All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 51 - 100 of 1922
When the curtain comes up on the Niwot High School spring show "Shrek the Musical" in April, senior Fred Zorgdrager will be front and center in the leading role. "It is a really big honor," Zorgdrager said. "I don't plan to do musical theater professionally but if I were to perform on Broadway 'Shrek' would be my dream role. It is super exciting to get the opportunity to do it now." Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film "Shrek," "Shrek the Musical" is a show with music by Jeanine Tesori...
The Niwot Business Association (NBA) took the show on the road to Niwot High School on March 12 for its monthly meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Niwot High School Education Foundation, and after a short business meeting, NBA members heard from the Superintendent of Schools for the St. Vrain Valley School District, Don Haddad, and Niwot High School Principal, Eric Rauschkolb. Haddad, former principal at Niwot High School, spoke of the success of the school district, "We have the highest...
While Niwot High School baseball’s 2-1 start to the season yielded several positives, the Cougars still aim to improve in certain areas. Fortunately for them, they have ample time for some in-season introspection. After beating Timnath and Weld County high schools to open the season, Niwot fell to Silver Creek High School, 4-1, on Tuesday, March 12 — two weeks before its next scheduled game on March 26. Niwot head coach Ken Rosales believes his players have already flushed that home loss and remain motivated to get back on track. “The inten...
Just ahead of the snowstorm, the Niwot High School girls soccer team beat the Wheat Ridge Farmers at home on Tuesday, March 12, by a score of 5-2. NHS came out strong in the first half and built up a 4-1 lead heading into halftime. The second half was closer with both teams scoring a goal. The win for the Cougars contrasted nicely with their 4-1 loss to the Farmers in March of 2023. It was a balanced scoring effort by Niwot with a number of players putting their names in the box score including Ashley Grier (1), Margaux Boyer (2), Heather...
Niwot High School wrestling coach Bobby Matthews decided it was time to do something different in the sport. In a social media post, Matthews said, "In November I made the decision that the 2023-24 season would be my last as a wrestling coach. Twenty-two years is a long time. I want to thank all the wrestlers who I have had the pleasure of coaching over the past 22 years. I will still be around the sport as I will move over to the officiating side. I will continue coaching softball and...
After starting the season with two losses, Niwot High School’s girls tennis team has started to find its way during the last two matches. While the Cougars lost a close match to Holy Family High School on March 11 by a score of 4-3, Niwot won all three of the singles matches. Unfortunately, the Cougars also lost all four of the doubles matches. Their #1 doubles played a particularly tight three-setter, losing the third set tiebreaker by a score of 10-6. Playing on back-to-back days, the Cougars then earned their first win of the season in d...
Three games into her senior season, Paige Russell has emerged as one of Niwot High School girls soccer's top scoring threats. The fourth-year varsity midfielder has already scored two goals, equaling her total from last season. Yes, it's a small sample size, but Russell's early offensive success shouldn't be overlooked. "It was kind of a big deal for me because I haven't really scored a lot of goals in my high school career," Russell said of her impressive start. Her first score came in Niwot's...
The Niwot High School boys volleyball squad has gotten off to a strong start as the Cougars head into spring break with a 2-1 record. Niwot played one game last week against Cherry Creek High School, winning the series 3-1. Niwot was originally scheduled to play Arvada West High School on Thursday, but the match was postponed due to snow. Niwot took a bit to get going against Cherry Creek, dropping the first series to the Bruins 25-21. Niwot bounced back, taking the next set 25-18, before going on a run, grabbing the third and fourth sets,...
Niwot Youth Sports started the Winter Recreational Basketball season in December with record registration numbers and lots of excitement for its third season partnering with Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball (RMYB). On Saturday, March 9, the season ended with four team championships and four team runner-up champions at the Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball End of Year Tournament held at local gyms in Longmont, Frederick and Niwot. NYS had 29 teams enter the tournament, including seven girls and 22...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Gender Studies Club. "Niwot Gender Studies is devoted to being a discussion-based safe space for anyone and everyone to talk about topics related to gender issues in the world," said Club Leader Claire Jensen. "We hold meetings every other week devoted to different topics and talk about them in-depth, in addition to service projects around our Niwot community. We have worked with non-profits to advocate for period...
