Last winter was treacherous and so were the icy roads. Parts of the U.S. didn't even have enough road salt to cover every major highway. Several accidents were reported in the tri-state area.
USA Today reported in 2008 cities trying to stock up on road salt before snow came. With the cost of transportation and demand for salt high, and supply low, the report said the cost of a ton of road salt had doubled, and in some places tripled.
West Virginia experienced a shortage like many other states. Bob Whipp, district six engineer, said his company used to salt roads in Wheeling, W.Va., twice to speed up the melting process. However, last November his company only used the minimun amount recommended by the American Salt Institute.
The new stories about the shortage of salt are compelling enough, but why was there such a shortage? That's just what I'll ask the Salt Institute. Check back to find out.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Car Dealerships Much Better Off Than Last Summer
New-vehicle dealerships in the U.S. employ roughly 1.1 million employees, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. NADA said car dealerships “generate millions of dollars of tax revenue for state and local governments.” With the recession and the demise of many car dealerships, the U.S. economy has weakened.
Just a year ago, the auto industry was in trouble and W.Va. was one of the states affected by high gas prices, according to New York Times’ Clifford Krauss. He said, “The combination of low incomes, high gas prices and heavy dependence on pickup trucks and vans is putting an even tighter squeeze on family budgets.”
Now, a year later, Krauss said the national average for gas is almost $2.62 a gallon. The gas price increase from that of early 2009 has not helped struggling Americans who are dealing with other issues, like unemployment due to the recession.
Car dealerships in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. have lost some business due to rising gas prices. David Adkins, sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington, said the dealership hasn’t received any trucks on recent shipments. The dealership receives an allotment of vehicles based on their sales and since truck sales have declined, Turnpike Ford will receive only compact cars on their next shipment, Adkins said.
Jerry Cole, new-car sales manager at Glockner GM Superstore said when gas prices increase, customers bring in their truck or SUV for trade-in. He said he hasn’t sold many fuel-efficient vehicles, though, because when gas prices hit $3 a gallon, sales decline. “A lot of it is psychological,” Cole said. He and Kirk Gillenwater, sales consultant for Bedford South Point Ford, said customers still need their vehicles, but they have to get over the “first initial shock” of rising gas prices.
Gillenwater said in Appalachia, “trucks are used for lively-hood.” He said Bedford South Point Ford has sold, “a whole bunch of trucks.” Trucks are used more in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. than in other parts of the U.S., he said. However, he pointed out a dilemma the dealership has run in to recently.
He said rising gas prices have affected the dealership by lowering the resale value of vehicles, especially trucks. Gillenwater said a low resale value benefits his dealership when buying trucks at an auction. He can purchase the trucks for a low cost and if gas prices decline, he can sell those trucks at the estimated retail value. When dealing with trade-ins, however, Gillenwater said he loses money to his customers when gas prices are high.
Car dealerships companies do not lose much money on gasoline costs, though. Adkins said his dealership, Turnpike Ford of Huntington, keeps a quarter of a tank full in each car on its lot for test-drives. Other than that, the dealership doesn’t spend money on gasoline. Adkins and Cole said new vehicles shipped from manufacturers cost nothing to the dealership.
After a customer has purchased a vehicle, the dealership fills up the tank upon delivery, Cole said. There is also the cost of fuel to ship cars to houses or other dealerships, but the cost isn’t enough to worry about, according to Cole’s light tone.
Glockner GM Superstore has its own oil company, Glockner Oil. Cole said he uses the oil tank on site to fill the cars with gas. He said it is an expense to fill the tank, but takes out the hassle of driving to the nearest gas station. The vehicles on the Glockner lot get Glockner oil.
Krauss said rising gas prices in rural cities hurt not only the car dealership industry, but also consumers. Now, since prices aren’t soaring like they were, dealerships are beginning to rebound. Some are even staying afloat with recent car sales. But if gas prices increase quickly again, it looks close several more dealerships.
