Strangers Give Homeless Woman $30,000 After Home Flipped Off Roadway

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Posted: 10:16 PM Nov 25, 2008
Last Updated: 5:55 PM Nov 26, 2008

37 comments

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The Nicholas County woman whose home was destroyed in the blink of an eye, had a new home delivered on Wednesday.

Francis Barton's mobile home was demolished after she tried to move it from her neighborhood to a plot of land she purchased.

Barton hired a farm tractor operator to move the home on Highway 68 through Carlisle last week. The trailer lost a wheel in transit, partially slid off the roadway and then blocked the flow of traffic on the highway for more than 10 hours.

The Nicholas County Sheriff, several deputies, and towing crews worked in rainy hazardous conditions tirelessly to get the home off of the road. But when the efforts were deemed hopeless and the safety hazard became too high, the sheriff had to make what he calls a tough decision to move the trailer to the side of the road, destroying it.

When that news broke people all over the country were moved with compassion for Barton and her 10 family members that shared the small mobile home. Donations from all over have been pouring in during the last few weeks. So far the Bartons have received $30,000.00.

That money has been used to buy the Bartons a new, partially furnished mobile home from the Doyle Mobile Home company in Flemingsburg.

The new home was delivered and installed on Wednesday.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: mountain man Location: ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:32 AM
WHAT`S DONE IS DONE"SHE WILL GET HERS" MAYBE NEXT WEEK YA`LL CAN PICK ON ANOTHER COUNTY!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 at 07:00 AM
My dog wont hunt. u buy me a kennel.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 30, 2008 at 06:31 PM
my car stuck in mud. u buy me wrecker?

Posted by: grumpy on Nov 29, 2008 at 06:55 AM
it sounds like she was trying to better her self by moving the home to land she was buying we all dont have the money to call and say move this but this pancake had no right to take her money to try this move with out the equpment to move the home in the first place that sheriff is and idiot for not calling in the d.o.t. to help and not charging mr.pancake for not having permits im glad this worked out for the owner they need to put pancake in jail

Posted by: Juan Location: Hazard on Nov 29, 2008 at 06:54 AM
I believe in the bible Jesus met the woman at the well who was a bad woman. Did he turn his back on her just because of her lifestyle. Also if you can show me in the bible where it saids God helps them that help themselves. I think it saids love your neighbor. If you did not contribute anything to this lady, then why are you so jealous of her. This lady needs to know that there are still good christian people in this world that would rather reach out a helping hand instead of kicking her while she is down. I also live in a trailer in a trailer park. Does that make me a bad person, if so tell the children that I have taught in Sunday School for the last 22 years. All of the critics should get in church and learn about the love of Jesus.

Posted by: bill w.w. Location: georgetown on Nov 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
It sure looks like you folks from Carlisle have a lot against this woman who did not ask for what little she did have to be destroyed.Thanks for all the people who are not jealous for what she know has!Judge not- least thee be judged.

Posted by: Larry Location: Lexington on Nov 28, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Do any of you folks that are listing bad comments read the newspaper? This lady did not ask for this problem. No matter what her problems were, all she is trying to do is take care of her family.The Lexington Hearld stated that the man from California told her to buy whatever she wanted, that meant if she wanted a $100,000 dollar mobile home he would buy and he would take care of it. Your talking about a man that is a Billionaire not a millionaire. Insteed of taking advantage of this man she opted for a $20,000 used mobile. I think this says a lot about her.

Posted by: CarlisleMOM Location: Carlisle on Nov 28, 2008 at 12:45 PM
What a shame, I hope anyone who donated to her had plenty of money to waste. I dont care if you live in a mobile home or a mansion, there are good and bad ppl that live in either. It is just amazing to me that ppl who do not try, who play the system and live off others get rewarded for stupid ways. If this had been a hard working class family that had hard times I'd be so happy for them. I dont expect her to be in this county for long. Her children might, but her "job" will lead her to other places if you know what I mean.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 28, 2008 at 08:10 AM
@Jon in Ky before you leave such a ignorant comment please learn to spell. For the rest of you there is nothing wrong with people helping people. I may not agree with how the family was having their home moved but that's beside the point. Point is this family needed help and out of the goodenss of others they were helped. If this had happened to any of you and others offered to help you I'm sure you would have taken it. Stop being so petty and so willing to belittle people.

