All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 1201 - 1250 of 1261
Niwot’s 16th annual Enchanted Evening event on Friday, Nov. 25 will kick off this year’s season of light with plenty of fan favorites and a few added enticements. Promising a night of nostalgia, the event gathers together the old and the young for the singing of traditional yuletide songs, a tree lighting ceremony, a visit with a certain red-suited northerner, and a chance to check off some of the “naughty or nice” people on this year’s holiday shopping list. While hammers are busy pounding... Full story
Two important education items on the Nov. 8 ballot were the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) bond issue for capital improvements and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) mill levy override for operational expenses. Both were approved by voters. The SVVSD $260 million bond measure, which passed 61.88 percent to 38.12 percent by district voters in Boulder County, will address critical student and school needs. It includes various renovations throughout the district, additions to existing schools and building of new schools. A... Full story
Niwot Community Association (NCA) board members agreed at the Nov. 2 meeting on a 2017 budget that shows the group finishing the year in the red, but approved it with the understanding that membership revenues are being conservatively estimated for the budget. The group estimates that 2017 operating revenues could be about $14,475 while expenses could total $16,420, leaving the group about $1,945 short. However, stronger membership numbers could make up that shortfall, NCA President Dick Piland said. The NCA also has “healthy” financial res...
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, over 20 people gathered at the Lefthand Valley Grange Park in Niwot to celebrate the dedication of benches as part of Zhou Ming “Ming Ming” Sun’s Eagle Scout project. Those in attendance were from Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Left Hand Grange No.9, Niwot Boy Scouts of America Pack 161, Niwot Historical Society, Niwot Community Association and other community members. Stan Snyder, a landscape architect with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, was in charge of the p...
Twenty-nine immigrants from 16 countries took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens on Wednesday, Oct 26 at Twin Peaks Charter Academy in Longmont. The countries include Argentina, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkey and Venezuela. Twin Peaks Principal David Yu spoke at the ceremony. Scott Koenigsberg, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Denver Field Office supervisory i... Full story
As of November 1, the Left Hand Valley Courier is going virtual. The Courier will no longer maintain the office at 6800 N. 79th Street, Suite 103A, in Cottonwood Square. Communicate with us by email at: editorial@lhvc.com advertising@lhvc.com on the web at www.lhvc.com by phone at 303-845-3077 by mail at PO Box 652, Niwot, CO 80544-0652...
Editor’s note: Due to several reader requests, the Left Hand Valley Courier asked a follow-up question to Boulder County Commissioner candidates about the proposed affordable housing project in Gunbarrel. Here are their responses. Q “Do you support the proposed location for affordable housing in the Twin Lakes area? Why or why not? Do you think other options should be considered, and if so, where and why?” Paul Danish A I do not support the Twin Lakes project. It is difficult to imagine a more inappropriate place to build a major public housi... Full story
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, the Niwot Historical Society (NHS) held a lecture at the Left Hand Grange, featuring the Boulder County Latino History Project. Presenters included Marjorie McIntosh, a distinguished professor of History Emerita at the University of Colorado-Boulder; and Linda Arroyo-Holmstrom, a Boulder native, retired educator in the local public schools and a committee member of the Boulder County Latino History Project. NHS President Kathy Koehler said the two speakers centered their...
On Saturday, Oct. 29, Niwot celebrated Halloween with another parade during the Great Pumpkin Party. Hundreds of children came dressed in costumes from super heroes, princesses and pirates, to Harry Potter characters. Parents also came in costume and some families dressed up in matching costumes. Excited children ran from business to business in downtown Niwot and Cottonwood Square to trick-or-treat for candy, as well as visiting the animals at the petting zoo and walking in the parade.... Full story
Editor’s note: Due to several reader requests, the Left Hand Valley Courier asked a follow-up question to Boulder County Commissioner candidates about the proposed affordable housing project in Gunbarrel. Here are their responses. As of press time, Paul Danish and Deb Gardner had not responded. Q “Do you support the proposed location for affordable housing in the Twin Lakes area? Why or Why not? Do you think other options should be considered, and if so, where and why? Elise Jones A Boulder County has an affordable housing crisis. Over 40,... Full story
For all the dog lovers out there, Left Hand Animal Hospital in Niwot is putting on this year’s dog costume contest, after sponsoring it last year, following the Great Pumpkin Party parade on Saturday, Oct. 29. “Pat Murphy started it and she invited us to work with her two years ago,” owner Nancy Bureau said. “She agreed that [the hospital] could take over the pet costume portion and she’s still putting on the children’s parade.” The dog costume contest will begin after the parade, and in front... Full story
Dear Editor: Did you know: * The Twin Lakes Action Group (TLAG) has offered three alternate locations for the proposed development that are closer to bus stops, stores and services. The proposed site at the Twin Lakes has the City’s lowest possible score for walkability—hardly the best place for 280 urban-density apartments. * Even the Housing Authority’s own flawed habitat study shows the fields to be the SOLE wildlife corridor linking the Twin Lakes to Walden Ponds. The biologist even discovered meadowlarks and mallards nesting in the tallg...
