| By Bob Weaver
Several southern Calhoun citizens called 911 yesterday after a trio of individuals stopped at their residences offering them free paper towels if they would participate in a survey.
The Calhoun Sheriff's Department responded to the complaints.
A gold van with Pennsylvania plates and a dented left front fender, made stops on Walker Road, Walnut, Little White Oak and other areas.
Genie Hicks Bailey said two men and a woman came to her residence on Walker Road, saying "My boss sent me out with these paper towels. He's opening a store in Grantsville."
Bailey asked for the name of the store, after which the man turned to the woman by his side, asking her the name. The woman replied, "Five Star."
The man then told Hicks he was doing a survey about items they wanted to carry in the store, inquiring if her husband was home, saying "We like to do the survey with the husband present."
Hicks said they left, "Because my husband wasn't home."
Deputy Jeff Starcher responded to the area and caught up with the trio on Milo Road, still going door-to-door at 8 p.m.
Deputy Starcher said the driver of the vehicle produced ID, indicating he was John Tobias, Jr. of Pennsylvania. Tobias produced business licenses, saying they were operating out of offices in Sutton and Elkins.
The others produced WV identification.
Tobias said they were selling vacuum sweepers, and giving away paper towels for people to participate in a demonstration.
Deputy Starcher said there was no evidence of lawbreaking during the initial intervention, despite what residents deemed suspicious behavior.
"People certainly should continue to be aware of strange behavior and report it," Starcher said, indicating he was following-up on the incident.
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