Posted by: John Location: Carlsile on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:57 PM
When is the EPA going to come in and fine them for the mess that they made on cassidy creek along the creek bank? She better use that donated money wisely because she will have to pay one hell of a fine. There would be no way that i would want to dump my old trailer debris right in my front door. CLEAN IT UP, THERE IS ALOT OF TRAILER TRASH!!!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Carlisle on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:51 PM
It seems funny to me that no one in our town is feeling sympathetic for his family! I guess it means that we know how they are. If everyone knew how the system in carlisle worked then they wouldnt be donating anything. Carlisle gets blessed with more deadbeats everyday. SO KEEP SENDING THEM MORE FREEBIES!!! I would like to thank our sheriff for the proper actions that were made. They should have been made sooner!!!!

Posted by: NICHOLAS COUNTIAN Location: Carlisle, KY on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Why wasn't the whole story posted? No one ever mentioned that Pancake wasn't the one hired to move the trailer in the first place. The people who actually started to move the trailer fled from the scene when they found out that the sheriff was coming because they had outstanding warrants on them!!! Therefore Pancake was called in to help. Also Miss Barton got to keep several belongings from her home that was destroyed because she borrowed a cattle trailer from my family to store her stuff in. I think we should stop putting pancake down, he just tried to help. I guess thats what you get when you help someone. If she had hired him then why didn't he ever recieve the $200.00? I feel that this is all a scam. Miss Barton made the comment the other day that her family was going to be living better now then the ever had before. Why was her boyfriend's sister and her kids all shacked up with them? They have a home in carlisle. I guess it's just for the publicity. What a waste of money.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 27, 2008 at 05:16 PM
What a scam artist this woman is, que to tear in three, two, one, tear up now honey and the cash will come rolling in!

Posted by: sin on Nov 27, 2008 at 11:17 AM
this is supporting the welfare people gawdd get a job .. no everybody just sticks there hand out

Posted by: john Location: ky on Nov 27, 2008 at 07:42 AM
why do you people want to put others down god has blessed this family,if that trailer was all she had it probly ment as much to her as our house means to us.it could be you next time.so watch what you say.

Posted by: Must be living wrong Location: KY on Nov 27, 2008 at 05:27 AM
As the great philosopher, Ron White, once said, "You can't fix stupid." 30K tells me that he was wrong.

Posted by: steve on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:28 PM
well theirs a few good people left in the world .

Posted by: some one Location: ky on Nov 26, 2008 at 09:55 PM
iam so glad she got her a home for her kids that was god gift why does people wont to make fun of her because she got a home

Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Nov 26, 2008 at 09:36 PM
I need a new carbon fiber bicycle. It's only thirty six hundred bucks and I just don't have the money.

Posted by: spencer Location: mt.sterling on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:51 PM
there you go mr hick sheriff she prob has a better mobil home than you now !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jon Location: Ky on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Rember ugly breads ugly.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: georgetown on Nov 26, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I happen to be married to a guy who works with one of the adults that this belongs to. The man works every day trying to provide for his family. They had to take care of the cleanup not the county. Just because there are ten people living there does not mean they are on welfare. The people who are judging them need to stop and think about if they were in that situation.

Posted by: JS Location: Cordia, KY on Nov 26, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Again...never hire a guy named Pancake to move your home.

