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

John Wallace Hazel III

John Wallace Hazel III (1949) of Buckhannon, WV passed away January 17, 2025.

He was known as John, Johnnie, Dad and Grandpa. He was a forester, mountaineer, hunter, fisherman and explorer. His thirst for the wilderness took him all over North America from the Rocky Mountains to the tundra of Canada but the Appalachians always drew him back.

He is survived by his sisters, Susan and Jackie, and his brothers Earle, Bob and Lum and his best friend Wheezer, two sons and 5 grandsons. Thank you Carol and Merle.

A quote from his favorite movie: “He was livin’ two year in a cave up on the Musselshell with a female panther. She never did get used to him.” In lieu of services, get out there, put your face in the air and your feet in the dirt. We love you – enjoy the greatest adventure and we’ll meet up on the next ridge over.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A look inside Leadership Upshur: September 2025 – Session 1

My Buckhannon writer Lily Hicks reports on her first session of Leadership Upshur, a nine-month program for Upshur County residents. The group explored downtown, met community volunteers and leaders and discovered how local projects come together.

Upshur County Commission proclaims Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week

The Upshur County Commission proclaimed Sept. 17–23 as Constitution Week after members of the Elizabeth Zane Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution marked the Constitution’s 238th anniversary and presented pocket-sized constitutions.

Linda Kay Snyder

Linda Kay Snyder, 77, of Lick Run, Buckhannon, died Sept. 19, 2025; she is survived by husband Gerald, son Jamie, three grandchildren, a brother and stepfather, and funeral services are Sept. 21 at Good Hope Tabernacle.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: September 25, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet September 25, 2025; this article publishes the meeting agenda.

Bucs rack up 433 yards of offense but can’t slow down Tigers in 57-29 setback

Despite 433 yards and Dawson Tenney’s 347 passing (with Jacob Frye’s 215 and three TDs), Buckhannon-Upshur fell 57-29 as Elkins’ three-headed rushing attack piled up 561 yards.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces 2025 alumni award winners

Wesleyan’s Alumni Award Winners include Doug Ritchie, Dr. Charity Metz Schuller, Jordan Godwin, Angel Wilson, Paula Lowther McGrew, Jessicah Cross and Drs. Lynn Gableman Rupp and Robert O. Rupp.

Subaru grant helps Luv 4 Animals fund October adoption push

A $4,000 Subaru Loves Pets grant will fund reduced adoption fees, spay/neuter surgeries, Lyme testing and free microchips as Luv 4 Animals aims to clear the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Center in October with an adoption event Oct. 18.

Appalachian Mutual Aid Collective Foundation to hold annual meeting & community pizza party

The Appalachian Mutual Aid Collective Foundation will hold its free Annual Meeting and pizza party at 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at First Presbyterian Church in Buckhannon, offering a limited shuttle, Facebook Live and volunteer recruitment.

Beverly Lou Posey

Beverly Lou Posey, 65, of Buckhannon, WV, died Sept. 18, 2025; she is survived by husband Richard, two daughters, grandchildren and a brother, and was known for fishing, crocheting, gardening and making others laugh.

Football Bucs set to renew rivalry with Elkins Friday night

Elkins (3-0) hosts rival Buckhannon-Upshur (0-3) Friday in the Battle of the Axe, with the Tigers’ potent, 49-points-per-game offense favored while the Bucs, struggling to run the ball, seek their first win.

State may begin returning control to Upshur County school board in February 2026

The West Virginia Department of Education may begin incrementally returning control to the Upshur County Board of Education in February 2026 if academic improvements continue and cleanup of findings restores capacity and trust.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 4: Winning in spite of…

Duane Carpenter says West Virginia beat Pitt despite Rich Rodriguez’s poor coaching, condemns Travis Kelce’s support for Rashee Rice after a high-speed crash, then reports My Buckhannon standings and this week’s local game picks.