FasTracks Update
Some Pieces Of The Puzzle

By Claire Chase

At a June 30 public meeting at the East Boulder Senior Center to discuss potential commuter rail maintenance facility sites along the US 36 corridor, it was apparent that FasTracks is a very large puzzle – one with thousands of pieces.

FasTracks Review

Last November, voters in Denver and Boulder passed the FasTracks Initiative 4A. According to the Regional Transportation District's (RTD) website, “FasTracks is RTD's twelve-year comprehensive plan to build and operate high speed rail lines and expand and improve bus service and Park-n-Rides throughout the region.”

Each section of road that will be affected by FasTracks is being studied and researched to assess cost and impact. Fastracks could potentially fund a rail component along US 36.

Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility

According to a US 36 EIS (Environmental Impact Study) Project Team press release, “A maintenance facility would provide space to

clean, repair and store trains. A central maintenance facility in northeast Denver would serve the US 36 Corridor, the I-70 East Corridor and the North Metro Corridor, if at least two corridors select commuter rail. A maintenance facility in the Boulder area would be selected only if the US 36 Corridor was the only corridor to select com-

muter rail. The size of the facility would be up to 90 acres and must be located adjacent to a rail corridor. The facility would employ between 200 and 400 people, serving up to 24 trains, depending on the number of corridors being served.”

The release also describes a layover facility for trains, which is much smaller than a maintenance facility: “A layover facility would be up to 10 acres and would store trains overnight to facilitate efficient start of service for morning commuting.” Both a maintenance facility and a layover facility are being considered for the US 36 corridor.

Site Selection

Currently, RTD, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are conducting a study to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. This study will evaluate and determine what, if any, sites along the US 36 corridor could be used as a commuter rail maintenance facility.

A maintenance facility in Boulder County along US 36 would only be considered if two things happen: first, if the FasTracks “package” selected for the US 36 corridor contains commuter rail (two of five proposed plans for the US 36 corridor have commuter rail components); and second, if both the I-70 East Corridor and the North Metro Corridor do not select commuter rail technology, leaving the US 36 corridor as the only commuter rail corridor.

The objective of the June 30 meeting was to present the US 36 Corridor EIS study, name possible commuter rail maintenance facility sites on the north end of US 36 (in Boulder and/or Niwot), get public opinion and answer questions pertaining to the US 36 Corridor EIS.

From the original 22 sites, EIS has identified two sites as potential commuter rail maintenance facilities. One site is located on the north end of US 36, from 63rd Street to Highway 52 along Highway 119, while the second is at 48th Street to 63rd Street to north of Arapahoe Road.

Area sites dropped from the study were near Celestial Seasonings, from Jay Road to Celestial Seasonings, and from Celestial Seasonings to 63rd Street . Spokespersons from Celestial Seasonings and Leanin' Tree Museum spoke and thanked the project team for dropping the sites nearest them. The crowd burst into applause when they were told that the sites surrounding Celestial Seasonings were being pulled off the table for good.

Once an initial presentation was made, the project team listened to general comments and questions from those in attendance. They did not answer questions immediately, but rather waited until everyone had been heard before they addressed general concerns and tried to clarify the evaluation process.

Many people spoke on various topics and voiced concerns about issues such as impact on neighborhoods, businesses, water sources, environment and open space. Many were concerned that the process seemed to be looking at small pieces rather than the big picture.

Speakers voiced concern about whether or not the Longmont sites, specifically the Sugar Mill site, were still being looked at, noting that if the Longmont extension were built, the two sites in Boulder and Niwot would no longer be within five miles of the end of the line.

Deputy Project Manager Jonathon Bartsch said that another EIS team was examining the Longmont extension separately. When pressed about the Longmont extension and why the Longmont evaluation was not being taken into consideration by the US 36 evaluation, Bartsch said, “It's a difficult issue because there are a lot of moving pieces.”

Others asked how the plan fit into the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and the Gunbarrel Plan. Rick Ponzak of Gunbarrel asked that the EIS look further than 500 feet to determine impact. He said, “This is of great concern to the residents affected. Something like this, serving a city, should be downtown… It needs to be almost invisible. I am very suspicious of this process and its integrity.” His sentiment seemed to be shared by many in attendance at the meeting.

There was also a discussion about the difference between light rail and commuter rail. (See sidebar) Bartsch said, “Commuter rail makes more sense in this corridor.”

What Is A Viable Site?

The criteria on which sites are evaluated are set by the FHWA and FTA and adhere to regulations in the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). There are several levels of screening.

