All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 1746 - 1795 of 3926
Motorcycle season is now upon us again. Dust off the motorcycle seat and check it out to see if your bike and you are ready to hit the open roads again. As fun as it is to ride a motorcycle, I wanted to let you know that the Colorado State Patrol is seeing an increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities and we really want to curb that problem. Contrary to what a lot of people may think, a lot of these crashes haven't included other vehicles. They are single motorcycles going down. This issue...
India has been reeling from the effects of COVID-19, with more than 338,000 deaths and nearly 28.5 million cases as of June 1. Although the country is on the other side of the world, some people in the community refuse to accept that living so far away means they're powerless to help. Some Niwot community members have organized a trivia and curry night fundraiser for India at Niwot Wheel Works, 101 2nd Avenue in Niwot, on Monday, June 14. Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to support...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee held its latest monthly meeting virtually on June 1. The meeting was chaired by newly elected vice-chair Eric Bergeson in the absence of new chair Scott Firle. Treasurer's Report LID treasurer Bruce Rabeler was also not present, but submitted a written report of the district's current finances to board members in advance. In March, the Niwot LID earned $19,348, down from February ($20,935), but up 22% from March 2020 (12,639), and 18% from...
Starved concertgoers were refreshed and refilled by the return of Niwot's famed Rock & Rails concert series on Thursday, June 3. Attendees not only were entertained by opening band Pacheco & Bower and headliners Mojomama, whose self-described "funky blues rock" had the crowd up and dancing, but also by the fact the day marked the premier of the new Depot building at Whistle Stop Park, which replaces the old beer tent. Niwot resident Joe Pacheco, who teamed up with Loveland resident Billy Bower...
Meet Hobbs. This sweet and shy four-year-old kitty is looking for his new forever home through Longmont Humane Society right now! Hobbs is a very gentle and easy-going boy who likes to get to know new people at his own pace. We believe that Hobbs would do well in a home with adults who are cat-savvy and will allow him the space to go slowly as he acclimates to his new surroundings. Hobbs loves head scratches and snuggling once he gets to know you and will likely do well with another cat or...
Ed Nuhfer has become a familiar face over his cumulative 17 years in Niwot thanks to everyday walks with Zion, his dog, and the time he regularly spends at local establishments such as Winot Coffee and Garden Gate Café doing work on his laptop. We wanted to hear a bit of Nuhfer's life story, so we asked him a few questions. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from, and besides Niwot, where have you lived? Ed Nuhfer (EN) - I'm originally from a small town on the Ohio River,...
Niwot High School Boosters, Inc., is a non-profit parent organization that supports all activities at Niwot High School, from cross-country to chess club, from marching band to musicals. Although booster clubs were historically organized to support high school athletic teams, Niwot High School Boosters, Inc., has been active in supporting all student extracurricular activities. You will often see parents and students from an unrelated activity selling concessions at a football or basketball...
Have you been bitten by the gardening bug and are now itching to plant? The cool, wet weather we've been enjoying has had gardeners impatiently waiting for the soil to warm and the skies to stop peppering us with hail so our plants can finally go outside. Now that the National Weather Service is saying we're in for warming up and drying out, be patient for a few more days to let the soil temperatures rise. Wet soil warms more slowly, because the sun's energy goes into drying it out; once that's...
He was 120 pounds of black and brown love at the end of the school day for kids at Niwot Elementary School. For the past two years Sully the German Shepherd would wait outside the school to pick up his three "sisters," Maggie, Abigail and Emma, and walk them home. The girls and their classmates would blast out of the school doors, eager to find Sully and engulf him with their affection. "I don't really think the kids were ever scared of him, because he just had this demeanor to him that you...
The year 2019 saw the end of Boulder's iconic Dancing Under the Stars after 35 years of offering free summer dancing nights in the middle of town. That same year Catherine McHale, a member of the local dancing community herself, decided that it shouldn't completely disappear, it should just move to Niwot. "I saw a Facebook post of the original organizers who said they had to cancel it... They hadn't managed to get an agreement with the city," she explained. "So I approached Cottonwood Square...