During his junior year, percussionist Owen Powers played his first homecoming game with the Niwot High School Marching Band, performing alongside the Niwot drumline. "There were hundreds of people lining the football field and all up the hill adjacent to it," Powers recalled. "It was surreal. And on top of that, it was pouring rain, so everyone was getting drenched. Nevertheless, that performance might have been my personal best, and will without a doubt be one that I remember and cherish for...
Fortitude and resilience are two words that perfectly describe Sarah Magee. The office manager of a tax accounting firm with clients across the United States, Magee, the mother of two young men, is also owner of The Little Shop Niwot in Cottonwood Square. The Little Shop features lovely local art, gifts and children's toys and books, and sits next to Winot Coffee Company. Born in Denver and now living in Erie, Magee said, "I moved all around as a kid and went to 15 different schools. My past is...
Niwot residents Amy Cramer and Skip Wehner are new members of the Eldora Mountain Safety Team (MST) this season. Their passion for skiing, desire to keep everyone safe, and delight in being part of the small nearby ski resort make their role, in Cramer's words, "the best job in the world." As the season enters its final weeks, they each shared their very different personal backgrounds, and their shared enthusiasm for their new roles, along with their overflowing joy of living in Niwot. Cramer...
Bringing Niwot High School baseball back to its once-dominant form means a good deal to Haden Shaw. Although Niwot has bigger goals this spring, the junior catcher believes that playing in the postseason last year helped the Cougars' reascending program gain some outside respect. And in today's age of high school athletics, respect goes a long way. "It was nice to know that Niwot's back on the map," Shaw said. "When I tell everybody on my club teams that I go to Niwot, a lot of people say,...
On Wednesday March 6, 2024, the Niwot High School Advanced Symphonic Band attended the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) festival at Fort Collins High School. The CBA is made up of active and retired band directors in Colorado. One of the primary purposes of the CBA is to host events for band students of all levels and ages throughout the year, including marching band competitions in the fall, All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band events throughout winter and spring, and middle-high...
At the plate, on the mound, and in the field, almost everything was clicking for Niwot High School baseball in the first two games of the new season. The Cougars, loaded with a slew of returning starters, hosted Timnath High School in their season opener on Thursday, March 7. In what was a darkness-shortened five-inning affair, Niwot beat the visiting Cubs, 5-0. Senior Brock Rothstein got the start and struck out six in three innings pitched. Despite some early control issues, which resulted in...
The Niwot High School boys volleyball season has officially started, with the Cougars starting strong. Niwot won the season opener in a 3-1 series against Fossil Ridge High School on March 5 but lost their second series, 3-0, to Thornton High School on March 7. Niwot is off to a 1-1 start to the season with two games next week and a chance to improve that record. In their opening game against Fossil Ridge, the Cougars got off to a rocky start as they were outplayed early, losing the first set...
A handful of Niwot High School track and field athletes traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, over the weekend for the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Racing as members of REAL Training, a club team led by Niwot track and field head coach Maurice Henriques, NHS students who competed include Addison Ritzenhein, sisters Mia and Anna Prok, Kye Toothaker, and reigning shot put state champion Jade West, among others. The event was held from Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 10, with races being held at either the TRACK at new balance or the Reggie...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Political Action Club (PAC). In the words of co-founder Oliver Fowler, "Niwot Political Action Club is a Niwot-focused club that provides a safe space for NHS students to debate important political news, talk about issues, and get involved in politics. It exists to provide a bias-free and moderated outlet for people that isn't just a single issue." Fowler and Evan Debusk created PAC in September of 2023 with the...
The Niwot High School girls varsity tennis team started the season with a couple losses last week to Fairview High School (4-3) and Valor Christian High School (6-1). While that may be a tough way to begin the year, the matches were closer than last year when the Cougars were defeated 7-0 by both teams. "We're better than last year," said Coach Aimee Hites, "We have more depth." Last year, Valor Christian lost to Fairview in the Class 5A state team semi-finals, and Fairview lost in the finals...
