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All Local, All The Time
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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 [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
In recognition of his two decades of dedicated service, Boulder County's new alternative sentencing facility will bear the name of former Sheriff Joe Pelle, following a 2-1 vote by county commissioners on Oct. 29. Commissioners Ashley Stolzmann and Claire Levy cast the decisive votes in support of the recognition, while Commissioner Marta Loachamin opposed the measure, suggesting instead that the naming opportunity be used to recognize Indigenous communities. Loachamin also noted that she...
The Niwot Holiday Market wrapped up Saturday, Dec. 14, after spreading holiday cheer to the business district of Niwot. One of highlights every year is the opportunity for younger Niwot residents to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been attending the Niwot Holiday Market since at least 2016. With Christmas only being one day a year, it is rumored that Mr. and Mrs. Claus have day jobs as well. Kim King, who closely resembles Mrs. Claus, works as an insurance broker. Her...
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 a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year, and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. Joan Schaefer I began writing for the Left Hand Valley Courier in early 2024. Last December, Managing Editor Biff Warren spoke at a Niwot Community Connection meeting to recruit "no experience necessary"...
The December 11 issue of the Left Hand Valley Courier noted that Niwot's Legend Ridge trail loop had been completely resurfaced by Boulder County and reopened. The article quoted the county's trails supervisor as saying, "Our legal team could not find any information about the county officially accepting the trail, but since we have been maintaining it for 20 years or so, it would indicate that the county has accepted it." In contrast, the county's legal team already has the documents in hand showing that the county accepted responsibility to...
After an investigation into increased traffic incidents, CDOT has decided to permanently close the Monarch Road intersection at CO 119 (the Diagonal). CDOT will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Niwot Hall in Niwot (formerly the Grange). Ongoing road impacts, on a week to week basis, Sunday to Saturday, have been posted on CDOT's website at CO119 Project Road Impacts on the bottom right hand side of the page under "Project Newsletters." Although CDOT has not been...
Arts Student of the Week Parker Jean Tatic clearly recalls being inspired by the actress Florence Pugh the day she saw Pugh perform Amy in Greta Gerwig's version of "Little Women." "I thought it was really interesting," Tatic said, "how she was portraying Amy. Because in the original movie and the book Amy is a little girl, and even in the musical. But in her version, Pugh played both young Amy and adult Amy. And for some strange reason it stood out to me how she was portraying a younger child,...
The proposed Niwot Community Master Plan was presented at Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) community meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, at The Wheel House in Niwot. Approximately 60 attendees, including Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy, listened to the presentation by Dave Lee and Chad Fletemeyer of Fletemeyer & Lee Associates, a Niwot architectural firm hired by the LID to create a long-term blueprint for the physical, economic, and social development of Niwot. Dave Lee and Chad...
At the Commuting Solutions membership meeting on Dec. 11, officials from the Colorado Energy Office and Governor Polis' office presented updates on how the state is addressing greenhouse gas concerns alongside growth and related transit requirements. Kelly Blythe, Senior Policy Advisor for Land Use and Transportation, gave a roadmap outlining what Colorado is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting state transit needs. The greenhouse gas roadmap consisted of the following action...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) held its final board meeting of 2024 on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The board reviewed not only updates since the previous meeting in November, but also reflected on their objectives from the past year and welcomed special guest speakers from the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). Molly McDonald, program manager of the BCSO Co-Responder Team, along with team members Ashley Partin and Sarah Windholz, spoke to the NCA Board about the services the Team provides....
The "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band and Silver Creek High School Marching Band once again marched and performed together in the Longmont Lights Parade on Dec. 14 as the re-formed "Ni-Creek-Wot" combined marching band. Band members refer to this particular parade as their "crossover episode" as students from both schools make new friends, see old friends, and dress up in outrageous holiday lights with ugly sweaters. Together they performed "Feliz Navidad" down Main Street in Longmont....
The third annual Niwot High School Art Show began Dec. 6, with winners announced on Dec. 11, and an awards ceremony on Dec. 12. The NHS Art Show was sponsored by the Niwot High School Music, Performance, and Art division of the Niwot Boosters Club. The Art Show coincided with the winter concert series, featuring the NHS bands, choirs, orchestras, and the Mariachi Ensemble. This year, a separate Art Gala event on Dec. 9 was dedicated specifically to showcasing the NHS and feeder schools'...
