All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Police find explosive devices, bomb-making materials in residence on N. Florida Street

BUCKHANNON — The City of Buckhannon sent out the following press release Tuesday afternoon in response to events that transpired Monday on North Florida Street involving a suicide threat with firearms.

According to the statement from city information coordinator and grant writer Callie Cronin Sams, “On Monday afternoon, the Buckhannon Police Department responded to a call at a residence at 54 N. Florida Street for a threatened suicide involving firearms. Upon arrival, officers were able to talk the individual into dropping his weapons and detained him until he could be transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for evaluation.

“Upon further investigation, explosive devices and bomb-making materials were discovered in a room adjacent to the male subject’s bedroom. The explosive devices were safely removed from the residence by the West Virginia State Police Bomb disposal unit. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene to assist as needed.”

The releases says the Buckhannon Police Department is conducting the investigation with the assistance of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police, the West Virginia State Police, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Upshur County Office of Emergency Management, Buckhannon Fire Department and Upshur County Emergency Medical Services.

According to the release, the investigation is ongoing.

“The incident remains under investigation and the subject’s name is being withheld pending results of the investigation,” it says. “More details will be available upon completion of the investigation.”

According to the statement, the Buckhannon Police Department, led by Chief Matt Gregory, employs 11 full-time officers, one part-time, and one administrative assistant. The department is responsible for community safety, crime prevention and apprehension of offenders. The Buckhannon Police Department is currently seeking national accreditation through the CALEA program, which ensures compliance with national regulations and best practices in policing and crime reduction.

In an emergency, call 911. To report a crime via the anonymous tip line, call 304-473-1001. For assistance or questions, please call 304-472-5723.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Post 7 comes up short in tournament opener in 5-2 loss to Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 outhit top-seeded Morgantown but committed four costly errors and fell 5-2 in the opening round of the Area 2 American Legion postseason baseball tournament.

Summer basketball league continues week three play

In week three of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League, area teams competed at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances including Austin Upton’s 37 points for Corder Concrete Specialist and Kaiden Cutlip’s 34 for WV Split Rail.

Nancy Lea Lantz

Nancy Lea Lantz, 74, of Philippi, passed away July 13, 2025, and is remembered as a devoted homemaker, church member, and camper, survived by her children, relatives, friends, and her dog Tiny.

Buckhannon awards $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to Wesleyan for addiction counseling scholarships

City council approved allocating $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to West Virginia Wesleyan College for scholarships to support local addiction counseling education, aiming to combat drug addiction in the Buckhannon area.

Faith Baptist Church to host Vacation Bible School from July 21-25

Faith Baptist Church will host a Vacation Bible School for kindergarten through sixth grade children July 21-25, featuring nightly sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. and a family fun night on the final evening.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league tips off week three

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its third week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances from Evan Parr, Josh Trent, Quentin Cooley, Rayden Triplett, and several games decided by forfeits.

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.

Upshur Parish House kicks off annual backpack program to support local students

The Upshur Parish House has launched its annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, seeking donations of new school supplies and hygiene items to help local students return to class prepared and confident.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur sets ambitious goals for growth and outreach

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to grow club membership, boost outreach through digital and in-person initiatives, expand fundraising, and increase community involvement and accessibility.