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

Medical director of Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department encourages residents to take COVID-19 vaccine when available

Editor’s note: The following is a Dec. 4, 2020 column submitted by Dr. Joseph Reed, medical director of the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department.

BUCKHANNON — Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, I urge all to take the Covid vaccine when it is available to them. I believe the systematic production of vaccine principles have been followed and have not been shortened.

The reason the vaccine has become available this fast is because of running different parts of development simultaneously rather than sequentially, thanks to the massive infusion of federal dollars into the process.

The only information not available is the long-term documentation of effectiveness and safety. The vaccines are not live virus so cannot cause Covid infections.

Weigh your odds: minimal chance of unknown side effects of a vaccine versus significant illness for yourself or your loved ones if infected.

I also believe we should continue wearing our masks for protection of ourselves and others, not only from Covid, but also flu and other respiratory infections.

–Joseph B. Reed, M.D.
Medical Director, Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Randolph County Humane Society plans ‘Paddle for Pets’ kayak float fundraiser in Buckhannon this summer

The Randolph County Humane Society is launching its first-ever “Paddle for Pets” kayak float to raise money for animal care. The June 27, 2026 event will feature a shuttle float and, weather permitting, merch and adoptable pets at the Riverwalk.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice headed to Upshur County this weekend, followed by bitter cold

A major winter storm is set to hit Upshur County starting Saturday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerous wind chills near 10 below.

Election Update: Upshur County and Buckhannon candidate filings as of Jan. 23

The candidate filing period is underway for the May 12, 2026, Primary Election in West Virginia. Here’s a look at who has filed so far for Upshur County and City of Buckhannon offices, plus where and when to file before the Jan. 31 deadline.

B-U ladies to host second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday

Top-ranked, defending state champion Buckhannon-Upshur will host the second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday, featuring 26 teams and many of the state’s top female wrestlers despite the host’s seven-wrestler roster.

Centers Against Violence representatives discuss impact of human trafficking, stalking in Upshur County

Centers Against Violence urged Upshur County leaders to take stalking and human trafficking seriously as the commission proclaimed Stalking Prevention Month and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Madelyn Tucker and Jerin Westfall

The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice expected to cause ‘widespread and significant impacts’ this weekend

Upshur County is under a winter storm watch as heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten major travel and infrastructure impacts from Saturday through Monday.

School bus crashes on Route 20 after hitting black ice; one child taken to hospital

A school bus carrying 25 students slid on black ice on Route 20 Wednesday morning and went off the road, according to Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman. All students were checked at the scene, and one child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries.