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

Angler breaks West Virginia’s long-standing channel catfish record

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — A 17-year record for the largest channel catfish caught in West Virginia has been broken, the state Division of Natural Resources announced on Tuesday.

On June 20, Allen Burkett of Criders, Va., caught a channel catfish that weighed 36.96 pounds and measured 40.59 inches in length. Burkett was fishing with chicken liver from the shore of South Mill Creek Lake in Grant County. Burkett’s record fish was measured by DNR fishery biologist, Brandon Keplinger.

The previous record channel catfish of 33.42 pounds and 40.3 inches was caught by Michael Sears in 2005 at Patterson Creek.

Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-breaking fish should report his or her catch to the WVDNR for verification. Fish that do not qualify as a state record, may still qualify for a trophy citation. For more information, visit wvdnr.gov/fishing/state-records.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Two arrested in two-year-old case involving an iPhone scheme, vehicle pursuit across multiple counties

Two out-of-state suspects have been arrested in a two-year-old case involving a high-speed, multi-county chase after allegedly using a local resident’s identity to fraudulently obtain an iPhone.

Dr. George Albert “Bert” Popson, Jr.

Dr. George Albert “Bert” Popson, Jr., longtime West Virginia Wesleyan College physics professor and department chair, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 14, leaving behind family, friends, and a grateful academic community.

Carl R. “Dick” Reed

Carl R. “Dick” Reed, 86, a longtime Buckhannon resident, loving family man, Moore Business Forms retiree, and tropical fish enthusiast, died peacefully July 16, with funeral services set for July 23.

Council greenlights $6 million in financing to jumpstart Buckhannon water system upgrades

Buckhannon City Council approved an ordinance allowing the city to secure up to $6 million in short-term financing for the design and preconstruction phases of a major water system upgrade, ahead of long-term funding.

Buckhannon Planning Commission Meeting Agenda: July 21, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Planning Commission has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 21, 2025.

Summer Basketball League begins final week of regular season

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its final regular season week with teams battling through a series of games, highlighted by standout performances from players like Travis Losh, Andrew Holcomb, and Xavier Robinette.

Highland Landscaping wins second-quarter title in men’s golf league

High Point Construction clinched the men’s golf league second-quarter title with 88 points, edging out Highland Landscaping and Hank Ellis Insurance, as Chris Brady and Dusty Zickefoose earned top individual honors.

WVWC recognizes employees for years of service

West Virginia Wesleyan College honored staff and faculty for milestone years of service at its annual gathering, celebrating employees with tenures ranging from five to thirty-five years across multiple departments.

Community invited to celebrate life of Rev. Barry Moll at Parish House memorial golf scramble

The Upshur Parish House will honor the legacy of Rev. Barry Moll with its first-ever memorial golf scramble and community picnic, inviting all to celebrate his lasting impact through friendly competition, food, and fellowship.