Extremely Dangerous Winter Predicted For Some
Extremely Dangerous Winter Predicted For Some Save Email Print
Posted: 4:15 PM Aug 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:15 PM Aug 16, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
41 comments
A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia officials are bracing for what could be an extremely dangerous winter for many low- and middle-income families.

Randall Johnson, executive director of the Council of Southern Mountains in McDowell County, says private and public agencies across the state are mobilizing now to try to help low-income families.

They're also encouraging more groups to get involved in providing assistance.

Many fixed-income families earning about $600 a month can't afford to pay $4.79 a gallon for fuel oil, $4.35 a gallon for propane or up to 46 percent more for natural gas, as requested by some of the state's largest suppliers.

State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis says he fears more people will die this winter in fires caused by risky heating alternatives.
More Stories
Huntington City Council Preps for Next Mayor

EPA Touts $1.9 Billion Gain for W.Va.

W.Va. Ethics Panel OKs Retirement Gifts, Awards

Workers Vote to Start Strike Process in Scioto County School District

 Bridges Reportedly Icing Over in Kanawha, Multiple Wrecks Across County

Former Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Visits South Charleston

Mason County Man Killed in Route 2 Accident

BREAKING NEWS: Suspect Charged in Huntington Murder
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Thank you Anon, I will compose and mail mine today! Normally, I'm all for capitalism, but not at the expense of hard working people. This isn't right. If you work hard and earn money you should be able to pay your bills. That equation isn't working anymore and that is nothing but WRONG!
Posted by: Anonoymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Everyone in WV needs to write to the Public Service Commission in Charleston and voice your demand that they not agree to the 46% increase that Mountaineer Gas Company is asking for. Their address is P.O. Box 812 Charleston WV 25323. Instead of writing on here where nothing can be done, stand up for our rights and demand that this action be stopped! My letter has already been sent and been acknowledged by the PSC that it was received and recognized as a protest.
Posted by: Brian on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Hey LadyA! Do you have more information on those pellet stoves? Where is the best place to buy one and where do you get pellets?
Posted by: pam on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I really hope people dont think the Presedent cares about us because he dont! Even after he is presedent he is took care of for life We will all just keep getting poorer and keep hearing crap from other Presedents like... (Im worried about the American people help is on the way) Give me a break!!
Posted by: chris on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Jerome sounds like your raising dogs to fight! I have 3 pitts and they play together and share the same room in my house. You dont want yours to see each other? I agree Linda sounds very suspicious!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:11 AM
Does anyone not realize what part of the country we live in? These people didn’t have a job in the so called “Clinton economic boom” years and they didn’t have them because they didn’t want them like they don’t want them now. Some people do need help yes. But not those who sit around and watch daytime soap operas. By the way I do see some HELP WANTED signs out and about. Why are these jobless people not seeing them also? Oh that’s right THEY WONT WORK. The area of the US we live in was built poor, is poor and will stay poor. Because no one sticks together or wants to change things for the better.
Posted by: help on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:25 AM
well at least gov manchin is setting up some grant program to help those in wv.do you think kentuckys governor will do this for our state?doubt it,we have elderly residents and others who need assistence,they usually will give a 1 time help of 90 dollars.that dosent cover 1 month.so i guess they should turn their heat off after that runs out.shame on you beshear.
Posted by: Linda on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Jerome--25 pit bulls, each separated so they cannot see any other dog? Sounds suspicious. Maybe you should sell the dogs and use the money for needed expenses instead of all the dog food.
Posted by: J on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:12 PM
My gas and electric bill is actually down for this year. Here's a novel idea: wear sweaters and turn down your heat when you leave for work - Oh right, work is also tough for you.
Posted by: Steve on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Your EXACTLY right James. It must be Bush's fault that OPEC has raised the price of a barrel of oil to the record levels we have seen. And, I'm postive that it was Bush who told Nancy Pelosi refuse to chair a vote on drilling for our own oil. And, when the public srervice commissioners call him when these utility companies ask to increase these rates, I'm also sure that it is Bush that is telling them "Go ahead...increase it." Yep, it was most certainly Bush, and Bush alone who is at the root of all of this...or maybe it's smokers...either way, it's GOT to be one of those two...They cause everything!
