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

John Wallace Hazel III

John Wallace Hazel III (1949) of Buckhannon, WV passed away January 17, 2025.

He was known as John, Johnnie, Dad and Grandpa. He was a forester, mountaineer, hunter, fisherman and explorer. His thirst for the wilderness took him all over North America from the Rocky Mountains to the tundra of Canada but the Appalachians always drew him back.

He is survived by his sisters, Susan and Jackie, and his brothers Earle, Bob and Lum and his best friend Wheezer, two sons and 5 grandsons. Thank you Carol and Merle.

A quote from his favorite movie: “He was livin’ two year in a cave up on the Musselshell with a female panther. She never did get used to him.” In lieu of services, get out there, put your face in the air and your feet in the dirt. We love you – enjoy the greatest adventure and we’ll meet up on the next ridge over.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Election Update: Latest local candidate filings as of Jan. 21

The candidate filing period is underway for West Virginia’s May 12, 2026, Primary Election. Here’s a rundown of who has filed so far for Upshur County and Buckhannon races.

Basketball Bucs move up to eighth in latest WVSACA poll

Buckhannon-Upshur moved up to eighth in the WVSACA poll at 8-3 after a 1-1 week, earning 36 points and preparing to face Class AAAA No. 6 University and Class AAA No. 6 East Fairmont.

Basketball Lady Bucs win second in a row; down Sissonvile, 57-44

Allie Key’s 16 points and 11 rebounds and strong bench play helped Buckhannon-Upshur beat Sissonville 57-44 for their second win of the season, with Madelyn Tucker and Aubrey Key adding 11 each.

Rock Cave man arrested on methamphetamine charge following traffic stop

A Rock Cave man was arrested on charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and conspiracy.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 22, 2026, with the posted agenda outlining items for discussion and action.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly entering laundromat while it was closed

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly entering the Speed Wash Laundromat after hours while another person stole from the quarter machine.

Upshur County students show gains in reading, math at mid-year benchmarks

Upshur County students posted mid-year gains on i-Ready benchmarks, with fewer students falling behind in both reading and math. Superintendent Christy Miller also flagged chronic absenteeism as a key focus.

Annette Reel

Annette Reel, 67, of Hurricane, WV, an FBI analyst and Christian Fellowship Church member, died January 18, 2026; she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated with a later celebration of life.

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney, 99, a former West Buckhannon Methodist Church choir member and longtime resident of the Buckhannon area, died January 18, 2026, leaving three sons, multiple descendants, and a large extended family.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet January 22, 2026; this agenda outlines items to be considered at that session.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.