All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 1776 - 1825 of 3926
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...
Saturday, April 24 marked the first of five concerts hosted by The Old Oak Coffeehouse on 2nd Avenue in Niwot. According to its website the event is, in part, to celebrate that "the pandemic is beginning to show signs of ending and there is Light at the End of the Tunnel." While Old Oak hosts a few events with different musical acts, this concert showcases the House Blend Band, made up of owners Michael Tomich, Patty Machen and Paris Tomich, as well as friends John Lawrence and Andrew Bunin....
As warmer spring weather takes hold and homeowners enact plans for lawncare and landscaping, North Denver Metro water providers are banding together to ask residents to use their water carefully. A dozen suppliers have joined together to help educate the public on wise water use. According to a recent press release, despite heavy snow on the front range in March, mountain snowpack is still below average in some areas and streamflow levels are expected to be low to average in the future....
On a recent sunny afternoon, I was talking with Niwot resident Alicia Livitt about compost for her garden. She was explaining that she would like a compost pile, but didn't really see where one would fit in her landscape and as an amateur gardener, the whole idea of it seems intimidating. This is an understandable and common sentiment. In the October 2020 article Home Composting by Sharon Bokan, she breaks down how to compost your own yard and garden waste in easy to follow steps. For anyone...
The south end of the West Twin Lakes Trail in Gunbarrel will close for up to three weeks for emergency stabilization of a bank along the Boulder and Left Hand Ditch that flows through the area. Boulder County Parks and Open Space plans to start work this week. Erosion on the bank is threatening the abutment to a footbridge, adding urgency to the project, according to BCPOS Project Manager Mary Olson. She said the problem stems from the impact of people and dogs, "It's like any other park during...
Women's International Niwot Club, or WINC, as it has come to be known, has been active in the Niwot community for 11 years, though it was officially incorporated in 2015 by founder and current president Deborah Read Fowler. Fowler, a local realtor originally from England, first brought a chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire to town, but after several years of seeing most of the money raised by the non-profit group go to out-of-state causes, Fowler decided to form a more locally-focused...
Meet Jake This fun-loving seven-year-old fellow loves people of all ages and is looking for his new forever family through Longmont Humane Society right now! Jake has an easy going and goofy personality, loves going on walks, playing with toys and being with his people. Jake is looking for a home where he can be the only beloved pet though this loving boy will provide all of the kindness and companionship you could possibly need. Interested in learning more about Jake? Please call (303)...
Last year, Niwot's signature summer music series, Rock & Rails, went off the rails thanks to pandemic-related safety restrictions. This year, event organizers are doing everything they can to get it back on track. "Right now, we have most of our regular favorites ready to return on the stage," said Satir DeMarco, who is in charge of arranging performers, managing the stage and emceeing the event. "We know people like to get out and dance. And we need to come together to comfort and appreciate...
Last fall, Boulder County kicked off its planning process for the future of Highway 287 with an extensive feasibility study focusing on bus rapid transit, or BRT. As part of that effort, on April 14, officials held the second in a series of transportation-focused virtual public meetings. The online information session was attended by approximately 38 people, according to Jeff Butts, the County's multimodal transportation planner. Butts helped run the meeting and has been key to coordinating comm...
Left Hand Grange No. 9 is the oldest institution in Niwot, and the oldest active Grange in Colorado, organized Dec. 20, 1873 and chartered in 1874, before Colorado was even a state..Since then the Grange has evolved from an agrarian organization serving a largely agriculture-based community, to a town center which continues to support the semi-rural character of the community and the values that have sustained the organization for over a century. The Grange building at the southwest corner of Se...
The Niwot Community Association board of directors has decided not to hold its traditional July 4 parade this year, NCA president David Limbach announced at the group's annual meeting on April 14. NCA board members agreed that it's too hard to predict what Boulder County's COVID-19 incidence rate and restrictions will be in July. "It would be nearly impossible to plan a traditional parade that doesn't promote gathering," said Limbach. Instead, the NCA will host a "motorcade parade" to bring the...