Posted by: UPSEt on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I still agree with the old statement----The rich get richer and the poor get poorer!!!!! How do these companies expect low-income families to make it? Especially single parents, the kids are the ones who pay. Do we really think that these companies care?
Posted by: mad on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM
WSAZ I thought you believe in freeedom of the press? You only post comments that you agree with. Other than using foul language, what are your rules? Many people are angry over utility companies and use this forum to express our views.
Posted by: Jerome on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:17 PM
It is going to be a rough winter. I have upwards of 25 mature Pitts that I keep seperated in small holding kennels. Typically I just set a nice warm blanket in their houses, but this year I'm going to have to move them all inside my barn. We built small 'stalls' (similiar to horse stalls, except you don't want to let the pitts see another dog) for them. I don't know how people are going to get through this winter.
Posted by: crystal on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I sure hope something happens to help us all out!! Even people who WERE considered middle class, are the working POOR. It is not fair...
Posted by: KimmyLou on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Oh yeah James let's blame it all on Bush. The PSC needs to tell Mountaineer Gas NO NO NO increase!
Posted by: LadyA on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Pellet Stoves are awesome. A ton of pellets cost $189 and last the whole winter. Our pellet stove paid for itself the first winter we had it!
Posted by: Lucky Dawg on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
My gas bill has went down 35 percent!
Posted by: Ari on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Gene you can probably work anyways..welfare and disability arent ment to solve eveyones problems
Posted by: Mass Exodus on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Here is a novel idea since it seems no one can afford the price of living in this area in the winter time then maybe we all should just load up and move south there are millions of acres of public land in warmer climates that we all have a right to be on,so lets just shut the north down for the winter and see how they like that.just consider it a 3-4 month vacation and go rving it would throw the whole country in turmoil no coal for electric for the rich. see we have options we just need to use them it time they quit getting rich of our hard work and all we get is further in the hole. just think how funny it would be to see the ceos mining coal to keep warm and i'll bet if the demand for fuel and elec. in the area dropped to near 0 the price would come down.Its worth a shot because we will probably lose everything anyway trying to keep up with the bills so why keep working for nothing when a little break in a warmer place might gain us some respect and lower prices
Posted by: Debbie on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
One reason I'm amazed at many in Ky. supporting McCain but stating the economy is their biggest concern. Even McCain has admitted economic issues have never been his area of expertise. I doubt it's Obama's either, but we can't afford more years of the same failed policies and the billions wasted in Iraq, no I'm not saying the money really needed for it, I'm talking the waste and the billions unaccounted for.
Posted by: booger on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:22 AM
When did our society become a "pay to live" society. What ever happened to the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now if you don't have money, you'll probably die.
Posted by: debbie on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Its A shame that our once beautiful, thriving country is crumbling apart! More and more burdens are placed on the poor. Getting medical help is allmost a thing of the past for the poor, now the time has come for us to wonder if we get to stay warm or eat this winter! OH happy day!
Posted by: josey on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:33 AM
It isn't going to get any better unless people quit complaining and get on their bending knees and start praying. God will deliver in HIS time if we have the faith. The Bible says if you have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could see mountains removed, imagine if we would build our faith up to a peach seed. What could we see God move then. This country has turned away from God and turned to the almighty dollar. They don't care about anything but how big their wallets are. God cares for you and I. He will not let us down if only we believe and try and live the best we can for HIM. God will make away when there seemeth no way. We need to pray all the time, at work, at home, wherever God bids you to pray, we can keep a prayer on our hearts all the time if we want. The BIble says if one can put a thousand devils on the run, two could put ten thousand on the run, just imagine how many all of the people who believe in our country could put on the run. GOD LOVES ALL! PRAY!PRAY!PRAY!
Posted by: jenny on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I think the companies just charge people what they want in the winter because they know people will not let their children freeze. I heat with electric and our bill was under $200 a month, now it's averaging around$450 for three months. I also have 3 window a/c to cool with in the summer, my bill doesn't hardly go over $80. They are running day and night. So that tells me they do what they want and the gov. don't care cause we are paying their way also. Why should thay care if people freeze or starve to death, as long as they got it, and everybody else they send thousands of dollars to.They don't have to listen to mommy I am cold or hungry. If they get a burger and don't want it they can throw it in the trash, IF we get a burger for our child then it has to eat it not knowing if its getting another one or not. This country is a very sad place. It would rather send others money than to step up and help people right here in our country.
