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Danny O’Connor (Photo courtesy DO Boxing Academy) BUILDING STRENGTH March 7, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 47 FORMER LOCAL OLYMPIC BOXER EMPOWERS YOUTH WORLDWIDE SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9March 7, 2025 week of View of Longs Peak from Estes Park(Photo by Dev Wolfe)© 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.When I was a young journalist 33 years ago, I learned firsthand the power of local news. One of the first stories I ever covered took place in my own backyard, in Southwest Colorado. A neighbor called me, urging me to come see the bubbles forming in his pond. At first, I dismissed it—I was looking for a “real” news story, not a pond full of bubbles. But when I arrived, I saw something that left me dumbfounded. The bubbles weren’t ordinary. They were methane— leaking out of the ground from nearby mining operations. My neighbor reached down, cupped his hands around them, and lit them on fire with a lighter. Flames flickered on top of the water! I had never seen anything like it. More importantly, I knew this was a story that needed to be told. By covering the issue, I helped bring attention to a potentially dangerous situation. Shortly after our reporting, the nearby company was forced to stop drilling due to the methane hazard. That moment sealed my passion for journalism. I realized then that local news isn’t just about headlines—it’s about impact. It’s about shedding light on issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. LOCAL NEWS: FUELING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS Beyond exposing critical issues, local journalism plays a crucial role in economic growth and community development. Research from the University of North Carolina’s Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media found that communities without strong local news coverage suffer from higher government corruption, lower civic engagement, and weaker economic conditions (Abernathy, 2020). Conversely, towns with active newspapers see stronger small business growth, increased local spending, and more informed residents who invest in their communities. A study by the Brookings Institution reinforced this idea, showing that strong local journalism directly correlates with increased government transparency and smarter local economic policies (Shaker, 2014). When people know what’s happening in their own communities—whether it’s new business openings, city council decisions, or infrastructure projects—they are more likely to engage, support local commerce, and participate in civic life. Additionally, research from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism found that local newspapers contribute to economic stability by helping small businesses connect with customers and build trust in the community (Franklin, 2023). At North Forty News, we take this responsibility seriously. We report on what matters here in Northern Colorado—from small businesses fighting to stay open to environmental concerns that impact our way of life. When people have access to credible, local journalism, they are empowered to make informed decisions, whether it’s about where to shop, how to vote, or how to protect their land and families. THE FUTURE OF LOCAL JOURNALISM IS IN OUR HANDS Today, local journalism faces new challenges, from shrinking ad revenues to the spread of misinformation on social media. But the mission remains the same: to inform, to uncover, and to connect. We rely on the support of our readers, our business partners, and our community members to continue this vital work. You can help by subscribing, donating, or simply sharing our stories. Your support ensures that critical stories—like my neighbor’s methane-filled pond—don’t go untold. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your engagement keeps Northern Colorado informed, connected, and thriving. Warmest 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 The Power of Local News: A Catalyst for Awareness and Growth(Photo from Shutterstock.com)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. BURROWING BANDITS: EVICTING GARDEN INVADERS 10-11 LOCAL HVAC EXPERTS ANNOUNCE THE TOP HEATING SYSTEM FOR FORT COLLINS’ CLIMATE 15 GINGER AND BAKER: A FORT COLLINS GEM FOR COMFORT AND COMMUNITY 16-17 FORT COLLINS SET TO GROOVE: MUST-ATTEND MUSIC EVENTS THIS WEEKEND 18-19 CAR CRASHES INTO FORT COLLINS HOME, IGNITES FIRE: RESIDENTS DISPLACED 22 FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE WORKER FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE BASEMENT 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. SPRING FORWARD: HOW DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME AFFECTS NORTHERN COLORADO 14Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. FORMER OLYMPIC BOXER LAUNCHES MOBILE FITNESS & MINDFULNESS PROGRAM TO EMPOWER YOUTH WORLDWIDE 8-9 LOVELAND’S BIG MOVES: PUBLIC TRANSIT GROWTH, DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION 25 LOVELAND SCHOOL ZONE RADAR CATCHES 50 SPEEDERS IN 30 MINUTES 28 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. PODCAST ADVERTISING: HOW TO REACH ENGAGED AUDIENCES AND BOOST YOUR BRAND 12-13 WINDSOR POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP IN MAIN PARK ARSON INVESTIGATION 23 Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast: Sunny Weekend Ahead The weekend brings warmer, calmer weather after Friday’s cold, cloudy start. Friday (March 7) , Northern Colorado starts with a chilly, with a 40% chance of snow in Fort Collins and Greeley. Highs will stay near 35-36°F, with gusty northeast winds up to 22 mph (NOAA). By Saturday (March 8), sunshine returns with highs around 52-53°F, light winds, and clear skies. Sunday (March 9) warms up further, reaching 63°F under sunny skies. 