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

Fairmont State University campus closed to public

In light of the continued development of the spread of COVID-19 and in the best effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, Fairmont State University has closed the campus to all community members at this time. This includes the Falcon Center, all recreational use of the campus grounds, and community use of the library.

All campus events scheduled through April 24 are being rescheduled at this time. Students with face-to face course instruction are on extended spring break from Monday, March 16, through Sunday, March 22. During this time, our faculty and staff will plan for academic continuity and prepare for digital delivery of instruction. Classes will resume in a digital format on Monday March 23.

The University has created a website, www.fairmontstate.edu/coronavirus, that contains important information for the Fairmont State community about COVID-19. The site is updated daily as additional information is released. Please use it as your first source of information for University updates related to this pandemic. On the website you will find the latest updates, information for students, faculty, and staff, who to contact if you have questions about COVID-19, and frequently asked questions.

Based on guidance from medical officials, Student Health Services will also be closed at this time. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) established a hotline to address public and medical provider questions and concerns regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Operators are available 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304 to provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public and the state’s response.

Students are encouraged to call Student Services at (304) 367-4141 Mon. – Fri. between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to speak with a representative instead of coming to campus. Most questions can be answered over the phone. For issues that must be addressed in person, the center is open and staffed.

If you have a specific question regarding general University procedures moving forward, please direct it to coronavirus@fairmontstate.edu.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.