All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 1977 - 2026 of 4144
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...
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....
