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

Apply now: Fred Eberle now accepting HVAC Technician students, 2022-2023 academic year

BUCKHANNON – If you have been looking for a sign to make a career change, this is it. Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is now accepting applications for the first-ever HVAC Technician course on their campus in Buckhannon. 

The Fred Eberle Administrative Council gathered on the campus of Fred Eberle Tuesday to kick-start the program and officially welcome the new HVAC Technician Instructor, Dakota Workman.

Rebecca Bowers-Call, Director of FETC, expresses great excitement for the upcoming academic year as students and staff gather together on Thursday, August 18 for the first day of classes.

“I just want to wish our neighboring counties a great start to school,” said Dr. Sara Stankus, Superintendent of Upshur County Schools. “I tell everyone this is always like Christmas to me because we get really excited to bring all the kids back, and I know the parents are excited to bring all the kids back. This is what we’re all about. We just love what we do and I think this is important work, it’s important to our children and to our community too.”

Pictured from left to right – Mike Murray, Dakota Workman (HVAC instructor), Rebecca Bowers-Call, Dr. Sara Stankus (council member), David Everson (council member), Jeff Woofter (council member).  Seated – Mike Holden (council member).  Not pictured – Dr. Robin Lewis (council member), Dr. Timothy Anderson (council member), Patrick Long (council member) / Photo by Beckie Boyd

This hands-on course “introduces students to the knowledge base and technical skills of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning industry including certified curriculum taught throughout eight courses,” as explained in the curriculum. 

Course objectives include, but are not limited to; troubleshooting, piping practices, air quality equipment, and duct systems.

The HVAC program offers these courses to high school and adult students. High school students from Barbour, Lewis and Upshur counties can apply through their respective high school counselors or directly with members of the FETC administration. 

Entrance requirements for interested adult applicants include a high school diploma or equivalent and submitting an application. After the initial application is received by FETC administration, the course instructor, Dakota Workman, and administrators will contact interested applicants for an interview. 

Once accepted, this learning opportunity may be completed on a full-time or part-time curriculum. Full-time students may complete the 1080 clock hour course in one year while part-time students may complete the classroom time requirement in two years. 

At the conclusion of this program, students are eligible to receive the OSHA 10-hour Construction Certificate, EPA refrigerant, and the NATE certificate. Job opportunities could be provided to students showing great potential in the classroom through area apprentice and internship opportunities with HVAC contractors in the area.

“I think it’s important for all of our programs to have internship and apprenticeship connections to the field, not just in the classroom,” said Dr. Stankus. “You get come connection to business in the industry. That’s the idea for all of these [Fred Eberle] programs.”

Contact the FETC office for more information about available programs, tuition rates and financial aid for the HVAC Technician program. Students interested in applying for the FETC HVAC Technician program are encouraged to call the front office at 304-472-1259 or contact FETC online. The campus is located at 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. 

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.

Healthy Grandfamilies offers free workshops and support for Upshur grandparents this summer

The Healthy Grandfamilies program, offering free weekly support sessions, childcare, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, returns to Upshur County starting June 12 at the Upshur County Recreational Park pavilion.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces President’s List, Provost’s List for spring 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College recognized students on the President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and on the Provost’s List for achieving at least a 3.5 GPA during the Spring 2025 semester.