All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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This year, there are more prairie dogs where Boulder County wants them and fewer acres where they don't. The recent annual management review of the county's open space properties took stock of last year's efforts that see-saw between killing and nurturing, depending on where the animals live. There are fewer acres with prairie dogs on agricultural open space, which are generally classified as No Prairie Dog acres or NPD. In 2020, prairie dogs lived on 2.5% of NPD acres, down from 4.1% in 2019....
For seven years the Bowhaus in Gunbarrel has provided furry family members with daycare and boarding. While the pooches are playing with friends and relaxing in a safe environment, they're likely to spend time with two long-time employees, Klare Black and Suzi Hendrix. We wanted to learn more about these two familiar faces in the community. Left hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where did you grow up, and how did Colorado become your home? Klare Black (KB) - I'm the middle child of seven siblings,...
If you or your cat has ever been anxious about a trip to the veterinarian, Left Hand Animal Hospital is one veterinary practice that has gone the extra mile to provide veterinary care that is less stressful for both cats and their caregivers. The hospital, which is also a certified fear-free practice, recently announced that they are now a certified Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP). This program, established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society...
In the nearly 24 years that I've been reporting for the Courier, I've taken quite a few odd photos. There have been photo shoots of dirt piles, potholes, with gigabytes of prairie dog pictures. But a pole? This is no ordinary pole though. I was looking for a photo op with a caption about waiting for spring. What could be better than the left hand bike racks and the blue hopscotch squares that reside just on the west side 7916 Niwot Road in Cottonwood Square? Then I noticed it; a pole with bike...
The addition of the "purple" on the COVID dial last November made the six color levels more like stepping stones between safety level precautions, rather than jumps. With the recent downgrade to level yellow (concern), businesses in Niwot appear to be largely the same. The most notable difference is restaurants are allowed to have indoor dining. "It's [COVID restrictions] definitely taken a toll," said a WiNot Coffee employee. " I think that since the restrictions have been lowered, and having...
The weather outside was frightful, but businesses along Niwot's 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square went out of their way to make this Valentine's Day delightful for visitors, with special treats and decor. That included Old Oak Cofee House, which made Valentine's-themed cookie bags for patrons. Sweetening the pot was the NBA's Love Niwot Walk, a month-long passport shopping event that rewards shoppers with a complimentary love-themed gift. See additional photos here....
While this may not seem to be the best time of year for weed management, it is a good time to start dealing with winter annual and biennial weeds and planning your strategy for the 2021 growing season. Winter annual weeds can germinate in the late summer, fall or winter, over winter and start actively growing again in the spring. Winter annual weeds finish growing and produce seed by early summer. Biennial weeds start growing in the summer or fall, over winter and produce seeds the following...
Meet Bodhi - Bodhi is a cuddly, affectionate and playful fellow who is looking for his new forever home through Longmont Humane Society right now! This sweet two-year-old gets along well with other dogs and is also likely to do well with a confident cat in his new home. Occasionally Bodhi can feel a bit nervous about the world and would love to find a best friend who will be able to offer him patience and reassurance when he needs it. Interested in learning more about this handsome young guy?...
Roses are red Violets are blue Here are things we love (About living in the LHV) And we bet you do too Our Incredible Trail System Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll, a serious hike, run, or a bike ride, the Left Hand Valley's miles of trails offer something for everyone. Every season offers its unique vistas near and far, from snow-capped peaks in the distance, to the beautiful architecture of bare branches against the sky in winter, to the verdant fields and flowers in the summer....
Sue Prahl couldn't hold back her emotions while talking about her dear friend Eli Buzas. "I just remember his huge heart," Prahl said. The two met in the 1990s when their daughters both played varsity soccer for Niwot High, and then bonded while working together for the school's education foundation. After their girls graduated, Prahl and Eli's wife Chris were officemates while on staff at the high school, and the two families remained close. By then Eli Buzas, a realtor by profession, was also...
