Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for February 17, 2025

Dangerously cold temperatures in West Virginia have officials urging residents to use space heaters, kerosene heaters and generators safely to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The West Virginia Department of Human Services will stop accepting Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications at the close of business Feb. 9, 2026, due to running out of funds. Applications submitted online or postmarked by that date will still be processed.

Region VII Planning & Development Council is hiring a project specialist in Buckhannon to help move community, infrastructure and economic development projects from idea to implementation across seven counties.

The Upshur County Homeless and Housing Coalition will conduct its annual “point-in-time” count Feb. 25-26 after cold weather forced a delay. Director Kathy McMurray also detailed how Rotary funds helped purchase tents, sleeping bags and other supplies for people living outdoors.

Fairmont State University’s Master of Architecture program earned an 8-year NAAB Continuing Accreditation term, effective Jan. 1, 2025 through 2033.

West Virginia’s May 12, 2026 primary drew strong interest, with more than 2,600 candidates filing by the Jan. 31 deadline, including 2,047 for county and municipal offices and 614 for state races.