destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in Louisville and Superior through the Community Foundation Boulder County's Wildfire Fund, Colorado Gives, and individual drives on GoFundMe. In addition, several other...
Like it or not, 2022 is just around the corner, and if your plans for the new year involve bettering the world, there's no better place to start than your own community. The Left Hand Valley is home to dozens of non-profit organizations that are making a difference, and they need engaged volunteers to help them do it. No experience is necessary; there's a position for you. By volunteering, not only are you helping your community, you'll also reap the benefits from connecting with others, learnin...
We're in the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and for those of you with a few names left to check off your gift list, be sure to consider one of the dozens of unique items from the artists, growers and crafters that call Niwot and Gunbarrel home. Gas up and grab a gift When you fill 'er up at the Niwot Conoco in the Cottonwood Shopping Center, don't just drive off - go inside where you'll find a treasure trove of charming gifts for your loved ones. You'll be stunned by the corner of...
In the Dec. 15 issue of the Left Hand Valley Courier we incorrectly attributed the mural in the Niwot Road underpass to Ellen Haswell. While Ms. Haswell did help with many aspects of the mural, it was primarily the work of Giselle “Bre” Thiele. We apologize for any confusion. Ms. Haswell is the author of “A Little Book of Words for Those Who Grieve....
On Sept. 27, the Boulder County Department of Public Works removed a decades-old cottonwood tree near the intersection of Niwot Road and 79th Street in Niwot. Last spring, a team of county arborists determined that the tree was hollowing and decaying, and deemed it a safety risk. At the time, the tree was estimated to be between 50-100 years old....
It was a beautiful morning for taking out the trash. On Sept. 18, the Niwot Community Association held its annual Clean Up Day in the parking lot of Niwot High School. Turnout was so heavy in the early morning hours that there were cars lined up waiting to enter the parking lot half an hour before the lot opened. The cars kept on coming, and it was 9 a.m. before Niwot Road was cleared of vehicles waiting to turn left into the school parking lot, according to volunteer Kathy K...
Niwot High graduate ('14) and 2020 Olympian Elise Cranny is returning to her alma mater. On Friday, Sept. 17, the decorated distance runner will be riding in Niwot High's motorized homecoming parade, which departs the school parking lot at 3:15 p.m. Later that night, Cranny is also scheduled to make an appearance during halftime of Niwot's football game at Everly-Montgomery Field. Cranny is a two-time state cross country champion, and won multiple state titles in track & field for Niwot. In...
On June 7, Niwot Boy Scout troop 161 held its spring 2021 Court of Honor ceremony at Whistle Stop Park, where they awarded merit badges, inducted six new Eagle Scouts, and recognized longtime scout leader Bill O’Donnell. “Bill loved all the young men he mentored over 28 years,” wrote Kathy Koehler of the Niwot Historical Society of the ceremony. “If you needed anything scout-related you contacted Bill for so many years - such a proud part of our Niwot community.” According to Koehler, Bruce Gri...
Nancy Pitz, (left) Niwot Elementary School, happily accepts coffees for the teachers that Pat Murphy of Niwot Real Estate brought to the school May 6. Old Oak Coffeehouse and wiNot Coffee made the treats that Murphy brought to the school to show the teachers appreciation for all their hard work, which has been exceptionally challenging during Covid....
Roses are red Violets are blue Here are things we love (About living in the LHV) And we bet you do too Our Incredible Trail System Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll, a serious hike, run, or a bike ride, the Left Hand Valley's miles of trails offer something for everyone. Every season offers its unique vistas near and far, from snow-capped peaks in the distance, to the beautiful architecture of bare branches against the sky in winter, to the verdant fields and flowers in the summer....
Boulder County COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility & Locations COVID-19 vaccinations are being provided to those eligible at locations around Boulder County. Providers closely follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's prioritization list for vaccines. Currently, the following groups are eligible to receive vaccinations if there is vaccine available: - High and moderate-risk healthcare providers - First responders - Individuals who are 70 years old or older Beginning February 8,...
The COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for most of us over the past 12 months, but it was especially hard on the local non-profit community, which saw its donations dry up as traditional fundraising events and activities were postponed or canceled. Fortunately, there's still time to help balance the scales as we count down the final hours of 2020. Among the many provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) passed back in March, was a change to an IRS rule...
Clear skies allowed for wonderful viewing of the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn Monday night Dec. 21. This is the first such event since 1563. While the planets appear to be very close, they really aren't. The event is called the great conjunction, because it is the rarest conjunction, when Jupiter overtakes Saturn, that can be seen with the naked eye. The photo was taken at the Sandstone Ranch by Brian Kimball of the nonprofit Longmont Astronomical Society. To learn more about area...
According to a witness at Niwot Jewelers, besides disabling the vehicle, damage was limited to the two chairs and some holiday lights on the property. The crash also left behind spilled motor oil after the car's engine was damaged....
Each year, the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms send out special holiday care packages to military members stationed overseas, hoping to give those away from their families a little reminder from home. They have no expectation of being recognized or thanked, but they often receive notes like those below from grateful soldiers, sailors, and airmen who appreciate being remembered this time of the year. Received in thanks for the Halloween care packages, mailed in late October: Good afternoon! My name...
Niwot's 2020 holiday celebration continued last weekend with the Niwot Holiday Market and WINC Holiday Fayre. Cottonwood Square and 2nd Avenue were decked out for the occasion, including this joyful ice sculpture by Ice Cubed, which stood in front of Adam Robinson's Seven Wealth office at 240B, 2nd Ave. Carolers and musicians entertained shoppers with holiday standards, while Santa and Mrs. Claus took gift requests outside the Left Hand Grange. The festivities will continue on Dec. 12, with the...
A socially-distant version of Niwot's annual holiday celebration kicked off on Friday, Nov. 27 with a pandemic-friendly Enchanted Evening. Masked shoppers strolled through town while carolers, entertainers, and musicians played holiday favorites, including a set from the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange (Masked) Band. Santa also made a grand appearance on a horse-drawn carriage, though he stayed outdoors to hear socially distanced Christmas wishes, per state and county guidelines. The...
Whether you read the Nov. 4 issue of the Left Hand Valley Courier on our website or in our print edition, you will notice some big changes. While the pandemic had forced us to stop weekly printing for several months, we recognized that we needed to enhance the Courier's website to attract new subscribers to help us through this crisis. We were fortunate enough to receive a Facebook Journalism Grant that recognized the importance of community journalism. These funds helped us subsidize advertisin...
On Saturday, Aug. 22, about a dozen people gathered at the Niwot post office (150 Murray Street) to protest recent actions by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and "Trump Administration policies" related to the US postal service. The rally was part of a nationwide "Save the Post Office Saturday" event organized by the political organization MoveOn.org. Protesters from Niwot and other nearby communities waved handmade signs and called for DeJoy's resignation for about 30 minutes during the late...
Eddie Running Wolf , an artist who created the Native American tree sculptures in Niwot, passed away on Aug. 5 due to complications from a suspected case of COVID-19. He was 62. He leaves behind his wife Melissa and two sons, Calvin, 23, and Dustin, 21. A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family with medical and funeral expenses. Preston Cates, a family friend, is also holding a fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 9. Below is a letter from Cates to the community: To who this may address, One of my...
Kate Missett is the Left Hand Valley Courier's newest staffer. Missett, who moved to Niwot in April after nearly 60 years in Wyoming, has remarked that while some people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, she was born with printer's ink in her veins. She was two when she first started a newspaper press. Missett comes from a newspaper family. Her father, William J. Missett, was publisher of the Casper, Wyoming Star-Tribune, and that is where she began learning the trade. Her four...
Niwot High School has announced plans for an official graduation ceremony for the class of 2020. In a letter sent out to students and parents, NHS principal Eric Rauschkolb thanked everyone for their support through health concerns and the unconventional end to the school year. "We know that this year did not end in the way that anyone expected, however, as we look ahead to our official graduation ceremony, we could not be more excited to celebrate the outstanding students in our 2020...
