Surviving the June 14 Flood: Barbara's Story

Barbara Hartlieb embraces Nathan Heckman, an Ohio Valley Mutual Aid coordinator who has called Barbara every day since the flood. This was the first time Nathan and Barbara ever met despite days of talking over the phone and numerous teams sent by Nathan to Barbara’s house.

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This is a Wheeling Free Press original production.

I want to thank Barbara for trusting this writer, Justice, to tell her story. It’s a harrowing story, but one with laughs and memories along the way. Barbara, I sincerely hope recovery comes as soon as possible. I am so sorry for all you’ve been through and all you’ve lost. Again, thank you. I hope this does you proud.

If you want to donate to support Barbara’s recovery efforts, you can do so on the GoFundMe fundraiser organized by her daughter, Beth.

Barbara is not alone in needing more help. Please consider donating and volunteering to help those affected by the June 14 floods recover. Visit ovflood.org to find out how and visit OV Mutual Aid to offer your services. The road to recovery is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

The intro song used in the production of this story are “Sleeping Cat” by Purple Cat and Mujo. The outro song is a mix of “Sleeping Cat” and the vocalization of Barbara Hartlieb as she sings along to a recording of her mother singing with the Wheeling Steel orchestra.

The background image shows Barbara embracing Nathan Heckman, an Ohio Valley Mutual Aid coordinator who has called Barbara every day since the flood. This was the first time Nathan and Barbara ever met despite days of talking over the phone and numerous teams sent by Nathan to Barbara’s house.

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