The heart of Niwot sits in District 12 of Colorado's House of Representatives. District 12 is represented at the Colorado capital by House Representative Kyle Brown, who was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Tracey Bernett. Since Brown joined the state legislature on Feb. 1, 2023, he has been an active legislator focused on climate action, affordable housing, recovery from the Marshall Fire and health care. Despite joining the current legislative session...
Armed with more confidence, Cassie Chen is transitioning from the No. 2 doubles line to No. 3 singles entering her junior season on the Niwot High School girls tennis team. While Chen played in a handful of No. 3 singles matches last season, she believes the move won't be too difficult. Her primary concern is contributing her best wherever Niwot head coach Aimee Hites needs her most. "I'm really excited to play singles this year and just be able to work with the team," Chen said. She still must...
Peter Cottontail is returning to Niwot a little early this year. But nevertheless, hippity hoppity, Easter is indeed on its way. The 43rd annual Niwot Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the Niwot Group at Compass, will be held on Saturday, March 23, at Niwot High School. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Niwot Community Connection (NCC), which will have volunteers serving breakfast. The event began in 1979, but a snowstorm canceled it for one year, and two years were...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Students for Rare Diseases Club. Students for Rare Diseases is a club of students with the shared goal of educating and spreading awareness of rare diseases to improve and better the lives of individuals living with rare disorders, and the lives of their families and caregivers. According to the SFRD website, if 1 in 10 Americans has a rare disease, it is likely that roughly 118 Niwot students struggle with a rare...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is introducing a new Teacher of the Month feature chosen by students. Teachers are chosen based on their positive impact on their students, staff, and surrounding community. Jason Watkins is Niwot High School's March Teacher of the Month because of his consistently positive impact on his students, the staff, and the community. Watkins teaches technical theater, CTE, jewelry, photography, and video making at NHS and is a founding member of the Colorado Association of...
While Niwot High School students were sweeping the house before the preshow for "Beauty and the Beast," they learned that the show had sold out. For Marik Magginetti, a sophomore technical theater student involved in the production, it was one of his most memorable moments. "I remember actors running up the aisles and backstage to spread the news," Magginetti said. Another unforgettable moment occurred at the Bobby G awards, a state-wide high school musical theater program that recognizes...
The Niwot High School girls varsity tennis team finished last season with a hard fought 7-6 record. Despite strong individual showings, including Sahasra Kolli winning the Class 4A state championship at #2 singles, the team was challenged by a lack of depth according to Coach Aimee Hites. Hites expects that depth to improve as the team begins its spring season with a home match against Fairview High School at 3:30 p.m. on March 5. Kolli returns for her sophomore season and will play at #1 singles. While playing #1 entails a higher level of...
Under second-year head coach Ken Rosales, the Niwot High School baseball program took a major step forward last spring. The Cougars finished 14-9 - the team's most wins since 2014 - and never lost more than two straight games en route to reaching the postseason for the first time in seven years. While the 2023 campaign ultimately ended in disappointment with a loss to Riverdale Ridge High School in the Class 4A Region 7 championship game, Niwot has plenty of momentum entering its 2024 campaign....
Kerry Anne Abdow Niwot High School 1982 graduate Kerry Anne Abdow, age 59, died Feb. 18, 2024, in a traffic accident on her way back to Denver from Chicago as a result of a suspected medical incident. Kerry lived a very nomadic way of life and would always make a friend when meeting a stranger....
Rod Archer smiles modestly when he says, "if I were looking for a job now I would say two words, 'Stanford' and 'Apple.'" Indeed, his story includes his success in combining his mechanical engineering training at a prestigious university with his ability to work with developing technologies at one of the world's most innovative companies. Archer grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, with his parents, a younger sister and a younger brother. He says he was "a good, quiet kid." He chose to...
