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(Photo from Shutterstock.com) May 2, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 33, N. 3 SEE THE STORY: PAGES 8-9 NORTHERN COLORADO CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS WEEK WITH BIG COMMUNITY IMPACT Support Local© 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. (Photo by Pixabay)May 2, 2025 week ofNext week, across the country, we recognize National Small Business Week — a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs, family-run shops, and neighborhood storefronts that keep our local economies thriving. Here in Northern Colorado, small businesses are more than just places to shop — they’re gathering spots, dreams in motion, and anchors of our community. From the barista who knows your order by heart to the mechanic who stays late to get your car back on the road, these are the people who show up for us every day. At North Forty News, we consider ourselves part of that small business ecosystem. We're locally owned, community powered, and driven by a mission to connect people with the stories that matter most. Like many of our small business neighbors, we know what it means to hustle, to adapt, and to rely on the support of the community we serve. If you believe in the importance of local news — and supporting local businesses — there are a few simple ways you can help: Subscribe: A digital or print subscription helps sustain our independent journalism. Visit northfortynews.com/ subscribe to get started. • Advertise Locally: We work with businesses of all sizes to create affordable, effective marketing campaigns that reach thousands of Northern Colorado residents. • Share Our Stories: If you read something that moves you, share it with a friend or neighbor. Community news spreads best by word of mouth. • Send Us a Message: We love hearing from our readers — and learning about the businesses and people making an impact in your town. Let’s continue to lift each other up — not just this week, but all year long. With gratitude, 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 Celebrating the Backbone of Northern Colorado(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. NORTHERN COLORADO CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS WEEK WITH BIG COMMUNITY IMPACT 8-9 LEVERAGING BRAND AMBASSADORS 12-13 NO MOW MAY 14-15 TOP EATS NO. 10: THE FARMHOUSE AT JESSUP FARM 16-17 LARIMER COUNTY WILDLAND FIRE TEAM EXPANDS AND REBRANDS AS PHANTOM CANYON CREW 23 UCHEALTH ADDS 32 PROVIDERS, OPENS FOUR NEW CLINICS 24 LARIMER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RELEASES 2024 SNAPSHOT REPORT 26 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them.Content Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast: Sunny Skies and Spring Breezes This weekend in Northern Colorado brings mostly sunny skies and mild spring temperatures. Friday will be sunny with highs near 67°F and light winds. Saturday warms up to 76°F with calm conditions. By Sunday , expect breezy weather and highs around 78°F, with wind gusts up to 32 mph. Nights will cool to the upper 30s and 40s. No precipitation is expected until Monday, when rain chances return. Enjoy the dry stretch while it lasts! Forecasts are from the National Weather Service and Colorado State University. It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. SUSPICIOUS DEATH INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN BERTHOUD 27 Greeley Greeley, a dynamic city in Northern Colorado, is rich in agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. THREE LIVES LOST IN HIGHWAY 85 CRASH FOLLOWING WELD COUNTY TRAFFIC STOP 11 AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESENTS: FILM AND ANIMATION SHOWCASE FEATURING STUDENT CREATIONS 18-19NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8May 2, 2025 Northern Colorado Celebrates Small Business Week with Big Community Impact CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. May 5–11 marks National Small Business Week, and here in Northern Colorado, it's more than just a national designation—it's a celebration of the heartbeat of our communities. From Fort Collins to Wellington, local businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening the regional identity that makes NoCo such a vibrant place to live and work. In towns like Berthoud and Windsor, you’ll find locally owned boutiques, family-run service providers, and food artisans who are not only navigating today’s challenging economy but thriving through community support and grit. According to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), small businesses make up 99.5% of all businesses in the state, employing nearly 50% of the workforce. EDITORIAL | BLAINE HOWERTON (Photo from Shutterstock.com)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9May 2, 2025 Throughout the week, chambers of commerce in Fort Collins, Wellington, Loveland, and Greeley are hosting networking mixers, ribbon cuttings, and educational workshops aimed at helping entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and expand their reach. The Larimer Small Business Development Center is also offering free consulting and training sessions for aspiring and seasoned business owners. The economic impact of supporting small businesses goes far beyond a single transaction. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, money spent at a local business generates 3.5 times more wealth for the local economy compared to chain retailers. That means when you shop local, you’re investing directly in your neighbors, your schools, and your community services. As Small Business Week unfolds, North Forty News encourages our readers to take a moment to explore new shops, thank a local business owner, and consider the impact of every purchase made close to home. These businesses aren’t just vendors—they’re visionaries, community leaders, and the very people who shape the Northern Colorado story. Want to support local? Visit LarimerSBDC.org to find free resources for small business owners and discover events near you.Next >