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

Heather Ryan selected SJMH Employee of the Month

Heather Ryan, of Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Business Office Department, has been selected as the Employee of the Month for December 2018.

She was also selected in December 2013 for the employee honor.

She began work here in May 2012.

Heather is a Buckhannon resident where she lives with her husband, Eric, and three children – Emileigh, 15, Caleb, 13, and Chase, 10. She was born in Arlington, Va., and graduated from Jefferson County High School in the Eastern Panhandle. She attended West Virginia Junior College.

She was in the SJMH HR Department for two years before transferring to the Business Office, where she is financial data coordinator.

Her nominator wrote, “Heather goes above and beyond for her co-workers, whether it is something to do with work or with personal life. She is a great leader and deserves recognition.”

Her supervisor, Crystal Frazier noted, “Heather is our Chargemaster guru. She works with Cerner to get charges built into the system and sets prices in order to capture maximum reimbursement. She is always willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done. She goes out of her way to help her co-workers both professionally and personally.”

Heather is enthusiastic about her job at SJMH and noted that she truly enjoys working at the Hospital. She feels that everyone is friendly and helpful. She also noted that the Administration is great and very involved with the SJMH employees.

Heather said that she has to run the children to lots of extracurricular activities but in the little spare time that she has, she enjoys reading and baking.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.

Stockert Youth and Community Center eyes funding opportunities for new technology learning facility

Buckhannon residents are being asked to prioritize how a $1 million Weyerhaeuser THRIVE grant should be spent. Local leaders hope community support will steer the funds toward a new regional STEM center.

Senator Robbie Morris named chairman of Committee on Government Organization

Senate President Randy E. Smith has appointed Sen. Robbie Morris to chair the Senate Committee on Government Organization, citing its key role in overseeing agencies, regulations, and reforms for a more efficient, accountable state government.

Record-breaking year for labor and delivery at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrated a record-breaking 2025 in labor and delivery, welcoming 373 babies—the most in its history for the critical access hospital.

Buckhannon City Council approves record $50,000 for 2026 Strawberry Festival

Buckhannon City Council voted to appropriate $50,000 for the 2026 West Virginia Strawberry Festival — the city’s largest contribution yet. Festival leaders say the increase will help offset uncertain state funding and boost entertainment and overall event quality.

Evid Eugene Miller

Evid Eugene Miller, 92, a Korean War U.S. Army veteran, well tender, devoted outdoorsman and Methodist from Buckhannon, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by his children, brother, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ryan Lantz

Ryan Lantz, 51, of Lauderhill, Florida, who loved baseball, football, hunting and fishing, died May 26, 2025; a Celebration of Life will be held Jan. 17, 2026, at South Buckhannon Mission Church, with donations suggested to St. Jude’s or the church.

Nancy Ann Lantz

Nancy Ann Lantz, 79, of Buckhannon, formerly of Lauderhill, Fla., a retired educator and EMT instructor who served as a security officer and loved outdoor family time, died Jan. 1, 2026; a Celebration of Life will be Jan. 17.

Melvin Robert Perry Sr.

Melvin Robert Perry Sr., 88, a Buckhannon native, Army veteran and production manager, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives, with services at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.