Woman receives new A/C unit after weeks in the heat
Last week, we introduced you to a 71-year-old retired teacher who told us she was getting the runaround from her home warranty company, which said they were unable to get her air conditioner replaced.
Now, after five weeks of no A/C, WREG was there as she got a new unit for free with the help of a good Samaritan.
'I appreciate it so very much,' Sharron Finney said.
A WREG crew was there Tuesday as Sharron Finney had a brand-new air conditioning unit installed.
ORIGINAL STORY: 'Nerve-wracking and upsetting': Woman frustrated by warranty delays for A/C repair
Just a week ago, we were there as she sat in the dark, trying to stay cool after she said she spent weeks going back and forth with her home warranty company to replace her broken A/C.
At first, they said they didn't have a part. Then, she said they didn't provide her with any other option than to pay $5,000.
She told WREG that she'd been with American Home Shield for 20 years.
But today, she's thankful.
'I'm blessed and amazed,' Finney said.
We reached out to American Home Shield and them them her story.
However, she had advocate Michael Highfill helping her.
Ms. Finney, a 71-year-old retired teacher, was referred to him by a friend. He immediately stepped in to help.
'I've been in the heating and air business since 2011, I've been a firefighter-paramedic for 44 years,' Highfill said. ' [I'm] kinda service oriented, but the thing was, I've dealt with these home warranty companies since I started in this business.'
Serenity Tower tenants relocated as city awaits building sale
He added that he also has a legal background and acted like her spokesperson.
'This lady has paid her dues to society, she's paid her dues to this home warranty company and in the end, she got what she deserved,' Highfill said.
Finney said his care to help someone he barely knows meant the world to her.
'It means my dad is still alive on Earth because he always believed in random acts of kindness.'
She now looks forward to a much cooler home.
'I appreciate Channel 3 news for taking the time to think that this was important enough toreach out and let other people see,' Finney said.
'It also shows that not all news is bad,' Highfill said. 'There's still good things that happen.'
For others in a similar situation, Highfill offered some advice.
'Take that money that you're putting into a home warranty, put it in a savings account,' he said. 'Get on apps like Nextdoor, find people that you can trust, that other people trust to come do your work.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time Business News
24-07-2025
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Right Norwich Plumber
Sourcing a reliable local plumber in Norwich can feel like more hassle than the leak itself. You need a plumber who can attend on time, provide helpful information, and get the job done for a reasonable price. So, how do you identify the right plumber from the group? Follow the practical steps below to help you make the right choice. You don't need telling that pipes and heating matter, but it's easy to overlook how much is at stake until you're ankle-deep in water. Plenty of horror stories start with a 'cheap fix' that turned into a long-term headache. Protecting your home and cash starts with picking someone trustworthy the first time. 1. Proper Licensing and Insurance First things first: Is your plumber legit? Everyone says it, but how many actually bother to check? Ask outright for proof of licence and insurance. Any top-notch local plumber will happily show you their certificates, dodgy operators expect you not to ask. What's your licence number? Can you share it? Are you insured? Exactly what does it cover? If you sense reluctance or get vague answers, walk away. Your home isn't worth risking on someone who might not be qualified. 2. Relevant, Local Experience The best plumbers don't just fix pipes, they know the quirks of Norwich buildings. Our city is full of characterful old homes that often hide odd problems. Someone with years in the area has likely seen it all and won't be fazed by a Victorian radiator or piping that looks like spaghetti. Have they worked on jobs like yours? Can they handle both new installations and tricky repairs? Ask for Norwich-specific experience. Someone proud of their skills will be delighted to show you photos or put you in touch with a happy customer. 