All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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For the past two years, the Left Hand Valley Courier found a way to survive, barely, by borrowing money to pay the bills, with several key staff members deferring any compensation for 10-hour-plus work weeks. In an era of news deserts in Colorado and across the nation—areas without any local newspapers—newspapers must adapt, or die. Like other small businesses struggling to survive, the Courier owners decided to create a non-profit educational corporation, and donated the newspaper to the non-profit. The transfer took effect January 1, 202...
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and five other law enforcement officers met with almost 100 Niwot homeowners in person and on Zoom on Nov. 6 to discuss the rash of break-ins in the area which had begun two to three weeks earlier. Johnson said, "Although we can't share everything, we are taking the situation very seriously." He said that the department's aggressive actions support the goal of putting an end to the intrusions quickly. A great concern is that the perpetrators may be part of...
A big change is coming to an historic building in downtown Niwot. What has been known as "The Grange" for nearly 80 years will now be known as "Niwot Hall." It's not the first time the building has been renamed. Originally, the building at 195 Second Ave. was known as Nelson Hall, named after John Nelson, who built it and ran a mercantile business at the location. It is believed to be the first commercial building in Niwot and was home to several different businesses and meeting rooms. Left...
Nothing says autumn like hearty grains to accompany all the pumpkin dishes you will be serving. These are tried-and-true delicious. Next week we will start thinking about Thanksgiving with your favorite stuffing/dressing dishes. Send your favorite recipes to [email protected]. GREEK LEEK HERBED RICE (Prasorizo) Submitted by Karen Sherlock Ingredients: 4 leeks (about 2 pounds), trimmed, white and pale green parts sliced ¼-inch thick 1 lemon ¼ cup raw almonds ½ teaspoon...
The Niwot High School softball varsity team has secured its spot in the state Tournament of 16 after an impressive showing at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 4A Regionals in Pueblo, Colorado, Oct. 18 and 19. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing with a 2-1 record in the round of 32. In their opening game against the Palisade High School Bulldogs, the Cougars emerged victorious with a tight 2-1 win. Standout pitcher Kianna Butler dominated from the circle,...
It is that time of year where everyone buys, carves, decorates, and cooks with pumpkins. Coffee shops are selling out of pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread. The Courier is sharing a few community favorites to reignite that pumpkin love. Next week, we will feature grains. Think rice, quinoa, their cousin the lentil, and their second cousin, orzo, which is actually a pasta. Today these traditional side dishes are front and center and add lots of flavor to any meal. Put some in your salad for...
Niwot Historical Society's Now & Then Lecture Series' latest speaker was Gunbarrel resident Tom Myer, an activist and expert on Native American culture. Before an audience of 40 people at the Left Hand Grange on Oct. 10, Myer introduced his lecture called "What is a Powwow?" accompanied by "hand talk," a form of Plains Indian sign language. Myer's information-packed and enthusiastic presentation wove together the tragic history of how American Indians have been treated as a way to elucidate why...
Everyone needs a few go-to salad dressings, whether to ramp up a salad or top pasta, potatoes, or use as a sandwich condiment. Here are a few favorites from our community. CAESAR SALAD DRESSING Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell Adapted from Once Upon A Chef by Jenn Segal "Super easy and flavorful - we love Caesar's and it's our new favorite dressing." Ingredients: 2 small garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon 1 teaspoon Dijon...
Ok. Here comes the rain again. Who didn't love that sweet smelling, ground drenching rain that fell on Saturday night and into Sunday? Didn't we all sleep well under the sound of a soothing blanket of water falling gently on our homes and gardens? It wasn't a torrential downpour, and it wasn't accompanied by near hurricane force winds. It was just rain. What a relief! I love a rainy night. But you know what that means? The grass will once again be green, the flowers will perk up and we will...
