All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 26 - 75 of 3926
Mary Coonce is a cherished figure in Niwot widely known for her role as co-owner of Porchfront Homes, which has been involved in many community projects, and her own extensive community involvement. For her volunteer efforts in the community, Coonce is the November Left Hand Laurel recipient. Coonce's dedication to Niwot includes service as the Niwot Business Association (NBA) treasurer for seven of the 11 years she has been a member. She also serves as the treasurer for the Local Improvement...
Due to conflicting reports, the Courier reported on Nov. 6 that a screenshot of an attempted home intrusion occurred on Halloween night in the Legend Ridge subdivision. The incident actually took place on the following day and involved a home in the Somerset subdivision....
Just in time for the holidays, it's official, Niwot Hall is the new name of the Grange building. The community will be flowing in and out of the Hall to socialize, learn, shop, listen to music, and dance. Professional Holiday Portraits Nov. 23, 24, 25, and Dec. 10 Professional photographer Noah Katz of NJK Photography will be taking holiday portraits in the beautifully decorated setting of Niwot Hall. Each session is $135 and includes 15 minutes with the photographer and one fully edited image...
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and five other law enforcement officers met with almost 100 Niwot homeowners in person and on Zoom on Nov. 6 to discuss the rash of break-ins in the area which had begun two to three weeks earlier. Johnson said, "Although we can't share everything, we are taking the situation very seriously." He said that the department's aggressive actions support the goal of putting an end to the intrusions quickly. A great concern is that the perpetrators may be part of...
In a significant show of community support, the Rotary Club of Niwot demonstrated its commitment to diverse community causes through grants totaling $16,550 across thirteen organizations. The club, which began its journey in 2008, has grown into a vibrant community of approximately 40 members united by their commitment to service and fellowship. According to Deborah Fowler, who joined the organization in 2009, the twice-yearly grant program reflects the club's dedication to making a meaningful...
Democrats maintained their strong presence in Boulder County as voters made decisions on numerous races and ballot measures in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. From federal representation to local water district measures, residents weighed in on a wide array of candidates and issues. Federal and State Representation Democrat Joe Neguse secured another term as the U.S. Representative for the 2nd Congressional District. At the state level, Kathy Gebhardt won the race for State Board of Education...
A big change is coming to an historic building in downtown Niwot. What has been known as "The Grange" for nearly 80 years will now be known as "Niwot Hall." It's not the first time the building has been renamed. Originally, the building at 195 Second Ave. was known as Nelson Hall, named after John Nelson, who built it and ran a mercantile business at the location. It is believed to be the first commercial building in Niwot and was home to several different businesses and meeting rooms. Left...
Niwot experienced its first snow of the season this past week, which means winter is quickly approaching. With winter on its way, many Coloradans look forward to skiing, snowshoeing, reading books by a cozy fire, or even traveling to Cancun, Mexico to escape to a warmer climate. However, for many Niwot residents, local annual winter festivities are always a highlight of this approaching season. Enchanted Evening kicks off the winter festivities on Nov. 29 from 5:45 - 9:00 p.m. on Second Avenue...
All trails at Heil Valley Ranch are currently closed due to muddy conditions that may continue for the remainder of the season. The Bitterbrush Trail and the Antelope Trail at Hall Ranch are now open but the remaining trails at Hall Ranch are closed. For the most current updates, check out the Boulder County Parks & Trails website. At the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain, only the Indian Mesa Trail remains open. Eagle Wind and Little Thompson Overlook trails are closed due to muddy...
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....
Nine months came and went. The Left Hand Valley Courier became a non-profit corporation in late 2023, and filed an application with the IRS to be recognized as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable education organization, on January 31, 2024, and waited. Finally, after months of waiting, on Oct. 29, 2024 the IRS approval letter, dated Oct. 11, 2024, arrived, granting the Left Hand Valley Courier the ability to seek tax deductible donations and grants from organizations devoted to preserving local journalism. The IRS determination letter allows the...
Banners adorn the streets of Niwot displaying photos, names and service descriptions of military veterans with connections to the community. The banners, as part of Niwot’s Veterans Banner Project, have been displayed annually since 2019 by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) in conjunction with the Niwot Business Association (NBA) during this time of year for families in the Niwot area to honor their loved ones’ service to our country. The annual celebration ceremony honoring veterans wil...