Posted by: bobbie on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:09 AM
who will suffer the kids
Posted by: shane on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:48 AM
they need to lower all prices so everybody can afford stuff again.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:56 AM
u know its a shame when people get out here & work their butts off & can't hardly survive anymore. i went to the store the other day & got some hot dog buns & they were $2.39 that is outrageous! how are people going to pay for everything & eat. i think everyone of them rich men in office should be throwed out. their sure not helping us any!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:05 PM
our government has let this happen to us!
Posted by: sherry on Aug 17, 2008 at 03:13 PM
they may raise checks in Jan. but it still don't help others out to well with medcation food bills ect. & when some company's help out with bills [like gas for homes] it helps til about Feb. or March then it seems like we pay for much more after wards
Posted by: Charlie on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:42 PM
It is sickening but until someone holds the company's in check we will all suffer. Only reason I can figure why the politicians won't do anything is because they are capitalizing either politically or financially.
Posted by: gene on Aug 17, 2008 at 12:04 PM
stop the greed by the utility companys. they ask for a 40 percent raise and i only get a 2.1 percent raise on my disability.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 17, 2008 at 09:00 AM
The economy is in shambles.
Posted by: james on Aug 17, 2008 at 07:56 AM
just another reason we shouldnt have elected BUSH a second time thank you all that voted for him a second time
Posted by: helen on Aug 17, 2008 at 07:50 AM
thanks joe
Posted by: Ron on Aug 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Money is evil, ye capitalists. Repent.
Posted by: Janie on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Times like this I appreciate my apartment with utilities included.
Posted by: Ann on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Dont you think its time that the government steps in and stops the big companies...gas...oil...electric to name a few from robbing from the poor working families... Those of us that work for a living are doing the best we can...How can those big companies that are making billions of dollars in profit every quarter keep getting by with raising their prices every time they decide they want more profit.. Im sick and tired of it..If I could do something about it myself I would.. I dont know how people on minimum wage make it. They are working hard and barely getting by. Now winter is coming and people have to have heat in their homes to stay warm.. I dont know the answer..I pray that the politicins will get a backbone and stand up for the working families..
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:44 PM
My gas bill went up $133.00 a month. I had them go ahead and shut it off. I can't afford that. Thank you Mountaineer Gas!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Not only FIXED income families can't afford this, but those of us who work to pay for these fixed incomes can't either, and we don't get any help. I have to pay my own bills or do without--no agencies will help me! I feel for the retired people, they have worked for what little they have. Rich get richer, poor get poorer, and apparently this winter, colder also!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:46 PM
then why wont they deny the natural gas companies thier request for a raise, thats redicuous anyway we already pay way to much for it. my gas bill in the winter runs any where from $300 to $500 dollars a month. and i winterize my house every year. i work hard for my money, and i have a baby on the way wich will be born in november i dont know what im going to do
Posted by: anon on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:03 PM
That's rediculous! Why don't they ask these propane companies or wherever they get their source of heat to cut these people some slack. Oh, I forgot. If they encourage assistance from other groups, that means they'll still get their money!
Go to our mobile site | Make this your homepage (IE)
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National News Headlines
PHONE IN YOUR YELLS TO: 1-866-616-5354
The Yell: Comments for the Week of 11/30
  • Posted By: Bill: I am a native Mountaineer...what's up with "The Yell"? Couldn't there be a better name for your soundoff? Love the idea...
  • Posted By: Sophie: What is going on with all of these "home invasions!" This really scares me. I hope they catch these thugs. How tramatic!
  • Posted By: Kevin: I am just fine with the new look of your website, no problems navigating at all. The people who complain are the ones who fear change, to me this explains why Robert Byrd keeps getting voted into office.
  • Posted By: Ari: I feel SOOO bad for that poor bear that those people are keeping as a "pet" a bear is not a pet, these are the people I dont feel sorry for when they get mauled and there hand bitten off
