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

Commission taps sole applicant, attorney Bryan S. Hinkle, as new Upshur County prosecuting attorney

Upshur County Courthouse
Upshur County Courthouse

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission on Thursday appointed attorney Bryan S. Hinkle – currently the assistant prosecuting attorney in Lewis County – to the position of Upshur County prosecuting attorney to replace retiring Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney David Godwin.

Godwin’s retirement will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30, and Hinkle, who has also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Braxton County, will take over at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 1.

Upshur County Commission President Sam Nolte said they were happy to appoint someone with so much prior experience.

“We are excited to have him come on board,” Nolte said. “He has a lot of experience with the prosecuting attorney’s office in Braxton, Lewis and Upshur County. He was the only applicant, so we were happy to get someone who has as much experience as him.”

The person tapped to replace Godwin was required to belong to the same political party as Godwin, who is a Republican.

Hinkle received his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 2005. After earning his degree, he was a law clerk for the 26th Judicial Circuit Court – which covers Upshur and Lewis counties – under retired Judge Thomas Keadle from August 2005 to August 2006.

He also served as assistant prosecuting attorney for the Webster County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and from 2008 to October 2010 and was the assistant prosecuting attorney for the Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Meanwhile, Hinkle opened his own firm in August 2006, the Law Office of Bryan S. Hinkle in Buckhannon West Virginia.

In April 2019, he stepped into his present role as assistant prosecuting attorney for Lewis County.

Hinkle will serve as county prosecuting attorney for the remainder of Godwin’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2020.

In other Upshur County Commission news, the commission declared November Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the proclamation read aloud by Upshur County Administrator Carrie Wallace, lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women with an average of 2011 new cases each year.  

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in West Virginia with the goal to increase national awareness and early prevention … and West Virginia has a higher rate of lung cancer than the nation as a whole, with nearly one in three of all cancer deaths in West Virginia [being a result of] lung cancer,” the proclamation states.

The proclamation notes early detection and treatment are important in preventing and slowing cancer.

Prior to adjourning, the commission also:

  • Approved and signed a correspondence to Sen. Shelly Moore Capito and Sen. Joe Manchin III expressing appreciation for their support of the Lands and Water Conservation Fund and requesting that they cosponsor a measure what will permanently fund the program before the end of the year.
  • Approved and signed a correspondence to all wrecker service providers participating in the wrecker rotation within the county clarifying provisions contained within the “Procedures to Dispatch Wrecker Services,” which was most recently updated Sept. 19, 2019.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.

Healthy Grandfamilies offers free workshops and support for Upshur grandparents this summer

The Healthy Grandfamilies program, offering free weekly support sessions, childcare, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, returns to Upshur County starting June 12 at the Upshur County Recreational Park pavilion.