All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 1 - 50 of 2036
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
Strong headwinds are blowing against the success of small businesses in unincorporated Boulder County, including Niwot. In the last year, small businesses have incurred losses due to a power shutdown and significant increases in sanitation fees, property taxes, food costs, and insurance. Small businesses now face the impact of the recent Boulder County minimum wage increase, with Niwot, Hygiene, and other businesses in unincorporated Boulder County required to pay a minimum wage of $15.69 per ho...
Kaiya Brown has been a member of the Niwot community for several years, during which she has become a familiar face and volunteer at events around Niwot. For her volunteer efforts throughout Niwot, Brown is the July 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel. Brown has been volunteering as a Gargoyle at the local summer concert series Rock & Rails for three years, helping keep the event "zero-waste." As a middle schooler, Brown joined her school's "ECO Club." She would...
Nick Bierbrodt's journey through professional baseball is nothing short of extraordinary. As the first-ever draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1996, he quickly established himself as a promising young talent. Yet his story is not just about his accomplishments on the mound, but also about his resilience, adaptability, and eventual transition to a life as a firefighter and a mentor to young athletes. Bierbrodt, now a Niwot resident, recalled being drafted right out of high school fondly....
There are so many familiar faces around Niwot, especially for weekly regulars who attend Rock & Rails. Some faces are most familiar when they belong to those who have spent a majority of their life in Niwot and are continuously involved in the community. Colleen Beebe is one such familiar face. Beebe moved to Colorado in 1975 after her father, who annually visited this beautiful state to ski, fulfilled a dream of living here. Unfortunately, he passed away only 16 months after the family moved...
Rising senior Gabe Bandera has dedicated his final high school summer to improving all aspects of his tennis game, both mental and physical. During his first varsity season last year, the Niwot standout reached the state tournament at No. 4 doubles but was admittedly overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed. Instead of shying away, he turned that experience into motivation and has been impressing head coach Aimee Hites throughout summer workouts. "I've been getting better," Bandera said. "I've...
Through the years, the Courier has documented a range of unexpected animal encounters in our area. Roaming wild turkeys, pet goats being walked, and the ongoing presence of lynx, coyotes, snakes, prairie dogs and foxes have intrigued and delighted residents. In recent weeks, however, bears appear to be getting more habituated to our community. Visits (and suspected visits) by bears is a popular topic of conversation in the area. Front door cameras record bear activity regularly in the Niwot area...
Joie Kennedy, a sophomore at Niwot High School, has made a name for herself in the world of pageantry. Recently, she was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Miss Colorado Teen USA competition and was named Most Photogenic. Kennedy's journey in pageantry began relatively recently. "I've only done two pageants so far," she shared. Her inspiration came from watching Madison Marsh win Miss Colorado. "It was really fun to see her win and then go on to win Miss America," she said. Competing in Miss Colorado...
Niwot High School graduate and traditional salutatorian Violet Oliver made NHS history in her four years as a Niwot student. Not only did she earn her high school diploma with flying colors, she also received an Associate's Degree in Engineering at the same time. During her senior year, Oliver took all of her classes at Front Range Community College, which will result in a reduction of over a year of school towards getting her bachelor's degree. Apart from Oliver's impressive achievement of...
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building event held on the first Tuesday of August in communities across the country to promote awareness and cooperation between police and first responders, on one hand, with local residents. “[The event] enhances the relationship between (the community) and law enforcement…,” according to their website. The social setting of National Night Out is meant to create camaraderie in an informal setting to make communities safer. This year the event will be held on Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Murra...
Mountain View Fire Rescue reported on Instagram that just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, Boulder County Dispatch received a call reporting a potential grass fire near Niwot High School. When Battalion 2260 arrived on the scene, they found a grass fire on the east side of Cougar Trail, next to the Boulder and Left Hand Ditch, between the football field and tennis courts. The flames were in an area approximately 100 feet by 8 feet and about 5 feet high. The Cougar Trail is frequented by...
