All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 2526 - 2575 of 4144
He can't be here in person due to the coronavirus, but the star of the movie, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," is sending his blessing to Niwot residents as they add Ron to the name of the Burgundy Park neighborhood. "It's about time," said Will Ferrett, who played Ron Burgundy in the 2004 film. He recalled a line from the movie that explains why he thinks it is 16 years late. "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I'm very important. I have many...
While spending more time at home soaking in the ambiance of your space, have you experienced niggling feelings that some of those things you're sitting amongst no longer suit you? Maybe you'd like to find a new home for them. Perfect. Here's something you can do about it right now while serving a higher purpose – dogs. For the fifth year, Cause4Paws (C4P), a not for profit organization (www.facebook.com/C4P.ARF) started by Gunbarrel's Laurel Fox, will be holding a fundraising yard sale that far...
An unusual number of bears are showing up in local neighborhoods this spring. Desperate measures are being taken as families enlist their children to hunt a variety of species such as Teddy, Panda and Pooh. The fuzzy ursine have emerged from numerous human dens, pressing their plastic noses against windows, signaling the start of "hunting" season. It began after a social media post on Nextdoor by Amanda Dean, who shared the idea that was inspired by a children's book, "We're Going on a Bear...
Two pieces of blue-floral cotton, thread, elastic, experienced hands and a caring heart. That may be all that separates sickness from health and life from death for cancer patients and workers at a hospital in Maryland. "These are very, very sick patients. We don't want to spread anything to them," said Sandy Rozzelle, whose job is to get medicine for cancer patients. "We want them to be safe, as well as us too." Rozzelle wouldn't normally wear a protective mask for her job at Frederick Health...
It seems like everywhere you look there are articles about maximizing your experience during this COVID quarantine. But when you’re not usually working from home and trying to maintain some semblance of your formerly busy life, boredom is sure to settle. Being cooped up in your house is sure to become overwhelming after a few days; that’s why there are so many memes about it on the internet right now. When that sense of boredom strikes, you don’t always want to maximize that time; sometimes you just want to distract yourself. Those distr...
New measures by Boulder County to enforce prairie dog social distancing are facing blazing criticism from scientists and citizens alike. The county commissioners last week announced the new decree, aimed at "helping the small creatures in our county show solidarity with the humans who have been enduring increasingly extreme social distancing and stay-at-home measures," according to Boulder County Manager Barbara "Red" Taype. The measure, which calls for a $10,000 budget to build walls in county...
An emergency coronavirus response measure that Colorado Governor Jared Polis rolled out this week has an unexpected loophole, and local businesses are rushing to be the first to corner a new market. The initial "stay at home" order by Denver's mayor Michael Hancock, which went into effect on March 24, at 5 p.m., caused a panic and rush to liquor and pot stores, which were initially set to be closed under the order. Governor Polis extended the order to the entire state on Thursday, March 26, at...
With virtually all area economic activity at a halt due to coronavirus restrictions, Jim and Mary Good of Good Find Antique Store in Niwot (666 2nd Ave.) said they are now having second thoughts about selling a cursed monkey's paw to a group of local high school students, who told the pair they needed the mummified relic for "research purposes." "They said they wanted to examine the ugly thing as part of some video project or something or other," Mary Good said about the shriveled, disembodied...
There's a new statue coming to town. The female statuette is getting her male companion at Niwot's Sculpture Park. But in a nod to Victorian sensibilities, there will be a slight alteration to both the male and female forms. "We've received several suggestions, which read more as complaints, about the visibility of certain portions of the statues," according to Prudence Peccadillo of the Popular Culture Committee (PC Committee)."As a result, the PC Committee has gone back in history and looked...
The statewide shutdown ordered by Governor Jared Polis on March 26th in order to stem the spread of COVID-19 exempted several businesses still considered "essential," allowing them to remain in operation, as long as they institute proper social distancing measures when conducting transactions. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurant pick-up and delivery, and many more. The retail and service firms listed below are still open for business as of press time, so be sure to check for...
