Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for February 12, 2025

Stephen David Randall, 77, of Buckhannon, passed away on August 20, 2026. A licensed captain and lifelong adventurer, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, sailor, and entrepreneur. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Wesley Chapel.

Upshur County’s Sept. 7-13 sports calendar features Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan teams competing in football, soccer, golf, volleyball, cross country and tennis. Labor Day has no scheduled events.

Buckhannon-Upshur overcame a 90-minute rain delay and combined race to finish second at its home invitational with 71 points. Mitchell Whitley led the Buccaneers, placing third in 19:10.8, while Kenton Stump and Lucas Fortney also cracked the top 10.

Buckhannon-Upshur overcame a 90-minute storm delay to edge Lincoln 35-36 and win its only home meet of the season. Chloe Lewis led the Lady Bucs with a third-place finish, while eight B-U runners placed in the top 20.

Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood set West Virginia’s blue catfish weight record with a 72.75-pound catch from the Ohio River. The 48.15-inch fish broke the weight mark, while the 51.49-inch length record still stands.

Marlene Warner Ledbetter, 89, of Buckhannon, WV, died at home on September 4, 2026. A Baptist and bookkeeper, she loved oil painting and devoted herself to caring for her parents and husband.