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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 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"...
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 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...
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...
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,...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Left Hand Valley Courier is known for its coverage of athletes and arts students at Niwot High School (NHS). In addition to arts and athletics, the Courier 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 Mila Barinek has displayed academic excellence throughout her past three-and-a-half years at Niwot....
Playing alongside No. 4 doubles partner Tyler Chivukula, Oliver "Ollie" Jones enjoyed an impressive final season on the Niwot High School varsity boys tennis team. The two seniors rolled through the regular season, defeating duos from Monarch, Broomfield, Boulder, and Cheyenne Mountain high schools, among others. They then qualified for the Class 4A state individual tournament and nearly advanced to the No. 4 doubles championship match. "We lost in the semis, which was unfortunate, but we...
The Niwot girls basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-25 season with renewed determination and a commitment to growth. Under the guidance of Head Coach Todd Trobaugh, who is entering his second season, the Cougars aim to improve on last season's 5-18 record. This season also marks a new chapter for the program, as the Cougars step into the newly formed Granite Peaks League and compete at the 5A level for the first time. Trobaugh sees a mix of veteran leadership and new talent as the...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a cornerstone of local journalism in Boulder County for 27 years, has completed its transition to non-profit status. Building on its legacy of serving the Niwot and Gunbarrel communities, the publication's new 501(c)(3) designation strengthens its commitment to community-focused journalism. This organizational shift positions the Courier to enhance its coverage of local news while ensuring its long-term sustainability through tax-deductible donations and grant...
Kristine Bart has a face Niwot High School students and parents alike recognize immediately. As the NHS attendance clerk, Bart has been an integral part of the Niwot High School community for three years. Known for her kind demeanor and professionalism, she ensures attendance is managed efficiently while fostering positive interactions with students, staff members, and parents. Whether it's answering a parent's question, greeting and helping students, or simply being there when needed, Bart has...
Niwot High School will hold its third annual NHS Art Show hosted by NHS Boosters Music, Performance and Art, a division of the Niwot High School Boosters, a parent-run organization supporting Niwot High School. The art show is open to the public and will showcase students' artistic talent from Dec. 4 through Dec. 12 during each music-based performing arts' December showcase. Artwork by students at NHS, Sunset Middle School, Burlington Elementary School, and Niwot Elementary School will be on dis...
The arts community is going strong in the St. Vrain Valley School District. With art shows, concerts, and marching band exhibitions, students are presented with an almost endless number of activities in which to participate throughout the year. Color guard is one of them. Anthony Pierro was brought onto the team at Niwot High School this year as the "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band's new color guard instructor. Color guard is not new to Niwot as it has been a staple of the ensemble for...
Grace Fisher developed an interest in mariachi music because both her mother and grandmother have a passion for it. "I thought it was a good opportunity to practice guitar more," Fisher said. Once she started, she thoroughly enjoyed playing the music and wanted to continue. Jason Watkins, who teaches technical theater, Career and Technical Education, jewelry, photography, and video making at Niwot High School, selected Fisher as Arts Student of the Week. "Grace is a quiet, unsung hero of the...
After moving from Texas to Colorado last year, then-junior Jiselle Sales was tasked with proving herself when she joined the Niwot High School varsity girls volleyball team. The Cougars already boasted a veteran top group and ample opportunities weren't guaranteed, leaving Sales without much playing time. Concurrently, she was faced with learning a new school and new people. "I was going to a whole new environment, and I had no idea who anyone was," Sales said. "I didn't know how to get around...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Niwot Investment Club, an economics-based club that teaches students about different types of investments (such as stocks, bonds, dividends) through stock market simulations and related activities. Whether it be local competitions or in-club discussions, the group is dedicated to educating themselves on the growing world of investments. A passionate group of students lead the Investment Club. The leadership...
Three pioneering figures in St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center cybersecurity education program have been awarded the prestigious Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award. Beth Cerrone, Kaylee Crouthamel, and Sienna Arellano were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cybersecurity education and community outreach. The Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the St. Vrain Valley School District. The recognition...