Halloween is the one day of the year children and adults can be anything or anyone else they want to be. Niwot has embraced this holiday for over two decades by hosting the Great Pumpkin Party, giving families the opportunity to dress up and walk in a parade; children can trick or treat at local businesses, take hayrides and visit a petting zoo. Pat Murphy of Niwot Real Estate has been organizing this event, put on by the Niwot Business Association, for nearly 25 years. Since its beginning as a...
After spying the excellent work being done by Elaine Fein on the left hand chair situated in front of KL Realty, I’ve learned that Anne Postle and Michelle Henzel of Osmosis Gallery and Architecture have ordered 11 more concrete chairs – eight are adult-size and three are the smaller kids’ chairs. Postle said that the southpaw chairs are available for purchase at the cost of $250 for an adult chair and $175 for a child’s. Buyers need to secure their own artist to decorate the chairs. The Niwot C...
On Oct. 5th, the Niwot Historical Society and President Kathy Koehler kicked off the 2016-17 Niwot: Now & Then lecture series with an examination of baseball and its impact on the town. From its earliest days, when Evart “Toots” Conilogue got together with his brothers and friends to form the Niwot Farmers; to the modern era, when Coach Bob Bote led the Niwot High Cougars to five state championships in eight years, the national pastime has been an integral part of Niwot’s civic identity. In Ba... Full story
The Rotary Club of Niwot’s annual Oktoberfest was met with beautiful, sunny weather on Saturday, Oct. 1. Although it might not have felt like fall, people were in the mood to celebrate the new season with good music, food and fun. The day-long event saw a good crowd even in mid-afternoon. But Rotary club member Margaret Hix said she expected even more people as the day turned into night. She was not disappointed as the 5 p.m. crowd appeared on schedule. Event goers enjoyed traditional German m... Full story
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) has been stymied in its efforts to host a debate among Boulder County Commissioner candidates. Schedules for the candidates were already filled, Kim Hawksworth, NCA events chairperson, explained. “We found a few dates that we hoped would fit into the candidates’ schedules and the Left Hand Grange’s open dates, but as we contacted the incumbents and the challengers we heard that those dates were already booked,” Hawksworth said. “The alternate dates also had conflicts. So the NCA board decided to concentra... Full story
The Niwot Historical Society is continuing its lecture series, and the newest could knock it out of the park. A panel of speakers will discuss the history of the sport of baseball in the area, each with their own bank of knowledge and insight to provide. “We’re putting together a panel of people or their families who have been involved in baseball in the Niwot area from the very early 1900’s to the present,” organizer Biff Warren said. The speakers include: John Conilogue: His ancestors go way back in the Niwot area, he has a lot of artifac...
The Rotary Club of Niwot is bringing it’s Oktoberfest fundraiser back to Niwot for its eighth year. The event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., is one of the biggest fundraisers the club puts on each year. “It gets more popular every year,” Niwot Rotary Club member Margaret Hix said. “I think more and more people are [attending], and it’s now become a community event. People come over, they stay, they hang out, they have a great time.” The event will feature the...
The Niwot Community Association plans to hold a candidates’ forum in early October for the four candidates for two open seats on the Boulder County Board of Commissioners. Democrat incumbent Deb Gardner of Longmont is being challenged by Republican Paul Danish of Longmont. Republican Kevin Sipple of Eldorado Springs is running against incumbent Democrat Elise Jones of Boulder. Commissioners are elected by all Boulder County voters but represent districts where they reside while on the board. The forum will be informational and not a debate, the...