Just a year ago, the auto industry was in trouble and W.Va. was one of the states affected by high gas prices, according to New York Times’ Clifford Krauss. He said, “The combination of low incomes, high gas prices and heavy dependence on pickup trucks and vans is putting an even tighter squeeze on family budgets.”
Now, a year later, Krauss said the national average for gas is almost $2.62 a gallon. The gas price increase from that of early 2009 has not helped struggling Americans who are dealing with other issues, like unemployment due to the recession.
Car dealerships in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. have lost some business due to rising gas prices. David Adkins, sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington, said the dealership hasn’t received any trucks on recent shipments. The dealership receives an allotment of vehicles based on their sales and since truck sales have declined, Turnpike Ford will receive only compact cars on their next shipment, Adkins said.
Jerry Cole, new-car sales manager at Glockner GM Superstore said when gas prices increase, customers bring in their truck or SUV for trade-in. He said he hasn’t sold many fuel-efficient vehicles, though, because when gas prices hit $3 a gallon, sales decline. “A lot of it is psychological,” Cole said. He and Kirk Gillenwater, sales consultant for Bedford South Point Ford, said customers still need their vehicles, but they have to get over the “first initial shock” of rising gas prices.
Gillenwater said in Appalachia, “trucks are used for lively-hood.” He said Bedford South Point Ford has sold, “a whole bunch of trucks.” Trucks are used more in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. than in other parts of the U.S., he said. However, he pointed out a dilemma the dealership has run in to recently.
He said rising gas prices have affected the dealership by lowering the resale value of vehicles, especially trucks. Gillenwater said a low resale value benefits his dealership when buying trucks at an auction. He can purchase the trucks for a low cost and if gas prices decline, he can sell those trucks at the estimated retail value. When dealing with trade-ins, however, Gillenwater said he loses money to his customers when gas prices are high.
Car dealerships companies do not lose much money on gasoline costs, though. Adkins said his dealership, Turnpike Ford of Huntington, keeps a quarter of a tank full in each car on its lot for test-drives. Other than that, the dealership doesn’t spend money on gasoline. Adkins and Cole said new vehicles shipped from manufacturers cost nothing to the dealership.
After a customer has purchased a vehicle, the dealership fills up the tank upon delivery, Cole said. There is also the cost of fuel to ship cars to houses or other dealerships, but the cost isn’t enough to worry about, according to Cole’s light tone.
Glockner GM Superstore has its own oil company, Glockner Oil. Cole said he uses the oil tank on site to fill the cars with gas. He said it is an expense to fill the tank, but takes out the hassle of driving to the nearest gas station. The vehicles on the Glockner lot get Glockner oil.
Krauss said rising gas prices in rural cities hurt not only the car dealership industry, but also consumers. Now, since prices aren’t soaring like they were, dealerships are beginning to rebound. Some are even staying afloat with recent car sales. But if gas prices increase quickly again, it looks close several more dealerships.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Gas Prices No Longer an Issue for Car Dealerships
After calling a few local car dealerships, I've found gas prices are no longer affecting their sales. Most dealers I spoke with said truck and SUV sales have been up this year. One dealer said large vehicle sales don't decline until gas prices hit $3 a gallon.
One way rising gas prices have affected dealerships is in the resale value of a vehicle. A sales consultant with Bedford South Point Ford said the value of a truck at an auction or dealing with a trade-in will not be what it was before gas hit close to $4 a gallon last summer.
He pointed out when the value of a truck at an auction is low, it is the best time to buy several because gas prices will go down and the demand for trucks will rise.
He also mentioned many residents along Appalachia use trucks for their lively-hood so the demand will stay steady in this part of the U.S.
A sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington said when gas prices rise, Turnpike Ford actually has a high number of compact cars sales. Obviously, truck sales decrease for them as well when gas prices rise.
As far as receiving shipments of new cars from dealers, car dealerships don't pay the cost of those shipments. The dealer endures it.
There will be more to come about this story. But as for now, car sales seem to be steady or rising, recession or not!