When you think of "piccata" it is usually accompanied by "chicken" or "veal." That butter, capers, and lemon flavor is a favorite. If you like that flavor, try using it in salads, pasta, and of course chicken. Piccata sauce can go any which way. CHICKEN PICCATA Submitted by Elise Marylander Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts ½ cup heavy cream or milk 2 tsp. Maldon salt ½ cup cornstarch or flour 3 Tbsp. butter (or more) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow sweet onion, roughly chopped 2 tsp....
Allisson Diaz Arredondo takes an emotional approach to her craft. In describing her interest in art, she said, "It really helps you. For example, when I feel sad, I paint something happy to make me happy. When I feel bored, I also paint." Her favorite artist is Frida Kahlo, and Arredondo herself also likes to paint using acrylics. One of her favorite art projects is a canvas she painted that includes her name and flowers that represent her. Arredondo looks back on middle school and the art class...
The Boulder County Commissioners have scheduled a public meeting for Sept. 17 to discuss a staff proposal for a potential moratorium to halt the processing of applications for new projects that exceed the median residential floor area in designated neighborhoods within unincorporated Boulder County. For decades, the Boulder County Commissioners have expressed concern about how increasing home sizes negatively affect the county's rural character, sustainability, and affordability. The Boulder County Comprehensive Plan’s Sustainability Element s...
During lunchtime in Niwot, hungry high school students, residents, business people, and even Courier staff who are looking for a sandwich might head to the local Subway in Cottonwood Square. If they've done so over the last few years, they've likely been served by Emma Osckel, well known for her friendly, fun demeanor when taking orders and assembling sandwiches. Osckel is a regional native who has lived in Northern Colorado since the late 1990s. She came to Longmont when her son started middle...
The Niwot High School varsity softball team extended its winning streak with an 11-1 win over Fairview High School on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at home, followed by a 15-3 win at Longmont High School, and a 3-0 win over The Academy High School at home on Saturday. The Cougars scored six runs in the first inning against Fairview, beginning with a solo home run to right field by pitcher Kianna Butler. RBIs from Anna Halverson, Simone Paterno, Saleen Amaya, and Butler added to the lead, resulting in a...
Residents of The Homestead subdivision in Gunbarrel filed a petition with Boulder County to form a Public Improvement District, a taxing entity for repaving the roads within the District. On Aug. 27 the Boulder County Commissioners attended a staff presentation concerning the petition submitted to the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners proposing a Public Improvement District to be called the Homestead Public Improvement District of Boulder County. The purpose of a Public Improvement...
Three writers for the Left Hand Valley Courier, Deborah Cameron, Vicky Dorvee, and Elise S. Marylander, were recognized at the Colorado Press Association (CPA) awards banquet for their articles from 2023 in the CPA's Better News Contest. Judging is conducted anonymously by journalists from another state, and awards are presented based upon size and type of publication. The Courier is a Class 5 publication as a weekly newspaper in a small community. Cameron, who writes for the Courier as well as...
Prugh Dunfee has been a vital piece of Niwot High School's theater and choral programs throughout her two years at Niwot High School. Now in her junior year, Dunfee has built an impressive theatrical resume and reputation. Dunfee has performed in the NHS productions of "Beauty and the Beast" (2022-2023), "Puffs," and "Shrek the Musical" (both 2023-2024). She has also performed in local theater productions such as "Sound of Music," "White Christmas," and, most recently, "Into the Woods."...
Kaige Kennedy, a senior at Niwot High School, recently returned home from the Dominican Republic with a gold medal around his neck, after representing the USA in the Latin America Baseball Classic (LABC). "It was really exciting getting to travel and play with a bunch of guys who know what they're doing and give it their all," Kennedy said. "The fact that we got to win the whole thing was surreal." Reflecting on the atmosphere of the final game, Kennedy noted that the team's mindset remained...