There aren't many places where you can pick up a bag of birdseed, a bale of alfalfa, rent a Bobcat, buy a plush dog toy and goat's milk soap, check the community bulletin board to see who has chickens for sale, and be recognized by a familiar face at the counter who rings you up. "Most of the people call you by your first name when they come in. They know us," said Tim Rollman whose parents, Steve and Kay Rollman, started Niwot Rental and Feed Jan. 1, 1981. The store's 40th anniversary is...
The adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," typifies Niwot's Deborah Read Fowler. Read Fowler, owner of Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate (DRF), was already resolutely involved with the community when along came COVID-19, shifting her dynamism into overdrive. With her can-do attitude, optimistic outlook, and a keen sense of humor, Read Fowler simply gives her all to Niwot, which is why she is the recipient of this month's Left Hand Laurel. "What is new is my concern, and I'd say...
Growing up, I remember a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" playing regularly on the radio. The last lines of the chorus have always stuck with me: Don't it always seem to go / That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone / They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Truly, I didn't know what I had growing up in Colorado until I took a short excursion to live in another state. I traded the Rocky Mountains for a brief stint in central Texas, and it didn't take me long to see that I...
In January 2020, East Side Art Institute board members Nancy Utterback and Kathy Griffin painted a vision of a communal workshop for artists. They described how they were working on pitching the idea to the Boulder County Commissioners and were hopeful for approval. They were approved, but then COVID hit, drastically overthrowing their plans. "We were gearing up to do fundraising events and giving lots of classes," explained Utterback. Unfortunately, they had to stop those plans with the new...
The Niwot Business Association unveiled its 2021 budget at February’s monthly meeting of the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Board, prompting a discussion of the district’s 2021 finances. The board also approved a handful of funding requests, discussed topics for its upcoming meeting with the Board of County Commissioners, and got an update on recruitment for upcoming vacancies from county liaison Mark Ruzzin. Treasurer’s Report Up first was the February treasurer’s report from Bruce R...
Meet Apollo - Apollo is a sweet, lovable, 2-year-old American Bulldog mix who is looking for his forever home. Apollo is such a love bug and would love to just snuggle up in a fluffy house with a warm human. Apollo is also great with other dogs and would love to find some four-legged playmates. If you are interested in meeting Apollo or any other foster dogs, please call Farfels Farm at (303)443-7711 or visit farfels.com...
It has been six months since the death of Arapaho artist Eddie Running Wolf due to the coronavirus, but his memory and his art live on in Niwot. A Saturday gathering, masked and socially distant, paid tribute to the work of Wolf and continuing efforts to preserve his iconic tree sculptures on Niwot Road with a blessing ceremony led by Thornton resident Walt Pourier of the Oglala Lakota Nation, and attended by the artist's wife Melissa, his sons Calvin and Dustin and his mother. "So I called...
Boulder County COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility & Locations COVID-19 vaccinations are being provided to those eligible at locations around Boulder County. Providers closely follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's prioritization list for vaccines. Currently, the following groups are eligible to receive vaccinations if there is vaccine available: - High and moderate-risk healthcare providers - First responders - Individuals who are 70 years old or older Beginning February 8,...
When COVID first appeared on the public radar last year, there was a lot of inconsistent information around masks, social distancing, what you could do and what you shouldn't. Confusion caused by inconsistent government orders and signs continues to be a problem, and has led to hostile encounters on public trails in and around Niwot and Gunbarrel. "One of the things we noticed at the very beginning was we wanted to make sure people knew that going outside for a walk, taking a hike, was...
Niwot's Inkberry Books put out a call in December for artists ages 13 and under to participate in the store's first bookmark design contest. The challenge was built around the theme of how books and bookstores impact their feelings. "When we started this bookmark contest, we didn't realize there were so many talented, creative kids in the community, so we were really quite surprised with the entries we received," Inkberry Books co-owner, Gene Hayworth said. The resulting artwork spoke well to th...
