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

Air quality update: WVDEP, DHHR statewide air quality advisory remains in effect

This air quality map shows the smoke from the Canadian wildfires as of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28.

Charleston, WV – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) Division of Air Quality and the state Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) Bureau for Public Health’s (BPH) statewide Air Quality Advisory for fine particulate matter issued Wednesday remains in effect as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to impact air quality.

According to AirNow.gov, Air Quality Index (AQI) scores for most of West Virginia are in the 151-200 range (Red), which indicate that some members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly.

Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, citizens in areas with poor air quality are encouraged to limit their time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities. N-95 masks can help reduce smoke inhalation and potential health risks.

Citizens are encouraged to check the AirNow website to see real time air quality data in their area and surrounding states. Please make sure you are viewing the interactive map for your area using the “contours” setting for Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM).

More information about the AQI, including activity guides for when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, is available here.

Click here for information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVWC Volleyball

Top-seeded Wesleyan volleyball falls to West Virginia State in MEC semis

Top-seeded West Virginia Wesleyan saw its season end at 20–9 after falling 3–0 (19–25, 28–30, 19–25) to West Virginia State in the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

Wesleyan nursing students collect more than 500 hygiene items and shoes for Upshur County students

A two-week drive organized by West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nursing Department and Upshur County Schools collected more than 500 hygiene products and shoes for local students and families in need.

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin, a beloved Buckhannon pharmacist, dedicated family man, avid outdoorsman, and longtime community servant known for his favorite chairs and warm hospitality, died peacefully at home November 14, 2025, aged 77.

From church to celebration space: Hampton Venue opens its doors for weddings, reunions and more

A renovated church in Hampton has reopened as the Hampton Venue, ready for weddings, reunions and other events. Owner Gary Connell held a ribbon cutting Nov. 21 and is taking bookings now — with a limited-time offer waiving rental fees if you serve food through Jaws BBQ.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 13: A lot of blowouts in the first-round of high school playoffs

The first round of the high school playoffs featured mostly blowouts and few upsets — only five lower seeds advanced, with Robert C. Byrd’s No. 14 win the biggest surprise. In Class AAAA, the top four seeds won by an average of 49 points.

Wesleyan volleyball wins tournament opener over Glenville State, 3-1

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Glenville State 3-1 (25-23, 26-28, 25-22, 25-20) behind strong hitting from Emily Denison and balanced setting from Claire Wheeler to advance to the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

U.S. Attorney says dozens of defendants sentenced during government shutdown

United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced that his office facilitated more than 70 sentences during the 43-day government shutdown, including several defendants from Buckhannon, Clarksburg and Fairmont.

State superintendent approves Rock Cave Elementary closure; final vote set for Dec. 10 in Charleston

In a brief meeting Thursday night, a state-appointed official approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on behalf of State Superintendent Michelle Blatt. The decision now moves to the West Virginia Board of Education for a final vote. The five elected Upshur County Board of Education members had no say in the decision.

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Green Bank, Elkins, Buckhannon and Rowlesburg

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will visit four West Virginia locations in December offering low-dose CT scans. Appointments must be made at least 14 days in advance.