All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Niwot and Gunbarrel residents should be extra cautious about clearing out valuables and locking their vehicles along with making sure their garage doors are down, Boulder County Sheriff’s Department Commander Mike Wagner told Niwot Community Association board members at the board’s April 4 meeting. “We are seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts, along with crimes of opportunity,” Wagner said. “People are having their cars stolen, along with items from their unlocked vehicles or open garages.” Wagner said the sheriff’s department believes ther... Full story
Fellow Niwotions, Having just completed Margaret Coel’s “Chief Left Hand,” it seems those visiting the sculptures and historical markers may infer, incorrectly, that the photograph displayed is Chief Niwot. However, this is his cousin, “No-Ta-Nee” a less prominent Southern Arapaho Bosse. (Photograph UC library Western History Collection, Page 226-e of Coel’s book). Chief Left Hand’s brother, Neva is pictured as the ranking Southern Arapaho present. There are no known photographs of The Great Chief Niwot — perhaps was his plan as many Chiefs... Full story
Dear Editor, As a faithful reader of the Left Hand Valley Courier, I always look forward to your April Fool's edition. However, I am very disappointed that my favorite columnist, Warren Piece, did not write his yearly story. So, he may not be a Pulitzer prize winner but who was that Artie Fischel guy and how come he got the front page? Warren Piece is a legend in his own mind and I miss his column. Sincerely, Waiting for next year ***** Dear Waiting, Alas, certain matters arose which diverted my attention from the opportunity to add to your...
The Courier’s Little Guy (LG) , the former face and some say the brains behind the Left Hand Valley Courier, will be turning 21 on April 1. The Little Guy graced the banner of the Courier for 18 years before an early retirement. That said, on April 1 and throughout the entire month, the Courier is encouraging readers to toast to the Little Guy as they enjoy beverages. “I really do appreciate the cards, fan mail and flowers people have sent already,” LG said. “For future reference, don’t s...
When Niwot student Jackson Cloud’s eponymous band beat out Golden-based Thunder and Rain in the final round of the Oskar Blues Battle of the Bands contest last month, it is fair to say he was a little awestruck. At the tender age of 17, Cloud and his blues-infused classic rock combo band outplayed five other competitors to claim the 2018 crown and will perform on the Oskar Blues BolderBOULDER Expo Stage during the iconic race, which commemorates its 40th anniversary in May. “I was surprised jus... Full story
The abrupt closure of Powder Keg Brewing Company earlier this month may have been a shock to its Niwot neighbors, but industry insiders have seen the signs of a plateau in the craft beer market for a while. After years of red-hot growth in brewery openings and sales volume, the demand for new craft beer is leveling off and brewers are starting to feel the pinch as consumers increasingly spend their recreational dollars elsewhere. “Absolutely, the market is tightening,” Odyssey Beerwerks’ Jeff...
Local robotics Team 1619, based in Longmont, earned a significant honor this month at the Hub City Regional Competition in Lubbock, Texas - the Regional Chairman’s Award. Along with their alliance teams, the team also took first place out of 41 teams at the same event. Since the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) team was formed in 2004, and dubbed Up-A-Creek Robotics, membership and facilities have dramatically improved. Its beginnings were humble, with the first meeting in a t...
Upgrades to local trails are a few steps closer to being ready for the upcoming warmer weather. Brent Wheeler, with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, said that the key component of the whole project is the Left Hand Valley Grange trailhead, which has been redesigned and rebuilt. The original parking lot was built to accommodate a small picnic area and playground, as well as the ball field, which is leased by Niwot Youth Sports. “This is to provide more capacity for parking for both Niwot Youth Sports and our trail visitors,” Wheeler said. “S...
Niwot Community Association Board of Directors are gearing up for the organization’s annual meeting in April. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Left Hand Grange, 195 Second Avenue, Niwot. All NCA members are invited to attend the meeting; those who are not members can join that evening as long as they live in the NCA’s service area, which includes the greater Niwot area and a small portion of Gunbarrel. The cost for an annual NCA membership is $30. During the meeting, outgoing NCA President Dick Piland will outline...
