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

First-year FETC carpentry student creates heirloom for Strawberry Festival

Kristy Spencer, Strawberry Festival Board Member (left) and Shayleigh Bleigh (right)

BUCKHANNON – As the West Virginia Strawberry Festival quickly approaches, it is easy to get distracted by the fun-filled schedule and exciting activities. However, the smallest of details are valued by the WVSF Board of Directors, and this year a Fred W. Eberle Technical Center student rose to the challenge of crafting a one-of-a-kind ceremonial staff for the festival royalty.

After the scepter of last year’s West Virginia Strawberry Festival King went missing, the search began for a replacement. With many failed attempts at finding the perfect scepter, it was time to call Fred W. Eberle Technical Center. First-year carpentry student Shayleigh Bleigh was asked to craft this handmade festival heirloom.

“We are proud one of our students could assist the festival in making something that will be used by the Strawberry King for years to come,” said Rebecca Bowers-Call, Director of FETC.

During class time on the FETC campus, Bleigh was able to incorporate course objectives into this hands-on project with the help of her carpentry instructors, making the scepter smooth and one-of-a-kind. When she presented the scepter to the WVSF Board, the appreciation for Bleigh’s hard work and attention to detail was heart-warming.

“The quality of craftsmanship was beyond compare,” said WVSF Royalty Director Kristy Spencer. “It’ll be an heirloom piece and something we will be proud to hand the King every year.”

This keepsake will be presented to this year’s WVSF King during the coronation ceremony on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Wesley Chapel, on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“It is a beautiful ceremony,” Spencer said. “Anyone who hasn’t been to it really needs to come and experience it for themselves.”

Shayleigh Bleigh (right) presents Kristy Spencer (left) with the handmade scepter for the 2022 Strawberry Festival King. / Photo courtesy of Fred W. Eberle Technical Center

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.

Mountain East Conference extends invitation to Shawnee State University

The Mountain East Conference has approved Shawnee State University as its 12th full-time member, with the school set to join in 2026 pending NCAA Division II acceptance and expanding league competition in 19 sports.
Davis and Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College students recognized for high academic honors for Spring 2025 semester

Davis & Elkins College has announced the Spring 2025 president’s list, for students earning 4.0 GPAs, and dean’s list, for those earning 3.6 to 3.99, honoring academic excellence campus-wide.

Ketha Pearl Simmons

Ketha Pearl Simmons, 83, of French Creek, died at home on June 30, 2025, is survived by three children, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and will be remembered at a Frenchton Community Church service.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet July 8

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on July 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the center, focusing on career and technical education programs.

Man faces new charge related to stolen UTV from Barbour County

Travis Medina, 41, of Buckhannon, faces a new charge of receiving or transferring stolen goods after authorities found a UTV reportedly stolen from Barbour County.

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.