When you hit a major business anniversary there's reason to celebrate. When owners open two businesses in the middle of a pandemic, there's a different reason to celebrate. Adding it all together results in the triple celebrations taking place next weekend for Niwot Jewelry & Gifts, Pinocchio's restaurant and Ivy and Thistle hair salon. Over the past few months, Jan Kahl and Jason Scarbrough, co-owners of Niwot Jewelry & Gifts, took the lead organizing the event in honor of their store's 25th...
This month's recipient of the Left Hand Laurel is Shana Oehmke, uber-parent volunteer at Heatherwood Elementary School (HES). Living just three blocks away from the school for the last 15 years, the Oehmke children had an easy commute to HES; Henry is a third-grader this year, Charlotte is in seventh grade at Platt Middle School, and Amelia is a sophomore at Fairview High. HES school office manager Marlys Lietz wrote, "Shana has worked hard to keep our school finances in order and has been...
Niwot's popular summer concert series Rock & Rails kicks off its 15th season on Thursday, June 3, with local duo Pacheco & Bower at 5 p.m. followed by headliner Mojomama at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and gates open at 4 p.m., but before you fold up your camping chair and head to Whistle Stop Park, organizers from the Niwot Cultural Arts Association are asking guests to be courteous and exercise reasonable COVID safety precautions. "We're strongly encouraging people to be safe," NCAA officer...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) began as a reaction to a regional shopping center proposed by an out-of-town developer in the early 1980s. The concept put forth was that the property kitty-corner from the IBM site on the Diagonal Highway would be developed into a regional shopping center as part of a plan to incorporate the town of Niwot, with a sales tax providing all the revenue the newly incorporated town would ever need. At the time the City of Boulder had not yet annexed the IBM site or the would-be shopping center property and Twin...
Congratulations to the Courier’s editor Jocelyn Rowley for her first-place win in the Colorado Press Association's Better News Media Contest. Rowley’s Sept. 9, 2020, article “St. Vrain parents group seeks return to in-person learning” won first place in the Best Education Story. The awards committee said, “Excellent, timely and comprehensive coverage of a critical issue for the community. Wonderful use of interview material and links. Strong analysis of the underlying issues. Very well done!” From everyone at the Courier, congratulat...
Meet Sky! Sky is a 3-year-old Blue Heeler mix. If you are familiar with the breed, you know that they are VERY smart and determined pups. Sky is very friendly with people and other dogs alike. He is searching for an energetic family that will give him the attention and exercise he needs. Sky's favorite pastimes include fetch, chase and snuggling with a human companion. Sky is being fostered through Farfels Farm and is currently residing with a family here in Boulder. If you are interested in...
I scooped up some scrap hay at a barn where I kept my horse and noticed a dark spot in the midst of the pale green. Between my hands and the hay was a frail body no bigger than my thumb, a mix of black fuzz and feather. I looked up to the 40-foot rafters where I knew there was a barn swallow nest. This little one might have made a too-early attempt to fly or took a tumble after sibling scuffle. At least the baby bird made a soft landing on the loose hay. But it made a hard landing on my heart....
Last year, the Cal-Wood Fire burned 10,113 acres and damaged or destroyed 26 structures. The fire, which was fully contained on Nov. 14, burned for nearly a month, and an investigation by the Boulder County Sheriff's office found the cause of the fire to be undetermined. Now, six months later and after months of planning, modeling, surveying, and assessing fire damage, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, along with other key stakeholders, are beginning the recovery work on some of the land...
A combination of familiar favorites and new sounds will be making their way to the Whistle Stop Park gazebo this summer when Niwot’s popular weekly summer concert series Rock & Rails returns to the stage on Thursday, June 3. From blues-inspired rock, to Afro-style reggae, the 2021 lineup has a little bit of something for all music fans and even a few surprises along the way, according to longtime talent manager Satir DeMarco. “I wanted to create a combination of ‘comfort food’, to honor the fol...