First, the existing land use must be a rail yard, be rail-related or be zoned for industrial use. If a site meets the initial criteria, then among other things, it must also be within five miles of the proposed end of the line, 70 to 90 acres in size and have at least 7000 feet of at-grade straight track.

If a site meets those requirements, then the next level of screening includes impact on the surrounding properties, property owners, environment, crossings and traffic. The impact study takes into consideration 500 feet on either side of the proposed site. Bartsch explained the process being followed with the EIS as “a federal process where we are required to look at those ranges of options.”

There are a couple of catches to consider about the FasTracks puzzle. First, there is no picture or guide to show what the result should look like. Second, the final picture can change by using some pieces, but not others. Finally, the proposed commuter rail maintenance facility being considered for in or around Boulder is a small piece of the overall puzzle, which may or may not be built depending on how other pieces fit together.

The US 36 EIS project team encourages public input and is currently soliciting comments and concerns through its website. For more information about the US 36 EIS, go to www.us36eis.com.

The EIS project for the I–70 East Corridor is also currently underway and encourages public input. Its website is www.I-70eastcorridor.com.

For more information on FasTracks, go to the RTD website, www.Rtd-denver.com .

Map JPG - Map Courtesy of US 36 Corridor EIS

Calling All Quilters For Nostalgia Day

By Mary Wolbach Lopert

Area quilters will be front and center at the 2005 edition of Niwot Nostalgia Day on Sept. 10. Quilts from the Interfaith Quilters of Longmont will be displayed at the Left Hand Grange from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. These wonderful pieces of art will be sold at the quilters' annual sale in March. All proceeds are divided between the OUR Center and SAFE Center in Longmont .

Anyone wishing to loan a quilt will be welcomed. It doesn't matter if the quilts are old, new, small, large, unfinished, wearable art or pillows; all types of quilts are being accepted. Children of all ages are also encouraged to participate.

Jeananne Wright, an AQS Certified Appraiser, will be available to appraise quilts again this year.

For information on displaying your quilt or other questions, call Emily DeCillis at 303-652-1179.

Photo by Mary Wolbach Lopert

Emily DeCillis holds the Niwot quilt, which will be displayed again at this year's Niwot Nostalgia Day on Sept. 10. The quilt was made in 2004 by several of Niwot's most enthusiastic quilters and depicts places, people and events that are important in Niwot's history.

RMCC Files Revised Plans

Special to the Courier

On July 25, Graham Billingsley, Director of the Boulder County Planning Department reported that Rocky Mountain Christian Church (RMCC) had filed revised plans and applications late last week seeking approval of its plans for expansion of its church and school at 95th Street and Niwot Road. “We will review the plans early this week,” he said. “If the plans exhibit only minor revisions they may go on to the county commissioners. If there are substantial changes they will go back to the Planning Commission for its review and recommendation. We will make a decision after our review.”

The application included a letter to Boulder County from RMCC which responded to all of the county staff comments to the original application, which the Planning Commission recommended for denial last year. Following are some highlights of the revised application:

• The building area will increase by 125% (to a total of 238,200 square feet), the paved areas will increase by 112% and the open space will be reduced by 24%.
• The increased building area will be 132,200 square feet, not 140,350 square feet as noted in the staff report. In addition there is a 2,600 square foot maintenance shed on the site, which will be relocated. 58% of the 55-acre site will be open.
• Changes to the plan include the following:
• The retention pond has been relocated and is now 1.3 acres.
• The buffer area to Quiet Retreat is increased to 110/135 feet from 85/115 feet. The parking in this area has been reduced by 22%.
• The balcony proposed in the sanctuary has been eliminated. The maximum attendance for a Sunday has been 1,100 persons in the present sanctuary, although 1,425 persons is the legal capacity. The legal capacity would increase to 1,550 persons.

The church maintains that this facility “ties in” and is compatible with the surrounding areas, and that the design is sensitive to the church's neighbors.

Rick Thielen, Minister of Operations for RMCC, noted that the survey put out last summer by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) did not reflect many of the changes made to the church's plans. “The survey stated that the ‘vast majority of users come from outside the Niwot area,' but the fact is 75 percent of our members come from within a five to six mile radius of the church,” Thielen noted. “This is approximately the same distance that most Niwot area residents drive for work or grocery shopping.”

Thielen also noted that the NCA survey identified traffic increases as a concern. “The fact is RMCC usage is primarily during off-peak hours and on weekends. Rocky Mountain Christian Academy hours are staggered to avoid commuting traffic.”