The Niwot High School Orchestra has been invited to compete in New York City at the national Orchestra Cup. This annual event is a nationwide competition held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where only fifteen of the top orchestras in the nation are invited to attend. This event could be considered the “Super Bowl” of orchestra competitions. Under the direction of Keynes Chen, NHS Orchestra and Mariachi Ensemble Director, the musicians will be traveling to New York in the spr...
Gillian Marie Finnell, a well known local illustrator, has been a Niwot resident for 17 years having moved from Seattle. Her mother taught Finnell and her siblings how to draw when she was very young, and she has been drawing her whole life. Finnell was an art teacher for quite a while in Colorado before she started doing her own illustrations and went back to school to study scientific illustration at California State University Monterey Bay. You might know her best as simply "Gillian Marie,"...
On Oct. 14, the Left Hand Valley Courier emailed Gloria Handyside, Communications Director for the Boulder County Commissioners, inquiring whether the Commissioners planned to amend Boulder County's minimum wage ordinance, in light of the recent breakdown of the Consortium of Cities (COC) regional approach to establishing a county-wide minimum wage. The ordinance sets the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County at a higher rate than incorporated areas in the county. Handyside responded on...
Effective immediately, 71st Street, on the west side of CO 119 (the "Diagonal") from Monarch Road to CO 119, is closed to all modes of transportation through May 2025. See the accompanying map for detour information or visit the CDOT website). This closure is required for the safety of crews working to tie in new southbound CO 119 to existing CO 119 infrastructure as part of the CO 119 Safety, Mobility & Bikeway Improvements Project. Travel delays due to the new configuration at Jay Road and CO...
Boulder Open Space and Parks Management (OSPM) announced that two local trails will be closed. A news release regarding the Heatherwood Trail connection to Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat states: "A portion of the Heatherwood Trail at Walden Ponds will be closed for about one month beginning Monday, Nov. 4, for a City of Boulder sewer line project. Visitors will not be able to connect between Heatherwood Trail and the trails at Walden Ponds. #boco_trails" Please see the accompanying map of the...
Social media was buzzing with reports of an attempted burglary in a Niwot subdivision adjacent to open space near Highway 52 on Halloween night. According to reports, five men attempting to enter a home on the second floor from nearby open space were caught on a security camera. The would-be thieves were shown in a video lifting one member of the group to the second floor balcony, but the homeowners reportedly turned on the lights at that point, and the group quickly ran. The Boulder County...
In the early morning hours, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the siren at the former Niwot Volunteer Fire Department building next to the Left Hand Grange building in Niwot, went off, waking residents of Old Town and beyond. Worried neighbors who called law enforcement were informed that it was not an emergency, and that the siren had simply malfunctioned. Before members of Left Hand Grange No. 9 could respond to the scene, the Boulder County Sheriff's Department responded and pried...
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]....
The Great Pumpkin Party began Oct. 26 with an impressive vocal performance by Niwot Elementary School students in the Left Hand Corner parking lot, a fitting prelude to the presentation of the Curtis Lizakowski Golden Hammer Award for outstanding volunteerism to longtime Niwot resident Neal Anderson. Niwot resident and realtor Pat Murphy, who helped create the award many years ago, made the presentation to Anderson, explaining that the award honors often unsung volunteers who make things happen...
The Great Pumpkin Party kicked off its 27th year in Niwot with an immense crowd on Saturday, Oct. 26, with hundreds of trick-or-treaters in costume roaming the Niwot business district from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local businesses, with owners and staff dressed in costumes themselves, gave out candy to the trick-or-treaters. The Left Hand Grange provided children's movies for youngsters who needed a short break from trick-or-treating. The Niwot High School Key Club created another very popular...
The International Blues Challenge (IBC), the world's largest and most prestigious blues music competition, will once again bring together hundreds of talented musicians from around the globe. Hosted on the iconic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the competition will run from Jan. 7 to 11, 2025. Among those set to compete is Niwot resident Joe Pacheco, bassist and backup vocalist of the blues band George Street and the Drive, who, along with his bandmates, earned the chance to perform in...
On Oct. 28, the Left Hand Valley Courier was notified that the IRS recognizes the Courier as a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, allowing the Courier to seek tax deductible donations and grants to support local journalism. Watch the Courier for details....
On any given Wednesday, if you have wandered into the Inkberry Books in Niwot you most likely have seen the familiar face of Jim Mitchell. Upon entering, you would be greeted with a cheery "Hello," and the opportunity for a hearty chat whether on the question of the most recently delivered book you should read, or what Groucho Marx might have to say on a multitude of subjects. Mitchell's New York City origins are not immediately evident. Indeed the rather circuitous route he has taken to be a...