One way rising gas prices have affected dealerships is in the resale value of a vehicle. A sales consultant with Bedford South Point Ford said the value of a truck at an auction or dealing with a trade-in will not be what it was before gas hit close to $4 a gallon last summer.
He pointed out when the value of a truck at an auction is low, it is the best time to buy several because gas prices will go down and the demand for trucks will rise.
He also mentioned many residents along Appalachia use trucks for their lively-hood so the demand will stay steady in this part of the U.S.
A sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington said when gas prices rise, Turnpike Ford actually has a high number of compact cars sales. Obviously, truck sales decrease for them as well when gas prices rise.
As far as receiving shipments of new cars from dealers, car dealerships don't pay the cost of those shipments. The dealer endures it.
There will be more to come about this story. But as for now, car sales seem to be steady or rising, recession or not!
Investigative Reporting at its Finest
There was a story about Jon and Kate Gosselin in which the headline reads, “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” The article touches on just about every problem the couple has had in recent weeks.
Abcnews.com spoke with the executive director of the Humane Society of Berks County, PA, about the allegations of animal abuse in the Gosselin home. The Web site reporters had Jon’s view on it to “set the record straight.” Also, the reporters spoke with Pennsylvania’s Labor Department about accusations of violating child labor laws.
Abcnews.com spoke with Jon Gosselin on the subject matter and had quotes from him given to other news media. The Web site also used quotes from Kate Gosselin to People Magazine.
In Touch Weekly posted a picture of Kate Gosselin spanking one of her female children outside their home. The magazine quoted an eye witness who said the child was “screaming and crying” and when Kate stopped spanking her, “pushed (the child) away and walked off with her coffee.”
The picture does aid the reader by showing Kate spanking her child, but it doesn’t look as if she is being overly harsh or the child is in extreme pain.
I think this story affects parents nationwide and alerts Child Protective Services workers to what can be classified as “beating.” Also, “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” is a widely viewed reality series on TLC. Many people watch the show and have followed the recent events involving the Gosselins.
There is definitely a follow-up to this story. Karel Minor, executive director of the Human Society of Berks County, PA, has already said there is no reason to suspect animal cruelty in the Gosselin home. But the question of child labor laws being violated has not yet been determined by the Pennsylvania Labor Department.
I think the headlines for the stories about the Gosselins’ can be misinterpreted to favor the parents or children. “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” seems a bit dramatic. Parents discipline their children all the time, but it is not considered losing control.
Abcnews.com did get some of their own information, but the reporters used other information from different magazines to follow-up with professionals, such as the TLC spokeswoman and the executive director for the Human Society of Berks County, PA.
Another example is a story about Britain’s interior minister, Jacqui Smith resigning her post. A copy of her parliamentary expenses shows she claimed two pornographic movies her husband reportedly ordered. In March, she said she mistakenly claimed the pay-per-view movies to an Internet connection bill she had submitted.
This story involves a public figure with something that should have been left private. There were also questionable expense sheets from other members of parliament being looked in to.
The article doesn’t include a quote from Smith, but it said a source close to her said she told the prime minister it was “time to go at the next reshuffle.”
The article includes a picture of Smith, but it does nothing to further the story.
Almost every citizen of Britain was very concerned after reading this story. The taxpayers are essentially paying for these expenses and are outraged to know it was for something as disgusting as pornographic movies.
Smith has already resigned, but other members are under investitgation. It is uncertain whether or not other parliament members will resign.
The copy of Smith’s parliamentary expense sheet was crucial in determining whether or not the allegations of pornographic movies being claimed, were true.
Abcnews.com spoke with the executive director of the Humane Society of Berks County, PA, about the allegations of animal abuse in the Gosselin home. The Web site reporters had Jon’s view on it to “set the record straight.” Also, the reporters spoke with Pennsylvania’s Labor Department about accusations of violating child labor laws.
Abcnews.com spoke with Jon Gosselin on the subject matter and had quotes from him given to other news media. The Web site also used quotes from Kate Gosselin to People Magazine.
