Hands of coal stretched across Knox County

By: Rebekah Pewitt - Email

Posted: Sat 8:18 PM, Sep 22, 2012

BARBOURVILLE, ky - Hand in Hand, hundreds of people took a stand for coal Saturday, September 22nd.

The "Hands Across Knox County" event is not the first of its kind.
Other counties have held similar rallies along a major highway.

Saturday's event was put on by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

Nearly 250 people applauded while guest speakers voiced the importance of coal in Eastern KY.

“The coal's been behind everything. Our way of eating, living, electricity, sending our kids to school that's where my husband is today,” said supporter Evelyn Patterson.

Coal is a way of life those at the rally say they came to defend.

“People have got to come together to show their support for this, because it not only effects us as coal miners it effects all the businesses,” said coal miner William Wight.

Officials said the effects have already been seen.

“There’s just not the money there that there used to be, because it's drying up so it affects your hardware stores and your grocery stores,” said Senator Robert Stivers.

A situation that supporters said they hope to put an end to.

Severe storms possible this evening