When the Center for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed the mask wearing mandate for fully vaccinated individuals, it caught many people off guard. Nonetheless, state and local authorities, including Colorado and Boulder County health officials, followed suit. As of May 16, Boulder County moved to "level clear" status on the simplified COVID-19 public safety dial. This meant that based on public health order 2021-04, businesses would be able to operate for a 90-day period with no pandemic-rel...
Niwot is an affluent community, and it's also a generous community. And if you're looking to make a bigger impact with a few dollars, Left Hand Giving Circle may be right for you. In 2016, Niwot resident Virginia Dutkin was working at the Longmont Community Foundation (LCF) while finishing up her coursework to get her master's degree in Nonprofit Management at CU Denver. She was first introduced to the idea of 'giving circles' from her work at LCF. Giving circles are philanthropic groups where m...
When the pandemic hit last year, the City of Boulder had to scramble to reallocate funds and resources. The Boulder Library was one such institution subject to a budget cut; people lost their jobs and services were cut. Meanwhile, in neighboring communities with library districts, rather than libraries maintained by the municipality, those libraries were able to bounce back. According to those in favor of a library district, COVID has only further emphasized the need for one. On May 18, Boulder...
The Courier is partnering with Inkberry Books again, and I've got quite the story for you. The minute I realized that Carrie Jane Knowles was the author (she wrote another excellent book that I reviewed, The Inevitable Past), I was instantly excited to read A Musical Affair It's excellent, engaging, exciting and definitely a page turner. Unless you just despise classical music or infidelities aren't particularly triggering to you, you're almost assured to like this book. The book largely...
Cottonwood Square in Niwot is about to have one less cottonwood tree. Boulder County Public Works is planning to cut down a tree on the south side of Niwot Road, just east of 79th Street. It's estimated to be 50 to 100 years old. The tree is decaying and risks falling over, according to Boulder County arborist Cathy Thiltgen. "It was a tough decision, but ultimately we had to make it safe for the community. We just don't want anything terrible to happen," Thiltgen said. She and arborist Mary...
Visitors looking to get out on the trails or to head out camping in certain areas of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests this summer have some new rules and regulations to navigate. In a recent press release, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland managers noted that they are currently "exploring new strategies to help visitors have safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences this summer while protecting wildlife, clean water and healthy forests." In 2021, these s...
Niwot Market and Niwot Tavern are teaming up this summer to bring hot rods, muscle cars, lowriders and live music to Cottonwood Square on Friday nights. On May 14, five-year-old Xander Caragiannides of Niwot took his turn in the driver's seat of a classic AC Bristol owned by Ian Rainford. When in motion, the car can reach speeds of 120 miles an hour. Also showing off a classic ride was Ron Wierma with his 1957 Chevy....
Niwot Community Association board members are sticking to their plans to hold a July 4th motorcade instead of a full-blown parade, even though Boulder County has loosened COVID-19 restrictions on large outdoor events. "We are erring on the side of caution this year," said parade coordinator Julie Breyer. "We want people watching from their front yards along the motorcade route to be as comfortable as possible." In addition, the NCA board also plans to have each area representative host an...
"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy.....Born on the 4th of July" The line from "Yankee Doodle Dandy" fits the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, which first performed on July 4, 2005, as part of the bandstand dedication ceremony in Whistle Stop Park. "The Niwot Business Association built a bandstand in the park reminiscent of the bandstand that stood for many years on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Murray Street," Biff Warren, one of the founding band members said. "We had everything ready...
Niwot Around the World Day was on Saturday, May 15. Businesses throughout Cottonwood Square and along 2nd Avenue adopted a country for a day, with refreshments, costumes and decorations to reflect each business's country of choice. Musicians were on hand throughout the business district, including the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band and its travel-themed playlist at the Left Hand Corner parking lot....
