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Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Whimsical wonder was whistling around town this past Friday during Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening. As one of Niwot's most cherished traditions, residents came down to Left Hand Corner at the intersection of Second Avenue and Niwot Road to spread cheer and ring in the holiday season. Thanks to the organization and support of several Niwot businesses and the efforts by Linda Klueber and Deb Fowler, who organized this year's event, a large crowd gathered in anticipation of Santa's arrival and...
Landscaping improvements along the Niwot Road entryway from the Diagonal Highway began on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Niwot Business Association and the Niwot Community Association working together planned the project, applied for Boulder County right-of-way upgrading approval, and secured Niwot Local Improvement District funding in order to clean up the unkempt area along the north side of Niwot Road from the Diagonal to Franklin Street. The project includes removal of weeds and debris, laying...
The Left Hand Valley Courier has been fortunate to have devoted staff members who bring you the news every week. We profiled many of our staff members a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. We are a diverse group of devoted journalists who feel strongly about keeping small town newspapers alive. The Courier staff includes the following past or current backgrounds: college professor, planning...
The First Friday Art Walk is back on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:00 p.m. just in time for the holidays. The First Friday Art Walks provide an opportunity to enjoy local artistry throughout Niwot while shopping for holiday gifts. Osmosis Art and Architecture and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), with funding by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), have been making these events possible for the past twelve years. This is the first First Friday Art walk since September as the monthly...
Lawrence R. Murphy April 24, 1943 - Nov. 19, 2024 Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, 81, of Niwot, Colorado passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024. He was born to William (Bill) and Jospehine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, Indiana. Larry grew up in Coal City, Illinois and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, N0BA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical...
Boulder County officials are holding a public hearing next week to discuss proposed changes to development regulations that could significantly impact future home construction in unincorporated areas of the county. The Community Planning & Permitting Department will host an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss updates to the Site Plan Review (SPR) regulations, a process used to evaluate development impacts on neighborhoods, ecosystems, and agricultural lands. The proposed changes come in response to concerns from the...
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the much-anticipated Niwot Holiday Market. The cherished tradition will take place over two Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of the Niwot business district. Centered along Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, the market is a festive celebration of the season, featuring live music, unique shopping, delicious treats, and activities for the whole family. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association with...
Niwot High senior Cora Lincoln is motivated by musicians, painters, family and social media to create her unique art. Recently, she has been inspired by graffiti artists such as Banksy and Keith Haring. "Their political voices are tremendous and speak a lot to the whole point of art - to make people think," Lincoln said. "They draw attention to issues in society and bring a voice to those that don't have one." Lincoln is also influenced by musicians such as Mommy Long Legs and Bikini Kill....
The charm of small-town America was on full display Saturday morning, Nov. 30, as Niwot's annual holiday parade wound its way through the heart of this Boulder County community, delighting spectators with a festive blend of local organizations, classic cars, and holiday cheer. Under a beautiful blue November sky, the Scouts Pack 161 proudly led the procession, setting the tone for what would prove to be a memorable celebration of community spirit. The parade showcased the diverse tapestry of...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is known for its coverage of athletes and arts students at Niwot High School (NHS). In addition to arts and athletics, the Courier honors an array of students who choose to pursue activities such as community service, robotics, academics, and topics that fall under the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) umbrella. Niwot High School senior Mila Barinek has displayed academic excellence throughout her past three-and-a-half years at Niwot....
Playing alongside No. 4 doubles partner Tyler Chivukula, Oliver "Ollie" Jones enjoyed an impressive final season on the Niwot High School varsity boys tennis team. The two seniors rolled through the regular season, defeating duos from Monarch, Broomfield, Boulder, and Cheyenne Mountain high schools, among others. They then qualified for the Class 4A state individual tournament and nearly advanced to the No. 4 doubles championship match. "We lost in the semis, which was unfortunate, but we...
The Niwot girls basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-25 season with renewed determination and a commitment to growth. Under the guidance of Head Coach Todd Trobaugh, who is entering his second season, the Cougars aim to improve on last season's 5-18 record. This season also marks a new chapter for the program, as the Cougars step into the newly formed Granite Peaks League and compete at the 5A level for the first time. Trobaugh sees a mix of veteran leadership and new talent as the...
