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

Man faces felony after allegedly stealing truck from Upper Childers Run Road

BUCKHANNON — A South Carolina man was arrested last week after allegedly stealing a truck.

According to a press release from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, May 12, at approximately 1 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a report of a stolen 2021 Chevrolet Colorado from Upper Childer’s Run Road in Upshur County.

Sheriff Virgil Miller located the stolen truck near the intersection of Brushy Fork Road and Route 33, and he activated his lights and siren in an attempt to stop the truck. The driver continued before he was stopped near WBUC Road.

Miller and Chief Deputy Michael Coffman detained Brandon Lee Smith, 28, of Marion, South Carolina, according to the release. Smith was charged with grand larceny, driving while licensed suspended and fleeing in a vehicle. He was also arrested on a petit larceny warrant from Putnam County.

Bail was set at $18,000 cash only by Upshur County Magistrate Alan Suder.

The potential penalty for grand larceny is confinement in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or in the discretion of the court, confinement in jail for not more than one year and a fine of not more than $2,500.

The potential penalty for driving with a license suspended is a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.

The potential penalty for fleeing in a vehicle is confinement in jail for not more than one year, a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500, or both.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Basketball ‘Cats have no answers for UC’s offense in 100-58 setback

Charleston rolled to a 100–58 Mountain East Conference win over West Virginia Wesleyan, led by Matthew Shelton’s 20 points and strong depth as the Bobcats fell to 0–14.

Wesleyan women drop game at the buzzer to Charleston, 53-51

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 53-51 to Charleston after a final-second layup, despite Sydney Baird’s 14 points and Kilah Dandridge’s 12 points and five assists in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference game.

Tucker and Pingley record double-doubles as B-U secures first win of the year with a 58-43 victory over Robert C. Byrd

Madelyn Tucker and Emma Pingley each posted double-doubles as Buckhannon-Upshur earned its first win, defeating Robert C. Byrd 58-43 behind Tucker’s 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Election Update: The latest local candidate filings as of January 14

Candidate filings are underway for the May 12, 2026, Primary Election, with early entries for county commission, school board and city recorder. The filing deadline is Jan. 31, 2026.

Winter weather advisory issued for Upshur County as snow moves in

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Upshur County from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday as a fast-moving system could bring 2–4 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph.

Mountain CAP to host free tax assistance, financial services event January 30

The Mountain CAP Family Support Center and the North Central EITC Coalition/VITA will host a free Earned Income Tax Credit event on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 30 E. Main St. in Buckhannon. Tap the story for details.

St. Joseph’s Hospital launches Senior Life Solutions program to help older adults manage anxiety and depression

St. Joseph’s Hospital is bringing the Senior Life Solutions program to Buckhannon to support seniors facing depression, anxiety and major life changes. The program offers group sessions, individual and family therapy, and medication management—no referral required.

Charles James Poundstone Jr.

Charles James Poundstone Jr., 68, of Buckhannon, WV, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, storyteller and outdoorsman, passed away January 12, 2026, and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity and love of family.

Wesleyan swim teams fall to Davis & Elkins

Davis & Elkins swept West Virginia Wesleyan, winning the women’s meet 125–26 and the men’s meet 112–35 despite season-best performances from Wesleyan swimmers including Bre Waldron and Aaron Dworsky.