All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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To be sure, the local seniors in the class of 2020 are missing some notable high school rites of passage, but assuming Colorado's social distancing measures continue to ease through summer, a commencement ceremony won't be one of them. In an April 20th letter to district families announcing the cancellation of in-person classes, St. Vrain Valley Schools Superintendent Don Haddad wrote: "For our graduating seniors and their families, we know how especially disheartening these past few weeks have...
The coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns have taken a steep toll on Niwot businesses, and the path to recovery is still uncertain. But Eric Bergeson and the Niwot Business Association are working to get their members started on that path and hopefully back to a thriving downtown commercial district. "The NBA Executive Committee has been trying to respond to this and provide whatever assistance we can," said Bergeson, who was elected to his first term as NBA president in February. "We're...
Sales tax revenue for the Niwot LID set new records in 2019, and the record-setting month and year were attributed to online sales rather than increased marijuana sales. Bruce Rabeler, treasurer of the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) reported that December sales tax revenue came in at $26,357. “That shatters the record for one month,” Rabeler said, noting that it exceeded the previous high of $19,102 set in July 2019, and was $8,000 over any previous December. The annual sales tax revenue for 2019 totaled $209,465. “[This] is the first...
A big part of Niwot's charm lies in its unique retail and dining options, which consistently deliver an experience unlike any other in Boulder County. An oasis amidst the large neighboring cities of Boulder and Longmont, Niwot provides a tranquil haven for visitors who want to slow down and enjoy some retail or gourmet therapy at a relaxed pace. To help spread the word about the town's special offerings, and just in time for spring, the Niwot Business Association has launched the Shop Niwot...
Vicki Maurer's approach to life and volunteering is probably best put in her own words: "We do what we have to do and get it done." Maurer has been involved with many community organizations over the years, from Niwot Youth Sports to the Left Hand Valley Courier to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. Appreciation for her efforts is widespread. "She's really easy to work with, enthusiastic about the town...and fantastic at what she does," said Michelle Henzel, treasurer of the NCAA. "Vicki is...
When a Channel 7 News crew showed up on Second Avenue on Saturday, January 28th, Kathy Koehler was ready to give them a tour of the Fire House Museum and an overview of Niwot's history. Little did she know they weren't there for the town--they were there for her. "I've volunteered with Kathy on the board of the Niwot Historical Society and Niwot Community Association," said Leonard Sitongia. "I think she volunteers with just about every organization in Niwot. Her volunteering is on a heroic...
After 12 years, former Niwot Business Association President Tony Santelli, has stepped aside. Eric Bergeson, owner of Niwot Wheel Works, has stepped up to take his place and, on Feb. 11, was elected in an uncontested election as the new NBA president. Bergeson was inspired to run because of his love for this interesting town many call home. "Like most people I know in Niwot, I think this place is special," he said. "I am grateful to all the leaders who have made this place what it is and I want...
Morse Coffin. William Dickens. Porter M. Hinman, William Gould. Marcus Emery. Abel Cushman. Neva. Niwot. Do you recognize any of these names? The names of people connected to the Sand Creek Massacre of November 1864 adorn our streets, historic properties, ditches, and history books. Porter T. Hinman platted the town of Niwot with Ambrose Murray in 1875. He was a friend of Chief Niwot and reportedly never forgave his sons--Porter M. Hinman and Platte Hinman--for participating in the notorious...
Niwot Community Association board members unanimously voted Feb. 4 to publicize the results of additional research they have done on the possibility of incorporating Niwot into a municipality. “We are a conduit of information and we want to make sure that our members, and the Niwot public, are well-informed on any incorporation issues,” NCA Chair David Limbach said. “We do not advocate for or against any issues or candidates. We work to make sure our members are educated about the issues.” Limbach told board members that many Niwot residen...
Colorado's weather seems to be off the wagon after a dry January gave way to alternating days of record warmth and bone-chilling cold in February's opening week. Between hazardous travel, binge shoveling, and two-hour school delays, hitting the bottle for some fermented relief has never been more tempting. If you'd like to channel that urge towards a good cause, join friends and neighbors at the sixth annual Let's Wine About Winter, a store-to-store tasting event through Niwot. "This is just a...