Kim and Alan Schwarz have racked up thirty some years of odd jobs for their resume. A little of this and a little of that adds up to a whole lot of doing good. When you have kind hearts, some really cool tools, and simply notice that something needs to be done, your hometown is fortunate to have you waiting in the wings. One of Niwot’s stealth power couples, the Schwarzes have made it their second nature to jump in and plow parking lots, cart around 300-pound Left Hand cement chairs, buy h... Full story
The Niwot LID Advisory Committee held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on March 6, despite the fact that the Boulder County Commissioners have yet to fill the four vacancies that opened when five-year terms for four of the board’s nine members expired. Boulder County staff liaison Mark Ruzzin cited unexpected travel commitments and illnesses for the delay by the commissioners, and invited the departing members—Satir DeMarco, co-Chair Laura Skaggs, Tony Santelli, and Howard Tre...
Four Niwot neighbors and friends, Tina Eden, Patti Hoge, Liana Street and Dawn Server are hosting a pot luck dinner this weekend at The Left Hand Grange. The dinner is March 18 from 4:30 to 6:30. Bring a dish to share and place settings; beverages will be provided. The purpose of the pot luck is to educate people about pollinators — specifically why populations are declining and ways humans can help. “The reason for the pot luck is to have a pollinator safe neighborhood,” Eden said. “It’s informative to let people know that there have been... Full story
The neighborhood around 304 Franklin Street in Niwot recently received a referral packet regarding the Left Hand Animal Hospital’s proposed move to that location. Hospital co-owners Nancy Bureau and Katie Thomas are in the process of purchasing the property, which is the current home of the Neighborhood Learning Center of Niwot. The packet is part of a special use application process to the Boulder County Land Use department, along with maps and the proposal submitted by Bureau and Thomas. The proposal highlights the criteria required by the c...
An outstanding lecture on the life of William F. Cody by Steve Freisen was enjoyed by a crowd of at least 120 people on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot. As the first 2018 speaker at the Niwot: Then & Now lecture series, sponsored by the Niwot Historical Society, Friesen entertained the crowd with many anecdotes and details of the life of Buffalo Bill. Friesen had been the director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain overlooking Golden for 21 years before... Full story
Niwot junior Caleb Churchill doesn’t remember a time when gymnastics wasn’t an important part of his life. As the son of a long-time gymnastics coach, Churchill has been in training ever since he could stand on his own. “When I learned to walk, my mom started doing classes for me,” Churchill said. “I started learning the basics then, and when I was in kindergarten, I started competing.” His mom, Kenzie, is the head coach at Cats Gymnastics in Boulder. Now in his tenth competitive season, the... Full story
This month’s progress issue features several area groups, clubs and organizations that are all about volunteerism. Though they may range in variety — such as the Niwot Historical Society, the Niwot Community Association or the Longmont Foundation — they have one common goal, and that is to make the community a better place to live, work and play. The next six pages of this issue feature several of the organizations, what they’re about and ways to get involved. We hope you enjoy learning about the many groups that make this community tick. N...
While waiting on the back side of Ski Cooper to take her final run in the girls slalom race at the 2018 CHSAA Alpine Skiing Championships on Feb. 23, Niwot freshman Emily Creek wasn’t sure what to think. Though she was racing on one of her favorite courses and held the lead by nearly a full second, the ninth-grader was afraid she would lose her competitive edge if she allowed herself to relax even a little bit. As she waited for 14 other competitors to take their runs before her, Creek decided t... Full story
Longmont-based Brewhop Trolley has announced plans to expand service to nine breweries in the Niwot and Gunbarrel area beginning next month. The new Brewhop Tour, which is scheduled to launch on March 24, will depart from the Tasty Weasel Tap Room on Sunset Street and stop at Beyond the Mountain Brewing, Asher Brewing, Avery Brewing, Finkel & Garf Brewing, Vindication Brewing, Gunbarrel Brewing, Bootstrap Brewing, and Powder Keg Brewing. “There’s six breweries in Gunbarrel and two in Niw...