Posted by: MD Location: Jackson Co on Nov 26, 2008 at 03:13 PM
A sweet story. Too few of them make the news anymore. Remember folks, God sees our heart. That's how He judges us. I don't know the circumstances, these people are all strangers to me, BUT, for those who gave out of compassion with a pure heart, God knows this and will bless accordingly. It makes no difference if someone is trying to take advantage, God knows all their hearts. Still, this sounds like a truly needy family to me. A family of 10 living in an older trailer? I'm thinking they're very grateful and will remember what has been done for them this Thanksgiving & be genuinely thankful. Besides, love is the only thing that can penetrate a hardened heart. God bless this family and all the generous people who gave! Happy Thanksgiving everyone & thank you, Lord, for all your blessings!

Posted by: Tina Location: Georgetown on Nov 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
This saying comes to mind..."To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart." It's my opinion that you could never be wrong if God put it on your heart to help someone. We will all be judged someday and there's not a one of us who deserves God's grace. May God bless the Doyle's and all those who came together for this family.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 26, 2008 at 01:10 PM
What would Jesus do? He wouldn't pay somebody named Pancake to move his home. God helps those who help themselves, they should reject the 30K donation. HAHAHAHA, yeah right. Probably already have a nice 60 inch plasma t.v. picked out for Christmas.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 26, 2008 at 01:05 PM
WHOOOO HOOOOO! WE GONNA EAT OUR GOV'T CHEEZE IN A HECK"UVA NEW PLACE! HEE HEE HEE! WHO SAID HARD WURK AND EDUKATION PAYS OFF!

Posted by: touched by heart on Nov 26, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Anyone passing by can tell you the family and their friends did a great job of cleaning up the mess the sheriff made in a short time. Even reseeding the yard where the sheriff demolished their home. The elitist pigs who label everyone with a trailer as low class should take a look at their own families. Who is perfect? Looks like this lady was making sure her family was taken care of even if there are 10 or so of them. Can everyone say that or would they rather children end up in the joke called a foster care systm in this state?

Posted by: JC Location: Madison County on Nov 26, 2008 at 12:19 PM
It is good to see some people still have the spirit of giving. May they be truly blessed!

Posted by: rob Location: carlisle on Nov 26, 2008 at 12:02 PM
i dont feel the sheriff should be responsiable for anything. the only thing he did wrong was not arresting pancake myers. and this family gets enough from welfare. im sorry for their loss, but there are alot of people who lose things and i dont see this county or outsiders helping them this much or at all. this is nothing but a big joke. that is the talk everywhere you go. looks like this welfare family is getting a good thanksgiving this year. what welfare bunch will be next?????

Posted by: nchs1988 Location: carlisle on Nov 26, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I can not believe that people have given her money. Yeah I feel bad for her but she should have done it right. And if the people that were handing her over this money knew her they wouldnt do it. You never know she might hand it over to her drug buddies. If people have so much money why dont they help the ones that work all week and still have trouble making ends meet. People are so stupid. Maybe I will call the sheriff and ask him to push mine over the hill. Bring on the money!

Posted by: jason Location: maysville on Nov 26, 2008 at 11:23 AM
doyle mobile homes should be complimented for their aid in helping this woman get her home replaced. Good job.

Posted by: mel Location: lex on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM
tjp from Nicholas Cty, I agree with you 100%. There are too many instances of "four adults and 8 children" living off the government (that's you and me) while we work to support them. How in the world can a total of 4 adults be unable to produce any income?? Generous people who contributed 30,000 to this woman and her flock; I know about 6 couples both working right now trying to pay their mortgages and falling behind. Before they lose the homes they WORKED FOR, how bout sending them some of that cash? Or perhaps they'll get injured in a car wreck and get a settlement and be able to buy a trailer, too.

Posted by: billy gilbert Location: wolfe county on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:37 AM
i am happy the bartons have a home god bless those who gave

Posted by: Aimee Location: Nicholasville on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I am encouraged to see people reaching out to this lady.Showing compassion and generosity to a stranger is commendable. What happened to her was an ACCIDENT. Those of you posting callous remarks should think twice. You could be homeless one day yourselves.