When Curt and Marianne Bruner decided to downsize after 31 years in Niwot, they bought a lot at 364 Franklin Street in Niwot's Old Town area next to Left Hand Animal Hospital. The previous home at that location had fallen into disrepair and had been scraped by a developer after the death of the owner. The Bruners engaged Niwot architect Anne Postle of Osmosis Architecture to design a one-story home of approximately 2,275 square feet at ground level with a height of just under 29 feet, an...
Niwot Cookie Momsters, Thanks so much for thinking of the STOCKDALE team while we are deployed! The wardroom enthusiastically dug into the homebaked goods - our culinary specialists do a great job, but there is something a cookie baked in a kitchen back stateside. You generated a lot of smiles and about 10 minutes after the attached picture was taken that tray was empty! I also got a kick out of the Left Hand Valley Courier - it is really nice to be reminded who we're out here doing this for....
Tyler Eggers, arrested for causing a crash near Niwot High School after a high speed chase last Valentine’s Day, was sentenced to four years in prison after accepting a plea bargain. Although the defense requested Eggers spend five years in community corrections, the prosecution requested he serve time in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Eggers, 31, was accused of leading law enforcement officers on a car chase through Longmont, which ended in a collision at Niwot High School on Feb. 14, 2024. He was initially charged with reckless drivi...
At the monthly Commuting Solutions members' meeting on Oct. 23, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Governor's Office of Colorado gave presentations. EPA Report KC Becker, the Regional Administrator for the EPA's Region 8, provided graphics showing air quality trends comparing Denver to Salt Lake City (see Air Quality Trends graphic). For what is referred to as "Criteria Pollutants" which are focused on ozone and particulates that are PM...
Inkberry Books in Niwot's Cottonwood Square shopping center hosted local author Peggy Cline Friday, Oct. 25, who read excerpts from her recently published book, "Trout Farming in the People's Republic of Boulder." Cline and her late husband Steve had a trout farm on the edge of Boulder, off of Valmont Road near 55th Street on the edge of Boulder. The book is a tribute to Steve Cline and the memorable moments they created in the foothills of Boulder. That wasn't the only trout farm the Cline...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a nonprofit organization, is dealing with the same issues that the journalism industry, particularly local journalism, is grappling with across the country. This article is the second in a series of reports on the current journalism business climate, the history and contributions of the Courier, why local journalism remains an important asset in community-building, and ways in which its business model can be strengthened. The Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier)...
The City of Boulder, a Consortium of Cities (COC) member, recently voted to increase its minimum wage, as shown in the table below. The increase is less than unincorporated Boulder County's minimum wage ordinance. In contrast, the remaining COC members, including the cities of Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and the town of Erie, have either chosen not to pursue this matter, placed it on hold until 2025, or are still in deliberations. In the summer of 2023, the five members of the COC-an...
In addition to road closures associated with the ongoing CO 119 Safety, Mobility and Bikeway Project that is set to continue for at least the next three years, a road closure on 95th Street between Lookout Road and Valmont Road will continue until December. That means more traffic is diverted to 75th Street and 63rd Street, which also has lane closures due to a waterline replacement. Soon to be closed as well is 71st Street, which also provides access to CO 119. The 71st Street closure will...
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]....
Vesper Trail The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) announced this week that the new Vesper Trail, north of the Heatherwood subdivision, is now open to the public after a mating pair of burrowing owls successfully raised eight new owlets. Congratulations to the new parents who are now facing empty nest syndrome! OSMP thanked members of the public for their cooperation in staying off the brand new trail that was built this past spring, only to be closed to allow the federally...
The transformation of the former 1stBank building into the long-anticipated Gunbarrel branch of the Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) is underway. According to David Farnan, Director of the BPLD, the demolition phase was recently completed. The remaining steps are the design, permitting and construction phases. Emphasizing that the completion date is uncertain, Farnan shared the hope that the new branch will open in approximately June, 2025....
The Boulder County Planning Commission hearing regarding the application for the construction of three new homes at the 39.5-acre rural residential zoned property at Niwot Road and 63rd Street was tabled at the request of the applicant. The new hearing date has been set for Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Boulder County Courthouse. More information earlier reported by the Courier can be found here....
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....