“Correcting the numbers is important,” he continued, “but more important is RMCC's desire to strengthen our 21-year tradition of community service. The survey stated, ‘79 community groups use the facility, with 36 from the Boulder/Niwot area.' But the fact is, 170+ community groups, non-profits and service organizations use RMCC facilities free of charge, with nearly all from the Boulder/Niwot/Longmont area.”

Thielen noted that there are no plans for a high school at the RMCC campus. “We are more than a church. We are a K-8 school, a childcare provider and a community of volunteers making a positive difference in Niwot and Boulder County every day.”

Niwot Bandstand A Star Spangled Success
Three Thousand Celebrate July 4

By Bruce Warren

When Pat Murphy of Niwot Real Estate came up with a kids and pets parade on the 4th of July several years ago, the parade attracted a hundred or so Niwotians to Second Avenue , and was over in a matter of minutes. This summer, with the completion of the new Niwot Bandstand, the Niwot Business Association (NBA) used the parade as the centerpiece of an old fashioned Fourth celebration, with everything but the fireworks.

The Niwot Market hosted a pancake breakfast, then donated over $700 in proceeds to the NBA for bandstand expenses. The turnout was so large that many people were turned away or simply left to go to the parade.

Bert Steele, who organized the breakfast, estimated that over 600 people were served. Among them were long-time Niwot residents Idell Leinweber, Mildred Seader and Naomi Tilbury. Seader and Tilbury have retired to Longmont , but the three spent many years as part of the Niwot Garden Club, which landscaped the former bandstand that stood in old town Niwot.

Chris Kanowitz observed that the three represented well over 200 years of combined Niwot residency.

They displayed a photo of the former Niwot Military Band at the old bandstand. The musicians included John Dodd, who passed away a few years ago and was believed to be the last surviving member.

The parade, with assistance from Neal Anderson and Cliff Tharp of the Niwot Community Association, began in Cottonwood Square , featuring a host of kids, bikes and pets, all dressed in patriotic garb. The parade also included a VFW color guard, several antique cars, fire trucks and longtime Niwot supporters Ray and Verna Newman driving a flatbed with musicians from the reconstituted Niwot Community Band, playing “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

The Boulder County Sheriff's Department, including former NHS resource officer Russ Nanny, handled traffic. Although the parade was over in 10 minutes, the crowds for the parade and concert were estimated at over 3,000 people.

Many folks got to the bandstand early to get a shady seat for the inaugural performance. Among the crowd were Marc and Sherri Faulkner, former proprietors of Rev. Taylor's Restaurant.

The festivities opened with the band performing “You're a Grand Old Flag,” followed by an official welcome from NBA President Biff Warren, and a moving rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The local musicians, who began meeting in the Grange Hall two weeks before the concert, included new Niwot High Band Director Heather Meier, trumpets Katie Warren and Angelica Schira, trombones Tyler Coffey, Dawna Mazzulla and Biff Warren, alto sax Tommy Benning, tenor saxes Geoff Chase and Nate Birt, flute Melanie Herrmann, tubas Wally Moffatt and Mike Weiss, electric bass Nalani Clissett, drummer Doug Carpenter, and assistant director-percussionist-stage manager Lee Shaw. Moffatt plays with the Shriner's band and supplied all of the music.

While some “older” musicians hadn't played in 30 years, younger members are current or former NHS musicians. Ironically, the former incarnation of a Niwot community band, known then as the Niwot Military Band, was the featured photo (circa 1912) for July in the Niwot Historical Calendar, which was on sale.

Emcee and NBA Secretary Rockin' Robin Abb presided over the concert, which featured a two-hour performance by the John Philip Sousa Band of Denver. The band is one of only two in the country authorized to use the Sousa name. It performed several Sousa marches and other favorites.

The performance was made possible by a grant from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Niwot's history as a railroad town was accentuated by the timely passing of a Burlington-Northern train and a horn blast during one of the Sousa Band's numbers that almost seemed choreographed.

At intermission, the Niwot Community Band played five more songs. Bandstand project director Tim Wise of Wise Buys Antiques cut the ribbon, officially dedicating the bandstand to the community. Several other concerts are planned for the summer, including the Aug. 13, Lobster Bash, an afternoon performance on Nostalgia Day on Sept. 10, and a wine, blues and art festival planned for October.