Posted by: joanne Location: Lexington on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM
This is such a heartwarming story and the timing is perfect, we who have so much should share with those that don't. I can only imagine the happiness this brings this family.

Posted by: Stuart on Nov 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
And now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three: BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY (I Corinthians, Chapter 13). To all worldly minds who criticize...YOU MISS THE REAL POINT OF THIS STORY!

Posted by: danny Location: richmond on Nov 26, 2008 at 09:01 AM
its really good to know that other people really care about what happens to total strangers, some of these comments are just uncalled for. she was probably getting the mobile home moved the cheapest possible way, just trying to survive. just like you and me, although, from reading some of your comments you all are perfectly fine. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Posted by: Jason Location: Danville on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Ok, here are my thoughts: 1) I am so happy that there are good-hearted people in the world that would give something to poor people (even if it is a charity tax write-off for them). God Bless America and thank you Jesus for that. 2) That being said, this woman is a poor effort. What is she doing with 10 or more family members living together in a trailer? Who let's Joe Blow down the street move their home for $200? She is obviously playing the system and allowing good folks to cover up her laziness.

Posted by: cary Location: danville on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Now thats what I call the spirit of giving, God Bless you each and everyone

Posted by: Wendy Location: Nicholasville on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Too bad, but this entire debacle was her own fault. Trying to be cheap cost her bigtime...

Posted by: Daryl on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:15 AM
There really is a Santa.

Posted by: Sheila Location: Richmond on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:13 AM
God Bless these people who helped this woman and her famiy. I wish there were people out there like them that WANT to help those in need.

Posted by: dj Location: pike on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:12 AM
A truly wonderful thing these people have recieved. God is good.

Posted by: John Location: Lex on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:01 AM
eeeeeeee Doggie!!!!

Posted by: Erica Location: Lexington on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:42 AM
So let me get this straight...people have rewarded her for stupidity??

Posted by: Thankful Person Location: Berea on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Isn't it wonderful to know that there are still loving, thoughtful people here in KY. Thank God for all the help that has been given to help out this family.

Posted by: Steve Location: KY. on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Stupidity does pay!!!

Posted by: nchs82 Location: carlisle on Nov 26, 2008 at 05:39 AM
where was the state police?screwing the county attorney?if buying one of those trailors from the headquarters trailor park is going to net me and my family cash like that i'm going to buy one after thanksgiving.i know this place.she said she paid 5000 dollars for it.that's hard to beleive.she sure is making good of her situation.i don't see how it didn't fall apart when it was being towed down the hill from its original sight.that whole tra.park is a hazard.keep sending her money for her pity party.that pot plant tatoo is no decoration.get ready suckers,there will be a un-mobilehome flipping contest i nicholas county now(not carlisle),trailors are not allowed in the city limits now.you can replace one,but you can't start fresh with one.

Posted by: tjp Location: nicholas county on Nov 26, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Hey folks when are you going to wise up! This woman is laughing all the way to the bank.I just wish you knew the whole story about her and then maybe you wouldn't be so quick to dish out the money.Hope she remembers to report her sudden wealth to the welfare depatment. Aren't you folks tired of supporting people that don't try to help themselves? I for one am tired of supporting these people. Lets help someone who is working every day and trying to but unable to make a better way for their families.Wake up America! If you have so much extra cash help a hard working person for a change.That is why this country's ecconomy is in such bad shape.

Posted by: Deby Location: Burnside on Nov 26, 2008 at 04:26 AM
How wonderful this is! My heart ached for them.

Posted by: john Location: louisville on Nov 26, 2008 at 02:30 AM
I think the sheriff should have to pay something..

Posted by: Must be livin wrong Location: KY on Nov 26, 2008 at 02:07 AM
For 30K, I'll have "pancake" move my house anytime. She should be charged 40K by the county for cleanup.

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