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

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.
Lyla Grandstaff

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) announces Lyla Grandstaff as the new business coach for the Buckhannon area, serving Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur and Webster counties.

Grandstaff has experience in sales, marketing and higher education administration, and is a certified business etiquette consultant. A graduate of Fairmont State University and West Virginia University, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a Master of Arts degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication.

“We are excited to welcome Lyla to the WV SBDC team. Her extensive experience will make her an excellent addition to our network and a valuable asset to the entrepreneurial community of West Virginia,” said WV SBDC Director Will Miller.

In her earlier career, Grandstaff successfully founded and operated an Etiquette Consulting business, where she dedicated herself to helping clients enhance their professional presence and gain a competitive advantage in their careers.

She currently serves on the board of the Clark Opportunity Foundation, an organization focused on supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.

The WV SBDC, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources and coaches.

WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from Certified Business Advisor (CBA), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), MBAs, design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, and exporting, along with experience in technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR and marketing.

For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Post 7 eliminated by Clarksburg in Area 2 Tournament

Buckhannon Post 7 was eliminated from the Area 2 Tournament after Clarksburg Post 13 shut them out 9-0, breaking open a close game with a seven-run sixth inning.
Summer basketball

Week three of summer league basketball wraps up

The third week of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with four games at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring standout performances from Xavier Robinette, Jerin Westfall, Linn Baxa, Dom Viani, Evan Parr, and others.

Upshur County Commission renews support as title sponsor for Leadership Upshur

The Upshur County Commission has renewed its title sponsorship for the 2025 Leadership Upshur program, demonstrating ongoing support for local leadership development and enabling the commission to select a participant for the nine-session course.

6-year-old alleges father pointed firearm at him during domestic altercation

Alex A. Alkire, 27, was charged with felony wanton endangerment, gross child neglect, and misdemeanor domestic assault after allegedly pointing a firearm at his 6-year-old son during a domestic dispute.

Rose Marie Champ

Rose Marie Champ, 89, a retired machine operator and member of Bethany Baptist Church, died at her home, leaving behind a large family including children, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on July 17, 2025, to address items listed on their published agenda.

Post 7 comes up short in tournament opener in 5-2 loss to Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 outhit top-seeded Morgantown but committed four costly errors and fell 5-2 in the opening round of the Area 2 American Legion postseason baseball tournament.

Summer basketball league continues week three play

In week three of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League, area teams competed at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances including Austin Upton’s 37 points for Corder Concrete Specialist and Kaiden Cutlip’s 34 for WV Split Rail.

Nancy Lea Lantz

Nancy Lea Lantz, 74, of Philippi, passed away July 13, 2025, and is remembered as a devoted homemaker, church member, and camper, survived by her children, relatives, friends, and her dog Tiny.