Abb and Wise presented awards recognizing the contributions of many community volunteers to the bandstand, including Dan Zbozien, who was in charge of construction, Black Roofing, which donated and installed the roof, Bill O'Donnell and Boy Scout Troop 161, which provided much of the volunteer labor, Selene Hall of Bank of the West, which made the land available for the bandstand and the caboose, Excel Electric, which was responsible for the electrical service, Gary Blake and Rocky Mountain Christian Church volunteers, who provided children's activities, risers for the band and parking control, Chris Dailey of Boulder Creek Events, which organized the food vendors, and Boulder County, which partially funded the project with an economic development grant.

Ken Fucik, former NBA President and co-initiator of the project with Wise, was unable to be present due to an overseas work commitment, but his wife and grandchildren were presented with a life-size head shot photo symbolizing his contributions.

Claire Chase organized local Girl Scouts and friends to decorate the bandstand with hanging flower baskets. Chloe Chase, Allie Wise and Taylor McClellan raffled them off, raising over $180 toward the bandstand costs. The Left Hand Grange donated ice cream for the event, which according to host Dorinda Dembroski, proved to be very popular on the hot day.

Long-time residents Ed and Carol Conilogue noted that the celebration was a little different than the ones in Niwot's early days. “The men were all in bib overalls, and they all stood over there,” Ed said, motioning to Idell Lienweber's back yard. “The women all stood over on the other side and visited,” he continued. “There was horseshoes and sometimes we played ball.”

The concert ended with the Sousa Band's rousing rendition of “Stars ‘N Stripes Forever.” Following the concert, local historian and Niwot Historical Society President Anne Dyni led a group on a walking tour.

According to George Keeler of La Cavasita, merchants who stayed open for the holiday reported a good day of sales. And a good day of celebration.

Photo by Claire Chase

Attendees had a blast with the John Philip Sousa Band of Denver at the 4th of July Niwot Bandstand inauguration.

Enchanted Bookstore To Close

By Julie Fowler

By the end of August, Niwot will see the doors of one of its long-time businesses close. The Enchanted Bookshop, which opened as The Yankee Doodler 15 years ago, is hosting its going out of business sale through August.

Proprietor Pam Martin explained that she's closing the book store, which she bought in September 2002, for a number of reasons, primarily financial.

“Partly it's me,” she said. “I think I need to move on. Another part is economics. You can get books everywhere now. They're ubiquitous. They're at the supermarket, Costco, Target. It's impossible to compete with stores like Borders, which is selling the new Harry Potter at 40 percent off. That's basically my cost. It's a special customer who's going to come here and pay full price.”

Pat Brunner is one of those customers. As one of the more than 200 “frequent buyers” who Martin knows by name, she said what set The Enchanted Bookshop apart from bigger chain stores was the customer service and personal touches. Brunner has been shopping at the Niwot book store since Marcie Hawley opened it in 1990 at 112 2nd Ave.

Brunner said she frequented the shop “because I like the friendly atmosphere and the fact that somebody knew my name. Both Marcie and Pam did a wonderful job of personalizing the business.”

Hawley, who still lives in the Niwot area, said she admired how Martin diversified the store through author readings, town book discussions and writing workshops. Hawley said that while there still are independent book stores throughout the country, each year their numbers dwindle. “It's really hard to make it with the competition,” Hawley said.

Since Christmas, sales have dropped dramatically, Martin said. In addition, most downtown retailers will tell you that owning and staffing your own store has its limits.

“Our hours are funky for today's culture,” Martin said. “But when you're working the shop by yourself, you don't necessarily want to be here until 11 at night. And there's not really enough foot traffic here at night to pay for someone else to be here.”

Robin Abb, owner of Rockin' Robin's and secretary of the Niwot Business Association, said the loss of the book store is going to be huge for the town.

“I think any store closing down here is a sad occasion,” Abb said. “I particularly will miss the bookstore because just having an independent book store in itself is a wonderful addition to any community. But I also just adore Pam.”

Abb, who moved her retro and resale clothing store to a street front location in November, has a message for Niwotians. “We all find reasons to shop for discounts,” she said. “It's one of the reasons I opened a used clothing store. If people really love this downtown and don't want to see it dry up, it's really important they put their dollars down here.”

While Martin will continue living in Niwot, she isn't sure what the future holds for her. But she stressed how thankful she was for her customers and the sense of “family” she developed in Niwot.

“I never had such a sense of community,” she said, admitting that her emotions about closing the shop are mixed. “I'm all over the map. It depends on the day. I'm really sad, but I'm also really excited. Sometimes your own life demands that you do something, whether you want to or not. I feel like this is one of those circumstances.”