It's been more than two weeks since my neighbors' dog got out, and made a beeline toward me and my dog as we walked down our driveway for our daily walk. I froze, not knowing what the dog wanted. I'd never seen her loose before. I knew from walking on the path behind the dog's yard that it was a snarly, yappy little thing. It trotted toward us, not showing any clear signs of aggression. No growling or barking or teeth baring. No obvious hackles up. It didn't occur to me that she was coming to...
With the change in tenants at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, there's a groundswell of interest in one thing close to gardener's hearts. Quiet and not-so-quiet news articles are calling for the tackling of a task that, while not a matter of national security, is something the green-thumb faction is following closely. Occupants of the White House have free rein to make changes to the grounds, provided it doesn't alarm the Secret Service. They're a skittish bunch, for good reason. Though there are...
Meet Gentleman—This sweet young fellow is ready to start his new life with a loving forever family. Could it be yours? Gentleman is very curious, chatty and social and enjoys being involved with what is going on around him. Looking for an active, charming and affectionate kitty companion to light up your life? Gentleman may just be your guy! Call 303/772-1232 today to schedule your appointment to pay him a visit at Longmont Humane Society!...
Although the weather wasn't very snow-friendly, the Après Ski winter pop-up event, organized by the Niwot Business Association, drew a crowd to downtown Niwot on Jan. 30. Revelers were treated to musicians, ice sculptures, special winter delectables, as well as special deals from local merchants....
Plans to resuscitate the Bader House property in Niwot cleared a major hurdle last week when the Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting department issued a conditional approval of the Franklin Commons project after a two-month Site Plan Review. The proposal is now subject to a 14-day public comment period, and will become final on Feb. 5, barring further action from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The version of the plans approved by the CPP call for a two-story, mixed-use...
A Gunbarrel trail that washes out nearly every year will get a permanent fix this spring. Boulder County Commissioners approved the realignment and resurfacing of the Cottontail Trail that runs north of Lookout Road at 75th Street and connects with the regional LoBo Trail to Highway 52. The plan to fix the trail wasn't a hard sell. Commissioner Claire Levy said she wasn't sure it was even a real trail because of the damage she noticed when riding her bike on it. Boulder Open Space and Mountain...
On Saturday Jan. 30, Niwot's downtown will be transformed into a festival worthy of any Colorado ski town. A subcommittee of Niwot Business Association members has created a celebration of cold-weather fun they've named an Après Ski Event, in honor of one of Colorado's best-known winter activities. Festivities will take place from noon to 4 p.m. with plenty of activities. Organizers have scheduled free horse-drawn carriage rides, a 3:30 p.m. children's storytime at Inkberry Books, a...
Some folks string dainty lights on their Christmas trees, hang their ornaments and call it a wrap for their holiday decorations. And then there’s Chuck Rodgers’ 30+ years of making holiday magic happen with millions of lights and hundreds of inflatables and statues, all accompanied by a variety of musical serenades as cars drive through his yard atop 79th Street just south of Highway 52. For the past five years Rodgers has given spectators an opportunity to spread the joy they’re feeling in th...
There's good news for anyone looking for more variety when they eat locally in Niwot. As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27 , the 1914 House (121 2nd Ave.) is reopening for limited dine-in seating and takeout. According to owner Nick Mastronardi, now felt like a good time to step back into service. With spring coming soon, the beginning of a vaccine distribution plan, and improvement in the COVID-19 cases tracking curve, he was optimistic that reopening now is the right thing to do. "We'll start...
It started with putting barrettes in her cat's fur when she was three years old. Liz Edge always knew she wanted to work as a hairstylist. In high school she nurtured an entrepreneurial spirit and took business classes. After seven years in the industry she put it all together and opened her own salon in Niwot called Ivy and Thistle. "I was driving through Niwot and stumbled across a salon that used to be 2nd Avenue [Hair Studio] and I just knew that's the space," Edge said. "Just loving Niwot...
