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

Fairmont State to award scholarships to newly admitted first-time freshmen

As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, Fairmont State University has seen an influx of students rethinking their college plans and choosing to attend a regional institution like Fairmont State that is smaller or closer to home. Because these students were not able to take advantage of the University’s SOAR scholarship award events this winter, a special one-time virtual SOAR Award event will be held to provide first-time, incoming freshmen who have not yet accepted a SOAR scholarship, the opportunity to do so. The event will be held on May 29 at 6 p.m. and provide a renewable $500 scholarship to all first-time incoming freshmen in attendance. 

The University understands that the pandemic has changed much about the world around us, including plans for education and college attendance. As a result, we are offering students who may have missed earlier events and deadlines a one-time opportunity to learn more about Fairmont State, Join the Falcon Family, and receive a scholarship for making the commitment. 

“At so few points in history has an event created such rapid change in our society,” said Sr. Director of Recruitment Chris Sharps. “We wanted to provide the opportunity for students to be recognized for their commitment to the University’s values of Scholarship, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. Whether it is the smaller and safer campus atmosphere that brings students to Fairmont State, one of our nationally recognized programs, or the teacher-mentor relationship that students develop with their professors – there has never been a better time to join the Falcon Family.”

Only first-time college students who have applied and have been admitted prior to the event are eligible to receive the SOAR Scholarship. If a student has not applied for admission they may do so at fairmontstate.edu/apply. If a student has applied but has not completed their application file, they can reach out to the Admissions & Recruitment Office at recruit@fairmontstate.edu

To RSVP for the event, please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/vsoar. Only students who attend a SOAR event will receive the SOAR Scholarship. This will be the final SOAR Award event prior to the start of the fall semester. 

Students and their parents who attend the online event can expect to hear from representatives from the Office of Admissions & Recruitment to answer questions about admissions and life at Fairmont State. President Mirta Martin will also be speaking with students about her experience as a first-generation college student.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Mountain CAP Family Support Center, Red Cross to host free fire safety training in Buckhannon

Mountain CAP Family Support Center and the American Red Cross will host a free fire safety and emergency preparedness training Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at 30 E. Main St. in Buckhannon.

Applications open for Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Applications are open for West Virginia’s Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College, running June 21–July 11, 2026. Theatre arts takes the spotlight alongside tracks like digital media, creative writing, dance, music and studio art.

Upshur County Special Olympics director updates Rotary on how their funding assists the organization

Special Olympics director Dion Wamsley told the local Rotary Club that rising travel, facility and accreditation costs are stretching the budget. He’s doubled athlete participation and is asking the community for fundraising ideas ahead of the Feb. 28 Polar Plunge.

David Leroy Baxa

David Leroy Baxa, 72, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime contractor and skilled tradesman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping, died December 28, 2025, and is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Caraline, two grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.

Paul Ronald Linger

Paul Ronald Linger, 94, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime West Virginia Wesleyan College master electrician and Upshur County jailer who loved rock collecting, hunting and fishing, died December 19, 2025; he will be cremated.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 8, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 8, 2026, with an agenda outlining the topics and business to be addressed by the commission.
High Voltage Power Line

Equipment failure on transmission line causes widespread Upshur County power outage

An equipment failure on a transmission line feeding a French Creek substation knocked out power to about 4,000 Upshur County customers, with residents reporting bright flashes and loud booms.

Basketball Lady Bucs come up short at home against North Marion in 48-40 setback

Buckhannon-Upshur rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to cut the gap to five in the final minute but fell 48-40 at home to North Marion, with freshman Emma Pingley leading B-U with 13 points.

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.