Weld County as well as Boulder County 911 dispatchers are screening patients who call 911 with fever, shortness of breath or any other upper respiratory symptoms. Part of the screening process also involves questioning about recent travel outside and within the country. This information obtained by dispatchers is shared with our medical personnel before arrival. Mountain View Fire Rescue paramedics and firefighters are being provided up to date information as we receive it. If COVID-19 is... Full story
It takes a village to raise a child. The popular Igbo proverb takes on more meaning today as our entire community is affected by the shuttering of schools, businesses, and stores. Pundits are predicting that we'll see the ripple effect of this echo through our lives for months, with hunger and need for basic necessities likely to increase. In short, the whole village needs each other. How can gardeners help? Elizabeth Black, member of the Boulder Culinary Gardeners group, sent a thoughtful note...
Construction continues on the concession building at Whistle Stop Park to be known as "The Depot." Fundraising to date has reached $25,300, with another $50,000 needed to pay for the building. Donations can be mailed to NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544, or can be made online at www.niwotarts.org....
Reader Emily Beck stumbled upon a pop-up flower truck tucked in the northwest corner of Old Town Niwot. Writes Beck, "On our bloodhound stroll through Niwot this weekend, we came across this wonderful flower truck and her owners, Susan and Gilmore. Susan's job is temporarily on hold, so she is selling flowers on Neva Road in front of her house."...
In small towns, churches are much more than simply places of worship to gather on Sunday mornings. They provide a space for neighbors to socialize, for newcomers to meet people, and for those without company to have some, if even just for a few hours. With the closing of most public and private businesses and gatherings limited to no more than 10 individuals, churches in Niwot and Gunbarrel are forced to figure out other ways of bringing the community together. Pastor Janet Kettering of... Full story
It's not the way Leland Oxley expected to launch his Gunbarrel restaurant, Motherlode. In less than two weeks he opened the new restaurant, closed down the dining room, started a carryout and delivery business and began room service for all of five guests staying at the nearby Hampton Suites hotel. "At some point you just say it is what it is and make the best of it," said Oxley. Motherlode isn't the only restaurant suffering after the coronavirus forced Gov. Jared Polis to limit all...
On March 12, escalating efforts by state and school officials to stop the spread of COVID-19 touched off a "panic buying" spree at Niwot Market that left several shelves bare and sent some longtime customers away in frustration. But owners Bert and Alison Steele are seeing hopeful signs that the initial shock has abated and operations at the town's 18-year-old independent grocery store will soon be back to normal-or whatever passes for that these days. "The question I'm always getting is, are...
Niwot businesses are staying nimble as each day brings new developments in the fight against the coronavirus. A new page on the business community's website, Niwot.com/COVID-19, has the latest information on when shops and restaurants are open and what services they are providing. The idea is to support the local economy by keeping potential customers in the loop, according to the town's economic development director, Catherine McHale. "I think we all have to get a little bit clever about how...
It turns out having a big birthday during a global pandemic is a bit of a bummer. March 20, 2020, was a milestone birthday for me: 40. I had been planning to celebrate at a nice restaurant perched on a mountain overlooking town, with most of my immediate family: my mom, daughter, sister, and brother-in-law. My dad was going to drive out to Niwot from his home in Omaha, Nebraska, to join us. Best laid plans did not go well. At least we hadn't booked a cruise! The coronavirus hit Colorado in...
It happened so fast. Our minds are reeling as we try to cope with a shocking new reality that upended the way we live our lives. But there are many small, manageable things we can do to keep from being overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, loneliness, loss and other difficult feelings. “The first part is to begin to slowly accept reality, that this is, in fact, what’s going on,” said psychologist Dr. Marek Dvorak, who practices in Niwot. “You can feel some sense of freedom by acceptance. You don’t have to like it, but there is an acceptance.” Once we a...
