All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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"...
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...
Boulder County Commissioners are proposing significant changes to residential building regulations that would curb the size of new homes and remodeled homes in unincorporated areas, citing mounting environmental concerns and affordability issues. The proposed changes would mark the most substantial shift to the county's Site Plan Review (SPR) regulations since their introduction in 1993, reducing the maximum allowable home size from 125% of the neighborhood median to simply matching the median....
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....
Like a reverse mullet, Chuck Rodgers' property on 79th Street is all party in the front and all business in the back. At the end of 2023, Rodgers said he was probably done with the huge amount of work it takes to put on his annual holiday display. He was hoping he and his wife Heidi would be in a warmer climate during the 2024 Christmas season. But, they were at home, and Rodgers looked at their dark yard and said, "I couldn't stand it." Then a call from Longmont Meals on Wheels (LMOW) asking if...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
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...
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....
The Colorado Department of Transportation posted a sign at 63rd Street and Lookout Road that says Lookout Road in that area will be closed on Dec. 11. Boulder Open Space and Parks Management is offering several events for local residents: Dec. 14, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Birding Boulder County Through the Seasons will be offered at the Louisville Public Library located at 951 Spruce Street Louisville. Register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boulder-open-space-presents-birding-boulder-cou...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
The First Friday Art Walk is back on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:00 p.m. just in time for the holidays. The First Friday Art Walks provide an opportunity to enjoy local artistry throughout Niwot while shopping for holiday gifts. Osmosis Art and Architecture and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), with funding by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), have been making these events possible for the past twelve years. This is the first First Friday Art walk since September as the monthly...
Prescribed Burns From now until April 15, 2025, prescribed burns will be performed at Hall Ranch and the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain. These burn operations only occur when there is sufficient snow on the ground to insure that operations will be safe and contained. The Parks & Open Space Department and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Management Program monitors the soils to be sure sufficient moisture is present to ensure safety. The public will be notified 24 hours...
From Dec. 2 through Dec. 7, in addition to ongoing road closures and lane shifts along CO 119: Between Colorado Highway 157/Foothills Parkway and South Pratt Parkway in Longmont, there will be some shoulder closures to allow drainage work and to install in-ground construction signs. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. near IBM Drive there will be various overnight single lane and turn lane closures. An additional closure related to the water line construction on 63rd St will result in the closure of Spine...
Boulder County officials are holding a public hearing next week to discuss proposed changes to development regulations that could significantly impact future home construction in unincorporated areas of the county. The Community Planning & Permitting Department will host an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss updates to the Site Plan Review (SPR) regulations, a process used to evaluate development impacts on neighborhoods, ecosystems, and agricultural lands. The proposed changes come in response to concerns from the...
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the much-anticipated Niwot Holiday Market. The cherished tradition will take place over two Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of the Niwot business district. Centered along Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, the market is a festive celebration of the season, featuring live music, unique shopping, delicious treats, and activities for the whole family. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association with...
The charm of small-town America was on full display Saturday morning, Nov. 30, as Niwot's annual holiday parade wound its way through the heart of this Boulder County community, delighting spectators with a festive blend of local organizations, classic cars, and holiday cheer. Under a beautiful blue November sky, the Scouts Pack 161 proudly led the procession, setting the tone for what would prove to be a memorable celebration of community spirit. The parade showcased the diverse tapestry of...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening will once again light up the town the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Evening brings small town images to life with Niwot's small town atmosphere, lights aglow down Second Avenue, a Christmas tree lighting, and holiday music filling the air. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will provide festive, holiday music in the parking lot at the corner of Niwot Road and Second Avenue. The band will also...
Event venue Niwot Hall is making its holiday debut with new signage on the building at 195 Second Avenue in Old Town Niwot. Niwotian Bert Cashman of Cashman Sign Company began installing the letters and logo he created on the front of the building on Nov. 21. Additional signage will be put up on the Franklin Street side of the building. The project included removing the former sign that read "Left Hand Grange No. 9," which Cashman had also made and installed in 2009. That sign will be...
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...
Prairie Dog Management The annual Prairie Dog Management Public Meeting will be held on Dec. 5, at 5:00 p.m. in the Ron Stewart Parks and Open Space Building, 5201 St. Vrain Road in Longmont. The County Parks and Open Space Department will share how it manages the prairie dog population in open spaces that include agricultural land, including actions taken in 2024. The public is invited to attend and to share comments. This venue is in-person, only. For more information, visit the Parks and...
Boulder County worked with a ditch company and engineers to come up with a fix to repair bridge abutments along Hidden Star Trail that were being undercut by water. According to Boulder County Trails Supervisor Andy Tyler, "We will be using grouted riprap to stabilize the embankment. We initially thought we weren't going to be able to get in there until January, but the ditch company told us there is a window from late October through December first where there won't be any water running in the...
In a decisive 6-1 vote following a nearly six-hour hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Boulder County Planning Commission supported the staff recommendation by the Boulder County Community Permitting & Planning Division and rejected a proposed Transferable Development Rights/Planned Unit Development (TDR/PUD) submitted by the owners of the 39.5 acre parcel located at the corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road. The commission's near-unanimous decision to deny the application reflects the...
The restaurants of Niwot have always played a vital role in the town's culture. From small businesses to the people who own them, every restaurant has its own unique personality that makes it stand out from the rest. La Musette, a farm-to-table food truck located next to The Wheel House, is one of Niwot's restaurant staples. Popular among locals, bikers, and tourists, the restaurant attracts people of all kinds. One common denominator among everyone who eats there is that they always want to...
The Holiday Parade is going to be marching through Niwot on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on this year’s Small Business Saturday. Make sure to stop by for this classic holiday parade that has been a staple in Niwot for over 30 years, then stop in and support the small businesses in Niwot that help make the event possible. Santa will be swinging by in his magical sleigh to participate in the parade. The parade will start on Murray Street, with many local businesses participating. Once everyone is gathered, the parade will head...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met at the Niwot Inn on Nov. 12 to consider funding requests and other issues related to Niwot's business district. Landscape Project Improvement in the appearance of the west entrance to Niwot on Niwot Road has long been a topic of discussion. Several Eagle Scout projects over the years have improved the appearance for a time, especially on the north side, including installation of a "Welcome to Niwot" stone sign completed last...
How did the Left Hand Valley Courier get here? The Left Hand Valley Courier was founded in November 1996, by seven residents of Niwot and Gunbarrel, who each contributed $50 toward start-up costs. With little journalism experience, the founders sought to fill a growing lack of coverage of happenings in Niwot and Gunbarrel by the daily newspapers in Boulder and Longmont. It took four months to create the first Courier issue, which was published on April 1, 1997, by Karen Copperberg, Ron Goodman,...
