Upshur County schools weathered July’s flooding with limited damage and will be ready when students return August 20. Superintendent Tim Derico praised maintenance crews and urged sensitivity toward families hit far harder than the buildings were.
Buckhannon approved a $120,000 purchase of a flood-damaged Camden Avenue home to advance a broader drainage project. Council also renewed a $6,000 tourism partnership with Elkins after its Washington-area campaign exceeded expectations in social media response and engagement.
The latest Buckhannon Banter rounds up events, activities and community updates from around Upshur County and beyond.
West Virginia Wesleyan heads toward August 22 move-in with a strong incoming class, including a 75 percent jump in Upshur County students, plus millions in campus upgrades, new academic programs and more announcements on the way.
Christ in Action volunteers have already helped more than a dozen local families remove flood-damaged parts of their homes or complete demolitions. The group expects to remain in the area for another five weeks.
The latest Buckhannon Banter rounds up events, activities and community updates from around Upshur County and beyond.
Stanley Eugene Wilt, 68, of French Creek, passed away at his home on August 8, 2026. A retired West Virginia Department of Highways employee, he cherished music, antiques, WVU sports, and time with his grandchildren.
Jawbone Park and North Buckhannon Riverfront Park will reopen September 4 after extensive cleanup, sanitation and safety checks following July flooding. The reopening restores two key gathering spaces in time for Labor Day weekend.
Upshur County residents should report flood-related stream blockages to the Tygarts Valley Conservation District. Crews need owner permission to enter private property and can address natural waterways, but not culverts or other man-made drainage structures.
Students entering grades 9-12 can explore performance and technical theatre at a Thespian interest session Aug. 16 in Buckhannon.
Upshur and Lewis County residents are urged to report stream debris blockages after the July 21 flash flooding. Call the Tygarts Valley district at 304-457-3026 in Upshur or the West Fork district at 304-627-2160 in Lewis.
Community Care of West Virginia earned seven national HRSA quality badges for 2026, including Gold Health Center Quality Leader. The honor places CCWV among the top 10% of U.S. health centers for overall quality.
Shirley Mae (Harris) Dean, 84, of Buckhannon, passed away on August 10, 2026. A devoted family cook and Christian, she owned and administered Buckhannon Board and Care, Inc.
Amanda Dawn Delauder, 40, of Tallmansville, WV, died at her home on August 9, 2026. She is survived by her parents, two children, three siblings, and extended family.
Community Bulletin
For more than 120 years, the Elkins hospital now known as Davis Medical Center has been where the Potomac Highlands turns for care. Today that includes expert kidney care close to home — sparing many patients a drive out of the region.
WVWC Athletics has partnered with Hometown Ticketing for the 2026 football season. Adult general admission is $10, season tickets are $40, and children 10 and younger and WVWC students, faculty and staff are admitted free.
Donnie Lee McIe, 66, of Buckhannon, died on August 10, 2026, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on guns, and spending time with family.