Everyone say hello to Cruz! Cruz is a three-year-old lab/golden mix. It takes Cruz a little while to come out of his shell, but when he does, he is just as sweet and cuddly as can be. Cruz also has a lot of energy and is very playful. He is looking for a family that can help him warm up and keep up with his playful nature. Cruz currently resides with his foster family in Boulder. Farfel's Farm will be handling his adoption. If you are interested in Cruz or any other of our wonderful fosters,...
Bobcats have become a regular feature on the Nextdoor social media platform. Several people have recently posted photos and stories about seeing them in Niwot and Gunbarrel. Avara Yaron was walking in the afternoon along a ditch on a path north of Lookout Road, just east of King Soopers. "On the other side of that waterway, that canal, I saw a large cat and the first thing that crossed my mind was, 'Is it a mountain lion? No it's smaller, it's a bobcat,'" she said. "We just looked at each other...
Niwot's summer calendar will look more like its pre-pandemic norm, after the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee voted to provide funding for three familiar events at its monthly meeting on May 4. The board also elected new officers, and discussed its financial priorities for the rest of 2021. Officer Elections In the first order of business, the NLIDAC unanimously elected member Scott Firle as chair, replacing Laura Skaggs, who is leaving her seat on the committee in January...
The City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) is planning to build a new loop trail in the northwest corner of the Gunbarrel Hill open space. The approximately 1,000-acre open space site, which is owned by the City of Boulder and managed by its Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, is located to the south of Lookout Road between North 75th Street and North 95th Street. The proposed loop trail is estimated to add roughly two miles of trail to the system and is part of a larger...
Eli Buzas brought the idea of forming an education foundation to Niwot High School from Florida when he moved to Colorado in 1991. Buzas, who died earlier this year of COVID-19 complications, envisioned a foundation that did more than provide scholarships to students. Other school foundations in the school district raised money for scholarships, but Buzas had in mind a foundation that could fund current projects as well as develop a long-range funding program. Through his leadership while workin...
A tip from a Gunbarrel reader led the Courier to this new store, dedicated entirely to the sale and care of houseplants, at 375 McCaslin Boulevard in Louisville. The business, called Plante, is the creation of co-owners and general partners Trevor Kuntz and Kyle Rutz, experienced plant growers with longstanding ties to Boulder County and the Niwot-Gunbarrel area. "Plants are inherently good, and they help you remember things, increase self-esteem," Rutz said. "We think anybody can be...
In farming and ranching, much depends on the weather. And unlike a business with a roof (apologies to our controlled environment producers who can be immune) there are myriad weather factors our food, feed and fiber producers cannot control. Much of this ongoing column calls out this stark reality, so that readers insulated from it can get reconnected to what it takes to produce and sell food into our modern food system. In this installment, water rules, as it so often does in this semi-arid...
Meet Lucy. This adorable and energetic two-year-old kitty is looking for her forever person through Longmont Humane Society right now. Lucy is an outgoing, chatty and social kitty who will do best in a home with a seasoned cat owner who will be able listen to her cues about petting. She also loves playing with toys and benefits from time being active each day! Let us know if you'd like to learn more about Lucy by calling 303-772-1232 today....
Whether it's first thing in the morning or a break later in the day, time with coffee in-hand is practically a ceremonial daily act. The emotional warmth of that ritual is nearly equal to the physical enjoyment it delivers. Part of that anticipated experience includes the kind people who provide that soul hugging treat such as Winot Coffee's manager Mary Jo Wysocki. The Courier wanted to learn more about the familiar face that is as uplifting as our daily cup of java. Left Hand Valley Courier...
Geologically prominent Haystack Mountain has long been in the midst of area history and now it will be marking another transition. Protruding several hundred feet over the Left Hand Creek Valley, the mountain served as an excellent vantage point to watch over buffalo and a sturdy weather barrier as Chief Niwot's Arapaho tribe spent winters in the valley until they were forced to move to Sand Creek in the 1860's. The US government sold a 240-acre parcel that included the mountain to local...
