Jule Carenbauer helps. He’s the first to raise his hand, to volunteer, to perform for free, and to offer the shirt off his back.
Over and over again.
But he’s now the one who needs the assistance after his Triadelphia home of 24 years was hit hard by the flash flooding that has claimed eight discovered victims and caused millions in destruction and damage. Local non-profits, governments, and individuals from throughout the Upper Ohio Valley have donated supplies, money, and time toward the recovery efforts that will take not weeks but months.
And some cases, recovery will not be possible because of death and the utter devastation.
That’s why Jule decided to do what he does – make music – Tuesday evening when he filmed a video of himself singing “Country Roads” during a mud mucking break so others could see and start to understand how the deadliest natural disaster in Ohio County history affected him and his neighbors.
“Well, it’s been … it’s going to …,” he said, sobbing. “Well, it’s been an experience.
“I made the video Tuesday so people could see what happened here, and so I could sing one of our favorite songs to everyone because we are West Virginians,” Carenbauer explained. “I had no idea 110,000 people would watch it.”
His home? The first floor has been gutted while his second floor sits as if the tragedy never happened.
“I don’t have a basement, so my first floor has always been a living space for me, and I played a lot of (‘Jule’s Music Night’) shows from that area of the house when I was here during Covid. And it’s where I kept a lot of belongings,” Carenbauer said. “My computer was on the first floor, and the furnace, the hot water tank, the washer and dryer … that was all down there, too, and it’s all on the curb now.
“I had some bigger volunteers come and they got it all out so we could start the cleaning,” he said. “And now it’s gone. But it’s just stuff, right?”
Realities of Disaster
The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this morning through the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office that the eighth flood victim found in the Ohio River Wednesday has been positively identified as 43-year-old Jesse Pearson from Triadelphia.
The agency also stated in the morning update that the search for 83-year-old Sandra Kay Parsons of Triadelphia continues today and that anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact 911.
“Our little town lost so much,” Carenbauer said. “Everyone has told me the water came out of nowhere and that it all happened to so quick.”
Carenbauer wasn’t home Saturday evening when the flash flooding took place. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 4.5 inches of rain fell on the eastern side of Ohio County is just 35-40 minutes. Along with Valley Grove and Triadelphia, flash flooding took place along National Road in Woodsdale near the near Dunkin’ Donuts.
“I got a lot of messages from friends in the neighborhood because they said I needed to come back because of an emergency, but when I came back, I couldn’t get to my house,” Caurenbauer explained. “I had to turn around and go stay with a friend’s house, and then I came here the next day and just couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve lived here for 24 years and everything on my bottom floor was gone, and everything was covered with mud. Believe it or not, my neighbors got it worse,” he said. “The toughest part about cleaning it up was knowing I couldn’t keep anything. It was all ruined; all of my music gear is gone. I was lucky because I’ve always kept my guitars on my second floor.”
That’s why Week #273 of “Jule’s Music Night” took the stage as scheduled, this time at the Band Stand at Wheeling Park.
“I did the show because I needed to do something normal, and I needed people to know I’m not quitting,” Carenbauer said. “Some of the people who came to the show are friends I hadn’t seen forever, but they came because they wanted to know what I needed. Honestly, though, I have no idea what I need right now.
“Ya know, I supported the Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday up at Quaker Steak & Lube, and now the first responders are here supporting me and my neighbors. That’s how it works in life,” he said. “The fact that people are reaching out to me so much chokes me up. It’s just awesome to me that they care that much. It means a lot to me.”
His tears took over again.
“Ya know, it sucks. There’s no other way to put it, but I know we have to keep doing what we have to do every day,” Carenbauer said softly. “I’m so blessed to have my family, my friends.
“I’ve helped a lot of people through the years and now, I guess, it’s coming back in my direction in a lot of different ways. So, yes, I lost a lot, but I’ve gained a lot, too.”