Spring has officially sprung, which means local farm-fresh produce can't be far behind. To partake in the upcoming bounty and help foster sustainable and regenerative agriculture, join one of the area's many CSA programs. Shares start as low as $12 per week for singles, with seasons typically lasting from April or May to November. 63rd Street Farm 3796 63rd St., Boulder www.63rdstfarm.com Enjoy organically grown vegetables cultivated at this 50-acre farm located in this historial Valmont Butte...
In 1787, the United States' founding fathers wrote the census into the constitution and since then, there have been 22 censuses. The 2020 iteration will be nearly as revolutionary as the nation's first, because this is the first census with an online option for reporting. "It's never been easier [to self-report] on your own," said Philip Kleisler, a senior planner for the City of Boulder. This year, US citizens will be able to self-report their households' size either by phone, mail, online,...
While everyone is locked up inside, whether by choice with social distancing or mandated quarantine, you'll probably have some down time on your hands. So pick up a book, in addition to the "Courier's" usual partnership with Inkberry Books, we have a special selection of books that you might want to check out! These books are in no particular order, and can appeal to most readers. All are fiction, and perhaps subtly all pseudo-feminist as they feature strong female characters. Each should be...
The gym and personal fitness industry sees an annual increase in participation around the new year. But in light of the coronavirus and the associated restrictions on personal space and public gathering sizes, taking fitness classes has become that much more difficult. Niwot High alum and local gym owner Kristy Neary shared some tips on how to stay active, even while quarantined. "Anyone can do this, now is a great time to get started because you have the extra time on your hands." Neary has a...
In what has been a difficult time for baseball fans, the Boulder Collegians are hoping their 2020 season won't contribute to the list of disappointments. Owner and General Manager Matt Jensen, a former assistant coach at Niwot High School and head coach at Monarch High, is hopeful but prepared for the worst as their summer season nears. Fortunately for the Collegians, they have the luxury of time compared to the not-so-fortunate spring programs across the country. High school teams in Colorado w...
Heightened health concerns are forefront in the news due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is not new to those of us blessed with second chances for life due to an organ transplant. We, as a condition of our great fortune to be organ recipients, are at elevated risk of infections from bacteria and viruses due to the immune suppression regime that we undergo to protect our life saving grafts. So, the CDC recommendations for hand washing, using sanitizers, cleaning contaminated surfaces and avoiding people who are obviously sick are normal...
Meet Max. Max was adopted from the Boulder Humane Society via a shelter in Houston, Texas. Max is a true "southern gentleman". He goes out of his way to say "hello" and becomes fast friends with everyone he meets (any of you who have had him in your car or house can attest to this). Although from warmer climes, snow is one of his favorite things and he can often be found behind the house happily making doggy "snow angels". When not rolling in the snow or greeting new people, Max's favorite...
Who needs help? That's what some community members are asking, providing a bright spot amid the fear and uncertainty around the coronavirus. A Gunbarrel woman has offered to go grocery shopping or run errands for free for people who are older, have underlying illnesses or are afraid to go out in public for other reasons. "No judgment if someone is too scared to go shopping," said Rachel Isaacs, who posted her offer on Nextdoor, the social network that connects people with their neighbors and...
Reports of empty store shelves have been racking the nation almost as much as all the other COVID-19 updates. Some of the stockpiling comes from people being generally anxious and proactive, but it's also a result of various organizations mandating employees to self-quarantine. "How I behave affects your health," said Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Cuomo Prime Time. "And how you behave affects mine. On the Friday night program, he encouraged people to practice social distancing and also stockpiling, but...
According to Cathy Olkin, a planetary scientist at Boulder's Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), "Probably you've never heard of Trojan asteroids. They don't really teach that in elementary school when you're learning about the planets." Olkin, a Niwot local for the past 16 years, is dedicating much of her work to changing the knowledge base with respect to the Trojans. She is the deputy principal investigator of the NASA Lucy mission that is sending a space probe to the Trojans, which orbit th...