The Niwot High School cross country team enters the 2024-2025 season with high expectations, as both the boys and girls teams make the leap from the 4A classification to Class 5A, where they will face some of the toughest competition in the nation. After dominating the 4A State Championships last season and achieving impressive results at the Nike Cross National Meet-where the boys' team placed fifth and the girls' team secured second-the Cougars are ready to take on bigger schools and more...
In many respects, this upcoming season will mark a new era for the Niwot High School softball program. Longtime head coach Bobby Matthews is still at the helm, but the Cougars' schedule will look slightly different this fall as Niwot joined the newly-formed Granite Peaks League. Other high schools in the conference include Broomfield, Erie, Fairview, Frederick, Holy Family, Horizon, Legacy, Longmont, Mead, Monarch, Skyline, and Silver Creek. The Cougars had been in the Longs Peak League, which...
Summertime is the time for summer treats! BERRY PEPPERS Submitted by Biff Warren Adapted from the Creighton, Nebraska swimming pool menu circa 1965 Ingredients: 1 bottle of Dr Pepper 1 bottle of Nehi Strawberry pop (substitute Fanta, Shasta, or Crush, if necessary) Directions: In a disposable cup (wax paper cup preferred), mix equal parts Dr Pepper and Nehi Strawberry pop, leaving at least 1 inch at the top of the cup as the Berry Pepper will expand when frozen. Freeze overnight. Eating Directio...
Summertime is salad time. With so many fresh vegetables and hot temperatures, salad is a perfect summer meal. Try some of these at your next outdoor barbeque. TAVERNA SALAD Submitted by Karen Sherlock Adapted from cooking.nytimes.com Ingredients: ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 small clove) ½ teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper 3 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced into ½-inch pieces (or 1 cup h...
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
Through the years, the Courier has documented a range of unexpected animal encounters in our area. Roaming wild turkeys, pet goats being walked, and the ongoing presence of lynx, coyotes, snakes, prairie dogs and foxes have intrigued and delighted residents. In recent weeks, however, bears appear to be getting more habituated to our community. Visits (and suspected visits) by bears is a popular topic of conversation in the area. Front door cameras record bear activity regularly in the Niwot area...
Ok. Remember watching "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie" on television? Remember Aunt Bea on "The Andy Griffith Show?" I couldn't get enough of any of those shows back in the day. Samantha, a witch, could clean the house with a twitch of her nose. She could transport to Paris, call her parents, call Doctor Bombay, and turn people into animals in a snap. Jeannie, a genie, just had to blink and anything she wished for appeared. How great was that? They were the most powerful women on TV in the...
On a blistering Thursday evening, The Long Run, Colorado's Eagles tribute band, returned to Whistle Stop Park for another memorable Rock & Rails performance. Despite the record-breaking heat, the night was filled with the sounds of classic rock and an enthusiastic crowd for the first concert of July. The evening kicked off with Danny Shafer, a seasoned singer-songwriter with over three decades of experience in the Colorado music scene. Sitting in the little shade he could find on the stage, Shaf...
Ok. You know how they say color influences your mood? Stores are decorated in colors that apparently make you want to buy. Casinos are decorated to make you gamble. School walls are a color that is supposed to help concentration. You catch my drift. So, when it comes to decorating your house, you have to think about your goals. Serenity? Cozy? Creative? A friend of mine who recently moved to Niwot told me she is struggling to decorate her home. No kidding! It's difficult and fraught with...
Spicy or candied nuts are a snack upgrade not just for Christmastime. Although they certainly make great gifts in a cute jar or bowl, keep them around for easy snacking. Of course, you can buy these at the grocery store but they are so simple to make and at home where you can control the ingredients. Getting the spices to stick to the nuts is the trick and is usually done with beaten egg whites, coconut oil, olive oil, or maple syrup. But basically, you coat the nuts and bake. Try these recipes...