  • Posted By: Me: I like the postings from other outlets, (wowk etc.) This lets me see a varitey of headlines and stories without moving all around
  • Posted By: Debbie: Your website looks great! It is very appealing to the eye when it comes up on the screen and user friendly. I not an expert by any means, yet I find your site non-threating for someone like me. I check your site twice daily and though I usually do not like change, I like this one! I'm thankful for WSAZ's coverage of Southern Ohio. You treat Ohio with the same level of importance as West Virginia. Thanks for a job well done, with heart.
  • Posted By: Alycia Marie Adams: I think that your new layout is really top notch! It looks much more professional and streamlined than it used to! Thank you for a job well done!
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Thank you g, I'm glad there is someone else who understands the HOLIDAY meaning to HAPPY HOLIDAYS. If that offends some of you, then maybe you should leave town. This is a FREE country, not a communist one. HAPPY >>>insert holiday here<<< There is that less offending to you?
  • Posted By: Cathi: Thanks for the new website. I think it is truly great. Lots of information, great design. I get on this site many times each day and love the new look and info.
  • Posted By: drsenile: In the spirit of this joyous season, let us remember what it celebrates...the love and compassion for our fellow man. So, those of you who do NOT believe the way I do, get out of town! Sound like anyone you know? If you missed the sarcasm, may I suggest you also leave town.
  • Posted By: mooonie: I like the new layout , it is easier to find what you're looking for . I can't understand what others are complaining about . Great job !!
  • Posted By: drsenile: Well, I just attempted to submit a comment and it disappeared. And no, it wasn't my computer. My basic problem with this site...too much glitz, not enough substance; slow to load information; and, it appears none of the WSAZ staff ever read much of what's here and it might actually improve.
  • Posted By: drsenile: It is the season for honoring a man born 2000 years ago and to celebrate what he brought to all of us in the spirit of love and compassion for our fellow man. So, all of you who DO NOT BELIEVE as I do, get out of town! If you fall to see the sarcasm, by all means, find another planet.
  • Posted By: drsenile: I realize I live in the ultra-exclusive suburb of Milton, but I am curious as to the reason gas prices (for one) are consistently higher than our less fortunate neighbors (like Huntington). As of tonight, there is still a 16 cents per gallon differential between Milton and Huntington (and we are NOT lower). I guess we are helping to pay for improvements to the mayors pet projects.
  • Posted By: Paul: Your new web page is greate, Your local and national coverage is so much easier to surf. You will have critics out there, but any change that is new will not be accepted for a while, this is common for the region that we live in. Keep up the good work WSAZ. Please excuse some of my spelling)
  • Posted By: Taxpayer: At least one Senator has put a secret hold on the nomination of Neil Barofsky to be appointed Inspector General to oversee the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is not clear why the lawmaker is holding up the nomination. Mr. Barofsky appears to be eminently qualified for the Inspector General position, and whether you support the bailout or not, all taxpayers have an interest in making sure every dime is spent appropriately and not subjected to waste, fraud or abuse. Please call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect with your Senator's office and find out whether they are responsible for holding up this nomination of the watchdog for the massive bailout package.
  • Posted By: Jennifer: To Volley Mom, yes that's true about life in general but we're talking about a web page, come on. It's not THAT important.
  • Posted By: L.: A little feedback on the site redesign; I like the layout, but it's very crowded and cluttered. I browse the site frequently on my iPhone and I have great difficulty doing that with the new layout - I can't scroll using the touchscreen because all of the columns are crowded together and when I try to scroll I end up clicking on something.
  • Posted By: : I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW PAGE. THE OLD PAGE WAS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
  • Posted By: Melinda: THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS FIXED ON YOUR NEW WEB SITE IS THE VIEWING OF THE VIDEOS LIKE YOU HAVE GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD I HAVE A POP UP BLOCKER THAT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO VIEW IT AND BEFORE IT NEVER STOPPED ME.
  • Posted By: Melinda: I LIKE THE NEW WEB PAGE KEEP THIS ONE! ITS EASIER TO READ AND GET TO THINGS.
  • Posted By: Volley Mom: The only thing in life consistent is change. We all need change to keep life interesting. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it. Learn to deal with things in life a little better. I happen to like the new site.
  • Posted By: Bling Bling: Like the new site, but like asked before why are you running the competitions headlines? Also another recommendation - somewhat croweded but hey it is the news so I will live with it
  • Posted By: Buckeye: I like the new site. Just get sick of seeing the shaking "classmate.com" advertisement. But, they pay a bill I'm sure.
  • Posted By: ann: I HATE THE NEW SIT IT WONT FIT ON MY SCREEN RIGHT ITS MESSED UP CHANGE IT BACK PLEASE HURRRY
  • Posted By: ann: love the new site