The Niwot Trot, a fundraising race for Niwot Elementary School, was a huge success on Sunday, Oct. 6, raising over $10,000 for the school. "We had a record number of over 700 participants, surpassing our numbers by 100 racers," organizer Aimee Morin said. "It was a perfectly cool, sunny morning and everyone brought happy smiles and great energy, making it a memorable and successful event for our community." The event sent runners of all ages through a new route through the streets of Niwot,...
The annual Great Pumpkin Party will be coming back with plenty of spooktacular events on Oct. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, spanning Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, has been a Halloween tradition in Niwot for the past 27 years. Pat Murphy, one of the founders of the event, continues to organize the activities on behalf of the Niwot Business Association, with funding from the Niwot Local Improvement District. Family-friendly events will include three magic shows in Cottonwood...
Susan Odiseos has been an active volunteer in the Niwot community since she moved here in December 2018, including organizing food drives, participating with the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms, working at Rock & Rails, and being an active member of the Niwot Community Connection (NCC). Odiseos has had a lifetime of community involvement that has changed lives. Odiseos originally lived in Connecticut, and assisted several charity and volunteer organizations there before she moved to Santa Fe around...
It shouldn’t take a research paper to figure out that the reason the cost of living is driving workers and young families out of Boulder County is one thing. It’s not the cost of food, or clothing, or utilities, or other essentials of living that makes it unaffordable to live here. It is the cost of housing. Yet the governing bodies in Boulder County have taken only token steps to address the shortage of affordable, attainable and workforce housing their own policies have created. It’s much too little, and too late. A recent study concl...
Music at the Grange Sunday, Nov. 10 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. This special afternoon of tunes features up to 11 talented local artists performing their renditions of familiar songs with some original pieces sprinkled in. Performers are by invitation only and the community is welcome to listen and enjoy free of charge. Complimentary refreshments are always provided. Niwot Community Connection Thursday, Nov. 14 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. In addition to covering community news and discussing upcoming...
Lindy Bartruff is a face that is familiar to many in the Niwot Community. She has been teaching dance lessons at the Left Hand Grange for four years. Her classes are popular as she teaches all levels of dance including line dancing, social dancing, tap and jazz. Bartruff 's journey to Niwot is a tale of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of artistic expression. Born and raised in Montana to artistically inclined parents - her father a renowned UCC minister and counselor, her mother a...
The Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier), a nonprofit organization, is dealing with the same issues that the journalism industry, particularly local journalism, is grappling with across the country. This article is the first in a series of reports on the current journalism business climate, the history and contributions of the Courier, why local journalism remains an important asset in community-building, and ways in which its business model can be strengthened. There was a time when cities and co...
If you ride a bike in Boulder County, you need to know about Community Cycles. Located at the northeast corner of Spruce and 26th streets, (2601 Spruce Street, Boulder), Community Cycles is more than a biker’s thrift store with refurbished bikes and new and used biking togs and accessories. It is more than a charity that collects bikes for the economically disadvantaged and also gives away 350 bikes to kids during the Christmas season by attending and supporting bike drives. (Have a bike to d...
REVENUE Revenues from the 1% sales tax in the Niwot Local Improvement District is down 8.8% compared to a year ago through July, but the percentage of decrease actually dropped a full percentage point, from 9.8%, since June. LID Treasurer Mary Coonce reported that retail sales are down 7.4%, while accommodations and food are up 6.7% year-to-date compared to 2023. The largest percentage decrease is in a category of "Other and Wholesale," which is down 35% year-to-date. Four funding requests were...
Niwot Historical Society's Now & Then Lecture Series' latest speaker was Gunbarrel resident Tom Myer, an activist and expert on Native American culture. Before an audience of 40 people at the Left Hand Grange on Oct. 10, Myer introduced his lecture called "What is a Powwow?" accompanied by "hand talk," a form of Plains Indian sign language. Myer's information-packed and enthusiastic presentation wove together the tragic history of how American Indians have been treated as a way to elucidate why...
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....
Last Friday, Oct. 4, a beautiful chinkapin oak sapling was planted outside of Niwot Market in honor of the market's late owner, Bert Steele, with a small personal ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The oak will grow to provide shade over the Niwot Market, where Bert loved to work and help the community. The tree honoring Steele began as part of a project started in March 2023 to plant a few trees around Niwot. The focus of the project changed with the loss of Steele, whose life had an amazing impact on...