Meet Pita - Pita is a 1-year-old pitbull/pug mix. And yes, you heard that correctly. She is just as sweet as can be and loves snuggling with her toys and blanket on these cold, late spring days. Pita is currently playing the days away at Bowhaus. She gets along great with other dogs and also enjoys loves and attention from all her two-legged friends. Pita is part of the foster program at Bowhaus, Bowhaus2ANewhaus. If you are interested in meeting or any of our other foster dogs, please visit...
April is National Volunteer month, a moment when the US acknowledges and honors the impressive impact volunteers make by giving their time and energy. We can all make the world a better place by volunteering in big and small ways, and while pitching in, you're also bringing health and happiness to yourself. Here's a list of nearby organizations where volunteers make a huge difference. Note: For the past year, we've been told to stay socially distant during the pandemic, but many organizations...
Though the sun wasn't shining much for Niwot's first Sidewalk Sale of 2021, several enthusiastic vendors turned out to sell their wares in the open air on Saturday, April 17. Meanwhile, retailers and restaurants offered special discounts, while musicians provided the soundtrack. Niwot's next sidewalk sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 29....
How can you help the next generation of young wildlife? Leave them alone. If you see an injured animal, call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Do not approach, move or feed the animal. Each spring, Colorado welcomes an abundance of new young wildlife across the state. As wildlife becomes more visible in backyards, trails and open spaces, CPW and local parks receive an increase of office visits and calls from concerned people who report they "rescued" young wildlife that appeared...
Air pollutants east of Longmont were recently measured at the highest ever seen by a scientist with 40 years experience in the field. On January 6 and February 1, readings from air monitoring equipment at Union Reservoir, east of Longmont, spiked so high for the chemical ethane, it was far above what the equipment could measure. Methane, propane and other petroleum hydrocarbons were also extremely high, according to Atmospheric Chemist, Dr. Detlev Helmig. "I've never seen values this high...
On April 3, the Longmont Farmers Market started in full swing for the 2021 season. The market, which is held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through November 20. "It was great that we were able to open on time this year," said Brian Coppom, executive director of the Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM). Last year, the opening day for the Boulder County markets was delayed by eight weeks due to COVID-19 restrictions. For the 2021 market,...
A brand new event is coming to town this summer, and organizers from the Niwot Business Association are as busy as its namesake putting it all together. On April 6, they crossed off an important item on their to-do list after the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee voted to approve funding for the Honey Bee Harvest Festival, a full-day celebration of pollinators and their important role in our community. "There's really lots of elements to it," NBA Vice President Deborah Read...
Found either on a bike or working on one, Fernando Tapia is one of Niwot's most Familiar Faces. From the day the doors opened and through the relocation to its expanded space, Tapia has been part of Niwot Wheel Works bike shop and the new Wheel House Bar. With more than 35 years of experience, this master bike mechanic is the go-to person when it comes to bike maintenance. Niwot Wheel Works and Wheel House Bar owner Eric Bergeson said, "Fernando is the definition of a master in his trade. He is...
The poignant Shel Silverstein book, The Giving Tree, speaks to the gradual, but ultimate sacrifice a tree makes for a little boy. This month's Niwot Historical Society's lecture topic of Culturally Modified Trees (CMT) is close to that premise, but it displays more respect, and there's no unhappy ending. Archaeologist Marilyn Martorano has been studying the phenomenon of CMTs since the mid-1970s. Fresh out of college, Martorano was tasked with surveying in the Rio Grande Forest. She said she...
Life may have started out a little sad for orphaned baby squirrels at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, but they have a cozy place to curl up and grow up thanks to homemade nesting baskets from some Niwot women. "I'm hopelessly in love with all critters," said Jane Langdon who saw the idea on a wildlife rescue website. Langdon, Kathy Koehler and various knitting and crocheting friends meet on Thursday afternoons at Old Oak Coffeehouse. "This was a fun project and one of those 'feel...