"Spring has sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where the birdies is?" - children's rhyme Turns out the birds are all around, you simply need to take the time to look. Time, which some folks have found an excess of during the pandemic, has inspired people to flock to all sorts of new hobbies-one of which is bird watching. Jamie Simo, store manager of Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, said you don't have to wait for spring to start bird watching in the area. "We always get really...
Gardening with native plants is not a new concept. There are people who have been doing it for a long time, but it's not what I would call, mainstream. It is, however, gaining in popularity as people discover that a native plant garden provides much more than just water savings. Gardeners of all types from patio planters to commercial properties can play an important role in helping to increase pollinator and wildlife habitat and bolster biodiversity. Our urban and suburban landscapes can serve...
On Jan. 23, a dedicated group of local runners donned hats, gloves, and masks to get a jump start on their January in the four-mile Niwot fun run. Afterwards, participants enjoyed hot chocolate and other treats courtesy of Niwot Market and run organizer Alison Steele (center, with pink mask)....
Meet Kai - Kai is a sweet pup who loves to run, jump and play. He is a 1 year old cattle dog mix. Kai is sweet and loving with other dogs and kids alike. His favorite thing to do is to be outdoors and hiking or just being active in general. Kai would love to find an active family to call his forever home! If you are interested in meeting Kai or any other of our wonderful fosters, please contact Farfels Farm at (303)443-7711 or visit farfels.com...
Niwot Rental & Feed co-owner Steve Rollman has seen a lot of change during the store's 40 years at 291 2nd Avenue, but one thing that hasn't changed over four decades is the warmth and generosity of their customers and the people of Niwot. "It's been a really great community to have a business in," he said, reflecting on the store's longevity. "There are a lot of really nice people." Rollman opened the combination equipment rental and animal care retailer along with his wife Kay in 1981, and...
On Aug. 27, 2020, the Veterans Community Project (VCP) broke ground on a two-acre site in Longmont, the beginning of the much-anticipated construction of a tiny home village for homeless veterans. Governor Jared Polis and Niwot resident Kevin Mulshine of HMS Development were among the speakers who oversaw the groundbreaking ceremonies. The joint venture between VCP, the City of Longmont, and HMS Development is in the process of transforming the property into a tiny home village to serve...
As part of Jump Start January, everyone is invited to join in a community fun run. Runners should meet in front of Niwot Market on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 9:15 a.m., with the starting gun set to go off at 9:30 a.m. At the end of the four miles, participants are invited to join in for free coffee, hot cocoa and a prize drawing. Prizes are yet to be determined. The untimed race will be relaxed and fun, not competitive. It will be held in any weather, including rain, shine, or snow. All participants...
The time window is open, but details have been scarce on how people 70 and over can register and get the COVID-19 vaccine. Boulder County Public Health tried to address growing public frustration with the vaccine rollout during its weekly community update webinarlast week, when several people asked when they can expect their vaccination, where to get it, and how they'll be notified. "I hate to say this, but if you really want to make sure that you are notified whenever there is...
For more than a century Charlie Stromquist and his ancestors farmed 175 acres northeast of Niwot. Extended family had 405 acres adjacent to the north, which Boulder County bought years ago as agricultural open space. Now the two chunks of land are connected again under one owner after Boulder County Commissioners agreed to the purchase of the Stromquist-Laber property. "It's got great water rights and soil productivity," said Commissioner Matt Jones. Commissioners Marta Lochamin and Claire Levy...
Boulder County's first solar garden is an inherent composite of nature, community, and pure inspiration. Jack's Solar Garden, a 1.2 megawatt solar array on north 95th Street, switched on operations officially the first week of November 2020. The project's power is now flowing both literally and creatively. Called agrivoltaics because of the combination of agriculture and solar power, Jack's is the largest operation of its kind in the U.S. and from the start, founder Byron Kominek envisioned...