The Niwot LID advisory committee held its monthly meeting on Feb. 4 Treasurer’s Report Bruce Rabeler led off with a report on current LID finances. The district collected $16,854 in sales tax revenue in November 2019, bringing the total for that year to $183,108, an 8.4 percent increase over the same period in 2018. The rise was most notable in the retail sector, which jumped 44%, to $8,070. On the expense side, the LID has approved $65,024.61 in funding requests so far in 2020, leaving just under $84,288.39 of its $149,313 budget. Rabeler e...
Tony Santelli's titles over his lifetime have been progressively more impressive and a couple of characteristics have consistently defined Santelli's legacy in both his professional and volunteer careers – his strong leadership skills and his wonderful way with people. Those traits were highly prized during his 12 years as president of the Niwot Business Association. The first in his family to go to college, Santelli earned an electrical engineering degree. The majority of his work life was w...
Carrie Wise of Wise Buy Antiques is not prone to angry outbursts, but a recent push to bring a municipal government to Niwot has provoked more than one. Now she is joining with other local business owners to get the word out about the potential pitfalls of incorporation and head off a move that she said will irreparably change the unique character of the town. "I think Niwot's really good the way it is," Wise said. "Don't mess with it if it's not broken. I can't help it if the people on the...
Passenger rail service from Fort Collins to Pueblo in Colorado could be a reality in seven to 10 years if the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is successful. Cue the skepticism. But Randy Grauberger, project director for the rail commission, told Niwot Community Association Board members at their Jan. 8 meeting that this group has the potential to be successful. “This group has the legislative mandate behind it,” he said. “We are charged to build, not just study. And we have strong interest in making this happen from...
It's been nine months since the moratorium on development concluded for downtown Niwot and as yet, no new projects have been born, and new land use codes have not been put to the test. When the Boulder County Commissioners (BOCC) approved updated land use codes in April 2019, the nettlesome issue of access to the mostly unused alley between the residential side of the alley facing 3rd Avenue and the commercial area facing 2nd Avenue had yet to be laid to rest. BOCC approved more prescriptive...
Egor Zigura's statue titled "Kore That Awakening" will soon be standing tall in the expanded Niwot Community Corner. The winning sculpture created by Zigura of Kiev, Ukraine, along with three other sculptures will be put in place in Niwot next month. Zigura's depiction of a female figure is nearly six feet in height and is described as "a fragmented shape, harkening back to the Classical Antiquity." This piece was the winner of the $750 stipend awarded by the Niwot Sculpture Park Committee....
On Jan. 13, members from the Niwot Business Association and Niwot Cultural Arts Association held a groundbreaking ceremony for The Depot at Whistle Stop Park, a permanent concession stand that will house beverage sales at the Rock & Rails summer concert series. Construction on the 990 square-foot structure is scheduled to start later this spring. In the meantime, the group is still hoping to raise another $50,000 to cover the costs. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Niwot Cultural...
An application submitted by the Niwot Business Association to build a 14-space multimodal parking facility with a potential expansion up to 50 spaces at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Murray Street has been put on hold by the Boulder County Land Use department, pending more information about the potential effects on local traffic. According to a Jan. 3 message to NBA representative Bruce Warren from staff planner Molly Marcucilli, the county transportation department requested a hold of the...
Following a prolonged delay, plans for a permanent concession stand in Niwot's Whistle Stop Park got the final nod from Boulder County Land Use in early December, and now the project's co-sponsors, the Niwot Business Association and Niwot Cultural Arts Association, are kicking off a community campaign to raise the remaining $70,000 needed to fund the construction. "We have over $35,000 in the bank from donations and fundraising efforts, and we just received a $5,000 donation today, giving us...
After a busy fall coordinating the Niwot Veterans Banner project and taking part in the Great Pumpkin Party and Enchanted Evening, Niwot Community Association board members turned their attention to helping spread holiday cheer in Niwot. At the Dec. 4 board meeting, NCA board members agreed to add to their decorations at the corner of Niwot Road and the Diagonal Highway. The area currently has some lighted wreaths and a holiday snowman courtesy of the NCA and the property owner, and board...
