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All Local, All The Time
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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...
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...
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...
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...
Reaching the state playoffs was an important goal for Niwot High School boys soccer senior Santiago Nahas as it was for his teammates. Nahas cracked Niwot's varsity roster for the first time this fall and was determined to capitalize on his lone season playing at the top. Unfortunately for Nahas and the Cougars, they hit a rough patch midway through the season, dropping three games in two weeks. "During that time, we were even contemplating if we were going to make it to the playoffs or not,"...
Ralph Wallace Thompson Oct. 14, 1934 - Oct. 17, 2024 Ralph Wallace Thompson passed peacefully at home from cancer on October 17th, 2024, three days after celebrating his 90th birthday with loved ones. Ralph was born on October 14,1934 in Chicago, IL to Elliot and Thelma Thompson. He grew up in Downers Grove, IL with his older brother, Ronnie, and older sister, Carol. Ralph's mother, Thelma, passed away at age 29 in 1939. His father, Elliot, married Mabel Casperson in 1940 and together they had... Full story
The Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dealing with the same issues that the journalism industry, particularly local journalism, is grappling with across the country. This article is the third in a series of reports on the current journalism business climate, the history and contributions of the Courier, why local journalism remains an important asset in community-building, and ways in which its business model can be strengthened. The Left Hand Valley...
In a significant show of community support, the Rotary Club of Niwot demonstrated its commitment to diverse community causes through grants totaling $16,550 across thirteen organizations. The club, which began its journey in 2008, has grown into a vibrant community of approximately 40 members united by their commitment to service and fellowship. According to Deborah Fowler, who joined the organization in 2009, the twice-yearly grant program reflects the club's dedication to making a meaningful...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Future Female Leaders Club. Niwot High School's Future Female Leaders Club (FFLC) is "an organization dedicated to empowering women and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and resources, enabling them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Our mission is to inspire and support young women, helping them build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose, so they can achieve...
Eloise Shehan, an alumna of the Dawson School and a former Niwot Elementary School student, recently secured an internship with The Mwebaza Foundation, a Niwot-based nonprofit organization started by retired Niwot Elementary School (NES) teacher Dale Peterson in 2008. The Mwebaza Foundation began as an avenue for penpal friendships between Niwot and Ugandan school children and became a larger cause. Uganda is beautiful, with fertile soils, high biodiversity, rich vegetation, and abundant water...
The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has announced its 2024 All-State Softball Teams, recognizing the state's top performers across all classifications. Among the standouts, Niwot High School's senior pitcher Kianna Butler earned First Team All-State honors in Class 4A, cementing her legacy as one of the program's most accomplished players. Butler, who led the Cougars' pitching staff throughout the season, was one of seven seniors selected to the Class 4A First Team, which...
In a nail-biting playoff battle on a frigid Wednesday night, No. 5 Silver Creek High School ended No. 12 Niwot High School's boys soccer season with a 1-0 overtime victory in the Class 4A state tournament. The Raptors' Parker Brown netted the game-winning goal in extra time, securing Silver Creek's second-ever quarterfinal appearance. The closely contested match, played on Silver Creek's home turf, remained scoreless through regulation time as both teams engaged in a defensive showcase. The...
The Niwot High School girls volleyball team battled at the Class 5A regionals last Sunday, Nov. 10, in Pueblo and faced a bittersweet ending to their season. The Cougars started off the day against Legacy High School and won with a strong 3-0 victory demonstrating the teamwork and skills they had built throughout the season. The Cougars then went against Pueblo West High School and gave it their all. After a tough fight, Niwot ended with a 3-0 loss. Despite the result on the court, the season’s end left the team, coaches and supporters f...
The Niwot Cougars concluded their season winless, ending with an 0-9 record after their final game against the Mead High School Mavericks was canceled by the St. Vrain Valley School District due to weather....
Cougar gymnasts have rounded out an impressive season with the team's first state championship in six years. The Niwot team won regionals, then capped off the season by winning state, both by considerable margins. Athletes named winning a state title as one of their greatest ambitions at the beginning of the season, and they were ecstatic as they claimed the Class 4A title on Nov. 9. On Nov. 1, the Cougars challenged four other teams at the Mountain Range Regional Meet, walking away with a...
Evelyn Majka chose quite the time to deliver the first home run of her life. Playing in her final Niwot High School softball home game and navigating the emotions that come with it, Majka belted a Senior Day homer on Oct. 3. The first baseman entered the game against Silver Creek High School with only one extra-base hit on the season, making her blast particularly special. "It was really shocking," Majka said of her home run. "I did not expect it at all, and it was shocking to everybody else....
Nine months came and went. The Left Hand Valley Courier became a non-profit corporation in late 2023, and filed an application with the IRS to be recognized as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable education organization, on January 31, 2024, and waited. Finally, after months of waiting, on Oct. 29, 2024 the IRS approval letter, dated Oct. 11, 2024, arrived, granting the Left Hand Valley Courier the ability to seek tax deductible donations and grants from organizations devoted to preserving local journalism. The IRS determination letter allows the...