On Friday July 5, dancers from all over gathered for the first swing dance evening of Dancing Under the Stars this summer. At 7 p.m., dancers moved cautiously towards the makeshift dance floor for dance lessons led by Tom Masterson, one of the event organizers. Participants of all ages and skill levels joined in, learning the basic steps of swing dancing. Masterson let attendees take their time, stepping in when he felt it was necessary. With his swing dance crash course, the dancers were ready...
Ok. Was that the summer solstice that just passed by? June 20 was the day when the sun hit its northernmost spot in the sky. You know what that means? It is just a slow downhill ride to winter. We are told the longest day of the year was just a week ago. Are we to believe that today is shorter than yesterday? Let's just pause right there and remind ourselves there are always 24 hours in a day. So, days aren't really getting longer or shorter at all. Are they? That is one of those concepts that...
Potato salad is a summertime barbeque staple. Whether mayonnaise based, vinegar based or mixed with cheese, potato salad is a fixture on most picnic tables. Here we explore the two main varieties but the variations are endless. CLASSIC POTATO SALAD Submitted by Karen Sherlock Adapted from New York Times Cooking "I have made this salad several times and it's always a big hit." Ingredients: 3 pounds russet, Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes Kosher salt and black...
With so many of us becoming or discovering we are gluten-intolerant, The Courier Cookbook is focusing on gluten-free cakes to show that you can be gluten free and enjoy delicious desserts. Before many of us knew what gluten was, we enjoyed "Flourless Chocolate Cake" or some kind of "lava cake." No flour, no problem! Now, there are many gluten free flours on the market which makes making gluten free desserts a breeze. If you substitute gluten free all purpose flour for all purpose flour, add a...
The Niwot Jazz Festival is bringing Niwot its third year of melodious magic. Founded by Gene Hayworth and Keith Walters in conjunction with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association in 2021, this festival has quickly become a beloved tradition in Niwot. With over 800 visitors in past years from all over Colorado, the 2024 Niwot Jazz Festival, set for Saturday, June 22, in Cottonwood Square, promises to be the place to be. From 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Cottonwood Square will transform into a jazz...
Brunch Egg Dishes This week, Courier Cookbook brings you two never-fail brunch egg dishes that are ebay to make and delicious. SHAKSHUKA Submitted by Catherine Marylander "People love brunch! This is a delicious, spicy brunch dish that never disappoints." Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 (28-ounce can) whole peeled tomatoes 6 large eggs...
It was the Boulder Library Foundation, not the Boulder Public Library District itself, which released the minutes of the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees’ important May 14, 2024, meeting to the public. These minutes are included on the library’s website: Boulder Public Library District -REGULAR MEETING- Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (https://boulderlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/05.14.24-Regular-Meeting-Packet-final.pdf) Specifics about the Gunbarrel library project, including the Gunbarrel lease, costs, other locations con...
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
Chocolate chip cookie recipes bring out some pretty strong feelings. People insist theirs are "the best." The most cited recipe, of course, is the "Nestlé Toll House cookie recipe" found on the back of bags of Nestlé chocolate chips. However, there are so many variations. Melted butter? Dark or light brown sugar? We have narrowed down some of the best for you to experiment with. Enjoy! BEST EVER SALTED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Submitted by Natalie Fare Courtesy of Wood and Spoon.com "These are f...
Ok. I believe that there are no such things as coincidences. Merriam-Webster defines coincidence as "the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection." However, the Oxford Dictionary of English's definition is "a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances that have no apparent causal connection with one another." Connection or no connection? I think there is usually a connection. Of course, some things happen "by accident" like dropping a...
Niwot's fourth annual Around the World Day and the Niwot community's demeanor were not dampened due to a little rain. While the turnout was limited at Around the World Day, spirits were high as Niwot, like EPCOT in Orlando, engaged in cultural activities, food, beverage, and music. WiNot Coffee showcased Colombia with authentic Colombian coffee, pastries, and decorations. Inkberry Books brought China to Niwot with two types of tea, fortune cookies, decorations, and music. Niwot Market, with a...
