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Malachi Hamilton (Photo courtesy Young Marines) July 11, 2025 | NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY LOCAL INDEPENDENT | Vol. 33, N. 13 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 Fort Collins Teen Leads by ExampleJuly 11, 2025 week of Summer sunset in Bellvue from the High Park burn area. (Photo by Blaine Howerton)© 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.Every now and then, I read a story that reminds me exactly why we do what we do. This week, it was 14-year- old Malachi Hamilton from Fort Collins—featured in our cover story—whose quiet leadership and commitment through the Young Marines program is precisely the kind of example our communities need right now. Stories like his inspire us all to lead with purpose, no matter our age. This issue is packed with meaningful coverage from across Northern Colorado. From Wellington’s new water payment program and a Livermore community tradition, to Nederland’s bold plan to purchase Eldora Mountain, these stories show the power of local people shaping their futures. We’re also taking time this week to enjoy the season, whether that’s through the upcoming Poudre RiverFest, summer concerts, or simply sharing a meal with family. In this edition’s “Publisher’s Plate,” I share a recipe that brought my whole family to the table—Cajun Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, made with premium ingredients from Passanante’s Home Food Service. When life gets busy, simple, quality meals like this help me reconnect with what matters. Thanks for making North Forty News a part of your week. We’re proud to keep telling the stories that connect Northern Colorado—because a connected community is a thriving one. To read this week’s stories and stay up to date on what’s happening near you, visit northfortynews.com. See you out there, 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 Inspiring Leadership, Community Events, and Summer Celebrations Highlight This Week’s North Forty NewsA quiet moment with nature's healer — Common Yarrow blooming on the edge of a Colorado mountain trail (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. KEEP PESTS OUT NATURALLY: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR A HEALTHIER HOME GARDEN 8-9 PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS IN MARKETING: ANTICIPATE CUSTOMER NEEDS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN 10-11 FORT COLLINS TEEN LEADS BY EXAMPLE THROUGH YOUNG MARINES PROGRAM 12-13 POUDRE RIVERFEST RETURNS WITH MUSIC, FAMILY FUN, AND RIVER EDUCATION 14-15 NORTHERN COLORADO WILDLIFE CENTER CELEBRATES DOUBLE WIN IN 2025 COMMUNITY VOTES AWARDS 25 We Love your Photos! Send yours to photos@northfortynews.com. We will share them.Content Northern Colorado Weekend Forecast PM Storms Friday, Hot and Sunny by Sunday Friday brings the only real weather wrinkle, with highs around 87°F and a solid chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms. It’s a great morning to get things done outside, but have a plan to pivot by late day. Overnight, it’ll cool to a crisp 55°F. Saturday, conditions improve significantly. Expect mostly sunny skies with a high around 91–92°F and a pleasant overnight low of 57°F. Sunday will be sunny and even hotter, with temperatures pushing 93°F during the day and a warm evening low around 59°F. While a stray shower could still pop up, it’ll feel more like the dog days of summer than anything else. Greeley Greeley, a dynamic city in Northern Colorado, is rich in agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN WELD COUNTY MOSQUITOES 27 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.. EARLY MORNING HOUSE FIRE IN WELLINGTON CONTAINED 22 WELLINGTON LAUNCHES EQUAL PAYMENT PROGRAM FOR WATER BILLS 23 NOCO Northern Colorado blends small-town charm with urban convenience, offering mountain views, outdoor recreation, and a strong community spirit. NEDERLAND MOVES FORWARD WITH PLANS TO PURCHASE ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT 16 CHRISTMAS IN JULY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR RETURNS TO HISTORIC LIVERMORE COMMUNITY HALL 17 SAVORING THE CAJUN COMFORTS OF HOME: STEAK, SHRIMP, AND ALFREDO DONE RIGHT 19NorthFortyNews.com Page: 8July 11, 2025 EDITORIAL: Tessie Walters | The Gardens on Spring Creek CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE. KEEP PESTS OUT NATURALLY: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR A HEALTHIER HOME GARDEN CRITTERS, CROPS, AND COMMON SENSE: IPM FOR THE HOME GARDEN Many people, myself included, find joy in growing a home vegetable garden and enjoying the fruits (and veggies!) of their labor. There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown food—but unfortunately, the wild critters agree! From rabbits to insects, they can’t seem to get enough of our tasty treasures, and it’s easy to feel defeated when your hard work is suddenly wiped out. Luckily, there are ways to protect your garden using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. These techniques help reduce frustration, safeguard your harvest, and promote a balanced, sustainable approach to pest control. The best defenses start with the basics: healthy plants, high- quality soil, and regular observation. Spend time in the garden every day, and you’ll be more likely to spot problems early, before they get out of hand. Take pictures and notes if you see unusual damage or unfamiliar pests. Social media gardening groups and local extension services can be great resources for quick tips and support with pest identification. Integrated Pest Management emphasizes prevention first. Choose plant varieties that are suited to your region and resistant to common pests. Rotate crops each season to prevent soil- borne diseases and interrupt pest life cycles. Mulch to suppress weeds, regulate soil moisture, and create a barrier for crawling insects. Keep your tools clean and avoid over-fertilizing, which can make plants more appealing to pests. Physical barriers are also helpful. Floating row covers, netting, and fencing can protect your crops from larger animals such as deer, rabbits, and birds. For burrowing pests, consider burying hardware cloth around the garden perimeter. Ladybugs naturally prey on aphids. (Photo from Pixabay)NorthFortyNews.comPage: 9July 11, 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 Handpicking insects like tomato hornworms or squash bugs in the early morning is another effective method—kids love helping with this! Biological control is another key principle of IPM. Invite beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, or other biological controls like BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) into your garden by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. These garden allies help keep pest populations in check naturally. Birds, frogs, and toads can also be excellent partners in pest control— just be mindful that they’ll need a balanced environment to thrive. When pest pressure becomes too much, and you’ve tried other methods, it may be time for a targeted intervention. Use the least toxic option available, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth. Always follow label directions and apply treatments during the early morning or evening to avoid harming pollinators. Ultimately, IPM is about working with nature, not against it. It asks us to be observant, proactive, and patient. Some losses are inevitable—nature will always take its share—but with a thoughtful approach, you can grow a resilient garden that rewards your efforts season after season. By staying curious, documenting what you see, and learning from each year’s challenges, you’ll not only become a better gardener but a better steward of your own little patch of earth. Tomato Hornworm (Photo by Luz Sanchez, Pexels.com)Next >