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

Gov. Justice names Cowles as Eastern Panhandle Regional Representative

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, WV – Today, Gov. Jim Justice announced the hiring of former West Virginia Delegate from the 58th District, Daryl Cowles, as his Regional Representative for West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle counties.

Cowles will split his time between the Eastern Panhandle and Charleston, working as a Legislative Assistant during sessions of the Legislature, and serving the remainder of his time as a Regional Representative for the Governor’s Office in the Eastern Panhandle.

As Regional Representative, Cowles will serve as the primary point of contact for local constituencies to communicate directly with the Governor’s Office. He will assist local governments, organizations, and residents in their interactions with the Governor’s Office and state government as a whole. His coverage area includes eight counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Morgan, Mineral, and Pendleton.

Most recently, Cowles served as the Executive Director of the Morgan County Economic Development Authority. Cowles represented District 58 (District 51 before redistricting) in the West Virginia House of Delegates from January 2007 until his resignation on Jan. 4, 2021. He served as Majority Leader from 2014-2018 and Speaker Pro Tempore from 2018-2020. He was President of Cowles and Sons Construction for over 27 years and earned his AAS degree in business administration from Valley College.

He can be reached by emailing: Daryl.E.Cowles@wv.gov

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.