The COVID-19 coronavirus has prompted Mountain View Fire Rescue district to close all its stations to members of the public until further notice to protect firefighters and first responders. In light of MVFR’s decision, the Niwot Community Association board is expecting to videoconference its April 1 meeting, which is normally held in the fire station’s community room. Community members will not be able to attend the meeting, but NCA board members are asking that any comments or questions from the community be sent by email to the board at info...
Left Hand Water Effective March 16, 2020, the Left Hand Water District has closed its administrative office building to the public through March 29. The District will continue to provide services to customers, with staff rotating work schedules or working remotely or in the field. Payments can be made over the phone or online through Xpress Bill Pay; customers are strongly encouraged to make payments via these methods. The District's water remains safe to drink; as all drinking water...
The Longmont Community Foundation has launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Covid-19 Relief Fund. This Fund is designed to provide financial resources to charitable organizations in Longmont and the St. Vrain Valley area that are involved in supporting populations that have been affected by the outbreak. The Longmont Community Foundation encourages institutions, companies and other funders to contribute to the Fund. One hundred percent of funds received will be distributed quickly and a final...
Meet Sage the Superbowl Sunday Rescue Sheep. When baby Sage was born her mother rejected and refused to nurse her. This is what she looked like on that Super Bowl Sunday five years ago when she came to live at Cottonwood Kennels to be cared for by Penny and the staff. As a small lamb Sage would hang out behind the desk but quickly grew big and strong and moved out with the other sheep of the kennel. Over five years later, she still lives (and rules) happily there today!...
Local businesses and residents are feeling the impacts of COVID-19. The Niwot Inn took a big hit when a group of international business travelers canceled their gathering for later this month. The group of CEOs come from Europe, India and across the U.S., booking the entire Inn a couple of times a year for three to four days, according to co-owner Carissa Brandes. “Thousands of dollars, it’s very tough,” said Brandes. “We’ve noticed this March has been one of the slowest months we’ve had...
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken over the news, especially recently in Boulder County after a substitute teacher at Centaurus High School reported a suspected exposure. Upon learning that other passengers of his cruise ship tested positive, the teacher has chosen to undergo a self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Similarly, two University of Colorado Boulder employees have undergone testing for the virus. One of those tests has already come back negative, but the other test is still...
Last year, the Boulder County Commissioners enacted a moratorium on oil and gas development in the county. This came as a result of Crestone Peak Resources' 2018 proposal for a drilling project that would span a 1.5 mile stretch of Highway 52 and could include up to 140 wells, which would drain 10 square miles of underground deposits. Surrounding residents rose up in opposition of the proposal and, on June 28, 2019, Boulder County initiated an emergency moratorium that banned all new oil and...
The Left Hand Valley Courier and Inkberry Books are partnering for another book review. I love being part of this partnership because the folks at Inkberry suggest stories I never would have picked out for myself. This week, I read Jim Ringel's "49 Buddhas" and while I did enjoy it overall, I have to say, I'm a little undecided on where I stand with it. Let me start off by saying that I really don't know a lot about Buddhism, so I loved that the beginning of each chapter started with a...
If you lived in Boston in the 1980s, you probably saw an episode or two of "We Don't Knock," a guerilla television show where the team would show up to various places around the city just to see what was happening there. "We would go to the IRS unannounced and get thrown out, it was fun," explained collaborator Jim Ringel. However, even considering as much fun as Ringel had while working in television, part of him always wanted to write stories. As a child, the artform interested him, but upon...
This charming seven-year-old fellow will be a wonderful addition to your active, dog-loving household. William enjoys being in the company of people of all ages and especially appreciates going on walks outside with his human companions. William does well with other dogs and has even successfully lived with chickens and rabbits! Come in for a visit with this delightful boy today. William is available for adoption at the Longmont Humane Society....
In an era of instantaneous digital communication and screens everywhere, the art of traditional storytelling is still alive and thriving in the Left Hand Valley. In March, eight new volunteers will join the Longmont chapter of Spellbinder Storytellers to bring this art to local children. Spellbinders was founded in Denver in the late 1980s by Germaine Dietsch and is now a thriving nonprofit, connecting elders directly with children through storytelling. "Children need older adults in their...