The Niwot High School Orchestra has been invited to compete in New York City at the national Orchestra Cup. This annual event is a nationwide competition held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where only fifteen of the top orchestras in the nation are invited to attend. This event could be considered the “Super Bowl” of orchestra competitions. Under the direction of Keynes Chen, NHS Orchestra and Mariachi Ensemble Director, the musicians will be traveling to New York in the spr...
Competing in the state championships was a well-deserved ending to Eleanor Ottem's high school cross country career. After spending last year on junior varsity, the Niwot senior landed a varsity spot this fall and ultimately earned herself a trip to Colorado Springs for the Class 5A state meet on Saturday, Nov. 2. As the only senior on Niwot's girls team, she placed 60th (19 minutes, 37 seconds) at the challenging Norris Penrose Event Center course. Filled with emotion, Ottem expressed her...
In a landmark season for Niwot High School's cross country program, the Cougars made an unforgettable debut at the Class 5A state level, securing a state title for the boys team and delivering impressive individual performances on the girls team. The championship race took place at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, where Niwot's runners faced fierce competition and challenging terrain. For the second consecutive year, Niwot's boys claimed a state cross country title, marking...
In a commanding performance that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive prowess, the Niwot High School boys soccer team secured their spot in the second round of the Class 4A Boys Soccer State Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Wheat Ridge High School. The Cougars wasted no time establishing their dominance, striking early in the game when midfielder Leo Broteland won a crucial tackle in the middle of the field. With precise vision, Broteland threaded a pass through the Wheat Ridge...
Entering last weekend, the Niwot High School girls volleyball team had a 16-3 record, and was cruising through the Granite Peaks 5A/4A League in first place, with a record of 12-1. As is the custom for Coach Tony Engel, the Cougars participated in the Cheyenne Mountain Tournament, held at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. The event is annually the top tournament in the state, held just before playoffs begin, and the Cougars won at least one match in every set, but came away with...
The Niwot Cougars fell 58-14 to the Northridge High School Grizzlies on Thursday, Oct. 31, in their last home football game of the season, which doubled as Senior Night. Despite a challenging game against Northridge, Niwot fought to put points on the board in the second half. Northridge opened with a touchdown just minutes into the game, taking a 6-0 lead after a failed extra-point attempt. Sophomore quarterback Wyatt Volf aimed to rally the Cougars, but an early interception by the Grizzlies,...
On Halloween, seniors from the Niwot High School marching band and football team were recognized for their final home game presentations of their dedication this fall as well as throughout their tenure at NHS. Marching band seniors were presented with a rose and escorted down the sideline by their family members prior to the start of the game. Seniors recognized were Kennah Brackett, Nathan Cowan, Karlien Dang-Lee, Grace Fisher, Sanjana Kaushik, Angel Kho, Samantha Kintzel, Yaretzi Martinez...
The Great Pumpkin Party kicked off its 27th year in Niwot with an immense crowd on Saturday, Oct. 26, with hundreds of trick-or-treaters in costume roaming the Niwot business district from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local businesses, with owners and staff dressed in costumes themselves, gave out candy to the trick-or-treaters. The Left Hand Grange provided children's movies for youngsters who needed a short break from trick-or-treating. The Niwot High School Key Club created another very popular...
Ok. Was I the only one who thought "trunk-or-treat" was a typo? Seriously. I soon realized I saw the words too often together for "trunk" to be a typo. But I still didn't understand what trunk-or-treat meant for longer than I want to admit. What was happening here? And was there really an elephant involved? I figured it had to be a social distancing remnant of COVID. But after a little googling, I learned trunk-or-treating has been around for at least 10 years, well before COVID. Where have I...
When Niwot High School sophomore Aidan Coble picks up her trumpet, her passion for the music is immediately evident, which is one reason NHS Director of Bands Wade Hendricks selected her as Arts Student of the Week. "She has a gorgeous tone and vibrancy that comes with experience, attention, and listening to other excellent players," Hendricks said. "She is one talented, dedicated Cougar." This talent has been nurtured all her life by those around her. Coble's entire family is music oriented....
Only a junior, Rocco Culpepper already owns one of the more impressive cross country-track and field resumes among prep runners in Colorado. The Niwot High School standout finished third in last year's Class 4A cross country state championships and is now poised to make a run at the 5A title in 2024. At the Region 3 meet on Oct. 24, Culpepper blew through the field on a windy afternoon in Broomfield, taking first at 15 minutes, 50.4 seconds. "The first mile felt pretty steady, it was a big...
Tyler Eggers, arrested for causing a crash near Niwot High School after a high speed chase last Valentine’s Day, was sentenced to four years in prison after accepting a plea bargain. Although the defense requested Eggers spend five years in community corrections, the prosecution requested he serve time in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Eggers, 31, was accused of leading law enforcement officers on a car chase through Longmont, which ended in a collision at Niwot High School on Feb. 14, 2024. He was initially charged with reckless drivi...
“Murder on the Orient Express” is Niwot High School’s fall theater production, scheduled to be performed Nov. 14, 15 and 16. Directed by Niwot’s theater teacher and director Amanda Foust, this murder mystery follows Detective Hercule Poirot, a beloved character created by Agatha Christie and featured in many of her works, and a unique group of travelers who come from various parts of the world including Hungary, Russia, Great Britain, the U.S. and Belgium. The production has two main casts and a...