Niwot Historical Society’s first presentation in the 2018 Lecture Series will feature Buffalo Bill expert, Steve Friesen. Buffalo Bill Cody died 101 years ago but due to his colorful and very public life, his biography still captivates. “As a small boy I read about Buffalo Bill and thought he was just the coolest guy,” Friesen said. “But I discovered he was in show business and I was a little disappointed to think he was only an actor. I went on to learn he wasn’t an actor, he was the real deal and had an impact on the Wild West and our under... Full story
On Feb. 6, the Niwot LID Advisory Committee considered five funding requests, got a sneak preview of the NBA’s 2018 budget and heard after-action reports for two popular events from last year. They also said goodbye to AC members Tony Santelli and Howard Treppeda, who will be stepping down at the end of the month when their latest five-year terms expire. Treasurer Harris Faberman led off with an update on the District’s 2017 finances. The LID collected $13,253.70 in sales tax revenue for Nov... Full story
Chuck Rodgers’ personality emits enthusiasm, which is precisely what you would imagine from the creator of one of the grandest holiday light displays in the area. His creation is the resplendent colony of lights on the crest of the hill on 79th Street between Gunbarrel and Niwot. Rodgers’ deeply set back home leaves ample room for a drive-through holiday light extravaganza. In keeping with his own high energy level, Rodgers fills the enormous yard with the flash, flicker and flair of huge inf... Full story
After a short thank you by Chuck Klueber, Niwot Business Association Streetscapes Coordinator, a few key people grabbed shovels on this brisk day, and moved some dirt for an official groundbreaking to start the Connectivity Project, which covers about 5000 square feet at the corner of Niwot Road and 79th Street. Aiming for an end of March completion of the dirt moving, rock placement, and infrastructure, Outdoor Craftsmen owner Scott Deemer said his workers were ready to start work as soon as...
A Niwot mainstay will be bidding farewell to the community when the Neighborhood Learning Center of Niwot closes its doors at the end of the school year. The property, located at 304 Franklin Street, is slated to be revamped for the care of four-pawed family members. The transition will mark the end of a Niwot-based preschool and daycare program, which has run for nearly 40 years on the site. The building, first built as a church by what is now the Niwot United Methodist Church on Lookout Road,... Full story
Katie Thomas and Nancy Bureau, owners of the Left Hand Animal Hospital, announced during the Niwot Business Association meeting last week that they hope to be changing locations. The local veterinarians announced that they are under contract to purchase the Neighborhood Learning Center of Niwot, which would move the hospital’s practice to 304 Franklin Street later this year. The new location would be close to their current facility at 136 Second Avenue. Current zoning for the property allows a...
At the heart of each community are places where locals gather -- newcomers are welcomed, food is shared, ideas are discussed, holidays are celebrated, accomplishments are acknowledged, information is disseminated and music is enjoyed. The result is a coming together that brings a sense of being part of vibrant community. Left Hand Grange No. 9 fulfills all of these needs in Niwot. Over 150 years ago, when the United States was primarily an agrarian society, people lived more isolated lives on...
Kirk Stewart wears many hats and, a kilt now and then too. A longtime resident of the Niwot area, Stewart steps up in many capacities for the community. Stewart’s professional life was as an aerospace engineer and a civil engineer. He has worked for governmental agencies and aerospace firms. For the past nine years, after leaving working life behind, he amped up his community service activities. Stewart is a very energetic member of the Rotary Club of Niwot. Through the organization he’s bec... Full story
The Niwot Community Association Board will see some changes in leadership for 2018. At the Jan. 3 NCA meeting, President Dick Piland announced that he will not run again when his current term ends in April. Piland has served as NCA president since April 2013. New officers will be voted on at the NCA’s annual meeting for members. That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot. NCA board members are putting together a slate of candidates for the open positions, and will also take nominations at the a...
Edward (Moon) Thomas Navarro of Longmont, Colorado passed away on December 31, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette after a long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born on August 18, 1953 in Pueblo, Colorado to Adrian and Marie (Belen) Navarro, and was the third eldest child of nine. After graduating from Pueblo South High School, Edward left Pueblo to attend college and obtain his Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Colorado-Boulder. It i...
Burlington Elementary’s Left Hand Courier Student of the Week is Koli Hines. Koli is a third grader and has been a Burlington Trailblazer since preschool. Koli’s favorite subjects in school are art and math. Outside of school, she studies dance at Airborne Gymnastics and Dance. Koli studies tap, jazz and ballet, but her favorite is ballet. The Burlington community had a chance to see Koli’s dancing talent when she performed with her dad in the talent show last year. She is an excellent stude... Full story
Nathan Hemenway earned the rank of Eagle Scout last month after completing 49 achievements for merit badges. Boy Scout Troop 161, sponsored by Left Hand Grange No. 9, now has 83 scouts who have attained the rank of Eagle. Scoutmaster Justin Brooks, Troop Advancement Chair Michelle Law, and Troop Treasurer Mike Horn presented the award at the Court of Honor. Hemenway began scouting as a Cub Scout in San Ramon, CA. After earning the Arrow of Light, he bridged to Boy Scout Troop 888 in San Ramon....
