Larimer County Sheriff’s Office leads CIRT inquiry following Eastdale Drive incident
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A late-night call to a Fort Collins residence led to an officer-involved shooting now under investigation by the Larimer County Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).
Just after 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, Fort Collins Police Services officers responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of Eastdale Drive. A male suspect, reportedly armed with a knife, was encountered outside the residence. Officers gave repeated commands for the man to drop the weapon, but he did not comply.
According to police, less-lethal tools were used in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect remained uncooperative. One officer then fired his service weapon, striking the individual. Officers immediately called for medical assistance, placed the suspect into custody, and he was transported to a local hospital. His condition has not been released.
No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. Authorities confirm there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation as part of CIRT protocol. The Sheriff’s Office will provide further updates as the investigation continues.
For updates on this and other breaking public safety stories in Northern Colorado, visit NorthFortyNews.com.
Source: Fort Collins Police Services (Released June 16, 2025)
Purchase includes Elitch Gardens, Meow Wolf site, and expands redevelopment potential
DENVER, Colo. — Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has acquired Revesco Properties’ interest in the expansive River Mile redevelopment project, including the iconic Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park and the Meow Wolf building near I-25 and I-70. This transaction, finalized on June 11, solidifies KSE’s sole ownership of the area and allows for a unified vision for the future of the River Mile and the surrounding Ball Arena campus.
The acquisition marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of downtown Denver’s riverfront and entertainment district—an area increasingly influential for Northern Colorado residents who travel south for concerts, sports, and family attractions.
“This allows us to streamline our comprehensive vision for The River Mile and Ball Arena campus,” said E. Stanley Kroenke, KSE Owner and Chairman. “We are grateful to Revesco for many years of productive collaboration.”
Since their joint purchase of Elitch Gardens in 2015, Revesco and KSE have worked together to develop a master plan for the River Mile, a project poised to redefine urban living and entertainment along the South Platte River. Rhys Duggan, CEO of Revesco Properties, noted that the blueprint is in place: “We believe both the Park and The River Mile vision are in good hands with Mr. Kroenke and his family.”
For Northern Colorado families, Elitch Gardens will continue to be a key summer destination. “A day at Elitch’s is a rite of summer for more than a million visitors annually,” said KSE Executive Vice President Mike Neary. “We intend to keep it that way and better than ever.”
The properties, including 1338 1st Street—home to Meow Wolf Denver—will continue operating as usual while long-term development planning proceeds.
Dr. Marjorie Bessel Recognized Nationally for Innovations That Expand Access and Improve Clinical Outcomes
NORTHERN COLORADO – Banner Health’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Marjorie Bessel, has once again been named among Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. This 2025 recognition marks the third time in five years that Dr. Bessel has received the honor, highlighting her role in improving patient access, streamlining care transitions, and reducing clinician burnout across Banner Health’s six-state network, including Colorado.
Dr. Bessel’s leadership has directly impacted patients in Northern Colorado, where Banner operates major facilities and serves thousands of residents. By assembling interdisciplinary teams and leveraging real-time data, her approach allowed for faster hospital discharges and smoother transitions to rehabilitation, home care, or other facilities. In 2024 alone, this effort created capacity equivalent to 100 additional beds, enabling Banner to treat nearly 10,000 more patients.
“Dr. Bessel’s vision and dedication are a big reason why Banner Health continues to be a trusted name in healthcare,” said Amy Perry, Banner Health President and CEO. “Her commitment to clinical excellence ensures that people in our communities go home healthier and faster.”
In addition to patient-facing results, Dr. Bessel’s initiatives also improved caregiver well-being. In 2024, Banner reported its lowest clinician burnout rates ever — the best in the nation, according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Her focus on restoring joy in medicine has made her a respected voice in healthcare leadership both statewide and nationally.
Dr. Bessel’s work is featured in Modern Healthcare’s June issue and on their website at ModernHealthcare.com.
For more on Banner Health’s presence in Colorado and the region, visit bannerhealth.com.
How Northern Colorado Dads Are Keeping Traditions Alive, One Story at a Time
Not every lesson comes from a classroom—and in Northern Colorado, some of the most meaningful teachings happen on horseback, in a workshop, or by a campfire. This Father’s Day, we’re honoring the dads who pass down more than just advice. They pass down grit, craft, and connection to the land.
We’ve met many of these men over the years—farmers and firefighters, brewers and builders—who quietly preserve tradition by showing their kids the value of hard work and heritage. While these stories are composites, they reflect the very real ways fathers shape life on the Front Range.