In Touch Weekly posted a picture of Kate Gosselin spanking one of her female children outside their home. The magazine quoted an eye witness who said the child was “screaming and crying” and when Kate stopped spanking her, “pushed (the child) away and walked off with her coffee.”
The picture does aid the reader by showing Kate spanking her child, but it doesn’t look as if she is being overly harsh or the child is in extreme pain.
I think this story affects parents nationwide and alerts Child Protective Services workers to what can be classified as “beating.” Also, “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” is a widely viewed reality series on TLC. Many people watch the show and have followed the recent events involving the Gosselins.
There is definitely a follow-up to this story. Karel Minor, executive director of the Human Society of Berks County, PA, has already said there is no reason to suspect animal cruelty in the Gosselin home. But the question of child labor laws being violated has not yet been determined by the Pennsylvania Labor Department.
I think the headlines for the stories about the Gosselins’ can be misinterpreted to favor the parents or children. “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” seems a bit dramatic. Parents discipline their children all the time, but it is not considered losing control.
Abcnews.com did get some of their own information, but the reporters used other information from different magazines to follow-up with professionals, such as the TLC spokeswoman and the executive director for the Human Society of Berks County, PA.
Another example is a story about Britain’s interior minister, Jacqui Smith resigning her post. A copy of her parliamentary expenses shows she claimed two pornographic movies her husband reportedly ordered. In March, she said she mistakenly claimed the pay-per-view movies to an Internet connection bill she had submitted.
This story involves a public figure with something that should have been left private. There were also questionable expense sheets from other members of parliament being looked in to.
The article doesn’t include a quote from Smith, but it said a source close to her said she told the prime minister it was “time to go at the next reshuffle.”
The article includes a picture of Smith, but it does nothing to further the story.
Almost every citizen of Britain was very concerned after reading this story. The taxpayers are essentially paying for these expenses and are outraged to know it was for something as disgusting as pornographic movies.
Smith has already resigned, but other members are under investitgation. It is uncertain whether or not other parliament members will resign.
The copy of Smith’s parliamentary expense sheet was crucial in determining whether or not the allegations of pornographic movies being claimed, were true.
Case Studies
I reviewed a case study in chapter one of William C. Gaine's Investigative Journalism: Proven Strategies for Reporting the Story. The study involved a reporter who received a tip from officers that the sheriff of a local town was receiving campaign money from his officers in exchange for badges and guns. The reporter turned the story over to his editor who assigned an investigative reporter to check it out. The investigative reporter found the story to be true and after publishing his findings, several townspeople voted in a new sheriff.
The original reporter, Wright, turned the story over to his editor because he didn't want any backlash from the sheriff's office. The office had always tipped Wright off when they had a story, but only gave him information when it would put the sheriff's office in a good light. Wright should have covered the story because it was his assigned beat and he should report all things, not only good. However, by turning the story over to the investigative reporter, Miller, Wright kept a good relationship with current officers. Miller did his job well. He didn’t hold anything back for fear of upsetting someone and he found the proof he needed without revealing his sources. The public had a right to know who they had voted in to office previously.
Case study two was about a reporter who often checked public records at city hall for interesting facts that could be investigated and turned into stories. She found out one such fact about the mayor buying properties, renovating them and selling them for much more than he paid. In the end, she could not prove any illegal wrongdoing by the mayor, but had city hall on alert of her presence.
The reporter, Benton knew something was not quite right with the way the mayor renovated such properties and found out city employees were doing such renovations with city funds. Also, a former reporter who now worked for the mayor, knew Benton’s tactics and tried to stop her before she came. Benton, however, pressed on with the story and got the public’s attention. They wanted the mayor ousted from office. Although, he wasn’t kicked out, the public certainly had a different view of him.
