All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
Prescribed Burns From now until April 15, 2025, prescribed burns will be performed at Hall Ranch and the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain. These burn operations only occur when there is sufficient snow on the ground to insure that operations will be safe and contained. The Parks & Open Space Department and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Management Program monitors the soils to be sure sufficient moisture is present to ensure safety. The public will be notified 24 hours...
From Dec. 2 through Dec. 7, in addition to ongoing road closures and lane shifts along CO 119: Between Colorado Highway 157/Foothills Parkway and South Pratt Parkway in Longmont, there will be some shoulder closures to allow drainage work and to install in-ground construction signs. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. near IBM Drive there will be various overnight single lane and turn lane closures. An additional closure related to the water line construction on 63rd St will result in the closure of Spine...
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...
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...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
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...
Prairie Dog Management The annual Prairie Dog Management Public Meeting will be held on Dec. 5, at 5:00 p.m. in the Ron Stewart Parks and Open Space Building, 5201 St. Vrain Road in Longmont. The County Parks and Open Space Department will share how it manages the prairie dog population in open spaces that include agricultural land, including actions taken in 2024. The public is invited to attend and to share comments. This venue is in-person, only. For more information, visit the Parks and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James, is a historic network of pilgrimage trails that have been walked for over a thousand years. These routes lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great, situated in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. The pilgrimage offers various starting points, including Portugal, France, and Ireland. Tammy Gentry, one of Niwot's beloved community members, recently completed the 160-mile Camino Portugués pilgrimage...
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...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]....
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, over 100 Niwot residents gathered in Cottonwood Square for a ceremony honoring veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country. The event marked the culmination of the Veterans Banner Project, sponsored by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) and Niwot Business Association (NBA). For the past month, banners have been displayed around downtown Niwot on Second Avenue and in Cottonwood Square, each honoring a veteran nominated by a community...
For the past two years, the Left Hand Valley Courier found a way to survive, barely, by borrowing money to pay the bills, with several key staff members deferring any compensation for 10-hour-plus work weeks. In an era of news deserts in Colorado and across the nation—areas without any local newspapers—newspapers must adapt, or die. Like other small businesses struggling to survive, the Courier owners decided to create a non-profit educational corporation, and donated the newspaper to the non-profit. The transfer took effect January 1, 202...
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...
Mary Coonce is a cherished figure in Niwot widely known for her role as co-owner of Porchfront Homes, which has been involved in many community projects, and her own extensive community involvement. For her volunteer efforts in the community, Coonce is the November Left Hand Laurel recipient. Coonce's dedication to Niwot includes service as the Niwot Business Association (NBA) treasurer for seven of the 11 years she has been a member. She also serves as the treasurer for the Local Improvement...
Due to conflicting reports, the Courier reported on Nov. 6 that a screenshot of an attempted home intrusion occurred on Halloween night in the Legend Ridge subdivision. The incident actually took place on the following day and involved a home in the Somerset subdivision....
Just in time for the holidays, it's official, Niwot Hall is the new name of the Grange building. The community will be flowing in and out of the Hall to socialize, learn, shop, listen to music, and dance. Professional Holiday Portraits Nov. 23, 24, 25, and Dec. 10 Professional photographer Noah Katz of NJK Photography will be taking holiday portraits in the beautifully decorated setting of Niwot Hall. Each session is $135 and includes 15 minutes with the photographer and one fully edited image...
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and five other law enforcement officers met with almost 100 Niwot homeowners in person and on Zoom on Nov. 6 to discuss the rash of break-ins in the area which had begun two to three weeks earlier. Johnson said, "Although we can't share everything, we are taking the situation very seriously." He said that the department's aggressive actions support the goal of putting an end to the intrusions quickly. A great concern is that the perpetrators may be part of...
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...
Democrats maintained their strong presence in Boulder County as voters made decisions on numerous races and ballot measures in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. From federal representation to local water district measures, residents weighed in on a wide array of candidates and issues. Federal and State Representation Democrat Joe Neguse secured another term as the U.S. Representative for the 2nd Congressional District. At the state level, Kathy Gebhardt won the race for State Board of Education...
A big change is coming to an historic building in downtown Niwot. What has been known as "The Grange" for nearly 80 years will now be known as "Niwot Hall." It's not the first time the building has been renamed. Originally, the building at 195 Second Ave. was known as Nelson Hall, named after John Nelson, who built it and ran a mercantile business at the location. It is believed to be the first commercial building in Niwot and was home to several different businesses and meeting rooms. Left...
Niwot experienced its first snow of the season this past week, which means winter is quickly approaching. With winter on its way, many Coloradans look forward to skiing, snowshoeing, reading books by a cozy fire, or even traveling to Cancun, Mexico to escape to a warmer climate. However, for many Niwot residents, local annual winter festivities are always a highlight of this approaching season. Enchanted Evening kicks off the winter festivities on Nov. 29 from 5:45 - 9:00 p.m. on Second Avenue...
All trails at Heil Valley Ranch are currently closed due to muddy conditions that may continue for the remainder of the season. The Bitterbrush Trail and the Antelope Trail at Hall Ranch are now open but the remaining trails at Hall Ranch are closed. For the most current updates, check out the Boulder County Parks & Trails website. At the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain, only the Indian Mesa Trail remains open. Eagle Wind and Little Thompson Overlook trails are closed due to muddy...
Do you know of a local event, interesting story or local person the Courier might be interested in covering? Do you have comments about what you have read in the Courier or suggestions to make? We would like to hear from you at [email protected]@lhvc.com....
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...
Banners adorn the streets of Niwot displaying photos, names and service descriptions of military veterans with connections to the community. The banners, as part of Niwot’s Veterans Banner Project, have been displayed annually since 2019 by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) in conjunction with the Niwot Business Association (NBA) during this time of year for families in the Niwot area to honor their loved ones’ service to our country. The annual celebration ceremony honoring veterans wil...
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...
Gillian Marie Finnell, a well known local illustrator, has been a Niwot resident for 17 years having moved from Seattle. Her mother taught Finnell and her siblings how to draw when she was very young, and she has been drawing her whole life. Finnell was an art teacher for quite a while in Colorado before she started doing her own illustrations and went back to school to study scientific illustration at California State University Monterey Bay. You might know her best as simply "Gillian Marie,"...
On Oct. 14, the Left Hand Valley Courier emailed Gloria Handyside, Communications Director for the Boulder County Commissioners, inquiring whether the Commissioners planned to amend Boulder County's minimum wage ordinance, in light of the recent breakdown of the Consortium of Cities (COC) regional approach to establishing a county-wide minimum wage. The ordinance sets the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County at a higher rate than incorporated areas in the county. Handyside responded on...