The Rancher
North of Wellington, a third-generation rancher rises with the sun. He doesn’t need an alarm clock—his daughter’s already in boots by the barn, helping feed the calves. He taught her to ride, rope, and read the weather by the smell of the wind.
“Out here,” he says, “you don’t talk about responsibility-you live it.”
Their bond isn’t about words. It’s forged through miles on horseback and shared silences under endless sky. She’s not just learning to care for cattle. She’s learning to care for something bigger than herself.
(Photo from Shutterstock.com)
The Firefighter
A long-time Fort Collins firefighter still remembers the first time he let his son wear his old turnout gear for Halloween. Now, that same kid is training in the junior firefighter program—and joining his dad for community events.
“Firefighting isn’t just a job,” the father says. “It’s a calling—and a legacy.”
For them, service runs deep. Between drills and ride-alongs, the son is learning the value of being the first one in—and the last one out. They don’t always say “I love you.” But they show it, one rescue at a time.
The Brewer
In a garage-turned-brew-lab in Loveland, a father and son clink tasting glasses and compare notes. The dad’s been homebrewing for years, but now his teenage son is pitching hop varieties and crafting recipes of his own.
Their newest creation? A Father’s Day seasonal they call “Legacy Lager.”
“We’re not just brewing beer,” the dad laughs. “We’re brewing time together.”
Through trial and error, cleaning messes and celebrating perfect batches, the father teaches his son that craft takes patience—and that nothing tastes better than something you made together.
The Craftsman
Along the Poudre River near Bellvue, a woodworker carves a rocking chair from reclaimed pine while his grandson watches wide-eyed. It’s the same workshop where his father taught him to whittle.
Every notch, every sanded curve, carries a lesson. About patience. About pride. About making things that last.
“You don’t rush good work,” he says. “And you don’t rush raising a good kid either.”
Three generations have shaped cedar in that shop. And in every hand-cut joint, a little bit of each remains.
Dad’s Favorite Spot
We asked a few local dads what places they love to visit with their kids:
The fishing banks at Horsetooth Reservoir
Breakfast burritos on a hike up Bobcat Ridge
The view from the Pawnee Buttes at sunrise
Tinkering at a hardware store before a weekend project
Celebrate Father’s Day Like a Local
Here are a few ideas to spend quality time with Dad this weekend:
Outdoor Adventures: Try a trail hike at Lory State Park or Soapstone Prairie.
Craft Together: Take a woodworking class or build a backyard fire pit.
Sip & Savor: Visit a local brewery or farmer’s market.
Reflect & Relax: Head to your favorite camping spot for a fireside evening.
In Northern Colorado, fatherhood isn’t just a role—it’s a craft. Passed down not through lectures, but through time, tradition, and trust.
This Father’s Day, we salute the dads shaping the next generation—with their hands, their hearts, and their stories.
After 30-day warning period, citations begin as part of city’s traffic safety effort
GREELEY, Colo. – The City of Greeley has officially launched full enforcement of its Mobile Speed Safety Program. As of today, citations will be issued to drivers caught speeding by two mobile radar vans stationed in high-risk areas throughout the city.
Following a 30-day warning phase, the vans—equipped with license plate and speed detection cameras—will now issue $40 fines for standard violations and $80 for those in school, maintenance, or construction zones. While most infractions will not carry points on a driver’s license, any driver caught going 25 mph or more over the speed limit may face a misdemeanor charge and a higher fine, with the possibility of personal service by the Greeley Police.
The City of Greeley has partnered with Verra Mobility, a leading traffic enforcement technology company. All captured footage is reviewed by Greeley Police Department personnel before citations are issued.
Commander Mike Heck, who leads the department’s traffic unit, said the program aims to address consistent community concerns. “We all must change our reckless driving behavior. This program has shown how seriously Greeley takes road safety,” Heck stated. “We believe adding this resource along with continuing with traditional traffic enforcement will help improve the quality of life for the citizens of Greeley and make our roads safer.”
For more information on Greeley’s Mobile Speed Safety Program, residents can contact Commander Mike Heck at (970) 350-9617.
Local investigators target online predators in Northern Colorado sting operation
LARIMER COUNTY, CO — A recent undercover operation by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of three men accused of attempting to purchase sex from children. The arrests come after a multi-agency sting targeting individuals engaging in online child exploitation.
Investigators posed as minors on various websites and forums, attracting over 100 responses. Three suspects traveled to a designated meeting location expecting to engage in sexual activity with a child. Instead, they were met by deputies and taken into custody.
