Gov. Patrick Morrisey is calling for construction volunteers as flood recovery in Upshur and Lewis counties shifts toward rebuilding. State crews have removed nearly 6,000 tons of debris, and residents are urged to report damage to help secure federal aid.
After flash flooding hit Buckhannon, 25 to 30 Buckhannon-Upshur football players helped clean homes, move debris and distribute supplies. Coach Sloan Baisden said their response showed that being a team means serving the community beyond Friday nights.
Buckhannon and Upshur County officials are transitioning from emergency response to long-term flood recovery. Volunteers are still needed to distribute supplies and assist with debris removal and cleanup.
Upshur County’s flood donation center has released an updated list of urgently needed items, from mailboxes and shop vacs to large diapers, while many other supplies remain at maximum capacity. The site is reducing its hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Wednesday.
Upshur County enters its second week of flood recovery with debris pickup continuing until work is complete. Supplies, meals, health care, counseling and volunteer help remain available, and residents are urged to report property damage.
Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman said missing person Billy Heater has been found safe. Law enforcement continues to deliver supplies, check on residents and monitor for looting around the county.
Elkins Corridor Medical Center now offers anti-amyloid infusion therapy for eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment can slow disease progression while allowing patients to receive carefully monitored care closer to home.
Two men face grand larceny charges after $21,000 in jewelry was reported stolen during flood cleanup at the Weston Walmart. Some jewelry was recovered, and a third man was charged in a separate theft as the investigation continues.
The Upshur County Commission is scheduled to meet July 30, 2026. View the meeting agenda.
Mike Junior “Pops” Crawford, 75, of Buckhannon, WV, died unexpectedly at his home on July 3, 2026. A truck driver, he enjoyed traveling, NASCAR, music, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Patricia Ann “Patty” McComas, 84, of Buckhannon, WV, died on July 27, 2026. A lifelong educator, she served as a teacher and administrator for 43 years and was active in her church and community.
West Virginia is shifting from emergency response to long-term flood recovery, with nearly 3,000 tons of debris removed and utilities largely restored. State crews, first responders and volunteers continue cleanup and aid in hard-hit counties.
The Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting on July 30, 2026. View the meeting agenda.
Thomas Glen Black, 76, of Buckhannon, WV, died on July 22, 2026. A handyman, avid collector, fisherman, and devoted Mountaineers fan, he was a member of the Buckhannon Moose Lodge and Elks.
Community Bulletin
The Healthy Hero Hustle 5K Run/Walk in Buckhannon will return for its third year on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital and West Virginia Wesleyan College team up again to benefit nursing students.
Two official funds are collecting financial donations to support flood recovery needs across Upshur County. The City of Buckhannon and Upshur County Commission will oversee the distribution of funds to those most in need, including residents facing severe damage or displacement.
Two rounds of storms will cross Upshur County tonight and Tuesday, with damaging winds the main threat. Localized flash flooding remains possible due to the saturated ground, but rainfall amounts should stay well below last week’s catastrophic totals.