Being a strong leader means more to Taylor Rodanski than to--- most other seniors. In truth, Rodanski made leadership one of his top priorities before his final season with the Niwot High School boys basketball team began earlier this month. He was inspired by last year's seniors and wanted to pass their wisdom down to his younger teammates. "In my junior year, we had two seniors (Jackson Carano and Brighton Langenegger) who were really big leaders on the court," Rodanski said. "They inspired...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. For Kenji McCracken, soccer has always been more than just a sport. It is a passion that has shaped his life, forged lifelong connections, and now opened the door to...
The Niwot High School girls varsity basketball team endured a bruising defeat in their Centaurus Tournament opener, as the Standley Lake High School Gators dominated the court with a commanding 66-21 victory Wednesday, Dec. 11. The lopsided matchup left the Cougars searching for answers against a relentless Gators squad. The game began with high energy as the Cougars worked to establish momentum and make early plays. They focused on building an offensive rhythm while maintaining defensive pressure. However, the Gators quickly responded with...
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 [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Lawrence R. Murphy April 24, 1943 - Nov. 19, 2024 Lawrence "Larry" Murphy, 81, of Niwot, Colorado passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024. He was born to William (Bill) and Jospehine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, Indiana. Larry grew up in Coal City, Illinois and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, N0BA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent's yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical...
The "Future of Local Journalism" series concludes with a reflection on the unique role the Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier) plays in supporting and enhancing our community. This final article recaps earlier insights and includes my personal perspectives as a Courier reporter on why the Niwot-Gunbarrel area is a more vibrant, friendly, and informed community due to the Courier than it otherwise would be. This article also encourages us all to help strengthen the Courier's financial footing and...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) held a community meeting Monday, Dec. 2, at The Wheel House in Niwot, with approximately 60 people in attendance, including Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy. Niwot Business Association President Eric Bergeson welcomed the crowd, then turned the presentation over to Dave Lee and Chad Fletemeyer of Fletemeyer & Lee Associates, a Niwot architectural firm hired by the LID to create a long-term vision to guide future development in Niwot, especially...
Janet Gates' wide range of volunteer efforts benefiting the Niwot, Gunbarrel, and surrounding communities have earned her the December Left Hand Laurel. Gates grew up in Gunbarrel, graduated from Niwot High School in 1984, moved out of state, then returned 13 years ago as a single mother with two small children. Immediately in need of a path to support herself and her family, her father suggested that she might start by cleaning people's homes. That led her to start her current business,...
I love people who read newspapers. They are the ones who show up for community meetings, pay attention to what’s going on, hold public officials accountable, and participate in processes that bring meaningful and positive change to their communities. Their input and opinions deserve our respect. Those who don’t are at the mercy of those who do. Fortunately, the ones who do tend to be involved in their community, and their vision is guided by what they consider best for the community. Those who don’t tend to complain that “no one asked me.” Th...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) has made significant progress in its long time effort to bring more directional signage to the LoBo Trail. Vicky Dorvee, NCA Director assigned to Trails and Open Space, completed an inventory of existing wayfinding signs along the Longmont to Boulder bike and pedestrian trail, better known as the LoBo Trail, last fall. The LoBo Trail extends from Longmont to Boulder, with a few gaps in the Gunbarrel area, and provides a popular off-road trail between the...
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 a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. Amy Calderon My name is Amy Calderon, and I’m a student at Niwot High School. Born and raised in Colorado, I carry within me Mexican roots that have deeply influenced my identity and values. Growing up with t...
Holiday Markets and Time with Santa Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association and Women's International Niwot Club, this year's Holiday Market event promises to be more elaborate than ever before. In addition to Father Christmas' presence, there will be fabulous festive gifts available from a multitude of artists and vendors, along with delectable baked goods to enhance your holiday table. Bring the kids to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus from...
When Tula Baker accepted the role as understudy for Princess Natalia Dragomiroff in Niwot High School's November 2024 production, "Murder on the Orient Express," she knew it would require her to perform with a Russian accent. An important character from the book by Agatha Christie, Dragomiroff is an elderly Russian aristocrat who fled to Europe from Russia with her husband. Baker's teacher, Amanda Foust, was impressed by the way Baker embraced the role. "Within weeks of being cast," Foust said,...