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail:
Philip Robert Christensen, 41, of Wellington
Vatsal Gupta, 34, of Windsor
Jose Urritia, 24, of Grand Junction
Each man faces the following charges:
Soliciting a Child Prostitute (Class 3 Felony)
Internet Luring of a Child (Class 4 Felony)
Cybercrime – Soliciting to Arrange a Minor Prostitute (Class 5 Felony)
Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child (Class 5 Felony)
All were issued a $30,000 cash/surety bond by the Larimer County Court.
Sheriff John Feyen emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in protecting local youth.
“Trying to buy sex from a prostituted child is inexcusable,” Feyen stated. “These operations shine a light on the depravity that exists – even in safe communities like ours. Our investigators will continue working to stop predators from harming our children.”
The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office for their support during the operation.
The investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, these individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
For more information about Larimer County Sheriff’s Office initiatives, visit larimer.gov/sheriff.
From web traffic to customer behavior, data is the compass that guides successful marketing strategies. Learn how to harness it.
In a noisy digital world where every marketing dollar counts, relying on intuition or guesswork is no longer sufficient. Today’s most successful businesses—large and small—lean on data to make smarter, faster, and more profitable marketing decisions. Data removes the guesswork and helps you see what’s working, what’s not, and where to go next.
Why Data Matters in Marketing
Whether you’re running Facebook ads, sending emails, or managing SEO, every campaign generates data. These insights help you:
Understand customer behavior
Identify top-performing channels
Improve campaign ROI
Predict future trends
Personalize experiences
Without data, you’re essentially marketing without a clear vision.
Types of Data That Matter
Web Analytics Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor how people interact with your site—pageviews, bounce rates, session duration, and conversion paths all tell a story.
Social Media Metrics Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer dashboards that show reach, engagement, clicks, and follower growth. This helps you refine messaging and posting strategies.
Email Performance Tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact track open rates, click-throughs, and unsubscribes. These metrics reveal what content your audience values most.
CRM and Sales Data Your customer database is a goldmine. Knowing your top customers, their average lifetime value, and purchase behavior helps you focus on the most valuable segments.
Customer Feedback Surveys, reviews, and support tickets provide qualitative insights that numbers alone can’t offer.
Making Sense of the Numbers
Don’t just collect data—interpret it. Look for patterns, correlations, and anomalies:
Are specific blog topics generating more leads?
Is one ad set outperforming the others?
Do email campaigns sent on Tuesdays get more clicks?
Utilize these insights to inform your content strategy, adjust budgets, and refine your campaigns.
Tools to Consider
Google Analytics 4 – Track and visualize user behavior.
Hotjar or Crazy Egg – Visualize click heatmaps and session recordings.
HubSpot or Salesforce – Integrate CRM and marketing data.
Tableau or Looker Studio – Build custom dashboards and reports.
From Data to Action
Here’s how to apply a data-driven mindset:
Set clear goals (e.g., increase conversions by 20%).
Identify the metrics that define success.
Monitor campaigns consistently.
Test changes—landing pages, subject lines, CTAs.
Pivot strategies based on performance, not gut instinct.
Takeaway:
Data isn’t just a support tool—it’s your marketing GPS. The more you use it, the more efficient, targeted, and effective your campaigns become.
Call to Action:
Next Step: Start by auditing your current data sources. What are you tracking? What’s missing? Create a dashboard that gives you weekly insights to inform your decisions. If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a local digital marketing expert or analytics consultant.
Thriving in Dry Shade: Best Perennials for Northern Colorado’s Toughest Garden Spots
Transform tricky shady areas into colorful, resilient garden beds with these drought-tolerant perennial picks perfect for Colorado’s climate.
By Kelly Kellow, Horticulturist at The Gardens on Spring Creek
Dry shade is one of the most challenging garden conditions to navigate, especially in a climate like we have here in Northern Colorado. With our low humidity, high altitude, and variable temperatures, it can be tough to find plants that will flourish in shady, dry spots—typically under trees or on the north side of buildings. However, with the right choice of perennials, even these tricky areas can become lush, beautiful gardens.
Dry shade is defined by areas that receive little sunlight and don’t retain moisture well. Whether it’s due to the competition for water and nutrients from nearby trees or the lack of sunlight, these areas require shade-tolerant and drought-resistant plants. Luckily, many hardy perennials are perfect for such conditions, offering both beauty and resilience.
Top Dry Shade Perennials for Colorado
Helleborus (Lenten rose): Known for its attractive, palm shaped leaves and robust spring flowers, Lenten rose is an excellent choice for dry shade. It’s one of the first flowers blooming in April. Lenten rose comes in many different colors and patterns, from dark, almost black maroons to bright yellows; there is a color to fit any garden palette.