Evan Pan never considered himself an 'artsy person,' but his experience in Niwot High School's fine arts program has given him an opportunity to express himself in new ways. "It was actually the first art class I took at Niwot, and I fell in love with the process of making art," Pan said. "And I still have my first assignments from freshman year. It was a self-portrait, and it is probably one of the most atrocious things you've ever seen." Growing up, Pan spent much of his time swimming and in...
The Niwot High School track and field teams have once again proven their dominance, with the girls team winning the state title for the fifth consecutive year and the boys team finishing as state runner-up. Their outstanding performance through the season has been recognized with numerous awards, showcasing the incredible talent of both teams under Coach Maurice Henriques, who was named CHSAA's 4A Girls Track Coach of the Year. Leading the girls team, sophomore Addison Ritzenhein had a stellar...
Mathematics is the foundation of many subjects and is crucial to understand. Math teachers help students gain critical thinking skills and help them understand and engage with the world. Erin Smith is a dedicated math teacher at Niwot High School, entering her third year at NHS and her fifth year of teaching overall. Smith began her teaching career in a middle school in eastern Longmont, but after two years, she felt the call to high school education. Smith speaks highly of Niwot High School's m...
Dear Courier and Niwotians: What a great 4th of July holiday our little town just put on! Like all the volunteer-run events that happen here, the pancake breakfast (Bert Steele's) and the parade with so many enthusiastic participants was a sight to behold! An estimated 1,000 plus people were served, and I'd guess double that amount were watching and marching in the parade. I heard several people comment on how special this event was, and how nice of the town to arrange such fun. Strangers that...
Niwot's annual Fourth of July celebration was packed with fun activities from start to finish, thanks to the continued efforts of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) which sponsors the event, with financial support from the Niwot Local Improvement District. Starting the morning off at 7:30 a.m. was the "Bert Steele Pancake Breakfast" served in front of the Niwot Market. Net proceeds from this year's ticket sales went towards purchasing another grill for the breakfast to help cover the increasi...
The Long Run, Colorado's Eagles tribute band, has made its share of memories playing summer Thursday nights at Whistle Stop Park. Last year, the band's performance took place just a day after Randy Meisner, a founding member of The Eagles, passed away. Rock & Rails is the only concert on their schedule where the group plays from a gazebo. One of the things the band appreciates most about performing in Niwot is the enthusiastic crowds, ready to sing along and move, that come out to see them....
Amy Scanes-Wolfe, Niwot resident and the founder and director of High Plains Permaculture, is passionate about connecting people to their food systems. Even as a child, Scanes-Wolfe was set on becoming a farmer and has opened her community-based farm, the Niwot Homestead, which aims to feed people a local and well-rounded diet, ultimately connecting them back to the source of their food. Born in South Africa, Scanes-Wolfe moved to Longmont when she was four and later graduated from Niwot High...
Mohi Bauer accomplished quite a bit during his junior year at Niwot High School, both in the classroom and on the pitch. Along with taking college-level math classes through Front Range Community College, he received a mid-season promotion to the varsity boys soccer team and ultimately played big minutes for the Cougars. His contributions as an offensive facilitator helped Niwot win seven of its final eight games, including two in the Class 4A state tournament. "That was a cool experience, joini...
Niwot High School students thrive with the help of teachers who are dedicated to teaching and ensuring their students succeed. One of these teachers is Angela Roberts who has been teaching several English classes at Niwot High School for the last 16 years. She was inspired by her English 10 teacher who left a lasting impression on her students. Her teacher's classroom was more than just a place for academic learning, it was a sanctuary where students felt comfortable and valued. Under her...
Niwot High School graduate Elise Cranny, who now runs professionally for Nike, is preparing for her second appearance at the Olympics, to be held in Paris from July 26 through Aug. 11. Cranny finished second to Elle St. Pierre in the 5,000 meters by two one-hundredths (0.02) of a second in a photo finish at the Olympic trials to secure a spot in Paris on the U.S. Olympic team. Last week, Cranny also ran the 1500 meters at the Olympic trials, finishing sixth with a time of 3:57.87 a sub-4-minute...
