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Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building (Rendering Courtesy Colorado State University) INNOVATION What’s News January 10, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Volume 32, Number 39 MAJOR CONCRETE REPAIRS ON HARMONY ROAD The project is part of the ongoing Street Maintenance Program - PAGE 8 - THE POWER OF LOCAL BRANDING FOR NORTHERN COLORADO BUSINESSES Local businesses thrive when they embrace and promote a unique, regionally focused identity. - PAGE 12 - LOVELAND WOMAN FOUND DECEASED She was found outside her home in the 600 block of West 6th Street in Loveland. - PAGE 27 - Colorado State University is set to construct a groundbreaking engineering and artificial intelligence facility, fueled by a historic investment from students and transformative donor contributions. The state-of-the-art building will feature advanced labs, collaborative spaces, and modern classrooms, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary research. Student fees and philanthropic support highlight a shared commitment to shaping the future of education and technology. The facility will also bolster Northern Colorado’s reputation as a hub for innovation, benefiting local industries and creating workforce opportunities. Construction begins soon, promising a transformative impact on CSU and the broader community. SEE THE STORY: PAGES 14-15© 2025 North Forty News New SCENE Weekly All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, incluiding photocopying or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the editor, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by the copyright law. For permission requests, write to the editor, addressed “Permissions”, at the address below. info@northfortynews.com NorthFortyNews.com The views expresses in this publication are those of the respective contributor and are not necessarily shared by the company or its staff.January 10, 2025 week ofSomehwere in Arizona (Photo by Blaine Howerton)Dear Readers and Advertisers, If you haven’t noticed, we took a brief pause last week. That’s right, it was the first break I’ve taken since I became the owner of North Forty News seven years ago. It was a moment for reflection, rejuvenation, and a bit of adventure. I escaped to a warm and sunny corner of the Arizona desert. Can you guess where? I’d love to hear your thoughts—email us at info@northfortynews.com. This pause wasn’t just about soaking up the sun; it also gave me a chance to focus on something I’ve been working on since September—a new and improved format for our e-edition. Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you! Here’s what’s new: FOR OUR READERS • Easier Mobile Reading: We’ve optimized the layout for your phone or tablet, so reading on the go is a breeze. • Larger Photos and Text: No more squinting or pinching the screen—everything is easier to see and enjoy. • Less Zooming: Our updated design ensures the content fits seamlessly on your device. • Two-Page Layout on Desktops: Experience a more traditional, newspaper-like view when reading on your computer. • Print at Home: The e-edition is now formatted to print beautifully on standard paper using your own printer. • Three Times the Pages: We’ve expanded our coverage to give you even more news and stories you care about. • Embedded Links: Clickable links make it easier to dive deeper into the topics and resources you’re interested in. FOR OUR ADVERTISERS • Robust Analytics: Gain valuable insights into how your ads are performing. • Improved Visibility: Advertisements are now more prominent and engaging for our readers. • Larger Ad Space: More room to showcase your products and services. • Convenient Ad Ordering: Streamlined processes make placing your ads simpler than ever. • Content Placement Options: Tailor your messaging to align with the right stories and sections. This format change is all about serving you better, whether you’re reading our stories or advertising your business. I’m excited to hear what you think of the new experience. Your feedback has always been the driving force behind what we do, and it’s what keeps North Forty News evolving. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey. Warm regards, Blaine Howerton Publisher, North Forty News PUBLISHER’S LETTER BY BLAINE HOWERTON Your support helps us provide coverage of Northern Colorado communities. Support North Forty News in the following ways: • Advertise - ads@northfortynews.com • Donate - northfortynews.com/donate-now • READ - northfortynews.com/this-weekFort Collins Fort Collins offers a perfect mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. There’s always something going on. MAJOR CONCRETE REPAIRS ON HARMONY ROAD 8 CSU TO BUILD ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND AI FACILITY 14 - 15 THEM DIRTY ROSES BRING SOUTHERN ROCK HEAT TO THE AGGIE THEATRE 17-18 WILDERMISS: BRINGING INDIE-POP BRILLIANCE TO WASHINGTON’S 19-20 Content BEHIND THE BARS: ENCORE PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS TRANSFORMATIVE ART FROM LARIMER COUNTY JAIL INMATES 22-23 PROTECT YOUR HOME: FORT COLLINS ENCOURAGES RADON TESTING DURING NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH 24-25Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. THE RANCH EVENTS COMPLEX ANNOUNCES GAME-CHANGING EXPANSION WITH 70-ACRE LAND PURCHASE 9 LOVELAND WOMAN FOUND DECEASED: POLICE INVESTIGATE MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES 27 Region Northern Colorado blends innovation with a strong sense of tradition, making it a unique place to live and work. We have