While Niwot's annual 4th of July parade has been canceled and there won't be any fireworks displays in either Longmont or Boulder, we can still celebrate, albeit on a smaller scale. Kids can still decorate their bikes; barbecues will be lit; corn-on-the-cob, burgers, potato salad and watermelons will be consumed. Here's to family, friends and a wonderful community. And a big thank you to the Slepicka family who make the most of all holidays with their wonderful decorations....
We at the Left Hand Valley Courier would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Boulder County Commissioners for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant we received last month. In April, the spread of the pandemic and subsequent "stay in place" regulations led us to the difficult decision to stop printing our weekly newspaper and move to an online only subscription model. This prevented the news from getting to many elderly and low-income readers who may not use a computer or mobile device or may not have reliable access to the...
The limited printed edition of the May 20, 2020 issue of the Left Hand Valley Courier is brought to you by our faithful advertisers and a grant which supports local journalism. A limited number of print copies are available from our advertisers, in Courier boxes and at the Niwot Market. We are grateful to our advertisers and those who have subscribed online-they make it possible for the Courier to bring you local news and important information during the COVID19 pandemic. The more subscribers...
Congratulations to the “Courier’s” own Jocelyn Rowley for her win in the 2019 Colorado Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. Rowley won for her reporting on Longmont’s Up-A-Creek Robotics win at the Colorado Regional tournament. The article appeared in the March 27, 2019 issue. The “Courier” is proud of Rowley’s accomplishment and her continued tradition of excellence in reporting....
As an alternative to the canceled Niwot Easter Egg hunt, a local family has created the "No Touch Easter Rock Hunt". Rocks painted in Easter colors have been placed throughout downtown Niwot, and starting on April 10, families can search for these rocks, using a the map printed below. Be sure to stay safe and follow the rules, then send us your best photos for the April 15 and April 22 issues of the Courier!...
For more information concerning the pandemic response at the local, state, and federal level, visit the following sites: Boulder County Boulder County coronavirus homepage Resources for Those Affected by COVID-19 Boulder County COVID-19 Illness & Recovery Summary State of Colorado Information on the Outbreak of COVID-19 Colorado case summary Governor's Public Health Order (updated April 11) Federal Federal resources on Coronavirus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Federal Emergency...
The statewide shutdown ordered by Governor Jared Polis on March 26th in order to stem the spread of COVID-19 exempted several businesses still considered "essential," allowing them to remain in operation, as long as they institute proper social distancing measures when conducting transactions. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurant pick-up and delivery, and many more. The retail and service firms listed below are still open for business as of press time, so be sure to check for...
Left Hand Water Effective March 16, 2020, the Left Hand Water District has closed its administrative office building to the public through March 29. The District will continue to provide services to customers, with staff rotating work schedules or working remotely or in the field. Payments can be made over the phone or online through Xpress Bill Pay; customers are strongly encouraged to make payments via these methods. The District's water remains safe to drink; as all drinking water...
When you're spreading the love to friends and family this Valentine's Day, don't forget another valuable member of your everyday life: the local community. There are a number of simple but thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for the people and organizations that help make the Left Hand Valley such a unique place to live. Replenish the books at Niwot and Gunbarrel's Little Free Libraries The Little Free Library neighborhood book exchange program got its start just over a decade ago, when a...
Meet Zianna and Ben, who live in Niwot with their human companions Alexandra, Richard, and Mikhail, and are the first interspecies pair featured in this space. Writes Alexandra, "I never intended to have a huge white dog, but as it happened, Zianna lives with us and enriches our lives to no end. She is like a sister to our son and resembles Nana from Peter Pan. She charms everyone with her beauty, which is so helpful when there is white hair on everyone. She and Ben, our 10 year old cat, are...
Winds gusting up to 65 m.p.h. knocked down power lines and snapped tree limbs as a quick moving front descended on the front range Tuesday afternoon. Power outages and street closures caused busing disruptions for students in the St. Vrain Valley School district, and many area athletic events were rescheduled. The girls soccer match between Niwot and Longmont will be played tomorrow at Niwot at 4 p.m., as will the baseball game against Skyline. Winds are expected to diminish overnight, and the...