In February, the Longmont Library will be hosting a digital art expo for artists of all ages and experience levels to display their work. For artists interested in sharing their work, the library will be accepting submission through the end of January. Teresa Myers, marketing and communications manager for the Longmont Public Library, hopes to see wide community participation from beginners to professionals."If anyone has created something that brought them joy in the process of creating it, we...
Meet Ryan. This adorable senior fellow is looking for a forever home of his own through Longmont Humane Society right now! Ryan is eight years old and possesses many of the qualities that we all appreciate in older dogs; he is a good listener, has wonderful house manners and is happy to relax and nap while you get along with the business of your day. Ryan loves tugging on ropes, chasing after lasers and playing catch with bouncy balls. He also LOVES car rides. That will get him up any time....
On June 11, 2020, a beautiful flower bloomed somewhere in Japan. That same day in Colorado, Gunbarrel resident Beniko Olsen drove home with her family after 45 days in the hospital fighting for her life after contracting COVID-19. But first, she directed her husband and two sons to stop off at Starbucks for a long-anticipated Matcha latte. Olsen is a petite woman with a radiant smile and a joyous laugh. In her late 60s, she worked for over 20 years as a teacher's aide at a local preschool while...
A local teen who stutters and his speech therapist have an extra reason to watch Joe Biden give his inauguration speech next week. For the more than three million people in this country who stutter, the silver-haired, president-elect is a symbol of what's possible. "It is amazing. He is really an incredible role model for everybody like him," said Longmont High senior Adam Benes, who has stuttered for as long as he can remember. "I think that's the most impressive thing about him - being...
Diners attribute the quality of their eating out experience to the people they interact with – the front of house workers. For 17 years, Leslie Middleton has been the most noticeable front of house person at Gunbarrel’s Café Blue American Grill while her chef husband Kevin runs the kitchen. These days, because of COVID, Leslie isn’t just taking orders and bringing out delicious drinks and food to diners at the restaurant, she’s also driving freshly prepared meals to patrons’ homes. She’s doin...
For more than a year and a half, The Old Oak coffeehouse has displayed local art to their caffeine-craving customers. Now they're starting off 2021 by going in a different direction. They're displaying work by the people who've always satisfied those cravings: the baristas, managers, and the coffee house's co-owner Patty Machen. Throughout January, the caffeine slingers' art is adorning the Old Oak's bright yellow walls. The style of the seven, distinct displays range from the geographic and...
At its first monthly meeting of the new year, the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Board approved funding for a slew of routine maintenance expenses, as well as new events devised by the Niwot Business Association to help keep traffic circulating through local businesses. The members also discussed their upcoming annual meeting with the Board of County Commissioners, scheduled for Feb. 4. Treasurer's Report LID Vice Chair Jim Eastman delivered the January Treasurer's report in lieu of t...
In 1997, the Southwest Acupuncture College was founded in Boulder, its mission is to educate and license students in acupuncture and Chinese medicine so as to provide affordable services to the local community. But in mid-March of last year, COVID forced the Gunbarrel college to close its doors for in person classes. "Rather than go from zero to 100 mph in one week with a full return to campus, our didactic, practical and clinical coursework would be rolled out slowly," explained Nate Mohler,...
When did our world become one of so much risk management? Was it always this way but now the risks are shared among so many? A year of masks and Covid bubbles with a summer and fall of wildfire smoke, we are suddenly, hopefully more united in common foes and the strategies to deal with their impacts. As a subset of the US population, farmers and ranchers are notoriously, ruggedly independent as business operators. Maybe it is the scarcity of the arid ecosystem in the west, but it seems even more so in Colorado than their East coast...
Meet Loki! Loki is a one-year old border collie-mix. He is a good boy, and just sweet as can be. Loki enjoys spending his days romping and playing with his pals at Bowhaus. Loki is searching for his forever home and a forever family that will give him the love and attention that he so wants. If you are interested in meeting Loki, please contact Farfel's Farm at (303)443-7711 or visit their website at farfels.com...