One of last year's favorite Niwot downtown events, the Sidewalk Sale on 2nd Avenue and at Cottonwood Square, is set to return. "We've got a better idea of what people like, what goes, what doesn't. It's starting to get a bit of a following and people are actually asking about it now," said the event's creator, Deborah Fowler of DRF Realty/Colorado Landmark Realtors. The Sidewalk Sale is not only coming back, but it is also getting bigger and better. Instead of three dates, there will be six:...
Habitat for Humanity of St. Vrain Valley (HFHSVV) hit a milestone of $1 million in contributions toward building homes around the world and has earned the local affiliate the Sam Mompongo Award. The contributions were raised as a result of one of the entity's foundational principles – a 10% tithing of unrestricted revenue toward partnering countries to fulfill the global organizations' goal of helping every person have an affordable and decent place to live. HFHSVV's unrestricted funds are g...
The Rotary Club of Niwot is currently the only nationally chartered service club meeting in Niwot. While the Niwot area has in the past had Optimists,Lions, Jaycees and Kiwanis clubs, the local rotary club now serves the community in a variety of ways, with a focus on education. “We just celebrated our 12th anniversary,” Doug Montgomery said of the organization which was formed in 2008. “It’s alive, it’s active, it’s growing.” Montgomery served as president of the Niwot club until July of 2020, and will become president of the affiliated ch...
Meet Rosie-Special senior alert! Rosie is a sweet and social 15-year-old gal who is looking for a cat-loving home where she can relax and enjoy her golden years. Recently, Rosie's owners' health status changed, and they found themselves unable to care for her any longer. Longmont Humane Society is hoping to find this delightful and chatty older girl a home where she can share the best parts of her outgoing nature with a person or family that will appreciate all she has to offer! Rosie will...
Recently, Longmont-based Left Hand Robotics experienced one of the biggest transitions a company can have. The beloved regional business, which focuses on creating autonomous turf mowing and snow clearing machines, was acquired by the Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. "It's important to us that we now have the ability to get all the technology, all the work that we've done, to a much, much wider audience in a much shorter time than we were a...
Pat Murphy and Niwot Real Estate couldn't go another year without an Easter celebration. But rather than host an Easter egg hunt, as she has done for decades prior to the pandemic, Murphy sponsored a pancake breakfast at her office building at the intersection of Niwot Road and 79th Street April 3, complete with balloons, eggs and goodie bags for children. The turnout for the free community event was steady all morning, with families enjoying the music of Eddie Spaghetti as well as the trio...
The past 12 months have been especially challenging for independent musicians, and many are still struggling to make ends meet as pandemic restrictions on large gatherings linger. To help those in need, local singer/songwriter Taylor Shae and aid organization Rocky Mountain Music Relief are partnering for a benefit concert at The Wheel House (101 2nd Avenue in Niwot) on Saturday, April 10. "It has been a really tough time," Shae, a 2018 graduate of Silver Creek High School, said. "But when I...
It was a perfect evening for an Easter parade. That's right, evening. Besides organizing Niwot's traditional pancake breakfast, sadly without the Easter egg hunt for a second year, Pat Murphy decided that an evening motorcade was the perfect antidote to what has been a very hard year. With a combination of fire trucks, vintage cars and motorcycle clubs, Murphy was able to bring some cheer to Niwot on a warm Saturday night. "We need more cheer," Murphy said. "And we all need to brighten our...
From historic droughts and wildfires, recent air quality scandals, unwanted dam expansion, rapid development, and population growth, Colorado is facing both challenges and opportunities in the management of the state’s natural resources in light of climate change. The Longmont Museum is tackling these tough topics with a week-long virtual program to discuss these big issues facing our environment. The Climate Change series will examine climate change, its impact, and potential solutions. ...
Pat Murphy is known for many things in Niwot, including organizing the annual Easter egg hunt and the Great Pumpkin Party, both of which have been curtailed or modified by the pandemic. But one activity the long-time Niwot resident and realtor has maintained through thick and thin – providing cookies and other goodies in care packages to U.S. troops far from home, through the efforts of the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms, or the "cookie momsters" as they have recently come to be known. Murphy s...
