Week of January 19, 2023
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An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 9
Our in-depth look at the housing crisis
Trickling up: How housing is becoming less affordable for more Coloradans BY TAYLER SHAW AND LUKE ZARZECKI COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
A home means everything to Shelley Gilson, a 50-year-old single mother of three girls who works as a guest service agent at an airline. “It’s one word: priceless,” she
said. The rising cost of housing in the Denver area has made it difficult for her to afford a home. She spent years bounding around working for low pay, including to several affordable housing communities across the state.
Eventually, more than a decade ago, she found a home at Orchard Crossing Apartments in Westminster. It is an affordable housing community that includes Section 8 housing, the federal government program that provides vouchers to low-income families, the disabled and elderly. SEE TRICKLING UP, P14
Council honors Chief Thompson BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After 34 years of service, Glenn Thompson, Chief of the Public Safety Bureau for Arapahoe County Sheriff ’s Office, is retiring. Centennial City Council took a moment during its Jan. 10 council meeting to pay tribute to Thompson, who had been the city’s liaison for the sheriff ’s office since 2014. “I, personally, have had the opportunity to work with Chief Thompson for a long time,” Mayor Stephanie Piko said. “It has always been a privilege to work with you, sir, and I appreciate everything that you have done.” Piko presented to Thompson a framed picture that said “Gone Fishing” with signed thank-you notes from council members, as well as a wrapped fishing pole. “Thank you all so much,” Thompson said. “You all have been a pleasure to work with.” Thompson’s law enforcement journey dates back to 1982, when he was 14 years old, according to the sheriff ’s office January newsletter. A freshman at Douglas County High School at the time, he joined the Explorer program at the Arapahoe County Sheriff ’s Office, which is an educational program for young people who want to learn more about a career in law enforcement. Thompson realized he wanted to become a police officer after going on ride-alongs with his sister, who was a police officer with the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, according to the newsletter. He graduated from the police academy in 1990 and began rising through the ranks, eventually SEE CHIEF, P7
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | SPORTS: PAGE 22
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST IN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL P22