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

Fairmont State University faculty honored by American Association of Geographers

Dr. Barbara MacLennan
Dr. Barbara MacLennan

The American Association of Geographers recently announced its 2022 AAG Honors, the highest honors bestowed on its members, in which 11 geographers were honored for their service, teaching and scholarship. Among those recognized include Fairmont State University Assistant Professor of Geography, Dr. Barbara MacLennan, for her work on the VerySpatial podcast.

MacLennan and VerySpatial co-founders and hosts, Jesse Rouse, University of North Carolina Pembroke; Sue Bergeron, Coastal Carolina University; Frank LaFone, WV GIS Technical Center, are the recipients of the AAG Media Achievement Award, conferred annually to one individual and a team to recognize accomplishments in publicizing geographical insights in general or mass communication media outlets.

VerySpatial is an internationally known, award-winning podcast that has provided geographic content and teaching methods to geography enthusiasts and educators for more than 15 years.

“We have been around a long time,” MacLennan said. “Today, VerySpatial is the longest-running internet media and podcast covering geography in existence. We’re always trying to stay on top of what’s going on. We enjoy doing the work, and it’s good to know that it has an impact out there because that’s what we set out to do.”

Ranked among the top five percent of all K-12 podcasts on iTunes, VerySpatial serves as a weekly source for information highlighting geography and geospatial technologies.

The podcast aims to demonstrate how geography and geospatial technologies are filtering into our digital and daily lives, while connecting vital ideas from geographers’ work to recent events and trends.

“We are grateful to have Dr. MacLennan as a member of our Falcon Family,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “Her work has made a profound impact on not only our students, but also spans across the globe to educators, geographers and beyond. This recognition is well-deserved.”

To learn more or listen to VerySpatial, visit www.veryspatial.com

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall were named Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hughes posted top finishes at the MoHawk Invitational and Westfall averaged 25.7 points while powering a 3-0 Ram Hardwood Tournament run.

City to close West Lincoln Street on Monday for sewer work

West Lincoln Street will be closed on Monday, January 12, for sanitary sewer upgrade work near the Henry Street intersection.

Upshur County man gets maximum sentence for online school shooting threats

An Upshur County man who made online comments about shooting students at Hodgesville Elementary School received the maximum sentence in circuit court Friday. Under West Virginia law, he will be eligible for parole in about three months and could be released sometime this year.

Job Alert! A&O Railroad accepting applications for freight train conductors

A&O Railroad is hiring on-call Freight Train Conductors in Grafton, W.Va., offering excellent pay and benefits. No experience is needed if you complete in-house training; applicants must have a HS diploma/GED and strong safety and attendance.

Ronald Dale Dean

Ronald Dale Dean, 62, of Buckhannon, a retired WV Division of Highways equipment manager, bluegrass musician and devoted husband and family man, died January 7, 2026, with services scheduled January 12.

Russell Clyde Haymond

Russell Clyde “Boad” Haymond, a Vietnam veteran and retired truck driver who loved 1950s music, westerns and family, died Jan. 7, 2026, and is survived by five children, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and extended family.

Tressie Fay Tuttle

Tressie Fay Tuttle, 74, of Buckhannon, WV, a homemaker and devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed church and bingo, died January 7, 2026; a Celebration of Life will be held January 24 in Philippi, WV.

Basketball ‘Cats drop 97-62 home decision to Concord

Concord routed West Virginia Wesleyan 97-62 as the Mountain Lions shot over 50% overall and from three, forced turnovers for 29 transition points, and got 34 bench points and a 37-18 rebounding edge.

Wesleyan women hold off Concord for 81-79 victory

West Virginia Wesleyan held off Concord 81-79 as senior Emma Witt’s 27 points and late free throws preserved the Lady Bobcats’ 7-2 record and 5-1 MEC standing.