The big news of the week is that the long-discussed stoplight project at the deadly Route 33 and Childer’s Run intersection will begin construction this summer after the $450,000 project was awarded to a Scott Depot-based contractor.

The arts in Upshur County got a big boost late in the week as Buckhannon City Council threw support behind hiring Anne Wilson as the manager for the new Colonial Arts Center — which is currently hosting a unique solo photography exhibit — and the interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan College also pledged resources to support the facility.

The Upshur County Commission also announced several initiatives, including giving the West Virginia Strawberry Festival a shot in the arm as it recovers from the pandemic, supporting Upshur County EMS with a $20,000 donation and partnering with the city on a live fire training facility. The Buckhannon Volunteer Fire Department also committed to growing its ranks with a garage door-sized decal encouraging residents to “Come Join Our Team.”

We also posted several stories leading up to West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Commencement on Saturday, including academic honors awarded to local students and recognition for college employees, as well as more information about the Grow Your Own partnership with Upshur County Schools.

In other county school news, we reported on a B-U senior who placed second in a statewide writing contest for her work reminiscing about simple moments spent with her great-grandmother, as well as a student who committed to enlist in the Army National Guard.

In sports, Isaac Lane and Shelby McDaniels were selected as this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars. We also reported on the B-U Girls Lacrosse team’s stellar end to the regular season and brought you photos and news from the Elkins Raceway. At Wesleyan, Josh Spencer was officially named the Bobcat soccer head coach; a B-U grad earned college lacrosse honors; and the softball and tennis teams collected awards.

Finally, “all options are still on the table” when it comes to the future of the lot on Main Street that was the site of the large October fire, the property’s owner said.

This week’s Buckhannon Then-and-Now featured Fidlers Mill.

That’s a wrap for the top local news headlines brought to you by the team at My Buckhannon over the last week. Never miss a story with our exclusive Daily Dispatch email digest, one of many benefits available to our premium members. Subscribe to My Buckhannon today!