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you're considering how to show appreciation to someone special, there are plenty of options for local gifts. Better yet, dollars that are spent in the community stay in the community, supporting local retailers and their families. Below are several gift ideas that can be purchased in the area. Each of them centers around different approaches to celebrating the mother in your life. Surprise her with something unusual Sometimes the best gift is...
In 2006, Niwot resident Lyla Herman said yes to a friend in her women's hiking group when asked if anyone would like to join her in cooking meals for the kids at Attention Homes. That's how the Trekking Chefs came to be and how Herman became a committed volunteer at the youth safe haven, recently renamed TGTHR (pronounced as Together). Herman is this month's recipient of the Left Hand Laurel, because of her many years of dedicated community service at TGTHR. What was once a home kitchen has...
Pink tulips and crisp lettuce are signs of spring at the new Treehouse Farm Collective a few miles northwest of Niwot. The season offers a fresh beginning for plants and people, including two agricultural businesses that saw a way to expand their offerings of flowers and fresh vegetables by leasing land together. Farmette Flowers and Speedwell Farm and Gardens leased a 17-acre property on 63rd Street in January, something that would have been out of reach if they hadn't done it together. "I...
For months, Niwot has been the site of a string of events to give residents a reason to safely gather during the pandemic and keep them in front of local businesses. These events have offered something to appeal to a wide range of interests. There have been fun runs, events for every holiday including St. Patrick's Day, scavenger hunts, window decorating contests, a whole-lifestyle approach to fitness in January, concerts, and sidewalk sales. But an event coming up May 15 might be the most...
Lingering impacts from a disrupted world are hitting our community, with hunger a growing problem. Last year, gardeners responded to the crisis by reviving the Victory Garden movement, growing and donating over 23 tons of produce to food banks and pantries across Colorado through the Grow & Give project. Victory Gardens have been cultivated throughout our history as a country, popping up when events take a toll on our collective well being. During economic crises, depression, and war, people...
The Niwot Business Association, known informally as the NBA, is the organization that gets most things done in Niwot's business district. While the Niwot Community Association (NCA) addresses matters of community-wide interest, the NBA has taken the lead on business-related matters. The two organizations often work together on projects of mutual interest, such as the Veteran's Banner Project last fall. But the NBA, whose 150-plus dues-paying members often live in NIwot as well as work there, is...
Jason Champion has spent many nights at Niwot's Rock & Rails summer concert series, volunteering as a Gargoyle for several years, one of the many youths who sit on top of the bins and supervise the compost and recycle deposits at the popular event. Now a sophomore at Niwot High School, Champion was looking for an Eagle Scout project in the Niwot community, and Whistle Stop Park was a natural fit. Jason and his father, Jay Champion, contacted the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), owner of t...
Meet Sampson (or Sammie as we call him) Sampson is a two year old border collie mix that we at Bowhaus have the pleasure of fostering. Sampson loves all his four-legged friends at daycare. He is also content to have some one-on-one time with our team. Sampson enjoys running and playing in the morning and getting love and pets in the afternoon. Sampson is looking for his forever with a loving family that will meet his fun loving and energetic needs. If you are interested in meeting Sampson or...
What a nice surprise to open your front door on a sunny day, and find a treat left on your doorstep. Evie Mai and Jesse surprised their neighbors with a little May basket for May Day. The basket held a flower, some candy and a few homemade decorations....
Last week's unexpected spring storm may have snarled traffic, but it didn't stop Cory Buenning from showing up at his future brewery, Fritz Family Brewers. Under bright blue skies and snow-heavy trees, Buenning was there doing something that's become familiar to him - managing the myriad details that need attention before he can open his doors this summer. We first talked to Buenning last November on the day he bought the former Bootstrap Brewing space in Cottonwood Square. At the time, Buenning...
Last week, the Board of County Commissioners announced that there would be a special presentation from the Department of Community Planning and Permitting (CPP). The focus of this meeting was to discuss racial inequities associated with housing, transportation, employment and more. The meeting, which was scheduled for Thursday, April 23, started promptly at 10 a.m. and was attended by all three commissioners and a number of representatives from CPP. Previously, the department had given a more...
