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10-year-old Oliver Stratton lost his life after being hit by a distracted driver. (Photo courtesy Ollie’s Ride for Change) April 4, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 32, N. 51 OLLIE’S RIDE FOR CHANGE: FORT COLLINS UNITES AGAINST DISTRACTED DRIVING SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 SAFER STREETSApril 4, 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.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: • Ollie’s Ride for Change On June 7, 2025, Colorado State University will host “Ollie’s Ride for Change”—a heartfelt and community- powered event honoring victims of traffic violence and calling for action against distracted driving. • Top Eats: I had the pleasure of visiting Blue Agave Grill in Old Town Fort Collins—one of the most celebrated dining spots in Northern Colorado.. • Feeling Overwhelmed? Larimer County Offers Support for Tough Times From relationship struggles and financial stress to grief, mental health concerns, or substance use, it can sometimes feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world alone. 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. GROWING POTATOES: TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON 10-11 REBRANDING CASE STUDIES AND LESSONS: WHAT NORTHERN COLORADO CAN LEARN 12-13 LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE SEEKS HOMES FOR WORKING CATS 14 BLUE AGAVE GRILL: WHERE SOUTHWEST FLAVORS SIZZLE IN OLD TOWN 16-17 PROM NIGHT AND THE PERILS OF IMPAIRED DRIVING: NO DUI NOCO SOUNDS THE ALARM 18-19 FORT COLLINS POLICE RESPOND TO 1,458 CALLS, MAKE 124 ARRESTS IN ONE WEEK 23 FORT COLLINS POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN 2024 PETERSON STREET ARSON 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. NORTHERN COLORADO HEARTSAFE PROGRAM TO EXPAND FREE AED ACCESS 16 NEW TRAILS, BOATING ACCESS, AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS SET FOR CHIMNEY HOLLOW BY 2027 25 MCWHINNEY AND JOHNSTOWN TEAM UP TO SUPPORT SENIORS WITH $10K DONATION 28 Content Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast: Chilly Start, Sunny Finish Northern Colorado kicks off the weekend with snow showers Friday, mainly before 3 p.m., and a high near 38°F. Winds from the north may gust up to 30 mph. Friday night drops to 23°F with a slight chance of flurries. Saturday brings sunshine and calmer winds, with a high near 48°F and a clear, chilly night. Sunday warms up nicely—expect mostly sunny skies and highs around 62°F, with light afternoon breezes. Lows dip to 30°F overnight. Monday brings a taste of spring to Northern Colorado. Expect sunny skies and a high near 68°F. The evening will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dipping to around 37°F. From wintry chill to spring warmth, it’s a weekend of shifting skies across the region. (Sources: NOAA, CSU) It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe 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. NEW WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN URGES NORTHERN COLORADO TO PREPARE NOW 27 QUICK RESPONSE CONTAINED WELLINGTON HOUSE FIRE TO ONE ROOM 30 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. OLLIE’S RIDE FOR CHANGE: FORT COLLINS UNITES AGAINST DISTRACTED DRIVING 8-9 FEELING OVERWHELMED? LARIMER COUNTY OFFERS SUPPORT FOR TOUGH TIMES 24NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8April 4, 2025 Ollie’s Ride for Change: Fort Collins Unites Against Distracted Driving CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. This summer, Fort Collins will rally behind a powerful movement for safer streets. On June 7, 2025, Colorado State University will host “Ollie’s Ride for Change”—a heartfelt and community- powered event honoring victims of traffic violence and calling for action against distracted driving. The day will celebrate lives lost, including 10-year-old Oliver Stratton, and serve as a rallying cry for real change on Northern Colorado’s roads. A MOVEMENT BORN FROM TRAGEDY In 2023, Oliver was struck and killed by a distracted driver while riding his bike in Timnath. His mother, Clarissa Stratton, turned unimaginable grief into advocacy by founding Ollie’s Bike Parade—a nonprofit dedicated to protecting cyclists and pedestrians and pushing for stronger traffic safety laws. “This isn’t just one day,” Clarissa said. “It’s about creating lasting change so no family endures the loss of a child due to EDITORIAL | BLAINE HOWERTON (Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush, Pexels.com)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9April 4, 2025 distracted driving. We are riding to protect lives.” This event follows the conviction and delayed sentencing of Amy Weiss, a former Fort Collins teacher who was found guilty of careless driving resulting in death and tampering with evidence in Oliver’s death. Her case continues to spark conversation around Colorado’s distracted driving laws and road accountability. WHAT TO EXPECT AT OLLIE’S RIDE FOR CHANGE This all-day event brings together families, advocates, and lawmakers for a mix of remembrance and action: • Pokémon-Themed Bike Parade for Kids – Young riders can decorate their bikes to honor Oliver and celebrate joyful community connection. • Distracted Driving Expo – Featuring local and national organizations working toward safer roadways. • Legislative Advocacy & Guest Speakers – Experts and families share stories, solutions, and steps toward stronger traffic safety laws. • Memorial Space – A reflective area honoring lives lost to traffic violence. • Unity Ride for Change – A community ride symbolizing ongoing advocacy. Whether you walk, ride, or stand in solidarity, your presence makes a statement. A CALL TO NORTHERN COLORADO This movement is more than a single event—it’s a call to action for Fort Collins, Timnath, and all of Northern Colorado. With bike-friendly initiatives growing in the region, Ollie’s Ride highlights the urgent need for driver accountability and public awareness. “We need real change, and it starts here,” Clarissa said. “No more preventable tragedies.” JOIN THE MOVEMENT • When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 • Where: Colorado State University • Details: olliesbikeparade.org For continuing coverage on this story and community movements across Northern Colorado, visit NorthFortyNews.com.Next >