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

Gov. Justice signs bill creating Dept. of Economic Development, Dept. of Tourism; appoints Mitch Carmichael and Chelsea Ruby as new secretaries

Photo courtesy W.Va. Governor's Office

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced last week that he had signed into law a bill that will solidify continued efforts to promote West Virginia to the outside world by prioritizing economic development and tourism.

House Bill 2019 reorganizes and redesignates the Development Office as the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and the Tourism Office as the West Virginia Department of Tourism to reflect the importance of economic development and of tourism programs and initiatives to Gov. Justice.

“I am excited beyond belief to officially elevate our economic development and tourism offices to cabinet-level agencies because these are the areas that enable us to tell West Virginia’s story and market ourselves to the outside world,” Gov. Justice said. “This is going to bring so much goodness and opportunity to our state it’s unbelievable.’

The Governor also announced March 10 that he had appointed Mitch Carmichael as the first Cabinet Secretary of the new West Virginia Department of Economic Development and has appointed Chelsea Ruby as the first Cabinet Secretary of the new West Virginia Department of Tourism.

“I am incredibly appreciative and humbled to be selected by Governor Justice to lead the charge as we continue opening up the doors to more possibilities and opportunities in West Virginia through our economic development efforts. I also thank the Legislature for their support,” Carmichael said. “West Virginia is the kind of place people are proud to call home. We combine a business-friendly environment with access to unmatched resources – all in one of the most beautiful places in the world to live and raise a family. I’m excited to help more companies discover West Virginia as the perfect place to thrive. I’m excited to bring more growth, jobs, and opportunity into our great state.”

Chelsea Ruby

“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to work with Governor Justice to grow the state’s tourism industry,” Ruby said. “The creation of the Department of Tourism as a cabinet-level agency underscores the Governor’s commitment to the industry as a pillar of the state’s economy; now and in the decades to come. I’m proud to be part of that work. Many thanks to the Governor and the Legislature for prioritizing this growing industry, this focus is going to continue to pay off for our state.”

“Chelsea and Mitch are two people who are stuck on ‘on’ all the time, have incredible talent and a passion for what they do, and flat out love the state of West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “I have all the confidence in the world that Chelsea will continue her great work developing our tourism industry into one of the best in the country and that Mitch will enhance our efforts to attract and recruit new businesses to West Virginia. With their leadership and expertise in their fields, the momentum we’ve been building in our state is only going to continue to grow.”

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Lady Bucs gain three wins at weekly home track meet

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs secured three event victories, including two relays and the long jump, and finished second overall at their home track meet with 141 points against seven competing teams.

Track and Field Bucs win five events in weekly home meet

The Buckhannon-Upshur track and field Buccaneers won five events, including three individual and two relay victories, during their weekly eight-team home meet, with several athletes also earning runner-up and top-six finishes.

Lacrosse Bucs have easy time in 21-3 win over Preston

The Buckhannon-Upshur boys lacrosse team dominated Preston 21-3, with ten Bucs scoring and a decisive 40-5 shot advantage, improving their season record to 4-3.

Moss has five goals as Lady Bucs down Fairmont Senior 12-1 in lacrosse action

Mallory Moss scored five goals to lead the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs to a dominating 12-1 lacrosse victory over Fairmont Senior, improving their season record to 4-2.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan softball gets split with West Virginia State

West Virginia Wesleyan softball split a doubleheader with West Virginia State, winning the opener 5–1 behind Kendall Stoffel’s dominant pitching before dropping the second game 8–7 after a late comeback effort fell short.

City considers using opioid abatement money to support new Wesleyan addiction counseling initiative

Buckhannon City Council agreed to partner with West Virginia Wesleyan College to support a new online graduate certificate in addiction counseling, potentially using opioid litigation settlement funds to provide scholarships for local professionals.

Sheriff of Upshur County accepting applications for part-time Courthouse Security positions

The Sheriff of Upshur County is looking for individuals interested in part-time / fill-in courthouse security positions, with applications available at the courthouse until positions are filled.

Softball Lady Bucs rally past Bridgeport in seventh-inning for 9-8 win; Abel grand slam lifts them to 13-7 victory over Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball team earned Big 10 Conference wins over Bridgeport with a dramatic seventh-inning rally and Elkins with an Abel grand slam, improving their season record to 8-6.

Baseball Bucs beat Lewis County 7-3; put 20 on the scoreboard in victory over Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers baseball team went 2-1 this week, beating Lewis County 7-3 and Elkins 20-10 after falling to Bridgeport, bringing their overall record to 6-5.

Baseball ‘Cats rally to sweep Bluefield State in doubleheader

The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats swept a doubleheader against Bluefield State, winning 10-2 behind a dominant offense in game one and rallying for an 8-7 comeback victory in game two.

Woman arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry while cleaning homes in Upshur County

A French Creek woman was arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary and grand larceny after allegedly stealing more than $70,000 in jewelry and cash while cleaning homes in Upshur County.

A Budding Bash: Moon Flower rolls out the green carpet for ‘420 Eve’

Moon Flower Hemp will host its largest-ever 420 Eve celebration Saturday, featuring food trucks, local vendors, live music, and contests to unite the community and elevate West Virginia’s cannabis culture.