Lady’s-mantle (Photo from shutterstock.com)
Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle): This low-maintenance perennial is perfect for brightening shady spots with its bright green foliage and vibrant yellow flowers. There are many different varieties that vary in size. Find the one that suits your needs!
Coral Bells (Photo from shutterstock.com)
Heuchera (coral bells): Heuchera is known for its colorful foliage, which comes in nearly every color imaginable (including red, green, purple, and silver). It tolerates dry shade and adds vibrant color even when it’s not blooming, making it a fantastic addition to garden beds. It thrives with moderate water and can handle some drought once established.
Bergenia crassifolia (cordifolia) (heartleaf saxifrage): If you’re looking for something that blooms early with vibrant colors and fantastic foliage, Bergenia is the perfect choice. With its striking pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves, it thrives in moderate soil and shady conditions. It can also tolerate dry periods once established. Though previously sold as Bergenia cordifolia, this species is now considered Bergenia crassifolia. It could be sold under either name at local nurseries.
Planting Tips for Dry Shade Success
Improve Soil Quality: To ensure healthy growth, consider enriching the soil with compost. This will help retain moisture and improve drainage.
Mulch: A layer of mulch will help keep the roots cool and conserve moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Watering: Dry shade areas usually don’t require as much water as sunnier spots, but deep watering during hot spells will help your plants thrive.
Dry shade doesn’t have to be a barren, forgotten part of your landscape. With the right perennials, these tricky areas can be transformed into vibrant, low-maintenance spaces filled with color and texture. Whether you’re looking for ground cover, early blooms, or striking foliage, there’s a dry shade perennial waiting for a home in your Colorado garden.
I’m watching Northern Colorado gear up for a classic summer start.
Friday brings a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures climbing to around 87°F before afternoon storms bring a 30–50% chance of showers and rumblings, dropping to around 55°F overnight (thanks to NOAA).
On Saturday, I’ll enjoy mostly sunny skies with highs near 91–92 °F and a dry night around 57 °F—afternoon atmosphere calming down.
Then Sunday looks bright and warm: highs hitting ~93 °F, lows around 58–59 °F, with minimal cloud cover and storm chances fading.
CSU’s models support this pattern: storm risk on Friday giving way to stable, hot weekend forecasts.
That’s my Northern Colorado weekend weather—perfect for outdoor plans once Friday’s showers pass.
A spontaneous $200 foodie adventure to Seattle becomes a tribute to the father who taught Blaine Howerton the value of curiosity, thrift, and remote hustle.
As Father’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many lessons my dad taught me—some in words, most in action. He didn’t just raise me; he shaped me. As a journalist, as an explorer, and as someone who finds joy in the journey, no matter the budget, I owe a great deal to him.
This past weekend, I honored that legacy in the best way I know how: by embarking on an unexpected adventure.
Bay view from Bainbridge (Photo by Blaine Howerton)
A last-minute, ultra-affordable airfare popped up on a local airline, and I couldn’t resist. For just a few hundred bucks—less than most people spend on a night out—I booked a trip to Seattle. Before taking off, I penned a piece about Tupelo Honey, a Southern comfort gem nestled in the heart of Denver’s bustling Union Station. That’s where the adventure began.
Tupelo Honey (Photo by Blaine Howerton)
Joined by my friend Oscar, we embarked on a Pacific Northwest foodie mission, determined to keep our total weekend expenses—including flights, food, and lodging—under $500. With some savvy planning and the kind of frugality I learned from my father, we managed to do it for under $200!
Ballard Farmer’s Market (Photo by Blaine Howerton)
We wandered the Ballard Farmers Market, a lively hub of fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly faces. We boarded a water ferry and soaked in the views on our way to Bainbridge Island. We ate well, we laughed a lot, and through it all, I managed to keep the lights on at North Forty News—working remotely along the way, just like Dad would’ve expected.
Vehicles parked on Bainbridge Ferry (Photo by Blaine Howerton)
That’s the magic of the lessons our fathers leave us with. My dad showed me that you don’t have to spend a lot to live a whole life. He taught me that curiosity is free, that hard work can be done anywhere, and that spontaneity is worth it, especially if you can write it off as a story.
This Father’s Day, we’re featuring families across Northern Colorado who are raising adventurous, resilient kids—and who remind us that parenting, like publishing, is a labor of love.
To all the dads out there—and to mine especially—thank you. For the grit, the guidance, and the reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones you don’t plan.
Until next time, —Blaine
Don’t miss our Father’s Day feature at NorthFortyNews.com where we spotlight inspiring dads from across our region. Have a story of your own? Please share it with us in the comments or drop us a line. We’d love to hear how your dad helped shape who you are.
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