Flags are in place, the parade lineup is set, bands are rehearsing, the road crew is organizing, volunteers are lined up, and the grand marshals are ready. The Niwot Community Associations's (NCA) signature event, the annual July 4th celebration in Niwot, is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Hundreds are expected to turn out for a pancake breakfast, now named in honor of the late Niwot Market proprietor Bert Steele, in Cottonwood Square. But before it all starts, NCA volunteers and...
Soon after the conclusion of Niwot High School girls basketball's 2023-24 season, the Denver office of the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) received a claim accusing the program of violating Title IX regulations. Enacted in 1972, Title IX prohibits any educational institution that receives federal funding from discriminating on the basis of sex. The law covers all programs and activities, but it has commonly been associated with ensuring equal treatment of male and...
Ben Rauschkolb has had an opportunity to contribute to Niwot High School (NHS) as an art student in a very special way. In his sophomore year, Rauschkolb had been taking photos of the school's athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities for use in the Left Hand Valley Courier, as well as NHS's student run newspaper, The Green and Black, and the social media platforms of the individuals he photographs. "As far back as I can remember," Rauschkolb said, "I have been the one playing on the...
Gargoyles are hard-working students, incredible team players, great friends, and an integral piece of the Niwot community over the summer at events such as Lobsterfest and Rock & Rails. They assist in keeping events at Whistle Stop Park zero-waste. The Courier is spotlighting some of these friendly, essential volunteers. Sam Popma has volunteered with the Gargoyles for three years. Popma is an incoming junior at Niwot High School and is an active member of the Niwot community. Popma is known to...
Kaleb Noterman likes to keep things simple when playing football: see the ball, catch the ball, and score. Unconcerned by that which he can't control, the wide receiver/defensive back is turning heads this summer ahead of his second year at Niwot High School. The single-minded rising sophomore played junior varsity football last season but amid a summer of rapid growth, varsity head coach Nik Blume is anticipating substantial production from Noterman moving forward. "Kaleb's route running has...
Western Wellness Chiropractic, owned by Barry Mathieu, a chiropractor with 10 years of experience, recently opened in the space at 198 2nd Avenue in Niwot above Chill Cryotherapy and Recovery. Mathieu seeks to educate people and help with spinal health, posture, neurological dysfunctions, and mobility. The practice also provides spinal decompression work, which takes pressure off of the nerves that run along the spine. One of the reasons that Mathieu became a chiropractor was his own...
Niwot High School and its students would not flourish without the teachers that devote themselves to their students. Among these teachers, Megan Schlagel, a math teacher and math department chair, nourishes students' love for math from her classroom at NHS. A graduate of Longmont High School, Schlagel has been teaching for the past 15 years. For the past 12 years she has worked at Niwot High School, where she has spent eight years as the chair of the mathematics department. She teaches Algebra...
Elementary school teachers play a vital role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and laying the foundation of academic and personal growth. Among these is Niwot resident Ava Dumler, who was named Teacher of the Year at Mead Elementary School in just her second year of teaching. Dumler is a 2019 graduate of Niwot High School where she earned her IB Diploma while also making her mark on the soccer field as a varsity player and team captain. Her drive and determination...
Niwot High School class of 2014 graduate, Elise Cranny, is headed to the Olympics for a second time this July. Cranny qualified to go to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics during the Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon, between June 21 and June 30. Cranny finished second in the 5000M at the trials on June 25 with a time of 14:40:36 - a mere 0.02 seconds behind the first-place finisher. "I feel honored to be able to represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics," Cranny said, "especially because the last...
The Erie High School boys lacrosse team capped an extraordinary season by clinching the state championship, an impressive milestone marking the program's first-ever state title. Led by Coach Nick Mandia, who was named the Class 4A Northern Coach of the Year, the team showcased its dominance, ending the season with a stellar 15-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 conference record, finishing first in the 4A Northern League. The Tigers' triumphant journey culminated in a commanding 14-6 victory...
