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(Image from Shutterstock.com) June 6, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 33, N. 8 SEE THE STORY: PAGES 12-13 EXPLORE OUR LATEST PROMOTION TODAY! HIKING • FISHING • CAMPING • CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR • KITCHEN • GIFTS • FARM & RANCH • HARDWARE • GARDEN FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1955 | LAFAYETTE | BROOMFIELD | LOVELAND | FORT COLLINS | JAXGOODS.com SCAN HERE Economic Surge Colorado Ranks Among Top 10 State Economies in 2025Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongue. More specifically, this variety is Penstemon strictus or Rocky Mountain Penstemon, which is native to the western U.S., including Colorado. It’s known for its vibrant blue to purple tubular flowers, which attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. These flowers often bloom in late spring to early summer and are commonly found in open meadows, forest clearings, and post-fire recovery zones—like the one shown in this photo in Bellvue. (Photo by Blaine Howerton)June 6, 2025 week of © 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.Years ago, I wrote a Publisher’s Letter about one of my camping adventures — one of many. But that story didn’t just end with me sitting by a fire or watching the stars. It sparked something unexpected. A loyal reader named Helen reached out after reading that letter. She had a 1989 Winnebago that she had held on to for years — with less than 40,000 miles on it, it was practically brand new for a vehicle of that age. She told me it was time to "retire" it, at least from her use, and she wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it and continue the adventures. She chose me.Did I need another vehicle at the time? Not even close. But how could I say no to something so full of possibility — and kindness? Since then, “The Winne,” as my sons and I call it, has been at the heart of countless memories. We've hit the road together and created stories I’ll cherish forever. And these days, The Winne isn't just ours — others are making memories in it too. When we’re not using it, I rent it out on RV Share and Outdoorsy. It has journeyed from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the Canadian border, to Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Tucson, and everywhere in between. I’ve modernized her over time — lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, air conditioning, plumbing, a new refrigerator, and a bathroom upgrade. On the inside, it’s practically a whole new rig. But on the outside, she’s still Helen’s Winnebago — the same one that sat in her driveway, waiting for someone new to take the wheel. I share this story not just because it’s close to my heart, but because it’s a perfect example of what North Forty News means to this community. That one Publisher’s Letter helped connect me to Helen — and now, to dozens of others through the Winne. This publication does more than report local news. It creates ripples. It inspires conversations. It brings neighbors together. It’s the thread that quietly weaves through our communities. If North Forty News didn’t exist, that old Winnebago might still be parked and forgotten. Those memories with my sons, those journeys shared with strangers-turned- friends — they might never have happened. That’s why your support matters. Because behind every edition, there's the potential to connect people in ways you’d never expect. So as summer approaches and camping season kicks into high gear, I’ll be thinking of Helen — and thanking her — every time I fire up the Winne. Thanks for reading. And thanks for keeping the story going. —Blaine Want to help keep local stories like this one alive? Subscribe, advertise, or donate today at NorthFortyNews.com/subscribe. Every dollar supports independent journalism in Northern Colorado. 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 Helen’s Winnebago and the Magic of a Local Story(Photo by Blaine Howerton)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. SOGGY BOTTOM BEAUTIES: PLANTING FOR WET AREAS 8-9 GAMIFICATION IN MARKETING 10-11 COLORADO RANKS AMONG TOP 10 STATE ECONOMIES IN 2025 12 THE MOOT HOUSE FORT COLLINS’ TIMELESS TAVERN FOR ELEVATED COMFORT FOOD 14-15 FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY NAMES 2025 COMPOSER COMPETITION WINNER 17 SPRINKLERS STOP APARTMENT FIRE ON FOSSIL BLVD BEFORE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVE 22 SCAM TEXT MESSAGES TARGET NORTHERN COLORADO DRIVERS WITH FAKE DMV THREATS 27 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them.Content Northern Colorado’s Weekend Forecast From Storms to Sunshine Friday will be a stormy start. Expect mostly cloudy conditions with a 70% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. With highs near 68°F and a low around 47°F, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket if you’re heading out. Saturday brings a major shift—plenty of sunshine and much warmer weather. It’ll feel like summer again with highs in the low 80s and