Community Bulletin
For more than 120 years, the Elkins hospital now known as Davis Medical Center has been where the Potomac Highlands turns for care. Today that includes expert kidney care close to home — sparing many patients a drive out of the region. Read more →
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BUCKHANNON — Governor Patrick Morrisey honored Tammie Strong, a volunteer with the Upshur County Community Emergency Response Team, on Friday for her work helping lead a distribution center after the July 21 flooding.
Morrisey presented Strong with a certificate of recognition before the Buckhannon-Upshur High School football game against Fairmont Senior. He stopped by while traveling to the Forest Festival in Elkins.
“Tammie deserves a round of applause for everything she did,” Morrisey said.
The governor recalled the days immediately after the flooding, when the state sent National Guardsmen and Department of Highways workers to help with recovery efforts.
“Along the way, we found so many incredible heroes who stepped forward to organize a lot of redistribution efforts,” he said. “They picked up donations and water supplies and helped people recover and deal with the tragic situation.”
Morrisey encouraged the fans at the game to join him in recognizing Strong’s volunteerism.
“She really exemplifies the incredible spirit of this town and all of the counties in West Virginia,” Morrisey said. “She encouraged many volunteers who stepped up and did incredible work, and I hope that you will say thank you to Tammie for a job very well done … Upshur County spirit is strong, and good luck to the teams tonight.”
The recognition came as families affected by the floods gained more time to seek federal help. In a separate announcement, Morrisey said the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved his request for a two-week extension of the disaster assistance application deadline to October 17, 2026.
Individuals and families in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties affected by the July flooding may be eligible. Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, by calling 800-621-3362 or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
Recovery centers at the Upshur County Development Authority and the former Summit Center in Weston will remain open through October 17. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, contact the West Virginia Emergency Management Division at 304-558-5380 or visit emd.wv.gov.
