All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia governor announces 2022 Big Buck Photo Contest winners

CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the winners of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ second annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The 20 youth and five adult winners were announced at a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

“I want to thank the DNR and everyone who submitted a picture,” Gov. Justice said. “Each and every one of them was truly amazing. It’s important that we encourage everyone, including our children, to go outside, learn about nature, and enjoy the outdoors, just like we did when I was young. It’s an honor for me to contribute by promoting these great kids and adults who’re taking advantage our beautiful outdoors. That’s some really good stuff right there.”

The Big Buck Photo Contest, sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Department of Tourism, was open to residents and nonresidents and included a youth division for hunters 17 and younger and an adult division for hunters 18 and older.

To enter the contest, hunters had to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2022 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Each entrant was required to show proof of a valid 2022 West Virginia Hunting License and had to include the 13-digit DNR-issued game check number for the buck.

Finalists were chosen by random drawing from all eligible entries and winners were selected by a judging committee made up of Gov. Justice, WVDNR Director Brett McMillion and Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby or their designated representatives. Winning photos were selected based on photo composition, size of the buck’s antlers, number of antler points and how well the hunt was described. Finalist photos can be viewed here.

The 20 youth participants will all receive one lifetime hunting and fishing license. The five adult winners can choose one lifetime hunting license or a two-night state forest cabin stay. Only West Virginia residents are eligible for a lifetime license.

Youth Division Winners

  • Hadley Allen — Charleston, W.Va.
  • Olivia Barker — Thornton, W.Va.
  • Kyla Bibey — Dennison, Ohio
  • Courtney Burgess — Walton, W.Va.
  • Blake Burner — Mineral Wells, W.Va.
  • Eli Currence — Elkins, W.Va.
  • Donovan Dameron — Cyclone, W.Va.
  • Landon Hartshorn — Shock, W.Va.
  • Dillon Jones — Charleston, W.Va.
  • Bella Kesterson — Franklin, W.Va.
  • Paige King — Lancaster, Md.
  • Jonah Marcum — Chapmanville, W.Va.
  • Rylee Martin — Sutton, W.Va.
  • Carter McCloud — Ravenswood, W.Va.
  • Cole Owens — Waverly, W.Va.
  • Brayden Reese — Scott Depot, W.Va.
  • Brayden Seago — Sisterville, W.Va.
  • Samuel Shomo — Junior, W.Va.
  • Carter Stover — Summersville, W.Va.
  • Slade Terral — Bob White, W.Va.

Adult Division Winners

  • Stephen Booth — Buffalo, W.Va.
  • Vanessa Dillon — Parkersburg, W.Va.
  • Kevin Korzun — Romney, W.Va.
  • Madeline Nelson — Marlinton, W.Va.
  • Jordon Peterson — Youngstown, Ohio

For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia and to purchase a license, visit WVdnr.gov.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Soccer Bucs draw Parkersburg South in new regional tournament format; visit Patriots on Thursday in postseason opener

Buckhannon-Upshur, seeded ninth in the new Class AAAA South Region, will travel to face eighth-seeded Parkersburg South Thursday in a single-elimination opener with the winner meeting top-seeded Woodrow Wilson.

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Alex Sappey

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Alex Sappey, a four-year cross-country and two-year track athlete, reflects on team culture, favorite moments, college and motorsports engineering plans, and advice to work hard and enjoy being a Buccaneer.

JV Football Bucs get first victory behind Catlin’s three scores in 22-12 win over Bees

Buckhannon-Upshur’s junior varsity football team earned its first win of the season, beating East Fairmont 22-12 as Forest Catlin rushed for three touchdowns.

WVSSAC playoff ratings for week eight; Bucs drop to 18th

WVSSAC week eight playoff ratings released, with Buckhannon-Upshur dropping to 18th after a loss to East Fairmont as top 16 in each classification continue to jockey for postseason spots.

Five Upshur County deputies promoted during recent commission meeting

Five deputies in Upshur County were promoted during a recent commission meeting at the courthouse. Sheriff Mike Coffman praised their professionalism and said the office will be fully staffed by the end of October.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes new staff chaplain

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital announced Rev. Johnmark Camenga, MDiv, CPE, a decade-long pastor and chaplain with experience in patient advocacy, neonatal grief care, and ethics work, will begin as staff chaplain on October 27, 2025.

West Virginia Wesleyan College launches 70% first responder tuition discount

West Virginia Wesleyan College is offering full-time first responders, their spouses/partners and children a 70% tuition discount (via scholarships/grants), plus deferred housing deposit options and 10% off graduate tuition.

Breaking News: State abandons plans to close Tennerton Elementary School

Upshur County Schools will not close Tennerton Elementary because the district cannot fund its share of a needed $19 million renovation at Buckhannon Academy, though the planned Rock Cave consolidation into French Creek will proceed.

Timothy Patton Gower

Timothy Patton Gower, 61, of Buckhannon, WV, died October 20, 2025; he is survived by his parents, two sons, twin grandsons, and extended family, and will be honored with a memorial gathering November 1.