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

Following Manchin urging, HHS distributes increased funding for West Virginia hospitals

Sen Joe Manchin

West Virginia Hospitals To Receive $58,580,583

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today praised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding $58,580,583 to rural hospitals and hospitals providing care to a high percentage of vulnerable patients in West Virginia. $40,206,685 will be awarded to hospitals serving a high percentage of vulnerable patients and $18,373,898 will be awarded to rural hospitals. These distribution levels come after months of urging from Senator Manchin.

“I am relieved that after months of urging, HHS has made this investment in rural and vulnerable hospitals across West Virginia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, West Virginia hospitals were already operating on shoestring budgets to provide the best care possible. Like most things these days, their operations were complicated by the pandemic and they urgently need this emergency funding,” Senator Manchin said.

On May 21, 2020, Senator Manchin introduced the Save Our Rural Health Providers Act to create a new formula to ensure the Provider Relief Fund has a dedicated set-aside amount directed towards rural areas of America.

On July 2, 2020, Senator Manchin led a letter to HHS urging them to adopt a new formula to ensure the Provider Relief Fund has a dedicated set-aside amount director towards rural areas of America.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Winter storm warning issued for Upshur County with 6 to 10 inches of snow expected over the weekend

Heavy snow is forecast from Saturday afternoon through early Monday morning, with bitter cold to follow.

Buckhannon Toyota donates $10,000 to Feed My Sheep to fund Christmas meal baskets

Buckhannon Toyota donated $10,000 to Feed My Sheep Food Outreach to help fund about 400 Christmas meal baskets and other holiday support for families, seniors, veterans and the homeless.

Buckhannon Community Theatre honors Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston with 2025 Knorr Award

Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston, an early pioneer of Buckhannon Community Theatre who has starred in productions and served on the board of directors, received the 2025 Knorr Award.

Leadership Upshur dives into healthcare and public safety during December session

The December Leadership Upshur session offered participants a close look at the people, systems and teamwork that keep the community safe and healthy, with visits to Community Care of West Virginia, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, 92, of Old Elkins Road died December 10, 2025; she is survived by husband Howard “Frank” Baxa, three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and extended family, with services at Heavner and Cutright.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Point Park, 90-66

Point Park’s hot perimeter shooting and a dominant second half sank WVWC 90-66, with the Pioneers hitting 15 threes and capitalizing on turnovers while Wesleyan’s Isaiah Baker and Stephen Ovia fought inside.

Dandridge scores 30 as Wesleyan women down Point Park, 83-58

Freshman Kilah Dandridge scored 30 points as West Virginia Wesleyan shot 53% and dominated a 29‑point third quarter to beat Point Park 83-58, paced by Ana Young (18) and Emma Witt (15).

Webster Springs man arrested on strangulation charge after allegedly spitting on and choking victim

Police arrested a man on a felony strangulation charge after he allegedly admitted to spitting on, slapping and choking another person, according to a criminal complaint.

Volga man arrested after threatening officer at Upshur County Courthouse

A 59-year-old Volga man was arrested after allegedly threatening a deputy during processing at the Upshur County Courthouse following a DUI stop. He faces charges including DUI, possession of marijuana and retaliation against a public official; bail is $19,500.