Community Food Share (CFS) is a food bank on a mission to eliminate hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. CFS was established in 1981, and operated out of the Boulder Tech Center near Niwot for many years. These days, CFS operates out of a 55,000-square-foot facility located in Louisville. According to the website, CFS provided over 8 million meals in 2022, valued at more $18M. Boulder Country Day School (BCD) students have been supporting the work of CFS this year through their...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening will once again light up the town the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Evening brings small town images to life with Niwot's small town atmosphere, lights aglow down Second Avenue, a Christmas tree lighting, and holiday music filling the air. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will provide festive, holiday music in the parking lot at the corner of Niwot Road and Second Avenue. The band will also...
Event venue Niwot Hall is making its holiday debut with new signage on the building at 195 Second Avenue in Old Town Niwot. Niwotian Bert Cashman of Cashman Sign Company began installing the letters and logo he created on the front of the building on Nov. 21. Additional signage will be put up on the Franklin Street side of the building. The project included removing the former sign that read "Left Hand Grange No. 9," which Cashman had also made and installed in 2009. That sign will be...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a cornerstone of local journalism in Boulder County for 27 years, has completed its transition to non-profit status. Building on its legacy of serving the Niwot and Gunbarrel communities, the publication's new 501(c)(3) designation strengthens its commitment to community-focused journalism. This organizational shift positions the Courier to enhance its coverage of local news while ensuring its long-term sustainability through tax-deductible donations and grant...
Larry Murphy Long-time Niwot resident Larry Murphy died Tues., Nov. 19, 2024. A memorial service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Longmont on Fri., Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Tiffin Former Gunbarrel resident and 25 year IBM employee, Jimmy Alton Tiffin, age 81, died Nov. 19, 2024. Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, 237 Blackfoot Rd, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545. Visit ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to read the full obituary and to share...
Kristine Bart has a face Niwot High School students and parents alike recognize immediately. As the NHS attendance clerk, Bart has been an integral part of the Niwot High School community for three years. Known for her kind demeanor and professionalism, she ensures attendance is managed efficiently while fostering positive interactions with students, staff members, and parents. Whether it's answering a parent's question, greeting and helping students, or simply being there when needed, Bart has...
Boulder County worked with a ditch company and engineers to come up with a fix to repair bridge abutments along Hidden Star Trail that were being undercut by water. According to Boulder County Trails Supervisor Andy Tyler, "We will be using grouted riprap to stabilize the embankment. We initially thought we weren't going to be able to get in there until January, but the ditch company told us there is a window from late October through December first where there won't be any water running in the...
Niwot High School will hold its third annual NHS Art Show hosted by NHS Boosters Music, Performance and Art, a division of the Niwot High School Boosters, a parent-run organization supporting Niwot High School. The art show is open to the public and will showcase students' artistic talent from Dec. 4 through Dec. 12 during each music-based performing arts' December showcase. Artwork by students at NHS, Sunset Middle School, Burlington Elementary School, and Niwot Elementary School will be on dis...
In a decisive 6-1 vote following a nearly six-hour hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Boulder County Planning Commission supported the staff recommendation by the Boulder County Community Permitting & Planning Division and rejected a proposed Transferable Development Rights/Planned Unit Development (TDR/PUD) submitted by the owners of the 39.5 acre parcel located at the corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road. The commission's near-unanimous decision to deny the application reflects the...
In a stunning display of technological prowess, the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools illuminated the night sky on Thursday, Nov. 21 with a mesmerizing drone show featuring 300 synchronized aerial performers. Under the guidance of Drone Performance Team Coordinator Danny Hernandez, students demonstrated their mastery of this cutting-edge technology. Hernandez, now in his second year at the Innovation Center, brings 28 years of experience with the St. Vrain Valley School District...
The arts community is going strong in the St. Vrain Valley School District. With art shows, concerts, and marching band exhibitions, students are presented with an almost endless number of activities in which to participate throughout the year. Color guard is one of them. Anthony Pierro was brought onto the team at Niwot High School this year as the "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band's new color guard instructor. Color guard is not new to Niwot as it has been a staple of the ensemble for...
Grace Fisher developed an interest in mariachi music because both her mother and grandmother have a passion for it. "I thought it was a good opportunity to practice guitar more," Fisher said. Once she started, she thoroughly enjoyed playing the music and wanted to continue. Jason Watkins, who teaches technical theater, Career and Technical Education, jewelry, photography, and video making at Niwot High School, selected Fisher as Arts Student of the Week. "Grace is a quiet, unsung hero of the...