In only their second season, Mead High School's lacrosse team, comprised of girls from all across the St. Vrain Valley School District, ended the year as State Runners-Up. Under the guidance of Coach Katie Coleman, they finished the season first in the 4A Northern League with an overall record of 17-2, with numerous postseason accolades complementing their performance on the field. Niwot senior Anne Booth, a captain and the backbone of the Maverick's defense, earned the prestigious title of...
Alison and Seth Steele, owners and operators of the Niwot Market, have been named as the Grand Marshals for the upcoming 4th of July Parade in Niwot. Not only do they continue to manage the Niwot Market, but they have been active volunteers for different community events as they carry on the legacy of their father, Bert Steele. "Their Niwot heritage and being involved in activities reflects over a century of families serving the Niwot community," said Kathy Koehler, one of the organizers of the...
Merrick Blondeau has been a member of the Niwot Community for all 18 years of his life. Over the years he has become a familiar attendee and volunteer at events around the town. For his volunteer efforts over the years throughout Niwot, Blondeau is the June 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel. Blondeau recently graduated from Niwot High School with the class of 2024. From the NHS drumline to choir and musical theater, to various clubs, Blondeau has been involved in...
Ashley Niles is a dentist and business owner, an athlete, a wife and a mother of three young children. She admirably manages her very busy life with an aura of kindness and calmness that would be difficult for most of us with her schedule to match. She credits her background in team sports for much of her determination and many of her values. Niles grew up in Geneva, Illinois, a rural Swedish American community west of Chicago. She is from a medical family. Her father was an OB-GYN and her...
It didn't take long for newcomer Kianna Butler to find her groove with the Niwot High School varsity softball team last season. After transferring from a Class 2A school in Flagstaff, Arizona, Butler became the Class 4A Cougars' top pitcher during her junior season. Niwot head coach Bobby Matthews trusted Butler with 130.2 innings in the circle and was rewarded with a stellar 2.68 earned run average. Butler, not one to shy away from pressure, said she enjoyed the competitive leap from 2A to 4A....
It's never good when rain and hail blow through an outdoor concert venue an hour before the event is scheduled. That's what happened in advance of the Rock & Rails program on June 20, 2024. However, in typical Colorado fashion, the skies cleared quickly and fortunately the weather remained delightful throughout the evening. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band kicked off the event with selections consistent with the evening's country and Southern rock theme. A large group of 28...
Niwot High School’s girls tennis team had an impressive season, finishing third in the 4A Region 5 League with a 7-5-1 overall record. Under the experienced leadership of Head Coach Aimee Hites, who has been at the helm for about 15 years, the team showed remarkable skill and tenacity. The Cougars’ roster featured a mix of seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen. Sophomore Saha Kolli emerged as a formidable force on the court, earning a 4A All-State Second Team honor. Kolli’s performance in the No. 1 singles spot was admirable, achie...
The Silver Creek Raptors made waves this season, not only claiming the Class 4A state championship, but also securing second place in the 4A Northern League and earning numerous postseason accolades. Under the guidance of Head Coach Debbie Stewart, the team, which is comprised of talented swimmers and divers from Niwot High School, Mead High School, Erie High School, Dawson School, and Silver Creek High School, showcased the strengths of their athletes, leading to numerous honors and new school records. James Story, a junior from Mead High...
Get ready to dance and sing along with headliners CW and Twenty Hands High on June 20 for their third consecutive year performing at Rock & Rails. The band performs a wide range of country and Southern rock favorites and a growing number of their own popular creations. In August 2023, the band was honored as Entertainer of the Year by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. Frontman CW Wooten said that, although they have a large repertoire of two-step selections, they tend to "stay more...