3. Reputation and Reviews Nothing beats word of mouth, even in the digital age. Don't just scroll for star ratings, read the actual stories. Did the plumber show up on time? Clean up afterwards? Stay calm when things got messy? Scan Google reviews, Nextdoor, Facebook groups Look for repeat customers praising the same strengths People rarely sugarcoat it if a plumber left chaos behind or added mystery fees. Trust your community's experiences over flashy adverts. 4. Transparent, Upfront Pricing A proper plumber tells you what you're in for before picking up a wrench. Be wary if you're given an uncomfortably vague estimate or are told 'we'll see what the job involves'—and then handed a steep invoice. Will you get a detailed written quote? Are any extras (parts, travel, emergency charges) included? What happens if they unearth a bigger problem mid-job? For anything more involved than a dripping tap, ask the plumber to look first and break down the cost, so there are no nasty surprises later. 5. Responsiveness and Availability Nothing adds stress like silence when the kitchen's filling up with water. How quickly does the plumber call or message back? Will they really answer an emergency at night—or just claim to be '24/7' online? Find out their real emergency response time. How soon can you get booked for routine work? A local Norwich plumber like Royal Flush Plumbing has the edge. They know the routes (and the traffic jams!) and are more likely to treat you as a neighbour, not just another call-out. 6. Guarantees and Peace of Mind Would you trust a tradesperson who can't stand behind their work? A solid guarantee, like a year's cover for repairs or warranties for installations, shows confidence. Make sure you leave knowing you're protected if anything goes wrong after the van's driven off. What's covered and for how long? Will the plumber come back quickly if a fix doesn't last? Shy away from anyone who dodges questions about guarantees. If the repair is good, there's no reason not to promise as much. Even Norwich has its share of cowboys. Keep your eyes open for red flags: No licence or insurance 'on hand' Prices that sound too cheap Hard to reach or slow to reply Demanding cash and refusing receipts It doesn't matter how friendly they sound, your home is on the line. Still stuck between a few possibles? Here's how locals whittle it down: Ask people you trust. Most folks are delighted to share a good tradesperson's number. Check trusted directories. Rated People and Checkatrade let you read real reviews and see how each plumber stacks up. Compare like for like. Get three quotes for exactly the same work. If one's much higher or lower, don't be afraid to ask why. Our city's plumbing challenges aren't like everywhere else. Many Norwich homes are genuinely old—meaning pipes that have outlived generations, and heating systems that sometimes have a mind of their own. Older properties: You need someone who won't damage historic features or get flummoxed by plumbing quirks. You need someone who won't damage historic features or get flummoxed by plumbing quirks. Hard water: Norwich's water can do a number on pipes and boilers. A good plumber knows how to tackle scale and fit softeners. Norwich's water can do a number on pipes and boilers. A good plumber knows how to tackle scale and fit softeners. Flood-prone areas: Certain spots here are susceptible to heavy rainfall. Ask if they can handle drainage, sump pumps, or waterproofing if that's you. Not all plumbers are created equal. Here's what stands out for Norwich: A real Norwich base. They aren't just a website, they've got an office or at least a local address. Upstanding reputation locally. When Norwich residents praise a plumber, that tells you plenty. Community-minded. The ones sponsoring local footie teams or taking part in charity events tend to value their reputation. Now you've done the research, go with your gut as well. A plumber who picks up the phone cheerfully, explains things patiently, and makes you feel confident is worth their weight in gold. When you choose wisely, you're not just sorting out a leak, you're building a relationship you can count on for the next emergency, upgrade or anniversary burst pipe (because, let's be honest, these things happen at the worst possible times). Having a trusted Norwich plumber on speed dial is one of those little things that keeps your home running, so you can get on with enjoying the city and everything it offers. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


USA Today
02-07-2025
- USA Today
Do you even like fireworks anymore? Should we ban them? Take our poll.
