Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 5, 2025

Eli Watkins scored on a 27-yard pick-six and a late three-yard run despite a rib injury, powering Buckhannon-Upshur past Nicholas County 24-19. The gritty road victory was the Buccaneers’ first win in three games this season.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito attended 11-year-old Winnie Stanley’s book signing at Fairmont State. “Winnie’s Big Day” draws on Stanley’s experience with spinal muscular atrophy to help children facing medical procedures feel less alone.

Buckhannon hopes to replace a water main beneath Route 20 during planned overnight closures for turn-lane construction. Other city utility projects are advancing, including sewer work on Chestnut and Walnut streets and a completed Central Avenue water upgrade.

Vandalia Health will receive $612,000 in West Virginia’s first round of rural health funding. Its WorkWell Connect network will link employees statewide to screenings, primary and specialty care, mobile clinics and telemedicine.

The Thacker family donated 47 acres to Audra State Park and gave $15,000 to the West Virginia State Parks Foundation for signage and future trails in the park’s new Thacker Addition.

See the agenda for the Buckhannon City Council and Stockert Youth and Community Center Board of Directors special meeting on September 14, 2026, including the items set for discussion and action.