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

LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will offer low-dose CT scans in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon in July for insured and eligible uninsured patients by appointment.

Man arrested for allegedly attempting to cash unauthorized check at BC Bank in Buckhannon

Christian Lyons, 47, of Ashford, was arrested on a felony charge after allegedly attempting to cash a check without authorization at a Buckhannon bank, with surveillance and account details helping police identify him.
Summer basketball

Summer Basketball League continues to grow under UCRC director Mitchell Shaw

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League, overseen by UCRC director Mitchell Shaw, is thriving and expanding with 18 teams and 183 players, offering organized, community-focused competition and new sponsorship-driven prizes in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 11, 2025

Local highlights include a June 28 Glow Stick Party at James Curry Library, Upshur Schools’ virtual learning signups, BUHS rescheduled Alumni Soccer Game and a debut novel by Chantelle Kerr.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 11, 2025 podcast

The Upshur Update highlights the return of the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, pool openings with new inclusive programs, community achievements in literacy and sports, student honors, local recognitions, and upcoming summer events in Buckhannon and Upshur County.

‘It’s the Small Things that Count’ – Lively pens book about daughter Megan

Alisa Mauk Lively has written “It’s the Small Things that Count,” a book celebrating the life and impact of her late daughter Megan, with proceeds benefiting Upshur County Special Olympics.

Buckhannon woman arrested for allegedly selling meth within 1,000 feet of local youth center

Tiffany Sparks, 43, was arrested after allegedly selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant within 1,000 feet of the Stockert Youth and Community Center in Buckhannon, according to police.

Read all about it: Rachel Strawder named new director of Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County

Rachel Strawder, a longtime member and former AmeriCorps VISTA, has been named the new director of Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County, succeeding Jennifer Higham and aiming to expand literacy outreach in the community.
asphalt pavement road paving work

City of Buckhannon to pave Randolph Street and other roads this week

The City of Buckhannon will begin paving southern Randolph Street on June 10, followed by Railroad Avenue, East Lincoln Street, and Maple Street, and asks residents to remove vehicles during the process.