two articles to help you do both. THREE UNEXPECTED NATIVE PLANTS 10-11 THE POWER OF LOCAL BRANDING FOR NORTHERN COLORADO BUSINESSES 12-13 Content It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe Greeley Greeley is a vibrant city known for its agricultural heritage and thriving arts and cultural scene. The City is helping residents live healthy. WELD COUNTY OFFERS FREE RADON TEST KITS 28 NEW COUNTY FACILITY TO HOUSE ELECTRIC LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT 28NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8January 10, 2025 The City of Fort Collins Streets Department has launched a significant concrete repair project on East Harmony Road between South College Avenue (U.S. Highway 287) and South Timberline Road. The project is part of the City’s ongoing Street Maintenance Program (SMP). WHAT TO EXPECT: LANE CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC ADJUSTMENTS Drivers can expect lane closures and evolving traffic patterns throughout the construction period, which is anticipated to last 6–8 weeks, weather permitting. Business access along the affected corridor will remain open, but alternate routes are strongly recommended to minimize delays. CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE AND FUTURE WORK The concrete repairs mark the first phase of a larger project. Once this phase is complete, asphalt milling and paving are tentatively slated to begin in April 2025, further enhancing the roadway’s durability and safety. WORK ZONE DETAILS • Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some work may occur outside these hours or on weekends to expedite progress. • Access: Business access will be maintained throughout the construction period. STAY INFORMED For real-time updates and more information, residents and commuters can visit the following resources: • Project Updates: fcgov.com/harmonyroadwork • Citywide Construction Projects: fcgov.com/ construction • Street Maintenance Program Details: fcgov.com/smp Stay tuned for updates, and plan ahead to keep your commute stress-free during this essential infrastructure improvement. Major Concrete Repairs on Harmony Road Started January 6: What Fort Collins Drivers Need to Know EDITORIAL NorthFortyNews.com FORT COLLINS (Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9January 10, 2025 EDITORIAL NorthFortyNews.com LOVELAND Northern Colorado’s premier event destination, The Ranch Events Complex, is set to grow in a major way, with Larimer County’s recent acquisition of over 70 acres of land north of the current campus. This bold expansion marks a new chapter for the beloved Loveland venue, enhancing its capacity to host large-scale events and connect with the community in exciting ways. On December 17, 2024, Larimer County finalized the purchase, which supports The Ranch’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and community-driven planning. “This expansion is a game-changer for The Ranch and the community we serve,” said Conor McGrath, Managing Director of The Ranch Events Complex. “With this additional land, we can better guide the future of the spaces adjacent to our campus, explore exciting possibilities, and enhance our capacity to host diverse events. It’s an exciting moment for all of us, and we look forward to partnering with the community to shape what comes next.” WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LARIMER COUNTY This expansion promises numerous benefits for local residents and visitors alike, including: • Community-Driven Planning: Larimer County aims to involve residents in designing new spaces, ensuring future developments align with local needs and values. • Expanded Event Capacity: The added acreage enables The Ranch to host larger, more diverse events while accommodating the growing demand for event space in Northern Colorado. • Room for Innovation: The expansion opens the door for creative programming, cutting-edge facilities, and fresh opportunities for both event organizers and attendees. • Stronger Community Connections: New programs and spaces will foster greater engagement between The Ranch and the local population. • Stewardship of Adjacent Spaces: With direct oversight of the newly acquired land, The Ranch can thoughtfully integrate its growth with the surrounding area. • Future-Proofing Growth: This move positions The Ranch for long-term success and aligns with its goal of becoming self-sustaining by 2030. SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER The Ranch’s leadership emphasizes that this expansion is not just about growth—it’s about collaboration. Community members are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback via a public survey, available on The Ranch’s website. Initial planning sessions, involving staff and public input, will begin in January 2025. “We’re eager to hear from our team and the public,” McGrath added. “Together, we’ll shape the future of The Ranch and continue building a resource that serves Larimer County for generations to come.” ABOUT THE RANCH EVENTS COMPLEX Opened in 2003, The Ranch Events Complex spans over 240 acres and hosts hundreds of events annually, including the Colorado Eagles games and the Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo. The complex’s facilities include Blue Arena, the MAC Equipment Indoor Arena and Livestock Pavilions, and more, making it the go-to venue for everything from concerts to 4-H gatherings. For updates on this exciting expansion and upcoming events, visit TREventsComplex.com. The Ranch Events Complex Announces Game-Changing Expansion with 70-Acre Land Purchase (File Photo)Next >