The Left Hand Valley Courier talked with new staff and teachers at Niwot High School to find out why they love teaching and what they’re looking forward to this school year. Kelly Christensen School Counselor, Head Cross Country Coach, Assistant Track Coach Education and Experience: Three years school counseling, previously at Palmer Ridge High School, Monument Colorado. What are you most excited about with a new school and a new year? It’s all new for me this year, so everything! What is you... Full story
There’s been a lot of exposure in the local press for the voices opposed to the marijuana dispensary, which was approved in June by county commissioners for the Niwot location on 79th Street in Cottonwood Square. Before the Niwot Business Association meeting in March of 2015, when building owner Ernie Craumer first addressed the community about his plans, I was shocked and disappointed to see a picket line, with children and their enraged parents brandishing “No Pot in Niwot” signs. It was the first time I didn’t feel proud of my communi...
The Front Range has become a hub for local breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, drawing many visitors and beer enthusiasts to Boulder County. One local couple wanted to get into the industry as well and started Brewhop Trolley, offering a unique way to tour breweries in Longmont. Owner David Lewis, along with his wife Radha Lewis, wanted to give private tours to breweries in Longmont; and after searching for the right vehicle they settled on a vintage trolley. After receiving the trolley in...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is excited to introduce Jocelyn Rowley as our new sports reporter. Jocelyn replaces Thorn Compton, who left for a position as sports editor of the Rawlins Daily Times. Jocelyn has worked in Niwot for the past four years, and currently lives in Mead with her husband, two teenage children and a neurotic golden retriever. Her son will be a junior at Mead High this upcoming school year, while her daughter will be a freshman at Niwot High. “I love the unique character o...
There’s nothing like a good summer vacation to renew and satisfy the working soul, especially when you venture to the great outdoors. This summer, our week-long trip consisted of backcountry camping in the Grand Tetons and camping in Yellowstone, which weeks of planning went into. I didn’t grow up camping and I’ve only tent camped a couple times in my life, and I was about to embark on a whole new, unknown journey into the woods. If you’re considering visiting the Grand Tetons and Yellows...
There have been some big changes for Nancy Anderson, who recently moved to Niwot and opened her business, Sweet Bird Studio. “It was a long crazy ride,” Anderson said of how she got to where she is today. Anderson, who started out as a financial analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank in Denver, said she fell in love with jewelry making in college and knew she wanted to pursue it as a career. “I think I lasted about two months before I realized what I wanted to do,” she said of being a financi... Full story
Big changes have been in the works at Colterra Food and Wine, located in downtown Niwot. The French-Italian cuisine inspired restaurant recently announced the departure of its Executive Chef Michael Drazsnzak, and welcome its new executive chef, Erin Robart. Drazsnzak has been part of the Colterra family for over eight years, seven of which he served as the restaurant’s executive chef. After working in the restaurant industry for nearly four decades, most of which he “focused solely on the kitch... Full story
On July 1, Selene Hall finished her final day at Bank of the West in Niwot as the Front Range area manager, ending a 30-year career in banking. Hall, who has lived in Niwot for 33 years, certainty hasn’t allowed her work to define her. Outside of her career in banking, Hall raised two children, served as president of both the Niwot Community Association (NCA) and the Niwot Business Association (NBA), served on the Niwot High School Education Foundation, ran Niwot Nostalgia Days for a decade a...
The Niwot Road Crew has been managing the road closures for Niwot’s many annual parades and events since 2012, spending untold hours guaranteeing the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. Many people don’t realize how much behind-the-scenes labor goes into the orchestration of a parade such as the one that passes through Niwot’s Second Avenue every year on the Fourth of July. Not only are volunteers needed to plan the event, create floats, set out announcements and monitor the event, but a len...
Haystack Mountain Golf Course recently marked 50 years in business on Niwot road, but this week also marked the passing of owner Lois Ebel. Mike Hammerstone, who has worked at the course for eight years, sent out this statement on Monday. “It is with the heaviest and saddest of hearts that I regret to inform you that Lois Ebel, owner of Haystack Mountain Golf Course, has passed away. She passed peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.” The party earlier this mon...