It is with great sadness that we report the heartbreaking news that Ed Navarro, longtime sports photographer for the Courier, passed away Dec. 31 after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Though his death will be felt deeply by his wife Trudy, a retired teacher, and his two children, Ed “Lucky” Navarro and Emily Marcellus, his friends and the many lives he touched will also experience a great loss. I knew Ed as a lawyer in Longmont for many years before he took up photography. I recall seeing him... Full story
Niwot cheer coach Alexis Bellinger isn’t shy about praising her team’s performance at this year’s Class 4A State Cheerleading tournament, held Dec. 8-9 at the Denver Coliseum. “The girls were in a great place,” said Bellinger, who co-coaches the team with former Erie cheer assistant Catherine Linhardt. “Everything was falling into place. We went out to perform, and they had an absolutely flawless routine. They had zero deductions. Absolutely every stunt, every tumbling, and every jump hit, and w...
Two Boulder County departments are working together to improve the trailhead at Left Hand Valley Grange Park on 83rd. Matt Wempe, with Boulder County Transportation, said that they are building the restrooms while the Parks and Open Space department is doing the rest of the improvements. “It’s really meant to serve not only folks using the park but those use the Longmont-Boulder regional trail,” Wempe said. The restroom will be a two-stall prefabricated building colored similar to the rest...
The Women’s International Niwot Club (WINC) held the seventh-annual Holiday Fayre at the Left Hand Grange earlier this month. According to WINC president Deborah Fowler, 541 people stopped by the Fayre and contributed to the record bake sale for the event that raised $1,400. Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by, and gift certificates were handed out from local merchants. “We were trying to make it a community event by promoting local businesses as well,” Fowler said. WINC had given out bags and maps...
The Niwot Historical Society received some good news - the 1910 fire cart was accepted in the Colorado Collections Connections’ top 10 significant artifacts list for 2017. The contest has been going on for five years, and Niwot has gotten enough votes from the public to be included on the list for the last two years — with the branded blacksmith doors making it in 2016. Niwot Historical Society president Kathy Koehler said that the cart is significant due to its construction and the time per... Full story
Niwot head girls basketball coach Terri Ward didn’t need to come up with any clever gimmicks to motivate her team this year. After coming achingly close to making the postseason for the first time since 2014, Ward and her team are keeping one number in mind as they take the court for the 2017-18 season: .003678. “Point zero-zero-three-six-seven-eight is driving this team this year,” said Ward, who is entering her fifth season since resuming head coaching duties in 2013. That tiny number was t...
Niwot has the good fortune of being Alyson Bell’s family. And, as it is with the best of kin, Bell’s positive impacts are deep and immeasurable. “I like to keep a full plate and keep it rolling” Bell said. And that truly is the Alyson Bell effect. Her personal touch on Niwot’s signature events such as Let’s Wine about Winter, Rock & Rails, and The Great Pumpkin Party, through her organizing and hands-on effort and by ensuring that graphics, printed materials and online presences are emblematic,...
Linda Klueber, Niwot Business Association (NBA) Secretary, and her husband, Chuck Klueber, NBA Streetscapes Representative, have worked together this year to produce Niwot’s annual holiday events, Enchanted Evening and the Holiday Parade. Enchanted Evening is celebrated each year on the day after Thanksgiving. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will kick off the holiday event at 5:45 p.m., at the corner of Niwot...