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is in the business of giving mistreated animals a happily-ever-after, so when Dillan the geriatric bear came to their rehabilitation facility in January, it didn't take long for him to find a place that was not too hard, not too soft, but just right. That's thanks to long time Niwot boy scout Caden Weihe, who planned and fabricated several large animal hammocks for his Eagle Scout service project, and then delivered them to the Keenesburg-based rescue center just in...
Sales tax revenue for the Niwot LID set new records in 2019, and the record-setting month and year were attributed to online sales rather than increased marijuana sales. Bruce Rabeler, treasurer of the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) reported that December sales tax revenue came in at $26,357. “That shatters the record for one month,” Rabeler said, noting that it exceeded the previous high of $19,102 set in July 2019, and was $8,000 over any previous December. The annual sales tax revenue for 2019 totaled $209,465. “[This] is the first...
On March 6, Dr. Patti Ashley and suitemate Christine Ruth held a ribbon cutting for their new therapy practices, located at 6800 N. 79th Street in Niwot. Dr. Ashley, who specializes in individual, couples and family therapy, is thrilled to get her old office back after a few years in Gunbarrel, and even more thrilled about the serendipitous timing that led her to a new partner and friend. Ruth, who also specializes in couples and family therapy, moved to Niwot from Minnesota last summer, and is...
Arlene "Tiny" Ahlgrim (née Obrecht) can recall with perfect clarity the day in the late 1950s when the dashing 18-year old Otto Ahlgrim showed up at her family's north Longmont farm to ask her out to the movies. She was helping her father tend to the cows, and, dressed in overalls and boots, definitely not in a state to go out on the town. But Ahlgrim was, and his stylish outfit struck an incongruous note in the Obrecht's muddy barn. "He had on a white shirt, white pants, and white shoes,"...
In the midst of a busy life, it's tempting to overlook the need for good conversation and a home-cooked meal. We spend time speeding through the work and school week just to make it to the weekend. We savor quick moments shared with family and friends, but downtime never really lasts long before the next errand, chore, or to-do list item calls our names. In this modern society, we grow isolated in our comforts, choosing to pass time connecting through screens instead of face to face. We forget t...
Confused faces and the question "What's wrong with your dog?" follow Michelle Pendergrass and her three-legged pooch Murphy seemingly wherever they go. In 2014, after breaking his leg another time, Pendergrass and her family decided to alleviate his pain and amputate Murphy's leg. "He won't be the same," veterinarians told them, and the vet was right--Murphy was faster than ever and found a new passion for life. Even so, fielding the constant questions about Murphy and his missing limb was...
A big part of Niwot's charm lies in its unique retail and dining options, which consistently deliver an experience unlike any other in Boulder County. An oasis amidst the large neighboring cities of Boulder and Longmont, Niwot provides a tranquil haven for visitors who want to slow down and enjoy some retail or gourmet therapy at a relaxed pace. To help spread the word about the town's special offerings, and just in time for spring, the Niwot Business Association has launched the Shop Niwot...
A crocus is trying to bloom in a friend's yard, despite frigid days and snow squalls. She's enchanted by the little plant's effort and, like any gardener at this time of year, is watching its progress with excitement. She's not alone in her countdown to spring; many gardeners are pouncing on the slightest signs of green. We haven't broken out pompoms and megaphones to strut and cheer on the flowers we see quite yet – that would just rile up the neighborhood dogs and cause our community to c...
Once again, it's time to look towards the youth of Colorado where we give them an experience of a lifetime. The mission of a Colorado State Patrol Trooper is not just enforcing the laws on the state's highways, and interstates. We are also very involved in educating the public in various areas. One way we do this is working with Colorado's youth. Once a year for one week in July, the Colorado State Patrol allows teens who are at least 16 years old from across the state a chance to see how State...