A series of home break-ins in Niwot neighborhoods this fall took a more troubling turn with multiple apparent gang-related incidents and attempted entries. On Nov. 6, Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson addressed about 100 Niwot residents, outlining safety force responses and providing advice on how homeowners can better protect their homes. lhvc.com/story/2024/11/13/news/boulder-county-sheriff-...
The Niwot Tavern has embarked on its fifth annual winter coat and gear drive, carrying forward a cherished holiday tradition that helps keep community members warm during Colorado's harsh winter months. The local establishment, a cornerstone of the Niwot community, will be collecting donations through Christmas Eve, with plans to distribute the items on Christmas Day. The initiative welcomes contributions of new or gently used winter essentials, including coats, gloves, scarves, and other cold-w...
The heart of Niwot is once again aglow with festive spirit as the beloved Holiday Market returns for its annual celebration. The cherished tradition, taking place on two consecutive Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., transforms the historic business district into a winter wonderland. This year's Holiday Market, organized by the Niwot Business Association and supported by the Niwot Local Improvement District, spans both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, creating an enchanting...
Dear Valued Customers: As I am sure most of you know by now, The Wheel House and Niwot Wheel Works will soon be undergoing some changes. The building where we are currently located was recently purchased by Cornelia Sawle, owner of The Niwot Inn. Coincidental to that, I decided I would not renew my lease due to expire mid next year (2025). I have very much enjoyed operating Niwot Wheel Works along with my dear friend and colleague, Fernando Tapia, over the past eight and a half years. And I have also enjoyed the past five years at our current l...
Niwot organizations are poised to begin celebrating Niwot’s first 150 years as a Boulder County community. Sparked by the Niwot Historical Society’s plan to publish a recap of Niwot’s 150-year history with historical photos and descriptions, other organizations in Niwot have formed a committee to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the recording of the town plat of Niwot by Ambrose Murray and Porter Hinman on March 30, 1875. The first meeting of the organizing committee, chaired by Niwot resident Laura Skaggs, was held Dec. 2, 2024....
As I began to reflect on the last 10 years as a dentist here in Niwot, I kept coming back to my favorite and most gratifying detail - being a part of the community. The relationships that have been cultivated out of a shadow of a common phrase, "I'm scared of the dentist," have made me feel that this life and the connections to our community are just as important as the technical skill of my career. It is my hope that this column will be another way to connect to you and give insight into my...
St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) superintendent Don Haddad and several staff members met with approximately 15 Niwot residents, primarily from the Morton Heights subdivision, to present the district's plans for completing a stadium for use by football, soccer, track and other activities at Niwot High School (NHS). The district added lights to the existing football field a few years ago, and also installed artificial turf to replace the sod field, with the goal of creating a full stadium...
A group of 50 Niwot High School students will be attending ThesCon from Dec. 12 to 14. ThesCon is a convention hosted by the Colorado State Thespians, held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Niwot students have attended the event for multiple years, but as each year goes by it becomes increasingly more popular. ThesCon is a weekend of workshops, judged performance opportunities, and the chance for students from various schools to connect with one another over their shared love for all...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is known for its coverage of athletes and arts students at Niwot High School (NHS). The Courier also honors an array of students who choose to pursue activities such as community service, robotics, academics, and topics that fall under the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) umbrella. Niwot High School senior Maria Arrece Garcia has been an integral part of the Niwot community throughout the past three-and-a-half years she has spent as an...
Special to the Courier with reporting by Eliana Reid and Gage Chavel, NES fifth grade students. "Alighted" was the winning word as Henry Himmerick, a fifth grader, spelled more words correctly than the rest of his competitors at the Niwot Elementary School (NES) Spelling Bee. The annual spelling bee was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the NES gym. For the first time in the bee's fifteen-year history, all of the finalists were fifth graders. They were supported by students in second through fifth g...
The Niwot Cougars football team wrapped up its 2024 season with recognition for several standout players and optimism for the future. Despite a winless season, individual efforts shined through. Juniors Wyatt Volf and Eli Quesada led the way with selections to the North 3A All-Conference team. Volf earned his spot as a defensive back thanks to his ability to make plays where it mattered most. Playing at linebacker, Quesada was a steady force for the Cougars' defense, making key tackles...
