Do not give financial information such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers or any bank information, to people who show up at your doorstep claiming to be disaster recovery officials.

A group calling themselves "Outreach America" has been in West Virginia claiming they were "crisis counselors" or could register people with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Such con artists may come to Kentucky as well. Some may have clothing identifying them as FEMA employees.

The badges for crisis counselors will say "Project Recovery" or "KCCRT" (Kentucky Community Crisis Response Team) on them. Residents can verify if these are legitimate crisis counselors by calling 888-522-7228.

Bolch emphasized that the only way to register with FEMA is to call the toll-free application number, 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Persons who are hearing impaired or speech-impaired can apply by calling a special TTY number at 800-462-7585.

Lewis County residents are available for individual assistance programs intended to help individuals, households and businesses cope with uninsured disaster-related needs.

The Monte Lewis Stamm Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5438 finished their new building in the Fall of 2003.

The 70x50 foot building is complete with open space, meeting rooms, offices and even a stage for entertainment. Some might say the organization has come a long way since founded in 1991; however, members say, they aren't even close to reaching their potential.

Named after a Lewis County man who died in Vietnam in 1968, VFW Post 5438 started in January of 1991, without a building or structure in which to operate. When founded, it was the only post in Kentucky named after a local veteran who died in a foreign war.

What is the purpose of this organization? The creed of VFW states that the objects of the VFW are fraternal, patriotic, historical and education. The purpose is to strengthen comradeship among its members, to assist worthy comrades, to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans. Their purpose is also to maintain true allegiance to the government of the USA and fidelity to its constitution and laws, to foster true patriotism, to motion and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the US from all enemies whatsoever.

In the Spring of 1991, the VFW decided to rent a former grocery store building on Route 3037, west of Vanceburg. The building was large, complete with open space that would be vital for the club's operations, but members knew they would eventually need more.

By this time, Riffe had resigned as Master Commander and Kenny Skidmore had taken over the position.

"The old building had low ceilings, was aging and had electrical problems," says Skidmore.

As the organization continued to grow, members decided in 1997 that a new building would become the goal of VFW Post 5348. However, they wished to prevent going deep into debt. By saving their money religiously and operating on a strict budget, the organization reached its goal of $200,000.

Kevin Hilger, current Master Commander, said that without first operating in the old building and saving the money raised, the new building would not have been possible.

RJ Construction began constructing the new building in July of 2003 and in November the building was finally ready to operate in.