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

Cory Seth Poling

Cory Seth Poling, of Morgantown, WV, loving husband, father, and fierce Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) warrior, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, surrounded by family at the age of 36 in Morgantown, WV.

Seth is survived by his adoring wife, Erika Michelle Poling of Morgantown, WV, and their two incredible children, Liam Seth Poling and Bayler Michael Poling. He is survived by his parents, R. Holt Poling and Mary Alice Poling of Buckhannon, WV, and sister, Brittany D. Alden and brother-in-law, Matt Alden of Salem, WV, and Calvin Alden, nephew, and Etta Alden, niece. He is survived by Timothy E. and Loria Helmick, father-in-law and mother-in-law, of Morgantown, WV; and Allison and Suveer Shekhawat, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, of Charleston, WV, and Harvey and Shirley Helmick, grandparents-in-law, of Paden City, WV.

Despite the challenges he faced from (ALS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease, since his diagnosis in June of 2017, Seth maintained his contagious optimism and zest for life, along with a signature sense of humor that never wavered. He always prioritized spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, hunting, writing, cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers, going to dinner, traveling with his wife, and playing with his boys.

Seth shared his experiences and thoughts about living with (ALS) for almost a decade on his blog. His posts inspired others to live their lives with purpose and hope. He was a fierce advocate for (ALS). He was also the founder of the S.E.T.H Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and education while fundraising for developing life-saving research for (ALS). Seth’s family and friends will remember him for his kindness, strength, love, and perseverance. He touched the lives of every person he met, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those privileged enough to know him during any part of his journey.

Seth requested a Celebration of Life in lieu of a traditional funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on August 26, 2023, at the Saratoga South (Poling’s Camp) in Palace Valley with Pastor Holt Poling officiating.

If you wish to send condolences, please send them to 3027 Meadowland Dr Morgantown, WV, 26508. To honor Seth’s memory memorial gifts can be made towards Liam and Bayler’s College/Future Funds by mailing to the address above. #EndALS.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Kelley calls soccer camp a success, has sights on leading B-U girls program to new heights

Logan Kelley, newly named head coach of the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc soccer team, helped oversee a successful youth camp and aims to bring stability and new achievements to the girls program.

Wesleyan professor collecting first-hand accounts, photos to commemorate 1985 flood

A West Virginia Wesleyan College professor and librarian are collecting first-hand stories and photos from the 1985 flood to create an anniversary exhibit preserving campus and community memories of the disaster.