The restaurants of Niwot have always played a vital role in the town's culture. From small businesses to the people who own them, every restaurant has its own unique personality that makes it stand out from the rest. La Musette, a farm-to-table food truck located next to The Wheel House, is one of Niwot's restaurant staples. Popular among locals, bikers, and tourists, the restaurant attracts people of all kinds. One common denominator among everyone who eats there is that they always want to...
After moving from Texas to Colorado last year, then-junior Jiselle Sales was tasked with proving herself when she joined the Niwot High School varsity girls volleyball team. The Cougars already boasted a veteran top group and ample opportunities weren't guaranteed, leaving Sales without much playing time. Concurrently, she was faced with learning a new school and new people. "I was going to a whole new environment, and I had no idea who anyone was," Sales said. "I didn't know how to get around...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Niwot Investment Club, an economics-based club that teaches students about different types of investments (such as stocks, bonds, dividends) through stock market simulations and related activities. Whether it be local competitions or in-club discussions, the group is dedicated to educating themselves on the growing world of investments. A passionate group of students lead the Investment Club. The leadership...
The Holiday Parade is going to be marching through Niwot on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on this year’s Small Business Saturday. Make sure to stop by for this classic holiday parade that has been a staple in Niwot for over 30 years, then stop in and support the small businesses in Niwot that help make the event possible. Santa will be swinging by in his magical sleigh to participate in the parade. The parade will start on Murray Street, with many local businesses participating. Once everyone is gathered, the parade will head...
Three pioneering figures in St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center cybersecurity education program have been awarded the prestigious Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award. Beth Cerrone, Kaylee Crouthamel, and Sienna Arellano were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cybersecurity education and community outreach. The Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the St. Vrain Valley School District. The recognition...
At the end of each semester many Niwot High School clubs and activities celebrate and recognize their achievements by holding formal banquet events for their members. The "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band held its fall banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Students were fed a catered spaghetti dinner and, of course, a delicious cake was decorated to the theme of their halftime show, "Night at the Movies." The evening also included a poignant reflection of the semester's events for the whole band....
On Nov. 15, eight high schools battled it out at Centennial Lanes in the annual regional unified bowling competition, vying for one of three spots in the state championships in Denver. The lanes were packed with spectators cheering on their schools. For the Niwot High School Unified bowling team, the three bowlers selected to compete for the state championships were athletes Emmett Vertuca and Dallin Easton, along with partner Bela Mendes. Easton stepped in as a substitute at the last minute...
The Niwot High School boys basketball team is entering the 2024-25 season with high hopes and a commitment to building a strong foundation in their first year competing in the newly formed Granite Peaks League at the 5A level. After finishing last season with a 7-16 overall record, the Cougars have focused on growth both on and off the court during an intensive offseason. Head Coach Walker Bounds, now entering his second season as a coach after graduating from NHS in 2016, has been working hard...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Dear Boulder County Board of Commissioners, We, the Niwot Business Association Board of Directors, are following up on a letter submitted to the Boulder County Board of Commissioners late in September of this year. Now that the major municipalities in Boulder County have concluded their current deliberations concerning adjusting their minimum wage beyond what is required by the State of Colorado, we respectfully repeat our request that The Boulder County Board of Commissioners take steps to place us on equal footing with our neighboring...
ACROSS 1. Nahas 3. Master 6. donations 11. libero 12. entrance 14. trumpet DOWN 2. speed 4. water 5. Niwot 7. soccer 8. Steele 9. four 10. minimum 11. LID 13. nine...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met at the Niwot Inn on Nov. 12 to consider funding requests and other issues related to Niwot's business district. Landscape Project Improvement in the appearance of the west entrance to Niwot on Niwot Road has long been a topic of discussion. Several Eagle Scout projects over the years have improved the appearance for a time, especially on the north side, including installation of a "Welcome to Niwot" stone sign completed last...