The original reporter, Wright, turned the story over to his editor because he didn't want any backlash from the sheriff's office. The office had always tipped Wright off when they had a story, but only gave him information when it would put the sheriff's office in a good light. Wright should have covered the story because it was his assigned beat and he should report all things, not only good. However, by turning the story over to the investigative reporter, Miller, Wright kept a good relationship with current officers. Miller did his job well. He didn’t hold anything back for fear of upsetting someone and he found the proof he needed without revealing his sources. The public had a right to know who they had voted in to office previously.
Case study two was about a reporter who often checked public records at city hall for interesting facts that could be investigated and turned into stories. She found out one such fact about the mayor buying properties, renovating them and selling them for much more than he paid. In the end, she could not prove any illegal wrongdoing by the mayor, but had city hall on alert of her presence.
The reporter, Benton knew something was not quite right with the way the mayor renovated such properties and found out city employees were doing such renovations with city funds. Also, a former reporter who now worked for the mayor, knew Benton’s tactics and tried to stop her before she came. Benton, however, pressed on with the story and got the public’s attention. They wanted the mayor ousted from office. Although, he wasn’t kicked out, the public certainly had a different view of him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Urban Renewal Authority Meeting
The monthly Urban Renewal Authority meeting Monday, June 15 brought quick changes to the board.
First off, Nate Randolph, architect for Edward Tucker and chairperson for the Huntington City Council became chairman of the renewal authority, replacing Marshall University Professor Phillip Carter. Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of administration and finance for the city, was voted vice chairman. Psychologist Diane Mufson was voted secretary and newer member Herb Stanley, chairperson for the Huntington Municipal Parking Board was voted treasurer.
Immediately after elections, Carter stepped down from his seat as chairman and exchanged seats with Randolph. Carter turned down other nominations by Jacobs-Jones and Randolph for various positions during the election. Carter appeared to be surprised and somewhat upset at the nomination of Randolph to take his place.
When Randolph stepped in as chairman, he brought up unfinished business concerning the authority's previous bank.
Jacobs-Jones explained a mishap with the renewal authority funds. The authority received a statement from a former bank totaling in excess of one million dollars said Randolph. After further investigation, Jacobs-Jones found out the money is insurance on the money the group had in the former account and not available funds.
While on the topic of authority funds, Mufson suggested moving the authority's savings and checking accounts from Chase bank to a locally owned bank, such as First Sentry Bank. Chase charged the authority's savings account a small fee for little or no activity on the account. By switching banks, the authority hopes to avoid that fee. Jacobs-Jones suggested sending a Request For Proposal for banking services to several local banks, that way to not rule out one over another. The motion to move accounts to another bank carried. However, since they have not contacted other banks as of yet, they are not sure if local banks might charge the same type of fee for no activity on accounts.
Next, there was a motion to revisit new business, which led to a discussion over which group would take over the land bank authority, the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority or the Huntington Municipal Development Authority. Randolph said the renewal authority dealt with more residential properties whereas the development authority deals with commercial properties. Jacobs-Jones pointed out the renewal authority would have to hire either part-time or full-time staff or contract labor services, also have lengthy meetings and more responsibility to deal with.
Carter made a suggestion to have a workshop for the renewal authority so the chairpersons could gain knowledge about implementing a land bank. Jacobs-Jones pointed out again a workshop would cost money for stipend and travel accommodations to bring in experts on the subject. The question was brought up as to which board would foot the bill for the workshop since neither the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority nor the Huntington Municipal Development Authority had jurisdiction over the land bank yet. Jacobs-Jones said all city of Huntington funds were already used or directed toward other projects and money is "tight."
The meeting was then adjourned. Jacobs-Jones and Carter left the meeting quickly.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Urban Renewal Authority
I will be attending the Urban Renewal Authority meeting Monday, June 15 at 1:30 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room at Huntington City Hall.
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of the board on May 18, 2009
5. Approval of May 2009 Voucher Schedule
6. Election of Officers
Charles Holley, Director of Development & Planning to update Board on Artisan Avenue Redevelopment Project.
8. New Business
9. Unfinished Business
a. Federal Reserve Account
b. Local Checking/Savings account
c. July Meeting
10. Adjournment
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