A chemical spill of MCHM into the Elk River affected thousands of West Virginians in January 2014. Six residents shared their stories from the time. Paul Dalzell became an activist due to the spill and protested West Virginia American Water. Rick Greene coached the boys basketball team at George Washington High School during that time. Leslie White won a pageant, despite not being able to take a real shower. Mayor Danny Jones represented the city of Charleston to the world. C.W. Sigman helped with Kanawha County s emergency response. Rev. James Ealy hosted one of the largest distribution points from a West Side community center.