  • Posted By: Jennifer: I don't like the new page either, I know change is something you have to get used to but....just my opinion.
  • Posted By: IdiotsUAre: The United States of America was founded under God! The creator of this earth, the father of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is why we even have Christmas. So say Christmas an not holidays! If you want to say holidays then go to another county or even California it might as be its own.
  • Posted By: yuck: I don't like change, please go back to the other website.
  • Posted By: Bob: WSAZ, Why are you linking to WOWK headlines on your website? Even linking to the Daily Mail, Gazette, and H-D isn't smart - because in the online world, they're even more of a competitor to you.
  • Posted By: Bob: Someone could be shopping for Hanukkah gifts. Read a book other than just the Bible.
  • Posted By: BibleThumpers: It's actually a pagan festival for the Winter Solstice. The Christians adopted it as Christ's birthday later on and even adopted many of the pagan items, such as putting up a tree and having a great feast.
  • Posted By: g: it is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, to be offended by the word "Holiday", this all comes from you bible thumpers that all want to tell other people how to think and what to say. You offend me! This is the Holidays! Even 50 years ago before all this ridiculous crap started, cards said Happy Holidays, because it covered Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, it is the Holiday Season! So Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays Y'all!
  • Posted By: to Lady A:: The "holiday" season also encompasses Hanukkah, a major holiday for those of us who follow the Jewish faith. We also give gifts and do "holiday" shopping this season; thankfully WSAZ is less ignorant than you are and recognizes that their viewership reflects more than one faith.
  • Posted By: to Lady A: FYI, Hanukah is also coming up and we of the jewish faith also exchange gifts during this HOLIDAY season. I, for one, am thankful that WSAZ considers all of their viewers. Your comment was incredibly ignorant.
  • Posted By: What the heck: I agree with Pat, I'm not liking the new page AT ALL.
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Ok there Lady A, just slow down a minute. Huntingtonian made a good point. Have you ever heard of Hanukah? Some people shop for Hanukah. Jesus was Jewish, so don't tell me that being a Jew is a sin, & Christmas is THE ONLY HOLIDAY this time of year. Yes, I too love to hear MERRY CHRISTMAS, but I refuse to become upset when someone says happy holidays. How do you know if when you say MERRY CHRISTMAS to someone, your not saying it to a Jewish person? Do you ever hear them make a big fat stink about it? NO!!!, you don't. So I think you should just be happy that God has given you another day on this Earth. So that you have the time to celebrate, with your family, whatever holiday you choose. I've decided to say HAPPY MERRY KWANZ~MA~KA that way I've covered them all.
  • Posted By: Pat: Much like New Coke and the new Marco I think you've made a mistake with the new web pagedesign. I don't use Yahoo because the site is too cluttered and I feel the same about your new page. More is not necessarily better!
  • Posted By: Ari: It is CHRISTMAS it is the time we celebrate Christ being born, not Kwanzza or Hanukah. Kwanzza is racist anyways it's a celebration of being black. I have no problem with people saying Happy whatever it is but I am NOT going to watch what i say and not say Marry Christmas becasue it might offend people
  • Posted By: LadyA`: The question was, Did you do any Holiday shopping over the weekend? The shopping they were referring was Christmas shopping. What other holiday shopping would we be doing? Thanksgiving was over. It offended me like many others. It is the Christmas season and I want to see the word Christmas used, not holiday or xmas.
  • Posted By: Huntingtonian: I agree with Anonymous!! It is the "holiday season" and by definition, it encompasses all of the holidays that are coming, not just Christmas. I also am a christian and see something inherintly wrong with pigeon holing this time of year to simply "Merry Christmas." What I find really offensive is those of you who believe that it is ok to say "Christmas" but would be outraged if "Happy Kwanza" or "Happy Hanukah" appeared anywhere. So, that being said: HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a JOYOUS NEW YEAR to all!!
  • Posted By: : Holiday is in referance to ALL holidays this time of year. I have been saying Happy Holidays since I was a kid, growing up during the 80's. Christmas is not the only holiday this time of year. We did just celebrate Thanksgiving, remember. I am a Christian, that is not offended by the phrase HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
  • Posted By: ann: I agree with ladyA its CHRISTMAS
  • Posted By: LadyA: WSAZ- Could you please change the word Holiday to Christmas on your question? The word Holiday offends me.
  • Posted By: mad: To the doofus deer hunter who knocked my mailbox over on gritt rd if you cant drive any better than that you shouldnt have a GUN and thanks for letting us know you smashed the mailbox. MERRY CHRISTMAS DOOFUS
Click Here to Read Story and Post Comments
First Warning Weather Hour-By-Hour
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Weight Watchers
Are you ready to lose weight?
Prudential Bunch
Since 1959 unequaled performance
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
WVA Electric
Visit our unique lighting lab
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Budget Blinds
The best in custom window coverings

WSAZ Mobile