All Local, All The Time
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Danny O'Connor, Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Boulder, presented an update about the proposed Gunbarrel shuttle at the Commuting Solutions membership meeting held on April 24. The proposed Gunbarrel shuttle would utilize microtransit, a new concept within the transportation world. This service would provide on-demand, point-to-point service within a fixed zone using vans or shuttles. The routing and scheduling provided by this service will supplement the existing transit network...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
Part three of a three-part series covering RTD regarding TABOR's Impact, RTD Northwest Rail and Front Range Passenger Rail, with an update on key state legislation. Commuting Solutions, a Louisville-based organization dedicated to finding innovative transportation options, held a membership meeting on April 24, providing a comprehensive update on the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway from Longmont to Boulder. Representatives from the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) Chrissy Breit, Chief of...
The Boulder Heritage Roundtable held its 32nd annual Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month awards ceremony at the Chautauqua Community House on May 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. There, Niwot's Kathy Koehler was presented with the Square Nail Award which recognizes individuals who have made significant and impactful movements toward historic and/or archaeological preservation/education in Boulder County. Koehler has been involved with the Niwot Historical Society (NHS) for over a decade and has...
The edge of spring verging onto warmer summer months marks the start of the House Blend Band concerts on Second Avenue. The concerts start on Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m., with one concert every month throughout the summer. This year, the House Blend Band event will be working with the Boulder County chapter of Slow Food to provide salads at the event in addition to the spaghetti that is typically served at Old Oak Coffeehouse. All of the ingredients for the salads are locally sourced from farms and businesses in or around the Niwot area to...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is focusing on Gunbarrel Estates. Gunbarrel Estates has its roots in the early 1960s, when it was developed by Bowron Builders, Inc., the same company which created several subdivisions in Niwot. It's not only conveniently located near Gunbarrel's shopping, the Boulder Country Club, and employers such as Celestial Seasonings and IBM, it was thoughtfully...
Photography and beekeeping are Jeff Server's passions, but he did not expect to be talking about both at the opening of his photography exhibit at Inkberry Books. On the evening of Friday, May 3, Gene Hayworth and Keith Waters of Inkberry Books hosted one of their frequent receptions highlighting the works of local artists. Niwot resident Server, whose photography will be on display throughout May, is featured this month. Several attendees, expecting to hear Server's remarks about his eight...
Sales tax revenues for 2024 in Niwot continue to decline, based on data through February, with revenues down by 11% over the same period in 2023. Several funding requests were approved by the LID Advisory Committee (LID). Rock & Rails The 18th year of Rock & Rails, Niwot’s summer concert series, begins on Thursday, May 30, this year. The event takes place in Whistle Stop Park every Thursday night in June, July (except July 4th) and August, with 13 concerts total. Biff Warren, one of the three co-managers of the event, presented the funding r...
The Niwot Community Association held its monthly meeting on Wednesday May 8 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9 to discuss upcoming events, area reports, and provide a recap of what has happened in the past month. Coordinator John Barto reported that preparations are underway for the upcoming NCA Niwot Clean-Up Day, and should lead to a smooth running event on Saturday, May 18. Cooperation with affiliates from Boulder County, Western Disposal, Wildfire Partners, and Community Cycles has proven...
Niwot Sanitation board members and staff donned hardhats to break ground on a project to bring needed upgrades to the water treatment facility just northwest of 95th Street and Niwot Road on May 13. The project will upgrade the facilities, first built in 1967, to comply with current federal regulations governing wastewater discharge. The deadline for compliance is 2026, a date the District should be able to meet. Board members Jim Jones, Randy Lutz, Jan Swanson, Dick Piland and Jennifer Uhland...
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Heatherwood Elementary School held its annual Carnival on May 3, a windy spring day in a field of freshly blooming dandelions at Heatherwood Elementary School. The Carnival is the school's spring fundraising event and was significantly larger than last year's Carnival. Mara Oleson, co-president of the Parent Teacher Organization Board, or PTO Board, said that the carnival sold 350 wristband-tickets for kids and estimated that about 450 people attended. "I became active in Heatherwood's PTO last...