After receiving support from countless individuals throughout her softball and baseball playing careers, Niwot High School graduate Tara Harbert is now lending her knowledge to the next generation. Harbert, a 2002 NHS graduate who later played on the USA Baseball Women's National Team, spent this past fall coaching junior varsity softball at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch. Additionally, she and her fiancé, Bryan, have committed themselves to supporting their three children's...
Niwot High School Performing Arts student James Miller has a clear vision of his role in the world. "My interest in theater defines who I am as a person," Miller explained. "Most things about my personality come from my experiences and peers in the theater." His commitment to his craft was one reason his teacher, Amanda Foust, selected Miller as Arts Student of the Week. "James is a terrific actor!" Foust said. "He was in the high school's fall production of 'Puffs' and as his first production...
Last year, several students from the choir and orchestra departments at Niwot High School were given separate opportunities to travel during the spring and summer of the 2022-2023 school year. Orchestra members took a trip to Europe and the Baltics, while choir members took their traditional trip traveling to New York City to perform on Broadway and see some Broadway musicals. This year, the music department world tour continues for students at NHS. Keynes Chen, the orchestra director at Niwot,...
Niwot High School senior Tracy Yu will be pulling double duty this spring for the first time in two years. Yu is currently preparing for her fourth season on the Cougars' girls tennis team and is rejoining Niwot's girls soccer squad after taking last season off. Her weekday afternoons may be chaotic at times, but her passion for both sports should prevail. Regarding her return to the pitch, Yu was convinced by teammate Margaux Boyer to attend a low-stress summer kickaround. "I definitely really...
With both experience and talent, this year’s Silver Creek High School boys swim team may be one of the more confident groups longtime head coach Debbie Stewart has ever led. The Raptors are coming off three straight top-two team finishes at the Class 4A state championships, including a state title in 2021, and bring back several of their star swimmers. “They're hungry for a really good winning season,” Stewart said. “It's exciting to see the camaraderie and the hard work that they're all putting in and what they did put in (during) their offsea...
The Niwot High School boys volleyball season is starting again after their debut season last year. Niwot will once again run it back with last year's coaching staff. John Miller is back as the head coach after an 11-12 record last year. Annika Turner, CJ Rabinowitz, Marineth Huffaker, and Niwot High School teacher Sarah Demmel will all come back as assistant coaches for the team. Niwot’s starting roster is yet to be announced, but we will see them in action next Tuesday, March 5, as the Cougars open their season. Niwot’s season opener will be...
Niwot High School girls golf is back for its ninth season, kicking off March 16. Head coach Ed Weaver returns after another successful season with boys golf. Chad Richert is returning as an assistant coach, while Niwot High School’s IB Physics teacher Byron Rudisill will not be returning after he and his wife had their second child in early February. The team is coming off of a strong season, with a large returning group from varsity last year. Senior Mina O’Dell will be returning after back-to-back state qualifications, with Junior Alena Kasan...
Late in the afternoon of Feb. 14, a high-speed chase ended with a two-car collision on Niwot Road near the Niwot High School football field. Multiple reports were made on social media of a vehicle speeding east on Niwot Road across the Diagonal Highway, followed by Boulder County Sheriff's officers and Colorado State Patrol vehicles on Valentine's Day, ending in a collision near Niwot High School. The crash resulted in the speeding vehicle rolling onto its top and crashing into the chain link...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Business Association on Feb. 13 saw the re-election of all current officers and directors. Eric Bergeson of the Niwot Wheel Works and The Wheel House will again serve as president, Deborah Fowler of Slifer Smith & Frampton real estate will continue as vice-president, Nancy Bureau of Left Hand Animal Hospital returns as secretary, and Mary Coonce of Porchfront Homes was re-elected as treasurer. All four officers ran unopposed for one-year terms, and their...
Zachary Scott Swanson Former Niwot resident and Niwot High School graduate, Zachary Scott Swanson, age 39, died Feb. 10, 2024, from injuries sustained in an auto-pedestrian accident on Highway 85 north of Greeley, Colorado. At the time of his death, Zachary was a resident of Wellington, Colorado, and was employed as an auto mechanic. Services will be announced at a later date....
