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

Inauguration ceremony scheduled for Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, WV – The Office of Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the 2021 West Virginia Gubernatorial and Constitutional Officer Inauguration Ceremony will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, beginning at 1 p.m., on the North Side of the West Virginia Capitol Building.

The ceremony will include the swearing in of the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Supreme Court Justices.

After taking his oath of office, Gov. Justice will give his inaugural address.

Due to COVID-19 protocols and due to security protocols, attendance will be limited to dignitaries, families of those being sworn in, members of the media, and other invited guests.

The event will be live-streamed online. All West Virginians are encouraged to watch the ceremony at the following links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/5e0Y17av8D8
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WVGovernor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wvgovernor

The ceremony will also be broadcast live on the West Virginia Channel. To find your station, click here (use column labeled “WV Channel”).

There may be a limited number of seats at the ceremony available to the general public by request only. If you wish to attend, please contact Mary Harrison, Assistant to the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Governor’s Office, by Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, for more information:
Email: Mary.A.Harrison@wv.gov
Call: 304-558-2000

Seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Only those whose names appear on the guest list will be granted entry.

Parking for guests will be provided at the Capitol Complex. Guests will use the Capitol entrance at the intersection of Washington St. E and Greenbrier St. and will be directed to the appropriate lot.

Once guests arrive, they will be required to check in. Approaching from the west side of the complex, guests should pass the War Memorial and use the sidewalk between Building 3 and the State Culture Center to reach the check-in and security screening stations.

In accordance with the most recent guidelines and best practices recommended by health professionals regarding COVID-19, all event attendees will be required to properly wear a face covering and maintain adequate social distancing.

Additional safety measures will be implemented to help safeguard the health and well-being of all event participants and attendees.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Governor and other elected officials will not hold a receiving line following the ceremony. Some Inauguration Day traditions and performances held in years past may be scaled down, removed, or altered in the interest of safety.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.

Mountain CAP, WVU Extension offering free nutrition and cooking class in Buckhannon starting in January

The six-week “Eating Smart – Being Active” program begins January 7 at the Family Support Center in Buckhannon.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, 81, of Buckhannon, WV, founder of Richard Small Paving, died December 17, 2025, leaving his wife Mary Ann, six children, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of faith and music.

Mary Ann Ketterman

Mary Ann Ketterman, 57, of Flemington, WV, died Dec. 14, 2025, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and will be cremated following a public viewing Saturday, Dec. 20.