Local members of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists will be holding a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Left Hand Grange as part of this weekend’s festivities in Niwot. Lora Cantele, an aromatherapist out of Gunbarrel, said that the event is for people who aren’t certified in aromatherapy, but want to get into using essential oils. At the bazaar there will be information on safe topical uses, inhalation and other different methods of using the oils. “We feel like it’s our duty to provide solid public e... Full story
Standing with the Niwot Residents on Parking This is probably a no win situation for the residents, as even some of the people who manage the Left Hand Valley Courier are the same one in the NBA and NCA. I tend to agree with the residents on using the park for parking. It is close to the businesses, it will not disturb the bucolic residential area. There is a horde driven to these concerts. They are on a mission with all of their camping gear. The car doors slamming, people hailing fare thee well, engines will disturb the residents. The noise... Full story
Niwot gymnast Lilliana Martin is the Left Hand Valley Courier Student-Athlete of the Week. Martin capped off her high-school gymnastics career last weekend with her fourth appearance at the Class 4A state meet where she placed ninth in the All-Around competition, and helped lead her team to second place overall. In the individual events, the senior placed fifth overall in the floor event, and sixth in vault and bars. Her final appearance at state was all the sweeter because it almost didn’t h... Full story
The 2017 Golden Hammer Award for volunteer service to the Niwot Community was presented to Kathy Koehler at the Great Pumpkin Party Oct. 28. Pat Murphy of Niwot Real Estate, who originated the award in 2009 in honor of late community volunteer Curtis Lizakowski, made the presentation to Koehler, noting that she has worked tirelessly for the community since moving to Niwot in the early 1970s. Koehler, a native of Boulder County, has been involved with the Niwot Community Association and the...
Quality work is the bedrock of every project taken on by Jim Fletemeyer and, much to the fortune of Niwot’s youngest community members and their parents, Fletemeyer’s propensity for excellence was extended to one of Niwot’s newest community venues. The Niwot Children’s Park became a reality a year ago thanks to the generosity of many people, and Fletemeyer’s gold standard involvement was integral to the creation of the final product. Fletemeyer’s day job is as the Principal Landscape A... Full story
The final lecture of this year’s Niwot Historical Society (NHS) series will be 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Left Hand Valley Grange Hall, 195 2nd Avenue in Niwot. Every other year NHS features a railroad-themed lecture. The upcoming train-related talk will be given by railroad historian and former curator of the Colorado Railroad Museum, Lauren Giebler. Giebler will present the captivating history of the American hobo experience. The term “riding the rails” was used to describe those who jumped aboard freight trains without permission and...
Deeply rooted as one of Niwot’s most enjoyable seasonal festivals, The Great Pumpkin Party is once again ready to roll into town. This year marks more than 20 years of trick-or-treating excitement for children, parents and even four-footed furry family members. The celebration of Halloween is from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m, Saturday, Oct 28. Businesses in Cottonwood Square and along 2nd Ave. will be handing out candy and other goodies to children and entertainment abounds in both commercial areas. All acti...
At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Niwot LID Advisory Committee formally met new Niwot Economic Development director Catherine McHale, considered one funding request, and discussed proposed Boulder County land use changes that could impact tentative plans for a parking lot north of old town Niwot. McHale introduced herself and spoke briefly of her plans going forward, especially as they relate to use of social media to promote Niwot businesses. She also indicated that she would be... Full story
For Niwot junior Audrey Richard, volleyball isn’t just a sport, it’s a family tradition. “I’ve been playing volleyball since I was three or four, when my Mom first coached me playing rec,” said the second-year varsity player. “Both of my older sisters also played, and that was just the kind of environment I lived in. I wanted to take after them, and it’s always been a part of my life.” Both of the older Richard girls left their mark on Niwot. Oldest sister Meghan (’14) was the Cougars’ starting...
Niwot Historical Society guest speaker Mona Lambrecht presented the fascinating story of Rocky Mountain Joe Sturtevant at the Left Hand Grange Hall on the evening of Sept. 27. At least 100 people attended. Topics covered included Rocky Mountain Joe’s irreplaceable contributions to preserving local history through his prolific photography, and his recounting of development in Boulder and the surrounding areas in the late 1800’s. Lambrecht, curator of History and Collections at the University of Colorado Heritage Center, is currently writing a b... Full story
It was clear early on that the Cougars weren’t destined for their first win of the season last Friday night against Mountain View. Two turnovers put the Cougars behind in the opening minutes, and it really didn’t get much better from there in the 51-6 loss. Nonetheless, there were glimpses of an improving team, and more than once the Cougars were able to put together some big plays. Though Niwot head coach Jeremy Lanter knows his team has a long way to go, he said the players are still committed...
"Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway!" Need the courage to push through your fears and have your dreams? Join this workshop and meet others who want to succeed in a safe and intimate environment. First time is free, then $20 per session. Every Saturday from 9am-10am at 8083 Meadowdale Square, Niwot 80503. Please register by calling or emailing Dr. Stacy Goresko at 720-290-2707 or DrStacy@ThinkOutsideTheBoxCoaching.com. Please bring a friend! Alzheimer’s support group An Alzheimer’s support group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month . Thi...
