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Road crew (Photo from shutterstock.com) OUCH! What’s News January 24, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 41 HIGH WINDS FUEL LATE-NIGHT FIRE NEAR HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR - PAGES 14 & 15 - LOVELAND MAN WANTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY - PAGES 29 & 30 - DETECTIVES SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP TO SOLVE DEATH OF 22 MONTH OLD BROOKLYN DIGESUALDO - PAGE 23 - FOSSIL RIDGE TEACHER ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES: POLICE SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - PAGES 26 & 27 - KIDNAPPING INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARRESTS IN LOVELAND - PAGE 30 - STUDY: ROUGH ROADS COST DRIVERS $2,100 EACH YEAR SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 Discover the Genius of Pablo Picasso - PAGES 16 & 17 - new A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S GOING ON IN NORTHERN COLORADOMeet Twomey, a Colorado Mountain Dog that works full time at Ciardullo Ranch in Wellington (Photo by Mark Richardson) January 24, 2025 week of© 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.Hello, Northern Colorado! What a week it’s been! As temperatures plummeted, I bundled up in every layer I could find while navigating the icy roads of Fort Collins. It was a stark reminder of how unforgiving Colorado winters can be— and how resilient our community is when faced with challenges. Despite the chill, I saw neighbors shoveling sidewalks, lending a hand to one another, and embracing the season’s beauty. As we stay warm, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the stories that have captured your attention this week. Here are the top three articles that sparked conversations across our community: • “Fort Collins Melting Pot Celebrates 20 Years” – Readers loved diving into the story behind this iconic restaurant in Old Town. From its rich history to its delicious offerings, it’s clear the Melting Pot holds a special place in our hearts. • “Northern Colorado Braces for Weekend Snowstorm” – With NOAA and NWS forecasts predicting a heavy snowfall, this article kept you informed and prepared for the elements. Many of you shared your own snow- day plans, from sledding in Red Feather Lakes to cozying up with a good book. • “Operation King Friday: Northern Colorado Drug Task Force Shuts Down Major Drug Trafficking Network” – This breaking news story captured significant attention as the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking network. The operation highlighted the dedication and hard work of local law enforcement in keeping our community safe. At North Forty News, we publish fresh, daily stories to keep you informed. Visit us anytime at northfortynews.com. For those who enjoy reading everything in one place, our weekly e-edition is available online for FREE at northfortynews.com/this-week. Want to stay even more connected? Here’s how: • Daily News Emails: When you make a donation, you’ll receive daily news emails directly in your inbox, ensuring you’re always up to date. Visit northfortynews. com/subscribe to support our work and sign up. • Weekly Email: Our e-edition is emailed weekly to anyone who signs up. You can find the sign-up form conveniently located on the first page of the e-edition. Whether you prefer daily updates or a weekly roundup, we’re here to bring you the stories that matter most to Northern Colorado. Stay warm, stay safe, and as always, thank you for letting us be part of your 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-week Navigating the Chill: Reflections on a Frosty Week and Community Highlights(Image created by ChatGPT Images)Timnath Timnath, a picturesque town nestled just southeast of Fort Collins, boasts a welcoming community, stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and a thriving blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. This rapidly growing town is a haven for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle in Northern Colorado. NORTHERN COLORADO DRIVERS FACE $2,100 ANNUAL HIT FROM ROUGH ROADS AND TRAFFIC ISSUES 8 Content Fort Collins Fort Collins, at the foothills of the Rockies, is Northern Colorado’s vibrant heart. Known for its historic Old Town, craft beer scene, and outdoor recreation, it blends urban energy with small- town charm. Home to Colorado State University, it’s a hub for innovation, culture, and community. THE STORY OF WINTER AND WINTER BLOOMING FLOWERS 10-11 PAY-PER-CLICK (PPC) ADVERTISING: THE KEY TO DRIVING TARGETED TRAFFIC 12 -13 HIGH WINDS FUEL LATE-NIGHT FIRE NEAR HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR: PROMPTING MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE 14-15 CELEBRATING 38 GROOVY YEARS: SHAKEDOWN STREET! 18-19 FOSSIL RIDGE TEACHER ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES: POLICE SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 26 - 27 WORKING TOWARD CLEANER AIR 28 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them.Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. PROJECT SEARCH LAUNCHES AT MCKEE MEDICAL CENTER: TRANSFORMING LIVES IN NORTHERN COLORADO 24-25 LOVELAND MAN WANTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY: COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO LOCATE SUSPECT 29-30 KIDNAPPING INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARRESTS IN LOVELAND 30 Longmont Longmont, a thriving city nestled between Denver and Boulder, offers stunning mountain views, a lively arts scene, and a growing hub for innovation. Known for its breweries, outdoor recreation, and community spirit, Longmont combines small-town warmth with modern opportunities. DISCOVER THE GENIUS OF PABLO PICASSO AT LONGMONT MUSEUM’S NEW EXHIBIT 16-17 Content It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe Greeley Greeley, a dynamic city in Northern Colorado, is rich in agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. Known for its thriving arts scene, historic downtown, and community events, Greeley blends small-town charm with the opportunities of a growing city, making it a welcoming place to live, work, and explore. WELD COUNTY RESIDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM FEDERAL FUNDS ADDRESSING HOUSING AND FOOD INSECURITY 22 DETECTIVES SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP TO SOLVE DEATH OF 22 MONTH OLD BROOKLYN DIGESUALDO 23NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8January 24, 2025 Fort Collins, CO – Driving in Northern Colorado comes with hidden costs. Motorists in the region lose an estimated $2,099 annually due to deteriorating roads, traffic congestion, and safety challenges, according to a recent report by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit based in Washington, DC. Statewide, these issues add up to a staggering $11.4 billion in extra costs for Colorado drivers. THE HIDDEN COSTS OF COLORADO’S TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES The TRIP report, titled “Keeping Colorado Mobile: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe, Smooth, and Efficient Mobility”, highlights several alarming statistics: • Road Conditions: Nearly one-third (31%) of major roads in Northern Colorado are in poor condition, adding $843 annually to the average motorist’s vehicle operating costs (VOC). This includes higher expenses for vehicle repairs, increased fuel consumption, and accelerated wear and tear. • Traffic Congestion: Northern Colorado drivers lose 25 hours annually stuck in traffic, wasting an additional nine gallons of fuel and $639 in lost time. Statewide, TIMNATH (Photo from shutterstock.com) Northern Colorado Drivers Face $2,100 Annual Hit from Rough Roads and Traffic Issues EDITORIAL Blaine Howerton | NorthFortyNews.com CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE.NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9January 24, 2025 TIMNATH congestion-related costs total $4.8 billion each year. • Bridge Safety: Three percent of bridges in the region are rated as poor or structurally deficient, compared to five percent statewide. • Traffic Fatalities: From 2018 to 2022, Northern Colorado experienced an average of 86 traffic- related fatalities annually. The financial impact of crashes where roadway safety features could have played a role costs drivers $617 annually. LOCAL LEADERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS WEIGH IN Weld County Commissioner Kevin Ross expressed concern over the lack of funding directed toward rural infrastructure. “Poorly maintained roads and insufficient capacity make it harder to do business in Weld County, the fastest-growing county in Colorado,” said Ross. “This hurts commerce, stifles growth, and threatens our economic viability.” Agriculture is also feeling the impact. Marc Arnusch, owner of Marc Arnusch Farms, noted that deteriorating roads limit the industry’s ability to thrive. “Unsafe and inefficient routes are closing doors to opportunity for Colorado agriculture,” said Arnusch. “We must address these challenges to ensure a sustainable future for our farmers and workers.” EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM While Colorado has increased transportation funding in recent years, significant gaps remain. State funding rose with the passage of SB 260 in 2021, providing $5.3 billion over ten years for transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is expected to contribute $3.7 billion over five years. However, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) estimates an annual shortfall of $350 million to maintain and enhance the state’s transportation system. Rising construction costs, increased vehicle fuel efficiency, and the growing adoption of electric vehicles are further straining funding sources. THE ECONOMIC STAKES Colorado’s transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in the state’s economy. In 2022, the freight system moved 344 million tons of goods valued at $326 billion. By 2050, freight volume is expected to increase by 63%, underscoring the urgent need for efficient and reliable roads. “Despite increased funding, Colorado still faces a significant shortfall in maintaining and improving its transportation network,” said Dave Kearby, executive director of TRIP. “Investing in smooth, safe, and efficient infrastructure is essential to the state’s economic health and quality of life.” A CALL TO ACTION Northern Colorado’s roads are more than a means of getting from point A to point B— they’re the backbone of the region’s economy and community. Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment and innovative solutions to ensure that the state’s transportation system keeps pace with its growth and demands. For a detailed breakdown of the findings, access the full TRIP report here: tripnet.org/reports/trip- keeping-colorado-mobile-report-january-2025. To learn more about TRIP and its mission, visit their official website at tripnet.org. For more stories about Northern Colorado infrastructure and local news, visit northfortynews.com. (Photo from shutterstock.com)Next >