"Shocked," "I can't believe it," and "Oh, no!" were community members' immediate reactions to last week's announcement that Old Town Niwot's beloved 1914 House restaurant will close at the end of July. The shock changed to both sadness and gratitude, and then to concern over the future of other restaurants in Niwot and Boulder County. A couple of days later, a very frequent diner at 1914 House related his personal story of his relationship with the staff and other guests. The Niwot Community...
Part two of a three-part series covering RTD regarding TABOR's impact, RTD Northwest Rail and Front Range Passenger Rail, and an update on key state legislation. Commuting Solutions, a Louisville based organization dedicated to finding innovative transportation options connecting commuters to their workplaces, has strongly advocated for the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project. It held a membership meeting on April 24, providing a comprehensive update on the project, including its team,...
A tribute song written by local musician Kevin Dooley for Bert Steele is now available online in video format. Recorded on Feb. 7, 2024, at the Left Hand Grange, the video is a montage created by Niwot's Social Media Coordinator Kristina Rugg using content from the recording session and photos provided by the Steele family. Niwot Market owner Bert Steele passed away on August 7, 2023. In December 2023, Dooley composed a song in his honor to be played at the dedication of Steele's memorial bench...
Last Friday, soon after the upcoming closure of 1914 House was announced, Nick Mastronardi was feeling both nostalgic and proud of what his team had accomplished at 1914 House. He said they had "a great run" as he reflected upon the good times, and suggested ways a new owner might move the popular restaurant forward. After purchasing the building in 2014, Mastronardi embarked on a complete remodel with the exception of maintaining the historic facade. He believes that creating a very warm,...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
Nick Mastronardi, owner of Niwot's 1914 House, announced that the restaurant will be closing at the end of July. In a prepared statement, Mastronardi wrote, "The 1914 House Farewell Tour has begun." He continued, "The economics of the business have reached a point where it is unfortunately unsustainable. Expenses have collectively escalated to levels that exceed our ability to increase prices." Mastronardi cited property taxes, utility costs, labor costs and food costs as contributing factors....
Hallie Pasko has more than earned this month's Left Hand Laurel. Pasko, a 47 year resident of Niwot with her husband Don Pasko, raised their children here. They all went through the Niwot feeder system from elementary through graduation at Niwot High School. Dedication is a word that barely scratches the surface when describing Pasko. In addition to a 47 year residency in Niwot, Pasko has been deeply involved in every aspect of local Alzheimer's support groups for the past 24 years. Pasko's...
Rock & Rails, one of Niwot's favorite long-standing summer traditions, is returning for another fun-filled, jam-packed, "off the rails" concert series for 2024. The much anticipated summer concert series is starting a week early this year on Thursday, May 30, due to a Thursday off on the 4th of July. Through the efforts of sponsors and patrons, Rock & Rails continues to work towards being a zero-waste event and venue. Composting will resume as it always has, and though compost partners are...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is focusing on Burgundy Park. The Boulder County area continued to grow into the late 20th century, requiring more housing for families and individuals drawn to the area by employment opportunities, the outdoors, and other amenities. Niwot was well-positioned geographically as a prime location for multiple housing developments, and Bowron Builders Inc. had...
Niwot's fourth annual Around the World Day and the Niwot community's demeanor were not dampened due to a little rain. While the turnout was limited at Around the World Day, spirits were high as Niwot, like EPCOT in Orlando, engaged in cultural activities, food, beverage, and music. WiNot Coffee showcased Colombia with authentic Colombian coffee, pastries, and decorations. Inkberry Books brought China to Niwot with two types of tea, fortune cookies, decorations, and music. Niwot Market, with a...
Jennifer VonLintel, formerly Jennifer Ludlam, is a Niwot High School and Niwot Elementary School graduate who now works as a counselor utilizing therapy dogs at B. F. Kitchen Elementary School in Loveland. VonLintel also teaches other educators to train therapy dogs for their schools as well. She was recently featured in the book "Dogs in Schools," by Helen Lewis and Russell Grigg, which describes principles of healthy, safe relationships between therapy dogs and students. VonLintel's roots are...
