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(Photo from Shutterstock.com) April 25, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 33, N. 2 BERTHOUD HONORS 100+ YEARS OF SERVICE AS LAPORTE OPENS A NEW FIREHOUSE SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 TRADITIONApril 25, 2025 week of (Photo by Pixabay)© 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.As April winds down, I’ve found myself reflecting on how fast this year is moving. Between spring blooms, windy afternoons, and preparing for my new role with Passanante’s Home Food Service, I’ve been meeting incredible people across Northern Colorado who remind me just how special this community is. Here are a few of this week’s top stories from NorthFortyNews.com: 1. CAFE VINO: A TOAST TO ELEVATED DINING As part of our Top Eats series, I visited Cafe Vino in Fort Collins. From Spanish-style tapas to an award-winning wine list, this spot truly raises the bar for local dining. 2. DIGITAL PASSPORT LAUNCH CELEBRATES COLORADO’S 150TH Explore Colorado’s hidden gems and historic sites with a brand-new digital passport—part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 celebration. Rewards, badges, and statewide adventure await. 3. CREWS CONTAIN WILDFIRE NEAR LAPORTE Thanks to the quick response from Poudre Fire Authority and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, a fast- moving wildfire near County Road 54G was contained before causing injuries or structure loss. We publish daily online at northfortynews.com, and our weekly e-edition is available every Friday at northfortynews.com/this-week. Subscribe to Stay Informed: • Get daily emails (for donors): northfortynews.com/ subscribe • Sign up for our weekly e-edition email on the first page of the e-edition Thank you for reading, supporting, and being part of this growing community. Whether you’re here for the news, the stories, or just a break from the noise, we’re here to serve you—every single day. Warm regards, Blaine Howerton Publisher, North Forty News bhowerton@northfortynews.com 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 Spring Stories, Local Flavor, and a Cafe Vino Toast(Photo by Anthony, Pexels.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. SPRING PLANT SALE RETURNS TO FORT COLLINS MAY 17–18 10-11 BRAND CONSISTENCY ACROSS PLATFORMS: BUILD TRUST EVERYWHERE YOU SHOW UP 12-13 CAFE VINO COMBINES EUROPEAN FLAIR WITH FORT COLLINS CHARM 16-17 AMYTHYST KIAH BRINGS “STILL + BRIGHT” TO AGGIE THEATRE JUNE 20 18 LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT TO SURVEY POWER LINES IN FOUR CITIES 23 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them.LaPorte Laporte, Colorado, is a historic foothills community nestled along the Cache la Poudre River, just northwest of Fort Collins. NORTHERN COLORADO FIREHOUSES HONOR THE PAST, EMBRACE THE FUTURE 8-9 WILDFIRE NEAR LAPORTE CONTAINED AFTER BURNING 17 ACRES 14 TWO ARRESTED IN POUDRE CANYON HOMICIDE AND BODY BURNING CASE 15 Content Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast: Chilly Friday, Warm Weekend Ahead for Northern Colorado If you’re headed out today, you’ll want to grab a jacket. A few light showers are possible in the evening, especially closer to Red Feather Lakes and Bellvue. Northern Colorado starts Friday under cloudy skies and chilly temperatures, with highs only reaching 47°F. Saturday brings a welcome warm-up, featuring partly sunny skies and highs soaring to 74°F. By Sunday, expect very warm conditions, with highs around 79°F and breezy afternoon winds creating elevated fire weather concerns. Stay weather-aware as winds could strengthen Sunday afternoon. (Sources: NOAA, CSU) It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe 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. DIGITAL PASSPORT TO EXPLORE COLORADO LAUNCHES FOR 2026 CELEBRATIONS 19 DEAR ABBY 22 Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. MCKEE MEDICAL CENTER UNVEILS NEW MRI FOR FASTER, SHARPER SCANS 24 SCAMBUSTERS CORNER: APRIL 2025 SCAM ALERTS & SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY 26-27NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8April 25, 2025 Northern Colorado Firehouses Honor the Past, Embrace the Future CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. Two Northern Colorado fire departments are celebrating powerful moments in their community service histories—one by stepping into the future with a brand-new station, and the other by reflecting proudly on more than a century of firefighting tradition. This week, the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) officially moved into its newly completed Station 7 in LaPorte, while the town of Berthoud took a moment to honor a legacy of courage going back over 100 years. Together, these milestones represent the evolving landscape of emergency services in the region—and the dedication that has always remained the same. LAPORTE: A NEW CHAPTER IN COMMUNITY PROTECTION On April 21, PFA firefighters from A-shift raised the flag outside their new Station 7 facility at 3016 W. County Road 54G, officially beginning service from the upgraded location. This station replaces the original Station 7, built in 1976 on Overland Trail. The modernized building enhances operational capabilities with improved space for crews and equipment and includes advanced vehicles like a Rosenbauer Commander engine, a brush truck, and rescue boats for swiftwater emergencies. EDITORIAL | BLAINE HOWERTONNorthFortyNews.comPage: 9April 25, 2025 “This new station reflects the growing needs of the LaPorte area,” said PFA officials. “We’re excited to better serve our community with this upgraded space.” The community is invited to celebrate with PFA at a grand opening event on Friday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festivities will include: • Guided station tours • Equipment demos, including engines and rescue vehicles • Local snacks from Laporte vendors • Swag giveaways and family-friendly fun More details can be found at poudre-fire.org. BERTHOUD: OVER 100 YEARS OF FIREFIGHTING HISTORY At the same time, the Berthoud community is honoring its proud past. In 1916, a newspaper clipping from the Berthoud Bulletin described a harrowing early spring blaze that nearly destroyed a farm just outside town. Fierce winds carried embers from a trash fire, quickly igniting nearby straw and threatening the L.P. Curtis barn and outbuildings. “Only the prompt and efficient work of the Berthoud fire department saved the barn and other outbuildings from destruction,” the article read. This story, recently re-shared by the Berthoud Historical Society, captures the same spirit of service that defines the department today. The Berthoud Fire Protection District has served the community since 1888, and they continue to preserve that legacy through both service and storytelling. As part of their historical outreach, the department maintains a public display on the south side of Station 61 on Welch Avenue—created with community donations and maintained by the Caretakers of Tradition. “It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come, and how dedicated the people of Berthoud have always been,” said a district spokesperson. “Our past reminds us why we do what we do.” Visit berthoudhistoricalsociety.org to learn more about the town’s rich firefighting heritage. HONORING SERVICE, PAST AND PRESENT These two stories—one rooted in historic valor and the other in modern innovation—demonstrate Northern Colorado’s deep respect for public safety. Whether moving into a state-of-the-art station or preserving the memory of a 1916 fire call, our region’s fire departments remain symbols of courage, commitment, and community pride. Stay up to date with local fire departments, events, and safety tips at northfortynews.com. Poudre Fire Authority raises the flag for the first time at the new Fire Station 7 in Laporte on April 21, 2025 (Photo by Poudre Fire Authority)Next >