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

Central West Virginia Republican Women to welcome gubernatorial candidates Monday

The West Virginia State Capitol Building gleams in the sunlight in this aerial shot. / Photo courtesy of Robbie Skinner

BUCKHANNON – The president of the Central West Virginia Republican Women’s Club knows May 12, 2020 – the day of the primary election in the Mountain State – will be here soon.

So, to help club members and other Republicans in the area make an informed decision about who to cast their ballot for when electing West Virginia’s next governor, LeVera Gillum has invited all three gubernatorial candidates to speak at the CWVRW’s Monday, Aug. 26 meeting.

Gov. Jim Justice, Woody Thrasher and Michael Folk have all been invited to discuss their individual platforms at Monday’s meeting, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the 88 Restaurant & Lounge/BiCentennial Inn on Main Street.

“I am pleased to have the candidates attending our meeting to give our members and guests an opportunity to get to know them and discuss their platform,” Gillum said. “This is not a debate, but there will be a question-and-answer session.”

Incumbent governor and agriculture and coal mining businessman Jim Justice is being challenged by third-generation civil engineer Woody Thrasher, who founded Thrasher Engineering Firm in 1983 with his father.

Michael Folk is a former Republican member of the House of Delegates from 2012-2018 for District 63 and is employed as a pilot.

The meeting is open to all Republicans – men or women – in the county and central West Virginia area, and Gillum says the club is always ready to welcome new members.

“The membership is growing, and we welcome new members,” she said. “Registered Republican women are invited to join. Annual dues are $17. Registered Republican men are invited to join as an associate member. Annual associate dues are $10.”

Please call Gillum at 304-472-3175 for more information about Monday’s meeting or joining the Central West Virginia Republican Women’s Club. Meetings take place on the fourth Monday of each month. CWVRW’s mission is to work to positively impact West Virginia and the U.S., while strengthening the Republican Party by recruiting, educating, supporting and electing Republicans.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Community Theatre honors Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston with 2025 Knorr Award

Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston, an early pioneer of Buckhannon Community Theatre who has starred in productions and served on the board of directors, received the 2025 Knorr Award.

Leadership Upshur dives into healthcare and public safety during December session

The December Leadership Upshur session offered participants a close look at the people, systems and teamwork that keep the community safe and healthy, with visits to Community Care of West Virginia, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, 92, of Old Elkins Road died December 10, 2025; she is survived by husband Howard “Frank” Baxa, three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and extended family, with services at Heavner and Cutright.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Point Park, 90-66

Point Park’s hot perimeter shooting and a dominant second half sank WVWC 90-66, with the Pioneers hitting 15 threes and capitalizing on turnovers while Wesleyan’s Isaiah Baker and Stephen Ovia fought inside.

Dandridge scores 30 as Wesleyan women down Point Park, 83-58

Freshman Kilah Dandridge scored 30 points as West Virginia Wesleyan shot 53% and dominated a 29‑point third quarter to beat Point Park 83-58, paced by Ana Young (18) and Emma Witt (15).

Webster Springs man arrested on strangulation charge after allegedly spitting on and choking victim

Police arrested a man on a felony strangulation charge after he allegedly admitted to spitting on, slapping and choking another person, according to a criminal complaint.

Volga man arrested after threatening officer at Upshur County Courthouse

A 59-year-old Volga man was arrested after allegedly threatening a deputy during processing at the Upshur County Courthouse following a DUI stop. He faces charges including DUI, possession of marijuana and retaliation against a public official; bail is $19,500.

WVWC’s first Master’s in Counseling students set to graduate

WVWC marks a milestone Friday as the first six graduates of its new Master of Arts in Counseling program cross the stage, bolstering West Virginia’s mental health workforce.

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.