Part one of a three-part series covering RTD regarding TABOR's Impact, RTD Northwest Rail and Front Range Passenger Rail, and an update on key state legislation. On April 24, Commuting Solutions hosted a meeting with updates on RTD, the CO 119 Safety, Mobility and Bikeway Project, and the Front Range Passenger Rail. Commuting Solutions is a service organization that advocates for its members and the communities it serves for multimodal improvements and the funding needed to implement them. Lynn...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) was held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the Niwot Community Hall. Guest speakers were Jim Webster, Boulder County Wildfire Partners, Paul Ostroy, Fire Management Officer for Mountain View Fire Protection District (MVFPD) and Dr. Don Haddad, Superintendent of the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD). Annual elections were held for the NCA board. David Limbach was re-elected to the office of President, Emily Limbach was re-elected...
It's that "Spring Cleaning" time of year again, and the Niwot Community Association (NCA) is hosting its annual Clean-Up Day event as it has for over 20 years. Clean-Up Day will again be held from 8 a.m.-12 noon at the Niwot High School parking lot on Saturday, May 18. This event is free to all NCA members who have renewed their annual dues. Non-members can also drop off a standard pickup or trailer load of accepted materials for a $40 fee. Patrons living in the area are encouraged to join the...
Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at the Grange Sunday, May 5, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by WINC (Women's International Niwot Club), this Alice-themed tea is open to the public to enjoy the whimsy of Wonderland. In addition to the delicious tea and treats, there will be a drawing and silent auction. Funds raised at the event will be donated to local charities. Tea is provided by Luminous Tea and music is sponsored by DRF Real Estate, Slifer Smith & Frampton. Purchase tickets by visiting Mad...
The annual Lobsterfest event is returning to Niwot Saturday, June 8, for the fourth year since its return after a long hiatus. Lobsterfest began at the direction of former Niwot business owner Diane Atwood several years ago. Its reincarnation draws people from near and far as a charitable, fun, community event at Whistle Stop Park. "Every year, the funds are raised at this event for different charities," said organizer Deb Fowler of the Niwot Business Association (NBA). Previous funds have been...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
North 95th Street between Valmont Road and Lookout Road is being "completely rebuilt" starting this week, with road closures for eight hours on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., according to an announcement from the Boulder County Public Works Department. Phase 1 of the plan began April 22 between Lookout Road and Gunbarrel Ridge Road and is projected to end sometime in early 2025. The Boulder County Public Works Department's website states there will still be access to neighborhoods...
Around the World Day is returning to Niwot for the fourth year in a row on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with 26 businesses participating in spreading cultural exposure and celebration. Around the World Day is Niwot's one-day version of the World Showcase in EPCOT. "We started the event in 2020," said Deb Fowler, one of the organizers of Around the World Day. "It was a good way to get people outdoors to socialize safely and bring people to the businesses during that time."...
It’s been a year in the making, but the Niwot Youth Sports Monarch Improvement Project will be the focus of the Opening Day ceremonies Sunday, April 28, starting at 11 a.m. at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. The six-field complex, with access off of Highway 52 just west of 79th Street, is now home to a building which includes permanent restrooms, a concession area, and equipment storage space. The facility was built as part of the Monarch Improvement Project, which has raised most of funds to meet the goal of $500,000 for the building and o...
The City of Boulder Planning Board held a public hearing on April 16, 2024, where it reviewed a Concept Plan Review and Comment application regarding a proposed Boulder Housing Partners redevelopment of nearly four acres located at the corner of Gunpark Drive and Spine Road in Gunbarrel. The proposed development by Boulder Housing Partners and Coburn Development would include eight buildings around a central park area. The "Sunset Park" proposal includes three 3-story townhome buildings, five...
The City of Boulder Planning Board held a hearing on April 16 regarding the Concept Plan Review and Comment application submitted by Sopher Sparn Architects on behalf for GPIF MT Boulder Land LLC, a real estate opportunistic fund based in Fort Worth, Texas, and managed by Crescent Real Estate, to build 10 new buildings containing 79 two- and three- bedroom townhomes, totaling 177,458 square feet, at 4600 Highway 119. The development is tentatively called "Longbow Park." The 7.86 acre site is cur...
Over the weekend of April 6-7, the greater Boulder County community experienced an extended, planned power outage due to high winds. The decision to cut the power to about 55,000 customers was made by Xcel Energy to prevent potential wildfire hazards in the face of high winds. An additional 100,000 customers lost power due to fallen power lines and other effects of the wind. Customers waited up to three days before power was restored. Winds in the area were recorded up to 100 mph according to new data, resulting in several downed power lines...