At the end of each semester many Niwot High School clubs and activities celebrate and recognize their achievements by holding formal banquet events for their members. The "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band held its fall banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Students were fed a catered spaghetti dinner and, of course, a delicious cake was decorated to the theme of their halftime show, "Night at the Movies." The evening also included a poignant reflection of the semester's events for the whole band....
On Nov. 15, eight high schools battled it out at Centennial Lanes in the annual regional unified bowling competition, vying for one of three spots in the state championships in Denver. The lanes were packed with spectators cheering on their schools. For the Niwot High School Unified bowling team, the three bowlers selected to compete for the state championships were athletes Emmett Vertuca and Dallin Easton, along with partner Bela Mendes. Easton stepped in as a substitute at the last minute...
The Niwot High School boys basketball team is entering the 2024-25 season with high hopes and a commitment to building a strong foundation in their first year competing in the newly formed Granite Peaks League at the 5A level. After finishing last season with a 7-16 overall record, the Cougars have focused on growth both on and off the court during an intensive offseason. Head Coach Walker Bounds, now entering his second season as a coach after graduating from NHS in 2016, has been working hard...
Alison Steele, co-owner of the Niwot Market, conquered the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 3. For Steele, the race was not just about covering 26.2 miles. For Steele, it was about balancing her passion for running with her roles as a mother, a business owner, and a community member, all while honoring the memory of her father, Bert Steele. Steele has been a runner since high school, where she competed in cross country and track. Though she ran her first marathon in college, it was not...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) received notice from Wildfire Partners, a group partnering with the Boulder County Planning & Permitting Department dedicated to wildfire mitigation, that the NCA's annual "Clean-Up Day" was one of the larger chipping events in Boulder County in 2024. Zack Bertges, Chipping Coordinator with Wildfire Partners, notified John Barto of the NCA that an appreciation event was being held for those with successful chipping events in 2024. Barto has been leading the...
The Niwot Community Association’s board of directors held its monthly meeting on Nov. 13 at the newly named Niwot Hall. The agenda consisted of a financial report update from the NCA Treasurer, Terry Larsen, the President’s report from David Limbach, and area reports from the area representatives. The directors then addressed the 2024 goals, which were to monitor land use, incorporate a wildfire protection plan, and create and engage on social media platforms. The NCA also hosted Jim Dor...
Niwot High School trumpet player Jannik Stranzenbach appreciates the peaceful feeling that settles over him when he plays music. "I would describe it as a passion that allows your mind to rest," Stranzenbach explained. "When playing music there is a lot to focus on, so any stress that you might be experiencing is relieved, because there is no time to think about it when you are playing." NHS Band Director Wade Hendricks selected Stranzenbach as Arts Student of the Week. "Jannik has progressed...
Niwot High School's talented Cougar thespians captivated audiences with its production of "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie Nov. 14, 15 and 16. The production blended outstanding performances, elegant costumes, and an impressive set design built to fully bring this classic mystery to life. The play, set aboard the Orient Express train, begins with the famous detective, Hercule Poirot, finding himself in the middle of a murder investigation when an American passenger is found...
At Niwot High School, the Special Education Department is dedicated to fostering growth, independence, and inclusion for students with disabilities. Serving students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the department offers a robust range of specialized classes designed to prepare students for life beyond high school. By embracing inclusion both in the classroom and beyond, Niwot High School's Special Education Department and Unified programs are shaping a community where every student...
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Niwot High School honored nine standout athletes during its Fall Signing Day ceremony. Held in the Commons during lunch, the event celebrated those Cougars committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and friends, the athletes celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to the exciting next chapter of their lives. Kianna Butler signed with Metropolitan State University of Denver to play...
Reaching the state playoffs was an important goal for Niwot High School boys soccer senior Santiago Nahas as it was for his teammates. Nahas cracked Niwot's varsity roster for the first time this fall and was determined to capitalize on his lone season playing at the top. Unfortunately for Nahas and the Cougars, they hit a rough patch midway through the season, dropping three games in two weeks. "During that time, we were even contemplating if we were going to make it to the playoffs or not,"...