Niwot Legion B baseball played nine games in the first nine days of July, and with only a handful of games left in the season, the Cougars have a record of 16-15. On July 1, Niwot lost a home game to Cherokee Trail 18-5. Though Niwot got an early start by scoring two runs in the first inning, Cherokee Trail soon jumped ahead after racking up twelve runs in the third inning. Colton Goldfarb helped Niwot score three of its five runs with his 2-3 performance, singling in the third inning and... Full story
Kris Budde launched her boutique-style fashion truck, Arrow Wood, this past March, and now caters to Niwot most Fridays from 4-7 p.m. outside of Niwot Market. Arrow Wood prides itself on making high-end fashion more convenient for women by bringing the store to them. “This way, you can actually see if what you’re buying works with your closet and [if] you’re going to be happy with it,” Budde said. Self-described as diverse and adaptable, Budde’s own fashion is reflected in the apparel sold at A... Full story
Boulder County Commissioners approved the proposed marijuana establishment in Niwot on Thursday, June 30, after holding a public hearing on June 29 to hear from opponents and supporters. After hearing from Boulder County Land Use Department staff on the application, the commissioners heard from members of the public who voiced approval for the pot shop, and those who expressed concerns regarding traffic and parking, home property values, safety and more. “This is not a vote whether marijuana i... Full story
Whether you see her welcoming guests at Rock & Rails, planting flowers along Second Avenue or volunteering at one of the various Niwot events she attends throughout the year, it’s likely Stacy Roybal will greet you with a smile and a friendly “hello.” Roybal is the Courier’s Left Hand Laurel for her years of service and kindness to Niwot. Despite living east of Longmont, miles away from Niwot, Roybal is nevertheless quick to help out when volunteers are called upon in the community. She is deepl... Full story
Every year for the July 4 parade, a Grand Marshal is chosen by the Niwot Community Association from nominations. This year’s Grand Marshal isn’t just one person but an entire family that epitomizes the community of Niwot. The Slepicka family moved to Niwot in 1990, where Jerry and Marsha Slepicka built their own log house. Along with their kids, Vanessa (23), Brandon (20) and Jessie (20), they’ve grown roots in the community and call Niwot home. Jerry and Marsha Slepicka were both born and r... Full story
A community thrives when its members are involved, passionate, ambitious and always looking to the future. In these respects, Riki Frea excels. Frea, a Niwot resident, mother and unwavering volunteer, is recognized with the Courier’s Lefthand Laurel for her commitment to the Niwot community and its youth. Despite juggling the busy schedule that comes along with being a mother of three, Frea still manages to donate much of her time to the community. She serves as an integral member of the Niwot Children’s Park building committee and vol...
It’s been almost three years since an eight-day “100-year storm” wrecked havoc in the valley that is home to Lyons, a town with a population of just over 2,000 people. The term “100-year storm” is an arbitrary figure, but most can imagine that it rained. And it rained a lot, for a long time. Left Hand Water District General Manager Christopher Smith said that the way the storm hovered over the area is mind-boggling. “The whole meteorological impact is pretty fascinating,” Smith said. “It sat...
Many people agree that there’s no better place to spend summer than in Colorado. During the summer, the trails and lakes are full of people spending their free time outdoors. Boulder County offers numerous activities from hiking the many trails at Chautauqua Park, cycling and running, to water sports on the Boulder Reservoir. There are activities to do for every age group and every skill level. Although it’s fairly easy to find a hike to do in Boulder, there are some unique ones that can som... Full story
HMK Jewelers moves HMK and Mountain Maille Jewelry Studio to Franklin Street, across from Colterra restaurant, one year ago. The jewelry stores recently made another move to Cottonwood Square, relocating right next to the Garden Gate Cafe. Owners Dennis Perez, of HMK, and Judy Perez, of Mountain Maille Jewelry, are both happy with the new stores, which officially opened on June 1. “There are a lot of good things in Cottonwood Square,” Dennis Perez said. “The traffic is nicer and the space just...
Fifteen-year-old Julianna Foy has won another medal to add to her collection. The sophomore at Niwot High School, who started skating at four with her hockey-loving Dad, has been skating competitively for not even two full years. While skating in her earlier years as a “beginner,” the same kind of competition that led to her recent success was not available to her. The medals and trophy she is pictured with are all first, second or third place wins, except for one, a fourth place. Foy pro...
