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

Former West Virginia state trooper indicted for using excessive force

MARTINSBURG – A federal grand jury today indicted Michael Kennedy, a former West Virginia State Trooper, for using excessive force against an arrestee. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell made the announcement.

Kennedy, 29, of Morgantown, W.Va. is charged with one count of “Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law.” According to the indictment, the defendant is accused of using excessive force resulting in bodily injury during an arrest on Nov. 19, 2018, in Berkeley County.

Kennedy faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. An indictment is merely an accusation. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Christine Siscaretti are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.