Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for February 28, 2025

The Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau has appointed lifelong resident Cadence Ringer as its new executive director, effective Feb. 17, 2026. Ringer brings marketing, hospitality and community leadership experience to the role.

Upshur County commissioners voted to place a proposed increase to the county fire fee on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. If approved by voters, the updated rates would boost funding that is shared equally among the county’s volunteer fire departments.

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 89–67 at Concord as the Mountain Lions pulled away early, leading 50–32 at halftime and never trailing. Concord shot 47% and won the boards 48–34, while Isaiah Baker scored a game-high 17 for the Bobcats.

Emma Witt and Kilah Dandridge scored 21 points apiece, but West Virginia Wesleyan fell to Concord 82–75 after the Mountain Lions shot 81.8% in the third quarter to seize control. The Lady Bobcats rallied late and cut it to two, but Concord sealed it at the line and from deep.

Andy Ray Gould, 42, of Buckhannon, WV, passed away on February 7, 2026, at his home. He was a devoted father, loved his dogs, and enjoyed fishing and vehicle reconstruction.

Shawn Young, an IBEW Local 596 leader and father-to-be, is running for Buckhannon City Council. He says he’ll focus on clean water, safe streets, smart infrastructure investment and keeping the city affordable for families and workers.