My neighborhood has been setting off Fourth of July fireworks for a week. Should we ban them or make them legal everywhere? Take our poll below. It's not even the Fourth of July, and already I've had my fill of fireworks. My neighborhood began setting them off in late June, creating the kind of pop and crackle that lights up platforms like Nextdoor with endless posts and debate about 'were those firecrackers or gunshots?' This time of year, as well as Christmas, New Year's Eve and those precious moments our sports teams actually win, it's always fireworks. And I'm over it. For many, watching the sky light up amid thunderous booms is one of the core memories of childhood. I share that same nostalgia: Setting up lawn chairs, necks craned toward the sky, delighting in all the dazzling designs and colors. Lighting the fuse on a bottle rocket and running for cover, all 10 fingers fortunately still intact. But maybe it's because I'm older now and value a good night's sleep – or because I've come to understand just how detrimental fireworks are to our environment, our pets, the wildlife around us and, yes, even our health – that I've found myself sympathizing, and maybe even agreeing with, the 'ban fireworks' contingent. At the very least, maybe we can leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals and stop shooting them off in every neighborhood in the city. (Don't agree? Scroll down to vote in our poll.) The harmful effects of fireworks Because the thing is, fireworks cause very real harm to the very people who have fought to protect our freedoms. The flashes of light, burning smells and smoke are known triggers for veterans and others with PTSD. Fireworks are likely causing fear and anxiety – and even physical pain and distress – in your pets, too. Studies have shown that half of dogs express fear at the noise. Birds and wildlife experience the same fear and disruption at the sound of fireworks, often resulting in them fleeing in panic, and sometimes dying as a result. What does being an American mean to you? I'm not sure what being a patriot means in Trump's America. Are you? Tell us. | Opinion Forum And the damage doesn't just happen during nightfall: The debris left from fireworks – the plastic and chemicals and pollutants in the powder that cause such awe-inspiring explosions – can be a choking hazard and toxic. It's hurting your lungs, too. According to the American Lung Association, a 2015 study found air pollution levels increased by an average of 42% on the Fourth of July. Still convinced you'll escape unscathed? The Consumer Product Safety Commission's annual report shows a 38% increase in firework-related deaths and a 52% increase in injuries – more than 14,700 total – in 2024. About 20% of those injuries required hospitalization. You know what doesn't send you to the hospital? A drone show. Should we ban fireworks or make them legal everywhere? What do you think? Should we ban fireworks altogether? Leave it to the professionals, but limit private use? Or make them available to everyone, everywhere? Take our poll below. And have a safe Independence Day! Janessa Hilliard is the director of audience for USA TODAY Opinion and Opinion at Gannett.


USA Today
01-07-2025
- USA Today
Fireworks can be scary for dogs. How to provide comfort on July 4: Video
Fireworks may be enjoyable for humans, but they can be a great source of anxiety for our pets. The loud bangs, flashing colors and smell can cause them a lot of distress, resulting in behaviors like hiding, shaking and barking. Independence Day is believed to be the day the highest number of dogs run away every year, according to the American Kennel Club. Make sure the information on your dog's tag and attached to their chip is up to date and their collar fits properly. Help out your fellow pet parents in the days after by keeping an eye out for roaming pups and on local groups on Facebook or Nextdoor to help reunite any lost dogs with their owners. Watch this video for some easy tips to keep your pet feeling calm during fireworks. How to comfort dog during fireworks Give your dog some extra exercise before all the mayhem starts. This could be an extra long walk or a few more rounds of fetch. Hopefully, they'll be nice and tired by the time the fireworks start. Create a safe space for your dog. This could be putting their bed in a quieter space in your home, like a closet or bathroom, with their favorite toys and treats. Some dogs may get more stressed if they are enclosed in a space, so consider leaving the door partly open so they can come and go if they need to. If your dog seeks solace in its crate, stock it with their favorite toys and treats, and consider covering it with a blanket. When it's showtime, make it easier on your dog by: Stressed and anxious pets may need some extra comfort, so consider staying home to keep them company during what could be a very scary night for them. If you can't, ask if a friend or family member is available that your dog is comfortable with. Shop top-rated related products: Dog medicine for fireworks Many pet stores offer calming treats that may help your pet during these high anxiety events. Be sure to follow the dosing directions and monitor your pet to make sure they don't have any reactions to the treat. If those don't work, consider asking your vet for something a little stronger or techniques to help desensitize your pet.