Photo by Julie Fowler

Pam Martin, owner of The Enchanted Bookstore, is closing her shop.

Gunbarrel Community Western Roundup And Backyard BBQ Cookoff

By Claire Chase

Gunbarrel residents are dusting off their spurs and getting ready for the third annual Western Roundup and BBQ contest. The Roundup will be on August 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gunbarrel Square Center .

The event will feature the BBQ contest, a western costume contest, exhibition stage, carnival games, face painting stations, scavenger hunts and a silent auction. The silent auction will benefit Special Ties Foundation, a local group of volunteers committed to helping the community. One sponsor, Serranos Restaurant, plans to have a beer garden.

Sheri Sandberg, a coordinator of the event, anticipates a good turnout. “This is the third year and every year it gets bigger,” she said. “This year we are inviting all amateur BBQ wannabes to a contest that's going to be sponsored by KT's.

“Another new thing this year,” Sandburg said, “will be a stage set up by VineLife Community Church . We already have some acts, but we still need acts-exhibitors, dance or singing acts that would like to perform.”

The event's coordinators hope to secure a wide variety of exhibitions by martial arts groups, children's singing or acting groups, musical groups, dance troops and gymnastics or cheerleading groups.

Sandberg said that the Western Roundup is a great way for local business owners to show their appreciation for the Gunbarrel community. It is also a way for neighbors to get to know each other.

So, saddle up your horse and mosey on down to the roundup, Pardner.

To inquire about participating in the BBQ contest or the exhibition stage, contact Sheri Sandberg at 303-530-0624 or Bal Patterson at 720-938-5250.

Computer Corner

About Adware

By Donna Currie

When someone's computer is infested with adware and spyware, the victim often asks, “How did this get on my computer?” Here's one answer.

Direct Revenue, aka ABetterInternet (ABI), is a company that creates adware. A press release from them stated (the following is edited for length; quoted material is in italics):

The Aurora ad client is designed to improve product visibility and consumer services. Direct Revenue CTO Dan Doman said, “From a technology standpoint, Aurora represents a leap forward in connecting consumers to advertisers.”

It may be a leap forward for advertisers, but it's making computer users hopping mad. Broadbandreports.com, a website dedicated to high-speed Internet information, had this to say:

Direct Revenue (aka AbetterInternet) is one of the companies given the green light by AOL's Netscape trust rating system. The self-professed “leader in online media” has sent cease and desist warnings to companies who categorize their software as malicious. But malicious it is, Direct Revenue's new Aurora software is making users so angry, they're filing class action lawsuits and calling Congress. Our post on the subject has received over 18,000 unique views, most of those from Google users searching for ways to remove it.

Here's something interesting from one of those cease and desist letters:

ABetterInternet delivers advertisements through a pop-up advertising software application which is only installed by users who affirmatively accept BetterInternet's terms and conditions.

Their definition of “affirmatively accept” is different than mine.

Users can readily and easily uninstall the Ad Client at any time from their computers by using the online process at www.mypctuneup.com. This information is clearly disclosed in the EULA. Mypctuneup is owned by ABI. More on that later.

EULA stands for End User License Agreement. Here is part of it:

• This Software will collect information about websites you access and will use that information to display advertising on your computer. The ads will appear while you are surfing the Web, not just when you use the Software.
• This means whenever you're online you'll get pop-up ads.
• By clicking “yes,” “install” or downloading, installing or using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Agreement, agree to be bound by its terms.
• So you agree that you've read and agreed by simply downloading the software, even though that EULA may be nowhere to be seen.

The Software may, without any additional notice: display pop-up ads and various other ad formats of third party advertisers; display links to and advertisements of related websites based on the information you view and the websites you visit; store non-personally identifiable information regarding your Internet browsing and usage habits; redirect certain URLs, including your browser's default 404-error page; provide advertisements, links or information in response to search terms you use at third-party websites; provide search functionality or capabilities.

You may uninstall the Software at any time by visiting www.mypctuneup.com Other attempts to uninstall the Software, such as via anti-spyware software, will not effectively uninstall the Software.

So, allegedly the only way you can uninstall it is by using another of the company's products.

Visiting www.mypctuneup.com is the primary method to properly remove the Software. MyPCTuneUp will leave behind a unique identifier on your computer.

The uninstall software installs something else on your computer.

You agree not to initiate, permit, authorize or assist any third party or application to remove the Software from your computer, or disrupt its proper operation. ABI may store a cookie, computer file or other unique identifier on your computer to identify you and may automatically repair or reinstall the Software if any third party application attempts to delete, disable or modify the Software.

