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12th Annual PSD Middle & High School Kids Cooking Competition (Photo courtesy Poudre School District) March 28, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 50 YOUNG CHEFS WOW AT FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING COMPETITION SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 CULINARIANSMarch 28, 2025 week of Trail in Rocky Mountain National 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.Publisher, Blaine Howerton, shoots video for the Dig In Series in 2012. Pictured with show co-host and Chicago Native, Jennifer Brennan (Photo by Blaine Howerton and an innocent bystander) There’s something special about growing your own food and turning it into a meal worth sharing. Thirteen years ago, I had the opportunity to travel the country as Executive Producer of a television show called Dig In. We explored the farm-to-table lifestyle before it was a mainstream movement—visiting chefs who walked from their kitchen into their backyard gardens to pick fresh ingredients, and horticulturists who knew the soil like an old friend. The show aired in Denver, Dallas, Chicago, and Seattle, and every episode reminded me just how connected we are to the land—and to each other—through food. That background still shapes the stories I choose to tell today. It’s why I love sharing local gardening tips in North Forty News and highlighting restaurants and growers who keep that spirit alive in Northern Colorado. This week, I want to spotlight three standout stories: • Spring Garden Planning in Northern Colorado: What to Know Now Get a head start on your spring planting with advice tailored for our region’s tricky weather patterns and soil conditions. • Top Eats: Bistro Nautile Delivers Elevated Dining Downtown We continue our Top Eats series with a visit to a Fort Collins favorite that’s been serving up one of the most refined dining experiences in Northern Colorado. • Earth Day Fort Collins Returns April 19 with Eco- Inspired Energy Earth Day Fort Collins returns on Friday, April 19, and it’s more than just a gathering—it’s a call to action for the Northern Colorado community. At North Forty News, we publish new stories every day at northfortynews.com, and each week we release our digital e-edition at northfortynews.com/this-week. Donors receive daily news emails when they subscribe at northfortynews.com/subscribe, and e-edition subscribers get a weekly summary delivered straight to their inbox. Thanks for being part of our community. Whether you’re planting, cooking, or just enjoying the view, I hope these stories bring you a little closer to the land—and to each other. 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 From Garden to Table: How My TV Roots Shape North Forty NewsPhoto by Chait Goli, Pexels.comContent 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. YOUNG CHEFS WOW AT FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING COMPETITION 8-9 REPOTTING RULES 10-11 CAR CRASHES INTO FORT COLLINS HOME, IGNITES TWO-ALARM FIRE 14 BISTRO NAUTILE DELIVERS ELEVATED DINING DOWNTOWN 16-17 EARTH DAY FORT COLLINS RETURNS APRIL 19 WITH ECO- INSPIRED ENERGY 18-19 DIG INTO DISCOVERY AT THE 2025 FORT COLLINS ROCKHOUNDS GEM & MINERAL SHOW 23 FORT COLLINS TEACHER ARRESTED FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION 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. WINDY CONDITIONS SPARK SMALL WILDFIRE NEAR WELLINGTON 29Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. LATE-NIGHT TACO BELL DISPUTE LEADS TO ARREST IN LOVELAND 28 SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE PROMPTS BOMB SQUAD RESPONSE IN BERTHOUD 28 Content Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast: From Sunshine to Snowflakes Northern Colorado’s weekend weather swings from sunshine to snow. It’s spring in Colorado—be ready for anything! Friday starts in the seventies. In Fort Collins, anticipate a high of 76°F under mostly sunny skies, with increasing cloudiness as the day progresses. Saturday, there will be a noticeable shift with cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover. Fort Collins will experience a high of 57°F. Sunday, winter makes a brief comeback. Fort Collins may see a bit of snow in the morning with little or no accumulation; otherwise, expect cloudy skies with a high of 46°F. Greeley will be colder, with a high of 41°F under cloudy and breezy conditions. (Sources: NOAA, CSU) 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. LEARN TO SPOT SEVERE WEATHER: FREE TRAINING RETURNS TO WELD COUNTY 15 HELPING YOUR CHILD COPE WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES 24 Timnath Timnath is a growing town east of Fort Collins, offering scenic views, family- friendly neighborhoods, great schools, and convenient access to shopping and outdoor activities. DEVELOPING A STRONG BRAND IDENTITY 12-13 BIG CHANGES COMING TO TIMNATH? APRIL 1ST SAYS IT ALL 25NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8March 28, 2025 Young Chefs Wow at Farm-to-Table Cooking Competition CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. A sizzling celebration of creativity, nutrition, and local flavor took center stage at the 12th Annual PSD Middle & High School Kids Cooking Competition. Held at the state-of-the-art Timnath Middle-High School, this year’s event brought together student chefs from across the Poudre School District (PSD) in a culinary battle like no other. The challenge? Craft a standout farm-to-table meal using at least three ingredients from the school salad bar. And with March marking National Nutrition Month, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect to spotlight the district’s focus on fresh, healthy eating. A RECIPE FOR INNOVATION Teams from Blevins Middle School, Boltz Middle School, Poudre High School, and Rocky Mountain High School turned up the heat in the kitchen. Each brought a EDITORIAL | BLAINE HOWERTONPHOTOS | POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT 12th Annual PSD Middle & High School Kids Cooking Competition (Photo courtesy Poudre School District)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9March 28, 2025 unique spin on wholesome cooking, blending bold flavors with creative presentation — all while keeping nutrition front and center. “It’s inspiring to see what these students can create using fresh, everyday ingredients,” said Steve Nalls, owner of The Cooking Studio Fort Collins, who served as one of the guest judges. He was joined by Chef Bob Scherner, both lending their expertise and encouragement to the next generation of culinary talent. AND THE WINNERS ARE… • First Place: Christina from Rocky Mountain High School took the top prize with her Thai Crunch Salad paired with a beautifully crafted fruit cake — a colorful, flavor-packed combo that wowed the judges. • Honorable Mention: The talented trio from Boltz Middle School — Riley, Erin, and Quinn — impressed with their pesto pasta and sweet cannoli. COOKING UP COMMUNITY AND CONFIDENCE Beyond the plated presentations and awards, the event showcased something even more meaningful: hands-on learning. Organized by the dedicated team at the PSD Child Nutrition Department, this competition offered students a real-world opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, and life skills — all while embracing the value of nutrition. “Events like this bring our community together in support of student growth,” said a PSD spokesperson. “It’s not just about food — it’s about empowering kids to make healthy choices and express themselves creatively.” To learn more about Poudre School District’s nutrition programs, visit psdschools.org/programs-services/nutrition. For cooking classes and camps in Fort Collins, explore The Cooking Studio Fort Collins. Stay tuned to NorthFortyNews.com for more stories celebrating local students and community events in Northern Colorado.Next >