The Alcapones brought a mix of horns, vocal harmonies and rock to Rock & Rails last Thursday, June 13. The band performed to a generous crowd on a hot summer night in Niwot. Tim Ostdiek and Jenny opened the evening with an hour of folk rock tunes, including familiar songs as well as originals by Ostdiek, who has produced several CD's including his latest, titled "The Lost Days." Ostdiek and his partner, Jenny Balagna, are based out of Longmont, and have been entertaining crowds at Rock & Rails...
Niwot High School and its students would not shine as brightly without its wonderful staff. In a remarkable testament to the tight-knit community at the school, several former students of Niwot High School have returned and are now current staff members. For many of these educators, the hallways, classrooms, and even the old gymnasium hold a special kind of nostalgia. Leah (Sareceni) Messinger, current school counselor at NHS, recalls her time as a NHS student. "I was so excited to return to a p...
Not initially expecting the starting role he was given, it took some time for Niwot High School boys soccer midfielder Ben Gabrielson to get comfortable at the varsity level last fall. Gabrielson, then a junior, had received spot varsity minutes the year prior and was competing with other talented upperclassmen who were also searching for playing time. But as the season wore on and his confidence grew, Gabrielson quickly became a reliable presence in the Cougars' midfield. Niwot finished the...
The Niwot High School girls soccer team had an impressive 2024 season. Under the guidance of Coach Stephen Dimit, the team finished the year 8-4-4 and secured a spot in the state tournament. The team's hard work was evident throughout the season, resulting in several players receiving postseason accolades. Seniors Paige Russell and Margaux Boyer led the charge, both serving as team captains who played pivotal roles in the midfield and defense, respectively. Russell scored three goals and had...
Niwot High School's softball season ended last fall, but for seniors Autumn Rutherford and Anne Booth, the last game of the season came in June. Rutherford and Booth were selected to play in the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) All-State game June 12 at Rawlings Field in Pueblo. Niwot softball coach Bobby Matthews said, "Players are selected by coaches who are members and teams are put together from all classifications." Rutherford and Booth played for the Blue team, which won...
Niwot High Baseball coach Ken Rosales and his staff, along with players from the 2024 squad, hosted a week-long camp for Niwot Youth Sports players June 10 to 14 at the Niwot High School field. Approximately 63 campers worked on drills from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. before finishing each day with a scrimmage. Drills included agility games, baserunning, hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing and pitching. Rosales and pitching coach Greg Wilcox expressed hope that players participating would take lessons...
Those who frequent 2nd Avenue's coffee shop, The Old Oak Coffeehouse, as well as those who regularly attend any community events, have probably noticed some friendly and regular faces behind the counter. This week's Familiar Face is one such barista, Noah Smith, who has been a friendly face at The Old Oak since March of 2022. Smith started the job when he was on a walk downtown and saw a "help wanted" sign in the window. He went in, inquired about the position, submitted his resume, interviewed,...
Very few high school athletes earn the right to hoist multiple team state championship trophies throughout their careers. Last month, the now-graduated Justin Gawrych joined that rare company when he helped the Silver Creek High School boys swim and dive team to its second Class 4A title in four years. Gawrych, who swam for the Raptors while attending Niwot High School, was grateful to have helped Silver Creek secure the ultimate prize twice. "It was super exciting because we went second the...
Gargoyles are hard-working students, incredible team players, great friends, and an integral piece of the Niwot community over the summer at Lobsterfest and Rock & Rails. They assist in keeping events at Whistle Stop Park zero-waste. The Courier is spotlighting some of these friendly, essential volunteers. Meredith Champion has been volunteering as a Gargoyle for four years. She is currently an incoming sophomore at Niwot High School and is an active member of the Niwot community. Champion is a...
Ken Benson has been a teacher at Niwot High School for the past 21 of his 22 year teaching career. While he's not done yet, he has had an incredible journey, making a lasting impact not only with students, but on the school as a whole. Benson has primarily taught social studies at Niwot, with classes including world studies, economics, German, and the history of rock. This past October, Benson received an opportunity of a lifetime and will be traveling to South Korea for two years to further...
