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

From the desk of Chief Gregory: We can teach you skills that might save your life

BUCKHANNON — No matter where in the world you may find yourself – whether it be in a large city or somewhere much smaller – having the ability to defend yourself is knowledge that everyone should have.

Unfortunately, no one is immune from attack, no matter what the motivations of the attacker may be.

Perhaps an attack is inspired by personal gain in the case of muggings or purse snatchings, or perhaps an attack is brought about by even more sinister, personal reasons.

Whatever the case may be, in some situations, self-defense could very well be a life saver.

The Buckhannon Police Department recognizes this reality, and in our continuing effort to engage with our community, has taken steps to address these issues.

Over the past couple of years, Cpl. Marshall O’Connor, who is a five-year veteran with the department, has underwent a variety of trainings that has given him the ability to teach self-defense classes.

At the outset, Cpl. O’Connor partnered with a variety of student groups at West Virginia Wesleyan College to offer these classes. Each of the classes that has been taught there have been well-received, and these partnerships continue.

The self-defense classes that the Buckhannon Police Department offers through Cpl. O’Connor aren’t just isolated to one particular group or location, however. The Buckhannon Police Department is happy to offer these trainings to anyone in the community who has a desire to learn how to defend themselves.

The best part is, not only can you learn a valuable life skill from a trained police officer, but the classes that we offer are entirely free of charge.

Ideally, we would like to have a minimum class size of about 10 people, with no more than 20. If anyone is interested or would like more information, please contact Cpl. Marshall O’Connor at either 304-472-5723 or marshalloconnor@buckhannonpolice.com.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Breathe in, breathe out: Buckhannon yoga, Pilates instructor offers weekly classes at SYCC

Ashley White, certified instructor and founder of Soul Shine, offers affordable weekly yoga and Pilates classes at Stockert Youth and Community Center, plus wellness events and support groups to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the community.

Turning back time: Upshur County Historical Society releases annual journal publication

The Upshur County Historical Society has released its 38th annual journal, featuring stories, artifacts, and photographs showcasing local history, with copies available by mail or online before supplies run out.

WVWC’s Summer Gifted Program now taking registrations

West Virginia Wesleyan College is now accepting registrations for its summer STEM camp for gifted students in grades 5-12, offering advanced academics, recreational activities, and social opportunities from June 15 to 28.

Roscoe H. Bennett

Roscoe H. Bennett, 90, a Navy veteran, retired coal miner, and dedicated family man from Buckhannon, passed away May 16, 2025, survived by his wife, six children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

City of Buckhannon Calendar: May 19-25, 2025

Buckhannon city officials announced upcoming public meetings, schedule changes for waste collection due to Memorial Day, ongoing recycling and yard waste pickups, and opportunities to submit bids for yard reclamation, construction, and paving services.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Six Wesleyan track and field performers earn All-Region honors

Six West Virginia Wesleyan student-athletes earned All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for their standout performances ahead of the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

The only scheduled Upshur County sports events this week are the Buckhannon-Upshur boys and girls track and field teams competing in the West Virginia State Championships in Charleston on Friday and Saturday.

Carlyle, Waggy and boy’s 4×800-meter relay team qualify for state meet

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Rylen Carlyle, Jack Waggy, and the boys’ 4×800-meter relay team qualified for the state track championships following strong performances at the Region I meet in Morgantown.
LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Glenville and Buckhannon

LUCAS, a mobile lung cancer screening unit from WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute, will provide low-dose CT scans in Glenville and Buckhannon in June, offering accessible lung cancer screening to eligible patients.

Spring Sunshine: Warm up with these delightfully playful reads, ready for your next picnic or beach vacation

My Buckhannon recommends two playful romantic comedies — “A Tail as Old as Time” and “The Unhoneymooners” — as perfect, lighthearted reads to enjoy during your next picnic, park visit, or beach getaway.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 18, 2025

Sunset Berry Farm swept top honors at the 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival, while Buckhannon-Upshur High School wrapped up the school year with a student screen printing workshop led by a WV Wesleyan instructor.

John Joseph Zara

John Joseph Zara, 84, a former resident of Century, WV and retired Braniff International and FedEx employee, passed away peacefully in Texas and will be remembered at a memorial Mass and graveside service in West Virginia.