Kathleen Bracke, Deputy Director of Community Planning and Permitting, Transportation Planning, and Kristine Obendorf, Deputy Director of Engineering at the Boulder County Public Works Department, presented on April 3 to the Boulder County Consortium of Cities regarding an overview of the Boulder County transportation sales tax and ballot initiative 1C. In 2001, Boulder County voters passed a ballot initiative that allowed for a 0.1 percent (one cent on a $10 purchase) countywide transportation...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
At approximately 3:00 p.m. on April 14, a small single-engine Mooney M20C aircraft made an emergency landing on the southbound lanes of Highway 287 just north of Niwot Road. The airplane, originally identified as a Cessna, was traveling from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and experienced mechanical issues resulting in the emergency landing. The pilot was identified by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office as a 36-year-old male who was the only person onboard the...
The unimaginably tragic Marshall Fire at the end of 2021 alerted Coloradans to the increasing risks of natural disasters, not only in the mountains, but also in the flatlands. Earlier this month the windstorm in which 150,000 Front Range Xcel customers were without power for over 24 hours caused considerable damage to both businesses and homes. These events remind us of the importance of preventing or reducing the damage to our properties from wildfires, high winds, and heavy snowfalls which...
Keynes Chen came to Niwot High School in January of 2019 with 15 students across three different ensembles. By the end of the following school year, he had 85 students across three groups and has since added two more ensembles, with another in development. "That first year really energized me," said Chen. Niwot now offers three orchestras, a small ensemble, and a mariachi ensemble, and will be looking to add another mariachi group to the list of available courses due to the growing interest and...
The Boulder County Consortium of Cities met on April 3 to offer progress updates in developing a regional plan regarding minimum wage for incorporated towns and cities in Boulder County. Boulder County Ordinance 2023-4 became effective on Jan. 1, 2024, setting a minimum wage of $15.69 per hour for businesses in Niwot and other unincorporated areas of the county, 15% above Colorado’s 2023 minimum wage and $1.27 higher than that of surrounding incorporated towns and cities that currently pay $14.42. The ordinance also gradually increases the m...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9. The guest speaker will be Don Haddad, St. Vrain Valley School District Superintendent, and will include a question and answer session. There will also be a speaker on the topic of urban interface wildfire mitigation. The annual meeting is also the occasion for NCA board elections. The board is seeking nominations for Secretary and Area 6 Representative. Area 6 includes Gunbarrel Estates and the Homestead...
A new genre book was launched on Friday night, April 12, at the Winot Cafe in Niwot as Dr. William A. Liggett's new climate fiction thriller, "Panic Peak," was presented to an enthusiastic audience. At start time there were only a few open chairs, which soon were filled with many standing in the back of the room for the event. Over thirty people attended the presentation. Liggett first spoke about his story as an 18-year old who spent a summer at the Hoh River area in Washington state and Mount...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is spotlighting Cottonwood Park West. In the mid-20th century, Niwot began to grow from its origins as a small railroad town and farming community into a fully suburban community that provided housing, schools and amenities for families working in Boulder and Longmont. This was particularly true once IBM purchased land for its operations in the late 1950s,...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
Boulder County's Small Business Grant/Changing Economic Environment Program, spearheaded by Commissioner Marta Loachamin, is accepting applications for grant funding to support unincorporated Boulder County small businesses impacted by the costs (including labor costs) of doing business in the County's rapidly changing economic environment. The last day to apply is April 19, 2024, at 5 p.m.at https://coloradoenterprisefund.org/Boulder-County-SB-Grant. Grants of up to $5,000 per business will be...
Minimum wage, master plan, housing costs, Highway 119 underpass, key priorities. Those are the topics Niwot's Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) members hope to take up with the Boulder County Commissioners when the two boards meet at the Left Hand Grange on Thursday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. The annual meeting between the three county commissioners, who govern Niwot as well as the rest of unincorporated Boulder County, and the members of Niwot's most active advisory board, all of...
To say that this past weekend's massive windstorm really blows is not only an excellent pun, but a bit of an understatement. Xcel Energy notified Niwot residents via email that starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, Xcel would preemptively be de-energizing power lines in Boulder County resulting in an outage that may continue through at least Sunday. However many areas felt the effects of the power outage long past that point. "Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our communities,...