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

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local middle, high school and West Virginia Wesleyan basketball, swimming, indoor track and wrestling events from Feb. 9–14, including multiple Buckhannon-Upshur home games and Wesleyan championship meets.

West Virginia Wesleyan College is partnering with alum-founded Numanity to bring its digital environmental education app to students. The beta platform connects users with environmental experts and will be integrated into coursework to boost eco-literacy and engagement with nature.

A new therapy dog is making the rounds at the Upshur County Emergency Telecommunications Center — and staff say she seems to know exactly who needs comfort. At the same time, the center is preparing for its next Crisis Intervention Training class later this month.

Multiple fire departments rushed to a Kalafat Drive structure fire in Buckhannon on Saturday, helping evacuate several occupants with no serious injuries reported.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed longtime law enforcement leader Michael Baylous as Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

Shake off winter at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center with two free February events for all ages. Join a Community Square Dance Feb. 20 with live Appalachian music and beginner-friendly calling, then drop in for the new monthly Craft Club Feb. 25.