How did the Left Hand Valley Courier get here? The Left Hand Valley Courier was founded in November 1996, by seven residents of Niwot and Gunbarrel, who each contributed $50 toward start-up costs. With little journalism experience, the founders sought to fill a growing lack of coverage of happenings in Niwot and Gunbarrel by the daily newspapers in Boulder and Longmont. It took four months to create the first Courier issue, which was published on April 1, 1997, by Karen Copperberg, Ron Goodman,...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) has scheduled a community meeting for Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at The Wheel House in Niwot as the final step in getting feedback on the draft Master Plan for Niwot. The Master Plan is a working document commissioned by the LID to guide future development and community projects in Niwot, created by Dave Lee and Chad Fletemeyer of Fletemeyer Lee & Associates (FLA), a Niwot architectural firm. Throughout the past year, meetings have...
Alison Steele, co-owner of the Niwot Market, conquered the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 3. For Steele, the race was not just about covering 26.2 miles. For Steele, it was about balancing her passion for running with her roles as a mother, a business owner, and a community member, all while honoring the memory of her father, Bert Steele. Steele has been a runner since high school, where she competed in cross country and track. Though she ran her first marathon in college, it was not...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) received notice from Wildfire Partners, a group partnering with the Boulder County Planning & Permitting Department dedicated to wildfire mitigation, that the NCA's annual "Clean-Up Day" was one of the larger chipping events in Boulder County in 2024. Zack Bertges, Chipping Coordinator with Wildfire Partners, notified John Barto of the NCA that an appreciation event was being held for those with successful chipping events in 2024. Barto has been leading the...
A request for a Sketch Plan Review of a proposed Transferable Development Rights Planned Unit Development (TDR/PUD) in Boulder County has been sparking controversy among local officials and residents for over a year. In July of 2023, Ifrain and Shannon Rodriguez, the owners of a 39.5-acre property located on the southwest corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road, submitted an application to Boulder County Land Use Department to construct nine new residential homes (for a total of 10 homes,...
A water main break at Walker Drive and Marathon Road in Morton Heights on Wednesday, Nov. 13, cut off water to approximately 15 homes in the Morton Heights subdivision in Niwot. Left Hand Water District discovered the break around 6 p.m. Wednesday night, according to resident John Thornbury. Homes between Niwot Road and Comanche Road were affected, but Niwot Elementary School, which is connected to a Morton Road water main, did not suffer a loss of service. "Our water was restored about noon on...
The Niwot Community Association’s board of directors held its monthly meeting on Nov. 13 at the newly named Niwot Hall. The agenda consisted of a financial report update from the NCA Treasurer, Terry Larsen, the President’s report from David Limbach, and area reports from the area representatives. The directors then addressed the 2024 goals, which were to monitor land use, incorporate a wildfire protection plan, and create and engage on social media platforms. The NCA also hosted Jim Dor...
The plat of Niwot was recorded on March 30, 1875 by Ambrose Murray and Porter Hinman laying out the streets, alleys and lots of what is now known as Old Town Niwot. March 30, 2025, will mark 150 years since the founding of the community, and the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) has asked community organizations to begin planning a year-long celebration of the community's first 150 years. Sparked by a discussion in October of plans by the Niwot Historical Society to publish a book...
Niwot High School trumpet player Jannik Stranzenbach appreciates the peaceful feeling that settles over him when he plays music. "I would describe it as a passion that allows your mind to rest," Stranzenbach explained. "When playing music there is a lot to focus on, so any stress that you might be experiencing is relieved, because there is no time to think about it when you are playing." NHS Band Director Wade Hendricks selected Stranzenbach as Arts Student of the Week. "Jannik has progressed...
Niwot High School's talented Cougar thespians captivated audiences with its production of "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie Nov. 14, 15 and 16. The production blended outstanding performances, elegant costumes, and an impressive set design built to fully bring this classic mystery to life. The play, set aboard the Orient Express train, begins with the famous detective, Hercule Poirot, finding himself in the middle of a murder investigation when an American passenger is found...
At Niwot High School, the Special Education Department is dedicated to fostering growth, independence, and inclusion for students with disabilities. Serving students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the department offers a robust range of specialized classes designed to prepare students for life beyond high school. By embracing inclusion both in the classroom and beyond, Niwot High School's Special Education Department and Unified programs are shaping a community where every student...
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Niwot High School honored nine standout athletes during its Fall Signing Day ceremony. Held in the Commons during lunch, the event celebrated those Cougars committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and friends, the athletes celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to the exciting next chapter of their lives. Kianna Butler signed with Metropolitan State University of Denver to play...