Located in historic downtown Niwot, local and family-owned Treppeda’s Italian Ristorante, is celebrating 20 years in business. Owner, Howard Treppeda, who grew up in Hudson Valley, New York, didn’t come from a restaurant family, but knew he wanted to open his own business when he moved to Colorado. “Growing up the youngest out of all my cousins, everybody always talked about opening up an Italian restaurant,” Treppeda said. “Once I got to Colorado, I was hungry and figured I would open up [...
The Longmont Museum is enjoying high attendance at its fourth-annual summer kids exhibit, “How People Make Things.” The traveling exhibit from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh — running through Aug. 28 — uses hands-on, real-life demonstrations to teach young visitors the mechanics behind everyday objects, ranging from Crayola crayons to computer hard drives. The exhibit opened May 21 to an eager crowd of nearly 600 children, parents and other visitors. Before entering the museum, kids got...
Despite gray skies for much of the day, the Niwot Cleanup Day sponsored by the Niwot Community Association was a success again this year. NCA members taking advantage of the free service on May 14 filled eight dumpsters with trash and debris, four dumpsters with yard waste, one dumpster with recyclable scrap metal and three bins of electronics for recycling. In addition, the collection brought in three bins of latex paint to be properly disposed of, four bins of plastic bags, three sacks of Styrofoam, and one bin each of shoes and cloth. The “s... Full story
The Fairview High School girls golf team took three girls to the 5A State Championship, two of whom are from Gunbarrel. Senior Maddy McCambridge and sophomore Kelsey Webster, who live in Gunbarrel, competed at state along with freshman teammate Sophie Nelsen. The two-day tournament was held at Common Ground Golf Course in Aurora, on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24. At the first day of the tournament, McCambridge finished with a score of 80, Webster came in with a score of 90, and Nelsen...
On Tuesday, May 24, eight Niwot High School seniors signed to continue their sports careers at various colleges across the country. The Courier talked with them to find out more about where they’re going and their journey to get there. Walker Bounds Walker Bounds will be playing basketball at Lake Forest College in the fall. Before signing with Lake Forest, Bounds was considering Millikin University, Carthage College and Elmhurst College. He was looking for a smaller school, and after c...
John Roberts and Bren Frisch, owners of Sunflower Farm, bought the property in South Longmont back in 2000 and have been inviting members of the public out to enjoy the farm for over a decade. “We wanted to create a rural experience for our own family,” Roberts said. “And then over the first couple years, with all [our kids’] friends, people began to notice the farm and we began to notice the importance the farm made to kids and families.” The couple officially opened the farm up to the publi...
Sitting in fourth place with four events left, the Silver Creek High School boys swimming team needed a great performance from its 200 free relay team to catapult into third place in the state championships. What they got was an outstanding performance, finishing in second place in the race, just .5 seconds behind the winner Air Academy. The elation of that performance was quickly deflated, however, as the swimmers were informed they were disqualified for a hand-off error. The frustration was palpable, as multiple members of the relay team...
Niwot is known for many events, including the 4th of July and Halloween parades, Enchanted Evening, First Friday Art Walks, and Let’s Wine About Winter. But its most popular and well known event may be its summer concert series Rock & Rails, which runs from June through August. This year, Rock & Rails is planning for another successful year by bringing in people who may not have attended one of the concerts before. Niwot resident Satir DeMarco, the Rock & Rails emcee, schedules all the bands a... Full story
The Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group recently received word that a Community Development Block Grant was approved for 14 projects in the Lefthand Valley area. According to Watershed Coordinator Jessica Olson, they originally received a matching grant for around $9.5 million to do flood recovery work through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s emergency watershed protection program. The match was 12.5 percent, which is where the CDBG funds came into play. Olson said that Boulder County...
Lectures, artifact exhibits and publications are the usual methods used by historical societies to preserve the history and culture of a town. But in Niwot, the Niwot Historical Society has created an unusual publication – coloring pages drawn by area artists that feature Niwot landmarks. The project was sparked last fall by a question to historical society board member Donlyn Arbuthnot from a local realtor. The realtor wanted to know if the historical society had a coloring book that she c...