Niwot High School Key Club members assisted the Niwot Business Association with the preparation for Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening on Friday, Nov. 29, and members are also assisting with the Holiday Parade the following weekend. Key Club president Adam Rose will be the emcee at Niwot's annual Holiday Parade, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 11 a.m. Rose said that the club has reached out to the NHS Boys and Girls Volleyball Club, NHS cheerleaders, NHS Environmental Club and...
This article continues a monthly series about the artworks and artists chosen for Community Corner at Sculpture Park at the corner of 79th Street and Niwot Road. This month's feature is "Waco Curves II" by artist Rollin Karg. This tall steel and blown glass structure is the most colorful sculpture currently on display, and the only one in the park which features glass. The sculpture is now a permanent resident at the park - after it was bought by the Burrell Family Foundation and generously dona...
One hundred and fifty years ago, we weren't the only place named Niwot. Chief Niwot--or Left Hand--was an Arapaho chief. He was a skilled linguist, a visionary, and a constant advocate of peace. He made such an impression on the local settlers that a mine, an inn, and two towns claimed his name. The mine closed, the inn is gone, and the other Niwot changed its name to Altona to appease the postman. In the end, we are the only town that bears the name Niwot. So it is fitting that the first thing...
Cities and towns across the country and world ring in the yuletide season in numerous ways: parades of lights, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday craft bazaars, and more. Niwot will be joining in on this practice with the annual tradition, Enchanted Evening. Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29, the community will come together to celebrate the holidays--there will be musical groups throughout Old Town and Cottonwood Square; local crafters; an ice sculpture demonstration; holiday window contest voting;...
Since mid-October, 2nd Avenue between Niwot Road and Murray Street has been lined with 35 banners recognizing veterans with a Niwot connection. On Sunday, Nov. 10, the community came together in observance of Veterans Day and to formally acknowledge the successful inauguration of the Veterans Day Banner Project. Three members of Boy Scout Troop 161 kicked off the ceremony with a presentation of the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free...
The Niwot Rotary Club is combining its love of serving the community with the community’s love of gathering over food. Inspired by the Fort Collins Rotary Club’s app focused on highlighting local breweries, Niwot’s club decided to create a similar app, but has extended it to include local restaurants as well. As such, they have partnered with16 local establishments to create a coupon app that will both highlight local business while allowing the club to put service above self. The app, which is estimated to offer at least a $75 value, is access...
The Niwot Business Association (NBA) received word in June that a Boulder County Economic Vitality Grant it had applied for on behalf of Niwot's Left Hand Valley Grange had been approved. The grant is part of Boulder County's overall distribution of grant funds to one economic development organization in each municipality including Erie, Longmont, and Nederland. The fund was formerly called the Economic Development Grant. Boulder County's Economic Development website page reads, "In support of...
On Oct. 26, the Niwot Business Association honored Chuck Klueber with the 2019 Golden Hammer Award for outstanding volunteerism in Niwot. Pat Murphy of Niwot Real Estate presented Klueber and his wife Linda with the plaque shortly before the Halloween festivities began at the Great Pumpkin Party. The Golden Hammer has been awarded to the town's outstanding volunteer annually since 2009, when it was first presented to Curtis Lizakowski....
A spontaneous chorus of cheers went up as the red ribbon was cut by the Front Range Leading Ladies professional group. FRiLLs was officially inducted into the Longmont Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Niwot offices of Colorado Landmark Realtors at a gathering of more than 20 women. The organization is a revamping of the group, Take a Chair Lady, which, after 10 years was in need of modernization, FRiLL's chairperson Deborah Read Fowler explained. "We all got together and decided...
The end of October always brings great excitement and joy. From fun decorations and displays to Niwot's annual Great Pumpkin Party, there are plenty of family friendly fun festivities. Many thanks to the Niwot Business Association, the Niwot Local Improvement District, Pat Murphy, along with Charlie Nygren and Premier Mortgage....