The Niwot High School Education Foundation is gearing up for its annual online auction, March 6-10 to raise funds for educational grants, scholarships, and other programs to meet the needs of teachers and students to enrich their educational experience. Thanks to generous support from sponsors, it should be an exciting one for potential bidders, according to auction committee chair Hadley Solomon. "We have several companies who continue to donate every year," she said, noting that there are donations from businesses in Niwot, Longmont,...
At the beginning of the 2023 school year, Niwot High School freshman Olivia "Liv" Raichart was working on a large landscape painting for a school project. She was in the hallway because the canvas was so big it would not fit in the classroom. Suddenly another young woman came out of the classroom crying, and Raichart wanted to help. So she invited the other student to paint with her, and immediately the tears stopped. "We just painted together," Raichart said. "And it made her feel better. It wa...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Dance Club. As described by Dance Club leader Ellie Rauschkolb, "Dance Club is a club that is open to anyone who wants to perform and learn to dance and have fun. We perform at assemblies and the Niwot Open House which are our biggest performances. Niwot Dance Club is not an auditioning club which is great since it's open to anyone who wants to join, whether they're experienced or not." Every year Dance Club...
Rohit Das wasn't exactly left satisfied with how his junior season played out on the Niwot High School boys basketball team. Yes, he enjoyed several strong moments, but the Cougars' final record of 7-16 weighs heavy. "It was up and down, and it was a little bit disappointing," the junior point guard said. "I thought we could have won a lot more games. But our team was young, so it'll be fun next year." Das did, however, play a key role in Niwot winning three of its final four games. At Mountain...
Under the bright lights of Ball Arena in Denver, Gavin Burrage closed an impressive four-year Niwot High School wrestling career at the Class 4A state championships. The senior qualified for state in the 175-pound division and after dropping his first-round match, advanced in the consolation bracket by pinning Thomas Jefferson High School's Miles Anderson in only 32 seconds on Friday, Feb. 16. Niwot wrestling head coach Bobby Matthews was thrilled to see Burrage's hard work pay off on the...
The Niwot High School boys basketball season has officially come to a close as Niwot played its final games of the year last week. The Cougars ended their year on a hot streak, winning two of their final three games. Niwot started the week with a tough loss 56-40 to Skyline High School, before putting together victories over Fort Morgan High School, 62-49, and Northridge High School, 71-64. Niwot ended the year with a 7-16 record. Niwot's lone loss in the final week came on Monday against...
Following their big win over Skyline High School Feb. 12, the Niwot girls basketball team won its first back-to-back games of the year, beating Ft. Morgan High School 44-40 at home on Feb. 13. This win marked a season sweep of Ft. Morgan, which lost to the Cougars earlier in the season on Ft. Morgan's home court. Ella Zechman had a strong game leading all scorers with 15 points on 55% shooting from the field, and also led the team with five steals. Thalia Almaraz dropped 11 points on Ft. Morgan...
Everyone attending Niwot High School's final home basketball game of the season Tuesday, Feb. 13, was treated to a special halftime show by the NHS cheerleaders. Both the Cougar boys and girls basketball teams posted a victory over Fort Morgan on senior night, and the NHS cheerleaders were out in force to support the teams. During halftime at the boys game, the cheerleaders rolled out a foam mat and performed the routine they have been working on for months for a cheerleading competition in...
Niwot High School is dedicated to fostering an environment that emphasizes individual growth and engagement, continuously offering diverse opportunities for students to excel in a setting that prioritizes their voices and enjoyment. One way this goal is implemented is through the Unified Programs at NHS. With the help of Amanda Foust, Chair of the Drama Department, Niwot High School created a unified theater class. Niwot High School is one of the first schools in the St. Vrain Valley School...
The House Blend Band is back for a fourth summer of concerts on Second Avenue. The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) approved funding for the popular concerts, now known as 2nd Avenue Concert Series, based on an application from the Niwot Business Association, presented by Michael Tomich and Patty Machen of The Old Oak Coffeehouse. Tomich explained that there would be five concerts this summer beginning May 18, an increase of one over last year. The headliner for the...
