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Week of July 7, 2022
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
SouthPlatteIndependent.net
VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 35
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19
Local teen fights eating disorder out of state No local care options available for youth BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When the COVID-19 pandemic pushed schools to around the country to can-
cel in-person classes, Emma Warford was 15 years old, an active athlete, a good student and functioning well. However, as days turned to weeks and weeks to months, Warford said she began worrying about her weight while sitting at home in quarantine. The thensophomore started count-
ing calories, admitting she became obsessed with her food intake. Even after school returned to in-class learning, Warford said she continued to latch onto her calorie-counting habit, calling it her “coping mechanism” for stress. In 2021, Warford, who lives in both Highlands Ranch
and Centennial, said she went to see her regular-care physician who took notice of her weight loss. “My doctor noticed that I had completely fallen off my growth chart,” the now 17-year-old said. “They tried to get me some therapy and a nutritionist to work with.” When asked how much
Rep. Crow talks Supreme Court rulings, filibuster, Ukraine in community gathering Congressman reflects on ‘tumultuous four years’ BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
SEE HEALTH, P10
Residents worry about housing affordability, availability Issues discussed during special town hall in Littleton
A once-in-a-century pandemic, a violent insurrection, mounting inflation and war in Ukraine. U.S. Rep. Jason Crow’s first two terms in Congress were unlike anything he expected. “It’s been a tumultuous four years to say the least,” Crow told a crowd of constituents during a June 30 town hall in Littleton. As the Democratic congressman reflected, he also fielded questions about the challenges ahead which range from stalled human and voting rights legislation to ongoing support for Ukrainians facing a Russian invasion. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade — SEE CROW, P8
weight she lost, a choked-up Warford said more than 40 pounds. Warford was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a
BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The lack of housing availability and affordably was discussed at length during a special town hall meeting hosted by the Littleton Independent on June 30. Held in downtown Littleton, Colorado Community Media Publish Linda Shapley led discussions that ranged from local development and priorities to how the media can continue to serve the community. In discussions surrounding housing, Monica Fuglei, Rep. Jason Crow speaks about a tumultuous two terms in Congress, and on the work ahead, during a June 30 town hall in Littleton. PHOTO BY ROBERT TANN
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SEE HOUSING, P9
July 29, 30 & 31