Bring your alter-ego, your children and your parents, and a dog or two to Niwot's Great Pumpkin Party on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Niwot Business Association and Niwot Local Improvement District are hosting the 22nd annual masquerade party which includes door-to-door trick or treating at local businesses, a festive parade, and family-friendly entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Layered in crunchy orange and yellow leaves, stout pumpkins and scarecrows that make you do a double-take, 2nd Avenue bec...
Lamp posts along 2nd Avenue in Niwot were decorated with banners for the first year of a project honoring our local veterans. Each of the 32 banners is a tribute to U.S. service men and women with a connection to Niwot. Honorees' photographs, names, their years of service and which branch they served in are printed on each commemorative banner. Chances are many last names on the banners will be familiar to our readers. Sheila Ray, who first brought the veterans' project idea to the Niwot...
Two members of the informal committee exploring whether it is feasible for Niwot to incorporate gave a presentation to Niwot Community Association Board members at the board’s Sept. 4 meeting. Mary Coonce and Anne Postle spoke to the NCA about the work being done by the informal committee. Members of that committee are Niwot residents Tony Santelli, Cotton Burden, Robert Discipio, Ron Bernal, Lane Landrith, Coonce and Postle. Committee members had suggested that an NCA board member be added a...
Niwot’s Community Corner Sculpture Park at the crossroads of Niwot Road and 79th Street has imbued the town with creative inspiration. A meandering sidewalk bordered by ornamental shrubs and colorful perennials, metal benches, a whimsical Little Free Library, a pair of painted Left Hand chairs and nine captivating sculptures have resulted in a peaceful oasis to stroll through and a sanctuary to relax in. The Niwot Sculpture Park Committee is putting out a call to artists for more sculptures t...
Niwot LID advisory committee held its monthly meeting on Sept. 4. Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Bruce Rabeler presented the LID’s latest revenue report from Boulder County, which showed that the district has collected $92,571 in revenues through June 2019, up 3% from the same period in 2018 ($89,844). However, the growth was concentrated in just a few sectors, most notably retail, where revenues were up nearly 7% (to $36,131 from $33,842). Revenues were down for the Accommodation/Food Ser...
The ultimate disposition of the NRCD Block 5 alley inched closer to resolution last week with a public meeting hosted by Boulder County land use and transportation staff to discuss the results of a recent traffic study in the area and the proposed design guidelines for any future improvements. Though some 2nd Avenue property owners expressed frustration with the potential restrictions and the county’s ongoing process, consensus emerged on at least one major outstanding issue—the driving surface...
The NRCD development moratorium and its repercussions dominated the discussion between the Niwot LID Advisory Committee and the Boulder County Commissioners at their annual joint meeting Aug. 6, but there were tentative signs that relations between the two boards might be on the mend. In concluding remarks, Commissioner Deb Gardner expressed remorse for the “acrimonious” process and pledged to work for improvements going forward. “We have some definite questions to bring to the land use depar...
Thirty years ago, Anne Postle was new to her career and a transplant to Colorado. Moving from Tempe, Ariz., after finishing her education at Arizona State University and becoming a licensed architect, she journeyed to Boulder to work for a large firm. She got her feet under her and after five years was ready to start her own firm. “Sometimes I look back and think, ‘How on earth did I ever think I could run a gallery or open my own firm?’” Postle said. “I honestly don’t know. I think that someti...
When asked how they got into the honey business and started Meadow Lake Honey, Dawn and Jeff Server both smiled. “We bought this house and they had hives, “ Dawn said. The hives were technically an “add-on” to the cost of the house, but one that both Servers were very happy to bear. Dawn grew up in Niwot and graduated from Niwot High School in 1983. Her father, Don Reeb, was the Niwot Community School Director for many years. With the exception of college and a four-year stint in Westmin...
Plans to build a permanent storage facility and beverage tent in Whistle Stop Park are moving ahead, but the project co-sponsors Niwot Business Association (NBA) and Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) still need to raise approximately $90,000 to fully fund the construction. According to Bruce Warren, NCAA president and Rock & Rails showrunner, the general contractor’s final cost estimate to construct the 990-square foot structure is just under $127,000. So far, the two organizations have r...
