Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for February 9, 2025

Upshur County will host a public forum on temporary emergency shelters and comfort stations Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6–8 p.m. at the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman told county commissioners his office made 281 felony arrests and 601 misdemeanor arrests in 2025. He also highlighted major drug seizures through the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, valued at more than $1.8 million.

The West Virginia Trappers Association’s annual Spring Fur Auction runs March 6-8 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center in Glenville, with vendors on site all weekend. Consignment starts 9 a.m. Friday and continues Saturday; the auction begins Sunday at 1 p.m.

A bill aims to unlock $34 million in unspent West Virginia medical cannabis funds by routing revenue through the general fund and into cannabis oversight, university research, substance abuse programs and testing.

Buckhannon’s Feb. 16–20 calendar includes a West Lincoln & Henry intersection shutdown for sanitary upgrades with detours, plus curbside recycling pickup, council meetings and more.

Mountain State Maple Days returns Feb. 21 and March 21, inviting the public into West Virginia sugar shacks for a firsthand look at maple syrup making during peak harvest season. The industry is booming, with 12,000 gallons in 2024 and 70,000 taps.