The Niwot High School boys cross country team brought home gold at the Nike Cross Nationals, held at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland Dec. 7, solidifying Niwot's dominance on the national stage. The Nike Cross Nationals brought together the nation's best high school cross country runners for an unforgettable race. Two weeks earlier the Niwot boys lost to Herriman (UT) at Southwest Regional, but at Nationals, the outcome was different. The Cougars ran as a pack, with a 31-second difference...
The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has announced its 2024 All-State boys soccer selections for Class 4A, with Niwot High School's Jay Scharfe earning Second Team honors after a stellar senior year. Scharfe, who demonstrated versatility at both left and right back positions, capped off an impressive high school career with three goals and six assists in his final season. His career statistics include seven goals and eight assists across 48 games, showcasing his consistent con...
Up 54-51 with only seconds remaining in regulation, the Niwot High School varsity girls basketball team could have folded when Mountain Range High School's Delilah Lucero hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from well beyond the arc to force overtime. Instead, second-year head coach Todd Trobaugh gathered his Cougars and urged them to move past the deflating end to the fourth quarter. Niwot embraced the message and rallied to a 66-59 win. "I sat them down and said, 'Hey, you knew it was gonna happen,...
In a fitting conclusion to a remarkable season, Niwot High School's gymnastics program has captured numerous honors in the 2024 CHSAA All-State selections, following the Cougars' triumphant Class 4A team championship victory. Sophomore sensation Genevieve Saunders, who led the Cougars to their first state title since 2018, was named Gymnast of the Year. Saunders' outstanding performance at the state championships, including a season-high 9.700 on beam and a second-place 9.500 on floor, helped...
Niwot High School boys basketball opened the second season of coach Walker Bounds’ career by winning their first game against Montbello, 54-35, on Dec. 4. Bounds, a Niwot alum, took his team to the Niwot Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, in an effort to garner community support. On Friday, Dec. 6, the Cougars travelled to Northglenn High School, suffering a 60-56 loss in a hard-fought contest. They followed with a 57-53 win over Thornton High School on Saturday, Dec. 7. Statistics for the opening week’s games were not available at press tim...
Speedy point guard Thalia Almaraz is a large reason why the Niwot High School girls basketball team stands 2-0 on the young season. While those around her tired, Almaraz only grew stronger when Niwot and Mountain Range High School entered overtime on Friday, Dec. 6. The fourth-year varsity player embraced the extra minutes and scored five points in Niwot's 66-59 victory. "What kept me going was my mindset and just believing in myself," Almaraz said of her heroic overtime effort. Almaraz...
Niwot High School's wrestling program is preparing for an exciting season under the leadership of new Head Coach Michael DeCamillis. In his first year at the helm, DeCamillis brings a diverse background of athletic and coaching experience. A former football and wrestling standout at Broomfield High School, DeCamillis continued his football career at Chadron State College before transitioning into coaching. He also helped with the Cougar football team this fall as an assistant coach, and teaches...
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ella Thramann, now in her third season, the Niwot High School (NHS) girls swim and dive team is gearing up for a challenging, but promising season. A 2019 NHS graduate, Thramann brings a deep connection to the program. This year, the Cougars face a new challenge as they compete in the Class 4A division of the 4A/5A Granite Peaks League for the first time. Known for its high level of competition, the league includes larger schools with deep rosters and a wealth of...
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 [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Whimsical wonder was whistling around town this past Friday during Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening. As one of Niwot's most cherished traditions, residents came down to Left Hand Corner at the intersection of Second Avenue and Niwot Road to spread cheer and ring in the holiday season. Thanks to the organization and support of several Niwot businesses and the efforts by Linda Klueber and Deb Fowler, who organized this year's event, a large crowd gathered in anticipation of Santa's arrival and...
Landscaping improvements along the Niwot Road entryway from the Diagonal Highway began on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Niwot Business Association and the Niwot Community Association working together planned the project, applied for Boulder County right-of-way upgrading approval, and secured Niwot Local Improvement District funding in order to clean up the unkempt area along the north side of Niwot Road from the Diagonal to Franklin Street. The project includes removal of weeds and debris, laying...
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 a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. We are a diverse group of devoted journalists who feel strongly about keeping small town newspapers alive. The Courier staff includes the following past or current backgrounds: college professor, planning...
