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(Photo from Shutterstock.com) BEWARE February 7, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 43 SCAMS TARGET NORTHERN COLORADO RESIDENTS SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 What’s News FORT COLLINS GEARS UP FOR WINTER BIKE TO WORK DAY - PAGES 14 & 15 - MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH ON SOUTH SHIELDS STREET IN FORT COLLINS - PAGE 22 - CSU PUEBLO PRESIDENT RESIGNS AMID POLICY VIOLATION INVESTIGATION - PAGE 23 - FORT COLLINS MAN SENTENCED TO 48 YEARS FOR KIDNAPPING AND MENACING - PAGE 27 - Celtic Rock Meets High Energy: Tartan Terrors Set to Storm Rialto Theater - PAGES 18 & 19 - new A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S GOING ON IN NORTHERN COLORADODjango in Livermore, CO (Photo by Bonnie May) February 7, 2025 © 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. week ofTrust. It’s a simple word, but it holds the weight of everything we do at North Forty News. As the owner and publisher of North Forty News, trust is at the core of my work. It’s the foundation of this fully online newspaper, built one story at a time. • Trust from our community that we are reporting real news—stories that matter, stories that impact our neighbors, and stories that uplift Northern Colorado. • Trust from our advertisers that we deliver on our promises, helping their businesses grow through the reach and engagement of our loyal readers. • Trust in who we are—a locally owned, independent news source dedicated to keeping Northern Colorado informed. When trust is broken, bridges are burned. And those bridges? They aren’t just connections; they are pathways to growth, sustainability, and the very fabric of our mission. Artificial intelligence can analyze trust, but it can’t trust. That’s a human trait. It’s earned, nurtured, and sometimes tested. And every day, I put in the work to uphold it. While I ponder these things, I continue publishing every single article on northfortynews.com—while also working a full-time job at Bomgaars Loveland. It takes a mountain of effort to keep it all going. And yes, sometimes I get tired. But I do this for Northern Colorado. I always have. YOUR SUPPORT KEEPS LOCAL NEWS ALIVE North Forty News remains committed to keeping local, independent journalism strong in Northern Colorado. Your readership and support make all the difference. If you haven’t yet, consider subscribing, donating, or sharing our stories with friends and neighbors. Let’s keep our community informed, engaged, and thriving—together. 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 Trust Me(Photo generated by ChatGPT images)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. SELECTING REGIONALLY-APPROPRIATE VEGETABLES 10-11 CONTENT MARKETING TECHNIQUES: HOW TO ATTRACT AND ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE 12-13 PEDAL THROUGH THE CHILL: FORT COLLINS GEARS UP FOR WINTER BIKE TO WORK DAY ON FEBRUARY 14 14-15 MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH ON SOUTH SHIELDS STREET IN FORT COLLINS 22 FORT COLLINS MAN SENTENCED TO 48 YEARS FOR KIDNAPPING AND MENACING 27 Wellington Wellington, a charming town located just north of Fort Collins, offers a close-knit community, scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, and a growing hub for local businesses and outdoor enthusiasts. BEWARE OF THESE SCAMS TARGETING NORTHERN COLORADO RESIDENTS IN 2025 8-9 STAY SAFE THIS SUPER BOWL WEEKEND: COLORADO LAUNCHES 21 DAYS OF DUI CRACKDOWNS 29 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. CELTIC ROCK MEETS HIGH ENERGY: TARTAN TERRORS SET TO STORM LOVELAND’S RIALTO THEATER 18-19 CSU PUEBLO PRESIDENT RESIGNS AMID POLICY VIOLATION INVESTIGATION 23 Berthoud Berthoud is a charming small town known as the “Garden Spot of Colorado,” featuring a historic downtown, strong agricultural roots, and stunning views of the Front Range, all while offering a welcoming, close-knit community. 5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY IN COLD WEATHER 24-25 Content Northern Colorado Weather: Warm Start, Snow & Arctic Cold Ahead Northern Colorado will see a drastic weather shift this weekend. Friday brings warm, breezy conditions with highs near 61°F (16°C). Overnight, a cold front moves in, bringing rain turning to snow. Saturday cools to 42°F (6°C) with snow likely by evening. Sunday stays cold at 39°F (4°C) with lingering flurries. Hazardous conditions include gusty 50-60 mph winds in the mountains, causing blowing snow and poor visibility. An arctic front arrives Monday, bringing frigid temperatures next week. Stay updated via NOAA and North Forty News. 