Folks will be busy filling their propane tanks in preparation for their picnics.

Wheeler Fireplace and Grill, in Niles, is expecting a big influx of people today filling their tanks.  But with the high price of gas, owner Mark Wheeler says he sees people buying more alternative energy products.

Even though it's summer, some of the cold-weather products are jumping off the shelves.  "With the price of natural gas going up, we've already noticed a shortage of wood burning appliances and pellet appliances for the heating season.  We've been selling a higher number of alternative fuel appliances than we normally do, even in the fall when it's cold, when you normally would expect to sell them.", states Wheeler.

Wheeler says he expects to see between one hundred and fifty and two hundred and fifty people at his business filling up their propane tanks for the Fourth of July holiday.