So, if you try to remove it, this software will “phone home” and tell the company that it is you doing the uninstall, and then it will reinstall itself. You understand and agree that ABI may, without providing additional notice to you: update the Software; install added features, functionality or additional software, including search clients, toolbars and shopping applications; install desktop icons and installation files; and install software from ABI affiliates.

Once you have this program, you're allowing them to install anything else they want. You understand and agree that ABI may flush the list of all trusted sites in your browser from time to time. Thereafter, you may need to re-designate as trusted sites web sites which you had previously designated as trusted sites.

If you have your computer set to only allow certain trusted sites, like your bank and your antivirus software provider, they can fix it so that you can't get to those sites any more.

Some third parties may attempt to disrupt network communications to and from your computer to ABI's servers. We reserve the right to correct the conflict in order to preserve proper communication.

If you block access from your computer to ABI's computers, ABI can get into your computer to permit access again.

You understand and agree, by installing the Software that ABI and/or the Software may, without any additional notice to you, remove, disable or render inoperative other adware programs resident on your computer. This in turn, may disable or render inoperative other software resident on your computer, including software bundled with such adware. This may also have other adverse impacts on your computer.

So they can disable any software on your computer that they want to.

MyPCTuneUp collects Non-Personal Information from users of the MyPCTuneUp Software including but not limited to: your computers' machine ID, IP address, registry values, MAC address, volume serial ID, the computer name, and your ISP. MyPCTuneUp also uses web bugs and cookies in connection with the MyPCTuneUp Software.

That “not limited to” phrase sounds like they can gather anything they want; what they list is pretty invasive to begin with. And I can't imagine you really want a “web bug” on your computer.

So there it is. You get this adware by unknowingly accepting a licensing agreement for a program that can install, uninstall and reinstall programs; reconfigure your computer so that it can spy on you; and send you ads. This software can pretty much render a computer useless – I've seen it in action. And they're darned proud of it.

Donna Currie owns B.C. Computer, a repair service and more. For repairs, just drop your computer off at Longmont Printing, 628 S. Sunset. Longmont .

For more information about repair service, call 303-651-7433 or email to donna@computertoyz.com. Got a technical question? Just send an email. No charge, no obligation.

Niwot-Boulder American Legion Team Wins in Alaska

By LuAnn Piccard

The Niwot-Boulder American Legion Post 10 baseball team, sponsored by State Farm of Colorado, won the 2005 BP Exploration American Legion Invitational Tournament in Anchorage , Alaska . The 11th annual tournament was held from July 7-10 and culminated in a 7-4 victory over the local favorite Post 34 East Anchorage Thunderbirds. Approximately twelve of the twenty-one team members played for either Boulder or Niwot High Schools during the 2005 season. The team, coached by Bob Bote from Niwot High School and Jack Taylor from Boulder High School , was also undefeated in a tournament held in Kenai , Alaska over the July 4th weekend.

The performance of the team during both tournaments was marked with consistent hitting power as well as excellent defense and pitching. The team scored 22 total runs during the tournament and allowed only 11.

The team got off to a slow start in the Sunday afternoon semi-final. However, after two controversial calls in the bottom of the fourth inning, the fired-up team defeated the Post 300 Napolean River Bandits from Napolean , Ohio by a score of 8 to 4 behind the pitching of Jeff Squier from Sterling . One of the most impressive plays of the tournament was the fast footwork of Mike Provencher, a member of the Colorado team from El Paso , Texas . Provencher stole second, third and home after singling during his first at-bat in the fifth inning. Tim Kupfner, father of pitcher Josh Kupfner, said of Provencher's dirt-covered uniform after he stole home, “Mike is sure bringing some of Alaska home with him.”

The championship game, played under Alaska 's “midnight sun”, got off to a fast start with the Niwot-Boulder team scoring six runs in the first inning. Sean Ratliff, the Stanford-bound pitcher from Niwot, allowed six hits, struck out eight and also contributed three doubles in his four at-bats. Solid teamwork by all players across the board underscored the victory. Joe Roth, also from Niwot, received the tournament MVP award with five RBIs and a .333 batting average.

Players from the Niwot-Boulder American Legion Post 10 baseball team, sponsored by State Farm of Colorado, celebrate their victory in the BP Exploration American Legion Invitational in Anchorage , Alaska . Joe Roth (facing camera, without hat and wearing shorts) received the tournament's MVP award. Sean Ratliff, no. 6, speaks with the local media after the game.