Boulder County is now accepting applications for the Niwot Design Review Committee, a panel of local residents that serves as a referral agency for new development applications in the town’s historic district. The county is seeking five new members for the board, which meets on an as-needed basis to review new building proposals for compliance with design and aesthetic standards that preserve the historic character of downtown Niwot (paint color, building materials, signage). The NDRC then makes...
Almost two years of conjecture around the reopening of Colterra Restaurant in Niwot was put to rest by a “For Sale” sign in the front yard as of Thursday, July 18. The 10,000 square foot corner lot at 210 2nd Avenue, including the historic Bader Building, and the scorched larger “barn” building, are being offered for $625,000. Public records show the property was last purchased for $1,150,000 in 2006 by the entity, Table 210 LLC, with a post office box in Niwot. Colterra Restaurant was owned a...
Banners will be flying along 2nd Avenue in Niwot this year for the first time in honor of those with a local connection who have served in the U.S. military. The Niwot Community Association in conjunction with the Niwot Business Association was inspired by Gunbarrel resident Sheila Ray’s suggestion to do what her hometown of Emporia, Kan. does for their Freedom Fest when the faces and names of veterans grace their main street. As a result, the NCA and NBA formed a committee to bring a similar pr...
Niwot may be known for honoring its namesake with a great deal of left-handed this and left-handed that, but beginning Friday, July 19, even those among us with two left feet will be celebrating when they join in on the joyfulness of community dancing. You’ve heard of “Dancing in the Streets”, “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Dancing in the Moonlight”, and now...there’s “Dancing Under the Stars Niwot.” Event organizers, Catherine McHale and Tom Masterson want people to come on their own or with ki...
Tom Theobald only will allow the Courier to bestow a Left Hand Laurel to him if his community involvement is qualified as being historical. Not a problem, because he did begin making a difference quite a while ago. But, we can’t resist saying he’s still a force for what’s good and continues to contribute greatly to this community and beyond. Seventy-six year old Theobald reminisces about his days growing up on a lake in Delavan, Wisconsin roaming the fields, wearing a bathing suit all summe...
The Niwot Local Improvement District advisory committee held its monthly meeting on June 4. Treasurer Bruce Rabeler presented the LID’s latest revenue report from Boulder County, which showed that the district earned $16,406 in March, the highest total this year and the highest total for March in at least the past five years. Noting a similar total from February 2018 that is still in dispute, Rabeler speculated that this might be another case of a mistaken or misdirected deposit by the State o...
Twenty-eight artists, 59 completed people’s choice ballots, and three judges’ professional opinions have resulted in the winners for this year’s “Why Not Niwot?” Juried Art Show., sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA). Displayed at more than 15 businesses throughout town, the eclectic and imaginative entries illustrated what makes the town of Niwot inimitable. Following a musical performance by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band at June’s First Friday Art...
Conversion of Boulder County leased farmland to genetically modified-free zones has been extended by county commissioners for another two years for corn crops and four additional years for sugar beet crops. The highly-charged issue brought out concerned citizens and farmers, making for standing room only during the June 3 hearing. Fiddling with the genetics of the seeds isn’t the biggest issue. It’s the chemicals added to the seeds, glyphosates (found in Roundup) and neonicotinoids (ne...
The first Rock & Rails concert of 2019, produced by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) and the Niwot Business Association, drew quite a crowd. Guests arrived early to grab spots in the shade and close to the stage. The sky set a pretty magical backdrop, its gentle sunset mingling with an approaching evening storm, which held off until after the 9 p.m. end of the event. There was a major difference between this year’s Rock & Rails and prior seasons, felt by volunteers and attendees a...
There’s nothing better than a cold beverage on those hot summer nights at Rock & Rails, and this year, organizers are raising money to make getting one a little easier on concert-goers. Last month, the Niwot Business Association (NBA) and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) announced that most of the proceeds from the 2019 series will be used to fund the construction of a permanent building in Whistle Stop Park that will be used for beverage sales, as well as storage of large items u...