overnight temps in the low 50s. Sunday offers a mix. We’ll start with sun, but keep an umbrella handy for the 30% chance of afternoon storms. Temperatures will top out around 79°F with lows in the mid-50s. Loveland Loveland blends creativity with small-town charm. It’s the Northern Colorado hub for Larimer County’s events. LOVELAND-BASED COMPANIES DRIVE BREAKTHROUGHS IN RICE RESEARCH THROUGH LSU COLLABORATION 13 CREAMY COMFORT, DELIVERED: A WEEKNIGHT WIN WITH PASSANANTE’S CHICKEN PENNE 19 COW MOOSE AGGRESSION PROMPTS WARNING FOR RESIDENTS 26 Greeley Greeley, a dynamic city in Northern Colorado, is rich in agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. WELD HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE PREVENTIVE CARE DURING NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK 24 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. MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT ISSUED FOR WINDSOR KING SOOPERS SHOPPERS 23NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8June 6, 2025 EDITORIAL: Tessie Walters | The Gardens on Spring Creek CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. SOGGY BOTTOM BEAUTIES: PLANTING FOR WET AREAS In Colorado, a soggy garden bed might seem like a rare problem, but for gardeners dealing with high water tables, clay soils, or low-lying areas, overly wet conditions can be a challenge. Moisture-loving natives and their ornamental relatives that thrive with “wet feet” can transform soggy spots into lush, ecologically rich riparian zones. Here are some standout plants that perform beautifully with seasonal flooding, poor drainage, or consistently damp soil: THINLEAF ALDER (ALNUS INCANA SSP. TENUIFOLIA) Native to Colorado’s riparian areas, thinleaf alder thrives in saturated soil. These fast-growing trees not only tolerate wet roots but also improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Their roots help stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion, while their catkins provide winter interest and wildlife habitat. They also have adorable strobili (tiny pollen cones) that add winter interest. WESTERN RIVER BIRCH (BETULA OCCIDENTALIS) Also known as water birch, this Colorado native shrub or small tree is well-adapted to streambanks, seeps, and other consistently moist sites. Water birch typically grows 15–30 feet White Flowers Of Aronia Melanocarpa Shrub (Photo from shutterstock.com)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9June 6, 2025 Six stunning sculptures. One inspiring journey through nature, friendship, and healing. Peace Walking is organized by Denver Botanic Gardens. may 2 - aug . 17 2025 The Gardens on Spring Creek | 2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO | 970.416.2486 | fcgov.com/gardens tall and is multi-stemmed, with attractive reddish- brown bark that peels slightly and adds winter interest. Its rounded leaves turn yellow in fall, and its dense branching provides excellent cover and nesting habitat for birds. Water birch is ideal for stabilizing slopes or softening the edges of a rain garden. Its deep roots can tolerate periodic flooding. Though slower growing than species native to the Eastern US, it brings a wilder, more regional character to wetland designs. RED-TWIG DOGWOOD (CORNUS SERICEA) This colorful native shrub is a favorite for wet spots. It spreads easily through underground rhizomes, making it ideal for erosion control. In spring, red-twig dogwood produces white flower clusters, followed by berries for birds, and vivid red stems that brighten the winter landscape. CHOKEBERRY (ARONIA MELANOCARPA) Chokeberry tolerates both wet and dry soil. Its spring flowers, summer berries, and brilliant red fall color make it a striking shrub for rain gardens and low-lying areas. Though the berries are tart for people, birds love them. VIRGIN’S BOWER (CLEMATIS LIGUSTICIFOLIA) This native vine grows vigorously in wet soils, producing clouds of small, fragrant white flowers in late summer. It thrives along fences, trellises, and arbors, or even across the ground, and its feathery seed heads add charm through fall and winter. ROCKY MOUNTAIN IRIS (IRIS MISSOURIENSIS) This native iris thrives in moist meadows and open woods. It offers striking purple-blue flowers in late spring and adapts well to garden settings with consistently moist soil. YELLOW MARSH MARIGOLD- COWSLIP (CALTHA PALUSTRIS) Bright yellow flowers in early spring make marsh marigold a cheerful addition to wet soils. Although more common in cooler mountain regions, it can thrive in shaded, moist garden spots where other perennials may struggle. SPIDERWORT (TRADESCANTIA OCCIDENTALIS) Western spiderwort adds color and texture to damp soils with its arching stems and purple-blue flowers. It blooms throughout early summer and is an excellent pollinator plant for sunny, moisture- retentive areas. By choosing the right moisture-tolerant plants, Colorado gardeners can turn wet, difficult areas into stunning garden features filled with color, texture, and ecological value. Instead of avoiding those soggy spots, plant for them!Next >