The third annual Niwot High School Fall Fest spilled from the front entrance of the school into the parking lot on Friday, Oct. 25. The NHS Student Council organized the event, which attracted many ghosts, goblins, and superheroes from throughout the community. High school clubs and organizations, as well as the Niwot High Boosters, manned themed booths and trunks with plenty of activities for all ages. Costumes, candy and activities ensured high energy. Children of every age participated in a...
In addition to performing halftime shows at football games and marching in parades, the Niwot High School Marching Band is also largely about fostering camaraderie and building student leaders. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Sunset Middle School advanced band had the opportunity to march and perform with the Niwot High School Cougar Marching Band. The two programs joined forces to march in the annual Longmont Halloween parade down Main Street in the midst of lots of music, candy, and festivities. The...
Niwot gymnasts competed with seven teams at their annual league competition on Oct. 23, and walked away with top-two finishes from both their varsity and JV teams. The event was the JV athletes' final meet of the season, and marked a meaningful milestone for the entire group. A week earlier, the Cougars took part in a triangular home meet against Loveland High School and Mountain Range High School, and secured their highest team score of the season with 181.9 points. The team shined at the Oct....
The Niwot High School cross country team secured top team finishes at the 5A Region 3 Championships in Broomfield on Thursday, Oct. 24. Both the boys and the girls teams demonstrated dominance, sweeping the top places and showcasing their readiness for the upcoming 5A State Championship. Boys Team The boys team claimed the first eight spots and an impressive 15:54 average time, well ahead of their closest competitors. Boulder High School held an average time of 16:22 and Fairview High School ave...
In an intense back-and-forth contest on Friday, Oct. 25, the Niwot Cougars fell to the Greeley Central Wildcats, 34-27. The game marked the closest finish for Niwot this season, as the Cougars took their first lead since the season opener. "We've been working all season to try and get something going, and made a lot of offensive changes and went up-tempo tonight," Head Coach Nik Blume said. "It's taken way too long for us to find an identity, but that definitely was a piece of it tonight." The...
The Niwot High School softball team's impressive postseason journey came to an end Friday at the Aurora Sports Complex, as the Cougars fell to fifth-ranked Holy Family High School, 8-3, in the 4A State Championship Round of 16. The loss marked the conclusion of a successful season for the Cougars, who finished with a strong 16-10 overall record and 7-4 in league play. Fresh off two victories in the Tournament of 32 Teams in Pueblo, Niwot faced a familiar opponent in Holy Family, which had...
The Niwot High School boys soccer team experienced both triumph and disappointment this week, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Frederick High School before falling to Skyline High School in a surprising 4-3 upset. In Tuesday's away match at Frederick, Niwot showcased its offensive prowess with a balanced scoring attack. Naveen Bopearachchigedon, Colin Mundt, Jay Scharfe, and Mohi Bauer each found the back of the net as the Cougars secured their second consecutive win, improving their...
Flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028 with both men's and women's divisions competing in Los Angeles for gold. Much closer to home, a local youth co-ed flag football team is excelling by showcasing how popular and exciting this sport has become. The Carolina Panthers are an all 7th grade co-ed team competing in the NoCo 5v5 Flag Football League in the 7th/8th grade division. Games are played all over the northern front range. The majority of teams in the league are male-only, but...
Ralph Wallace Thompson Oct. 14, 1934 - Oct. 17, 2024 Ralph Wallace Thompson passed peacefully at home from cancer on October 17th, 2024, three days after celebrating his 90th birthday with loved ones. Ralph was born on October 14,1934 in Chicago, IL to Elliot and Thelma Thompson. He grew up in Downers Grove, IL with his older brother, Ronnie, and older sister, Carol. Ralph's mother, Thelma, passed away at age 29 in 1939. His father, Elliot, married Mabel Casperson in 1940 and together they had... Full story
Jazz saxophonist Sam Lindquist comes from a musical family. His father plays drums, and his mother plays piano and clarinet. Occasionally he plays duets with his mother. Lindquist's grandmother on his father's side, Jan Lindquist, was an exceptional organ player who served as the principal organist at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lindquist took piano lessons from age four to ten, but his main interests are saxophone and guitar. He took up saxophone in elementary...
The "Pride Of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band has once again been hard at work this season to put on yet another exceptional halftime show performance. The band has had many opportunities to perform its show, "Night at the Movies," primarily at home football games. The band also had the opportunity to perform at the non-competitive event known as St. Vrain Band Night Oct. 9. This halftime show has featured a medley of Disney-Pixar songs, an arrangement of recognizable tunes from "Pirates of the...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is Club Heartbeat. Club Heartbeat is a service-oriented club where musicians come together once a week to rehearse pieces they then perform at nursing homes and children's hospitals. Every Friday, the group meets and learns music from familiar pieces of media such as Disney movies including "Pirates of the Caribbean." Club Sponsor, Wade Hendricks, lends the group the band room in which to practice. The Club Heartbeat leade...