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. THREE STRATEGIES TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH AS WE “SPRING” FORWARD 24 STOLEN JEEP RECOVERED FROM SANBORN LAKE AFTER YEARS UNDERWATER 29NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8March 7, 2025 LOVELAND Former Olympic Boxer Launches Mobile Fitness & Mindfulness Program to Empower Youth Worldwide CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. PHOTOS | Danny O’Connor, DO Boxing AcademyNorthFortyNews.comPage: 9March 7, 2025 Danny O’Connor, a former U.S. Olympic boxing team member, two-time national champion, and WBC International Champion, is on a mission far greater than the ring. Through DO Boxing Academy, he is bringing a mobile fitness and mindfulness program to youth—starting in Northern Colorado but with the goal of expanding nationwide and across the globe. Beyond the program, O’Connor is also an in-demand keynote speaker, sharing his life story and insights on overcoming adversity, making good decisions, and achieving success. Just last week, he spoke to a crowd of 2,000 people at CU Boulder, inspiring students and young adults with his journey from struggle to success. A PERSONAL JOURNEY TURNED GLOBAL MISSION O’Connor’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Once an at-risk youth, a high school dropout, and involved in the criminal justice system, boxing became his lifeline. It provided him with the discipline, structure, and mentorship that led to a successful professional career, with appearances on HBO, Showtime Sports, and ESPN. Now, he’s channeling that experience to empower young people through DO Boxing Academy. But this isn’t just a local initiative—it’s a scalable, mobile program designed to integrate into existing community organizations worldwide, making it accessible and adaptable for communities everywhere. MORE THAN FITNESS: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DO Boxing Academy is a non-contact boxing and mindfulness program designed to strengthen the body, mind, and emotional well-being. Developed in collaboration with a Doctor of Psychology, the program focuses on: • Physical fitness to build strength, discipline, and confidence • Mindfulness practices to support emotional regulation and mental resilience • Social connection to combat youth isolation and build peer relationships • Life skills that empower young people to navigate challenges and shape a positive future Peer connection is a critical element of the program. With youth facing increased isolation due to excessive screen time, anxiety, and modern social pressures, DO Boxing Academy provides a safe space for them to build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. EXPANDING BEYOND NORTHERN COLORADO: A CALL FOR PARTNERS While launching in Northern Colorado is an important first step, DO Boxing Academy is actively seeking partners worldwide. Instead of operating from a brick-and-mortar gym, the program integrates directly into schools, community centers, and youth-focused organizations, allowing for greater accessibility and impact. The Thompson School District has already recognized its value, partnering with O’Connor to bring DO Boxing Academy to local students. Now, he’s looking to collaborate with organizations globally that are committed to helping youth through innovative and effective programs. “The more awareness we raise, the more kids we can reach—and the more lives we can transform for the better,” said O’Connor. BRINGING THE MESSAGE TO THE WORLD In addition to DO Boxing Academy, O’Connor is available for keynote speaking engagements. He speaks at schools, conferences, and organizations, using his life experience to inspire youth and young adults to make good decisions and build a successful future. His raw and authentic storytelling has made a lasting impact on audiences, including a recent 2,000-person event at CU Boulder. JOIN THE MOVEMENT DO Boxing Academy is more than a program—it’s a movement to empower youth everywhere. Organizations, schools, and community leaders interested in bringing this mobile boxing and mindfulness initiative to their communities can learn more at doboxingacademy.com. Follow Danny O’Connor & DO Boxing Academy on Instagram: @Therealdannyoconnor @doboxingacademy LOVELAND EDITORIAL Blaine Howerton | North Forty NewsNext >