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. DOWNTOWN GREELEY’S ‘FREEZY DAZE’ BRINGS WINTER FUN WITH BOGO DEALS, ICE CARVING & MORE 16-17NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8February 7, 2025 Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and Northern Colorado residents are among their latest targets. From fake cryptocurrency investments to online dating schemes, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office warns locals about emerging scams that could cost you money—or worse, your security. Here’s what to watch for in 2025 and how to protect yourself. TOP SCAMS HITTING NORTHERN COLORADO 1. Cryptocurrency Investment Scams Think twice before trusting online investment offers. Scammers pose as “expert investors” and promise high returns. Always research before investing and only work with reputable firms. 2. Fake Security Warnings on Your Computer If a pop-up tells you there’s a security issue, do NOT call the number or click the link. Scammers use this trick to gain remote access to your computer, steal personal data, or convince you to move money into a so-called “safe” account—which they control. 3. Rental Scams on Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist Scammers copy accurate home listings and create fake ads to steal security deposits. Before paying, always verify the property owner and view the home in person. Never send deposits via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. 4. Car Buying Scams on Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist That unbelievable car deal online? It’s probably too good to be true. Scammers post fake vehicle listings to trick buyers into sending money before seeing the car. Always meet the seller and verify the car’s legitimacy before paying. 5. Online Shopping Risks with Temu Temu, a Chinese-owned online retailer, offers low prices, but some customers report fraudulent credit card charges after purchasing. Exercise caution before providing WELLINGTON (Photo from Shutterstock.com) Beware of These Scams Targeting Northern Colorado Residents in 2025 EDITORIAL Rewritten by Blaine Howerton from a submission by Barbara Bennett | Larimer County Sheriff’s Office CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE.WELLINGTON financial information. 6. Fake Boss or Manager Phone Calls Scammers impersonate business managers and convince employees to transfer money or deposit cash into Bitcoin kiosks. Always verify financial transactions directly with your employer before taking action. 7. “Your Family Member is in Jail” Scam Beware of urgent calls claiming a loved one is in jail and needs money for bail, an ankle monitor, or an early release fee. Jails don’t operate this way—this is a scam. Never pay over the phone. 8. Law Enforcement Impersonation If someone claiming to be law enforcement demands payment over the phone, hang up. Real officers will never ask for money or personal information in this manner. 9. Romance Scams on Social Media & Dating Apps Scammers build online relationships to gain trust and then ask for money. If someone refuses to meet in person and repeatedly asks for financial help, it’s time to cut communication. 10. Job Offer Scams A company offering you a high-paying job with little work? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never pay upfront fees for a job opportunity. 11. Fake Business Overpayment Scams If someone sends you a check for more than you’re owed and asks for the extra money back, it’s a scam. The check will bounce, and you’ll be on the hook for the lost funds. 12. Fake Social Security Agents Scammers pretending to be Social Security agents will try to trick you into revealing personal details or making payments. Government agencies do NOT request payments over the phone. 13. Threatening Emails A scammer sends an email with a photo of your home, claiming they’ve hacked your computer and will expose embarrassing content unless you pay in Bitcoin. This is a common scam—ignore and delete the message. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMMERS Scammers rely on secrecy and pressure to succeed. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe: • Never send money via Bitcoin, wire transfer, gift cards, Venmo, Zelle, or cash to someone you don’t know. • Law enforcement will never ask for money or personal details over the phone. • If someone tells you “don’t tell anyone” or “don’t hang up”, it’s a red flag. • Don’t click on links from unknown senders. • Always verify phone numbers before calling back. For more fraud prevention resources, visit the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office fraud and scams page: https://www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/ information/frauds-scams. Want to educate your community about scams? Contact Barbara EJ Bennett, Chief Scambuster at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, at 970-498-5146 for a presentation.Next >