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Members from the Rocky Mountain Wranglers team (Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Wranglers) February 21, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 45 THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WRANGLERS MAKE WAVES IN NATIONALS SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 Riding HighFebruary 21, 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 of It was a cold and icy week. Rain covered roads, froze, and then snow covered the ice. (Photo by Blaine Howerton)Tools. I use them every day. I sell them every day. But what is a tool? It sounds simple, and it is—whether it’s a wrench to complete a project by hand or a digital tool that helps us organize and share information. At North Forty News, we rely on tools in more ways than one. We use tools to publish content, optimize it for search engines like Google, and promote the stories and advertisements that keep our local businesses thriving. Tens of thousands of people visit our website every month because these tools help us stay organized and deliver news that matters. At Bomgaars, I learn more every day about the tools that help people in our community—whether it’s a new power drill or a platform that connects local businesses with customers. Tools, in many ways, connect us. As technology advances, these tools help us be more efficient, making our community stronger and more connected than ever before. No matter what job you’re tackling, the right tool makes all the difference. At North Forty News, we’re committed to using every tool at our disposal to keep Northern Colorado informed, engaged, and growing. Thanks for being part of our community! Until next time, 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 The Power of ToolsMust-have gardening tools (Photo by Fort Collins Nursery)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. UNIQUE SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS FOR EDIBLE LANDSCAPES 10-11 VIDEO MARKETING BEST PRACTICES 12-13 CASA OF LARIMER COUNTY’S NIGHT OF HOPE GALA RETURNS 14 TOP EATS: 15 BEST RESTAURANTS IN FORT COLLINS 16-17 FORT COLLINS MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT: POLICE SEARCH FOR ADDITIONAL VICTIMS 23 SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LOCAL HEALTH CARE: 25 BATHROOM FAN SPARKS HOUSE FIRE IN FORT COLLINS: POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY ISSUES WARNING 27 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them. 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. SECOND-ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE NEAR WELLINGTON CONTAINED 22 WELLINGTON GEARS UP FOR FIRST-EVER ST. PADDY’S PARADE & FESTIVAL ON MARCH 15 29Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. LOVELAND BEER WEEK RETURNS WITH PINTS, BITES & FREE TROLLEY RIDE: FEB 23 - MAR 1 18-19 MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY IN 2025: FIVE WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED BEYOND THE RESOLUTIONS 24 Content Windsor Windsor is a thriving town nestled between Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. Known for its small-town charm and rapid growth, Windsor offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WRANGLERS: RIDING HIGH IN NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN COMPETITIONS 8-9 A Taste of Spring! Warmer Temperatures Ahead for Northern Colorado If you’ve been longing for a break from the cold, you’re in luck! Over the next three days, Northern Colorado will see a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures climbing into the upper 50s and even low 60s by the weekend. Saturday, temperatures begin to climb, and while we’ll see increased cloud cover, we’ll also enjoy highs near 49°F in Fort Collins and Greeley, with warmer pockets in Loveland and Windsor reaching into the low 50s. Sunday will be the real treat, with sunny skies and highs approaching 59°F in most of Northern Colorado, and some areas even hitting 60°F. Looking ahead , this warming trend is expected to continue into next week, with NOAA forecasting highs in the 60s by Monday and Tuesday. 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. GREELEY MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDER OF TODDLER 15NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8February 21, 2025 WINDSOR The Rocky Mountain Wranglers: Riding High in National Equestrian Competitions! CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. PHOTOS by Rocky Mountain Wranglers | Taken at the recent Mile High Circuit IEA show at The Ranch in Loveland, CO. The Rocky Mountain Wranglers were champions in the upper school division.The Rocky Mountain Wranglers, a Western horseback riding team based in Northern Colorado, has been making waves in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) circuit. This group of young, determined riders is passionate about Western disciplines, including classes in reining, horsemanship, and ranch riding. The Rocky Mountain Wranglers are proving that hard work, passion, and teamwork can take you far in the world of competitive horseback riding. The team competes at various shows, regional and national levels, showcasing their skills and love for the sport. Their dedication has led them to significant accomplishments, including a standout performance at the IEA Regionals in Scottsdale, AZ, last season and a trip to the IEA Nationals in Fort Worth, TX. Competing against some of the best teams in the region, they earned a reputation for their strong riding abilities and impressive horsemanship. The seasonal IEA shows allow the Rocky Mountain Wranglers to refine their techniques and gain valuable experience on a larger stage. The camaraderie and sportsmanship within the team were evident as they cheered each other on and supported one another throughout the competition. “It has been an honor to be involved in this amazing organization for over a decade. The journey these kids make through the program not only teaches them unparalleled riding skills but also life lessons in being able to handle a variety of different situations that carry over to life outside the horse world. The camaraderie is something that makes this program stand out among many others. Most of the kids are from different schools and backgrounds but have come together to form a tight-knit unit that supports each other inside and outside the show ring,” said the team owner, Meaghan Hanes. Following their regional success, the team had the incredible opportunity to compete at the IEA Nationals in Fort Worth, TX, one of the top events in the IEA equestrian world. At this national competition, the Rocky Mountain Wranglers faced off against the top riders from across the country, showcasing their talent and determination. The experience was about so much more than just the competition; it was a special time for the Wranglers to come together, celebrate how far they’d come, and truly grow as a team. Throughout the year, they made memories that went beyond the arena, strengthening their bond and supporting each other every step of the way. It was a reminder that sometimes the best victories come from the friendships and moments shared along the journey. Now as they enter the new season, the team is gearing up for local competitions. They are hosting their spring IEA show at Riata Ranch in Cheyenne, WY, on April 5th - 6th. The Rocky Mountain Wranglers are looking for businesses and individuals to support the team by sponsoring or donating products. You’ll receive incredible advertising recognition and consumer branding! Contact: Meaghan Hanes @ aboveallfarm@gmail.com WINDSOR EDITORIAL Paulina Bradley (and team) | Rocky Mountain Wranglers POUDRERIVERFORUM 10thAnniversary TicketsonSaleNow! WhereWe’veBeenandWhereWe’reGoing ExhibitorsNetworkingPanelsLunch Friday,March7|8a.m.-4:30p.m. AimsCommunityCollegeWelcomeCenter 4901W20St.,Greeley80634 BuyNowNext >