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

From the ground up: Fred Eberle students build structure for Upshur County Schools bus garage

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Students from the Fred Eberle Technical Center Carpentry program received real-world experience recently while building a shelter – from the ground up – for Upshur County Schools bus drivers.

The structure will stand on four pillars with a roof, acting as protection to the Upshur County bus garage unleaded gas and diesel pumps.

“This project will help in keeping the gas pumps in good condition and to help them last longer,” said Grahm Lambert, a second-year carpentry student. 

Hands-on training like this allows students to gain knowledgeable experiences outside of the classroom, while building a ‘toolbox’ of skills they can take with them post-graduation.

“This project gives students on-the-job training where they can learn different skills that they would not normally get in the school system,” said Randall Cunningham, carpentry program instructor at Fred Eberle Technical Center.

In preparation for a project like this, students were taught basic measurements, leveling techniques, structure design and safety training. Some skills needed for this specific project included mounting the pillars to concrete and making sure the structure was level.

“The purpose of this project is to get us out there in the field, so we can learn how to do these things,” said Alex Bennett, a carpentry student. “Not just hear how to do these things in the classroom, but to see how to do them and to do the work, too.”

Offering advice for future carpentry students at Fred Eberle Technical Center, Bennett said it’s important to be teachable and always willing to learn more,

Carpentry is a career path that is in need of professionals in today’s workforce.

“There is more construction work in the world today than there are carpenters to do it,” Cunningham said. “I’ve been doing carpentry for almost 40 years now. I have never had a day that I did not have something to do.”

Fred Eberle Technical Center offers students a variety of hands-on opportunities for both current high school students (from Barbour, Lewis and Upshur counties) as well as post-secondary students, for one- and two-year career training programs. Those career training programs include carpentry, welding, cosmetology and practical nursing, to name a few.

Start your training at Fred Eberle Technical Center today! To learn more about program offerings at Fred Eberle Technical Center, visit their website or call 304-472-1259 for more information.  

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur welcomes new members, new president for 2025-26

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur installed Sandi LaRosa as its new president for 2025-26 after a year marked by 1,500 service hours, significant membership growth, and numerous community grants.

Kyle and Judy Lane to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary this weekend

Kyle and Judy Lane will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering at Kesling Mill Lions Club on June 21, inviting friends and family to join in marking the milestone.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes Valorie Richardson as surgical services manager

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has appointed Valorie Richardson, a veteran surgical nurse and leader, as Manager of Surgical Services, citing her extensive experience and dedication to patient-centered care.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 17, 2025 podcast

This week’s Upshur Update podcast covers a new school cellphone policy, a hospital leadership hire, local student achievements, a DUI arrest, community outreach for houseless residents, a job opening, and record attendance at the Strawberry Festival.