Vandals have once again damaged the Niwot Children’s Park, and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association is taking steps to curb the destruction. Two neighbors have reported late-night activity at the park recently, and Building Committee member Riki Frea noticed that someone had carved into one of the posts at the pergola, and that more of the concrete critters adorning some of the play structures had been damaged. Damage to the critters was noticed last fall, and Frea and representatives of L...
Niwot High Athletic Director Chase McBride has posted an opening for a new volleyball coach at Niwot. Preston Brown, who has coached the Cougars for the past four years, submitted his resignation, citing demands on his time due to work. The Cougars won the Northern League with a perfect 14-0 record last season before losing to Holy Family in a quarterfinal match at state....
Officers are currently slated for election for the 2017 Niwot Business Association next month for a one-year term. Tony Santelli is up for president, Deborah Read Fowler as vice president, Dayna Roane as treasurer and Linda Klueber as secretary. Write-ins are accepted at each position, and proxy votes can be cast for NBA members. Current Vice President Dan Hawk is not seeking to renew his position. Deborah Read Fowler is the only new name on the ballot and is a realtor in Niwot. Only NBA members will be able to cast votes on these positions...
Counting flood recovery and other projects, the Diagonal Highway corridor is going to be busy with construction work this spring. In the spirit of giving drivers advance warning, the Boulder County Department of Transportation has been putting up signs informing of dates and locations of work. The problem is, these signs and projects have been changing frequently for those who travel the area frequently. Per the department, here are the projects drivers can count on in the coming months: 71st Street at Boulder and Lefthand creeks This is betwee...
Leading up to the Planning Commission hearing last Wednesday, the county responded to the Twin Lakes Action Group and other citizens commenting on the land use issue at hand. The statement released by the county reads as follows: “Over the weekend, Boulder County received a number of communications from Twin Lakes Action Group (TLAG) supporters questioning the validity of the Boulder County Planning Commission's 4-3 vote on September 21, 2016 to approve the request for the Medium Density change to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update f...
According to Boulder County Transportation, there will be a culvert installation at Glendale Gulch (approximately seven miles up the canyon from US 36). The department will have a closure on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20 to set a crane to install the culverts. The road will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to noon and 12:15 to 4:30 p.m. both days. It will open for 15 minutes at noon to let cars pass in each direction. After this project is completed, travel though the canyon will be completely...
Niwot’s 16th annual Enchanted Evening event on Friday, Nov. 25 will kick off this year’s season of light with plenty of fan favorites and a few added enticements. Promising a night of nostalgia, the event gathers together the old and the young for the singing of traditional yuletide songs, a tree lighting ceremony, a visit with a certain red-suited northerner, and a chance to check off some of the “naughty or nice” people on this year’s holiday shopping list. While hammers are busy pounding...
Editor’s note: Boulder County Commissioners Deb Gardner and Elise Jones were both reelected on Tuesday. In response to questions, they opted to send one letter representing their stance on issues that face the area. Following is their combined response. They say that running for public office is the toughest job interview you’ll ever have, which makes running for re-election the most rigorous personnel evaluation you’ll ever go through. So we were thrilled and humbled that you, the voters of Boulder County, chose by overwhelming margins to gi...
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, the Niwot Historical Society (NHS) held a lecture at the Left Hand Grange, featuring the Boulder County Latino History Project. Presenters included Marjorie McIntosh, a distinguished professor of History Emerita at the University of Colorado-Boulder; and Linda Arroyo-Holmstrom, a Boulder native, retired educator in the local public schools and a committee member of the Boulder County Latino History Project. NHS President Kathy Koehler said the two speakers centered their...
Paul Danish Tell voters about yourself: •Age 74. •Lived in Colorado since 1947 and Boulder County since 1960. (Here longer than most natives.) •CU graduate, 1965, BA, History. •Served on Boulder City Council, 1976-81. •Wrote Boulder’s first growth ordinance, popularly called the Danish Plan, 1976. •Served as a Boulder County Commissioner, September 1995 to January 2005 as a Democrat. Registered Republican since 2012. •Has voted to buy more than 50,000 acres of open space. Q: What makes you the best choice? A: Experience. I served 9 years...