Dips are a staple on game day or any day! And you can't go wrong if cheese is a main ingredient. Enjoy some of these next time the crowd comes over. Or if you are just hungry. Fundido Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell Ingredients: 1 pound Boulder chorizo (or other fresh chorizo, not the tube stuff) 1 package of asadero, queso fresco and/or cotija cheese (or jack cheese in a pinch) Optional: sauteed onions and peppers Fresh tortillas Cilantro or jalapeno slices for garnish Directions: Fry up the...
Chinese* Chicken Salad Submitted by Suzanne Garner Always a crowd favorite. You can easily turn this recipe into a salad bar for any occasion. Dressing: 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil 2 T honey 3 T ketchup 1 tsp ground mustard (modify portions to taste) Put in a jar and shake. Can be made ahead of time. Salad: 2 poached shredded chicken breasts (or more), shredded (Optional: Before poaching: Marinate overnight or for a few hours in salt and soy sauce. Or soak in milk or butter...
Ok. How do we feel about artificial intelligence? First, the term "artificial intelligence" sounds like something from outer space to me. So, I approach the whole concept with some trepidation at the outset. Artificial intelligence, or "A.I.," has many common uses including self-driving vehicles, fraud detection by your bank and facial recognition. And don't forget that our friends, Alexa and Siri, are complete products of artificial intelligence. But, for now, let's talk about the kind of A.I....
Niwot High School is host to many music courses, ensembles, and after-school groups - it always has been. But recently there has been an increase in musical presence and student dedication. That's not to say that music at NHS hasn't always been filled with exceptionally dedicated students and staff, but it feels that in recent years there has been a significant increase and fulfillment, making it desired by the larger student body. The latest of these groups is the Niwot High School Mariachi...
This week's cookbook focuses on cake toppings and fillings. There are many traditional icings, whipped creams, and whipped creams to choose from when finishing your cake. They are all made of butter (or Crisco), powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk to thin. Easy. In a pinch, try lightly melting your favorite jam or preserves to use in the middle layer of your cake. Any berry on any cake is always a hit. Enjoy some of our favorite toppings here. Chocolate Buttercream Icing (Covers a two-layer eig...
Randy Bare can often be found sitting on a bench next to the community-built dog companion memorial with his dog, Mia, at Coot Lake in Gunbarrel. Many refer to him as "the mayor of Coot Lake." Bare knows most of the dogs that enjoy Coot Lake and many of their owners/guardians. Coot Lake and the trail surrounding it is well known as dog friendly, beautiful, and accessible. Located on 63rd Street between the Diagonal and Monarch Road across from IBM, it is enjoyed as a "dog playground." Bare, a...
Ok. For some reason, lately the subject of haircuts keeps coming up in conversation. Maybe because spring is springing, we all want to spruce up a bit. Often the topic revolves around the rising cost of getting shorn. Add color to the mix, and you can pay a lot more than an average car payment. People spend some big money on their hair. A woman's haircut used to be about $30. Now, it can be as high as $250. For just a cut. Add color and you might be in the $400+ range. Plus tip. Don't get me...
On the evening of March 21, Heatherwood Elementary School, located in Gunbarrel, hosted its second annual Math Night to celebrate the young Husky learners from Pre-K through fifth grade. Each class prepared an interactive activity, or game, for the numerous families and community members who attended the dynamic event. The fifth-graders made an incredible game where estimation meets math, called "esti-mysteries." It was a guessing game to test your estimation skills with helpful clues. Each...
A true white cake that is moist and fluffy is not an easy task. First, the color white is difficult to create given our penchant for butter, eggs and vanilla, all of which are yellow. That might be perfect for a yellow cake, but sometimes, only white will do. Also, white cakes tend to be dry and flat. Not ideal. Here are two tried-and-true recipes that will take the risk out of white cake. Fill and top your cake with your choice of fruit, vanilla buttercream frosting, whipped cream, chantilly...
