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

Black History Month 2019 lecture series announced

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, in conjunction with the AARP of West Virginia and the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, are sponsoring a lecture series for Black History Month 2019.

The series includes a component, for middle school-aged children, focusing on the life of NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson. This event on February 19th includes a performance by McKenzie Gray, a 9-year-old from Dunbar Intermediate School.

In addition, local artist, Fredrick Hightower of Huntington will share his experience creating the sculpture of Katherine Johnson which is now displayed on the WVSU campus.

The other lectures, focusing on Black History in the Law and Black History in the Military, are as follows:

• Feb. 16 3 p.m. – Black History in the Law Lecture in the Culture Center Archives Room presented by Attorney Frank Walker, founder of Frank Walker Law located in Morgantown and Pittsburgh. This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

• Feb. 23 5 p.m. – Black History in the Military Lecture presented by Dr. Charles T. Ledbetter, current Archives and History Commissioner, former WVSU professor and former vice chair of the Archives and History Commission. Hors-d’oeuvres and adult beverages will be available. Guests must present a valid form of ID – no exception. This program is free and open to the public.

For further information contact Michelle Petties at the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs at 304-353-2023 or Michelle.D.Petties@wv.gov.

Black History Month

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Two Buckhannon residents arrested for receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle

A Buckhannon man and woman were arrested after a license plate reader pinged a truck that had been reported stolen out of Harrison County.

Weyerhaeuser launches community survey for $1 million THRIVE program in Buckhannon

Upshur County residents can now share their ideas for how Weyerhaeuser could best invest $1 million in the community through a new online survey.

Kenneth Robert Winnings Jr.

Kenneth Robert Winnings Jr., a devoted son, brother, father and friend, US Army veteran and 5th-degree black belt who worked as a highway contractor, died peacefully Nov. 15, 2025, and will be cremated.

Carolyn Ann Johnston

Carolyn Ann Johnston, 82, of Buckhannon, WV, a devoted wife, grandmother, seamstress and member of Christian Fellowship Church, died November 17, 2025; visitation and memorial will be held November 22 with donations requested to Ellamore VFD.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: November 20, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on November 20, 2025, with an agenda outlining items for discussion and action.

Deputy to be stationed at Hodgesville Elementary School after man charged with terroristic threats released on home confinement

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office will place a full-time deputy at Hodgesville Elementary School until January 2026 after a Buckhannon man charged with threatening to shoot students was released on GPS home confinement following a guilty plea.

Upshur County Board of Education Special Meeting Agenda: November 20, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a special meeting on November 20, 2025; this notice publishes the agenda for that session.

Thomas (Tommy) “Hero” Leonard Haun

Thomas “Tommy” Leonard Haun, 52, of Weston, a devoted husband, father, DOT and trucking employee and avid motorcyclist known for his work ethic and love of family, died November 15, 2025, with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Bonnie’s Bus to offer mammograms in Dawes, Rock Cave, Salem, Fairmont and Elkins

Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography unit will visit five West Virginia locations in December, offering 3D digital screening mammograms to women. Appointments are required at each location.