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

Natural Resources Police prepares for Labor Day boating weekend

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Natural Resources Police officers will be patrolling the state’s rivers and lakes during the Labor Day weekend.  This weekend typically signals the end of boating season for Mountain State residents.

While West Virginia is a landlocked state, boaters are fortunate to have more than 2,000 miles of navigable streams and numerous lakes open for anglers and boaters to enjoy.  But before you get out on the water, here are few things you should know:

Be Educated. Operating a motorboat is like driving a car. There are several things you need to do to keep yourself and others safe.  You should take a boating safety course before operating a motorboat. Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986 must successfully complete a Boating Safety Education Course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft upon the waters of this state.

Life jackets (PFDs) save lives!  Water-related deaths, injuries and incidents in West Virginia happen because someone was not wearing a life jacket of PFD.

Be Sober. You should never operate a boat while under the influence of any substance.  More than 15% of recreational boating fatalities are linked to drinking while boating.

Be Prepared. Always inspect your boat to make sure all necessary equipment is in working order.  And watch local water conditions: they may change quickly. This weekend, rivers and streams may be high and running swifter than normal.  Boating and swimming on these waters poses a danger to those who are not the best of swimmers.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Diana Lynn Tenney

Diana Lynn Tenney, 74, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired mail carrier, died January 12, 2026; she is survived by her son Douglas Tenney, granddaughter Julia Lawrence, sister Carol Waybright, and other family members.

Upshur County grand jury returns 24 indictments

An Upshur County grand jury returned 24 indictments on Monday, according to Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Hinkle’s office.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball and wrestling games and middle school matchups Jan. 13–17, plus West Virginia Wesleyan and West Virginia State college basketball contests.

Basketball ‘Cats remain winless after 99-74 loss to Pioneers

Glenville State’s balanced offense and hot shooting overwhelmed West Virginia Wesleyan, handing the Bobcats a 99-74 loss and leaving Wesleyan winless at 0-13.

Wesleyan women fall on the road to Glenville State, 95-84

Glenville State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 95–84 as the Pioneers’ depth, 34 points off turnovers, 35–6 bench advantage and 19–6 second-chance edge overwhelmed the Bobcats despite 61.8% shooting from the field.

Helen Lea Reed

Helen Lea Reed, 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died January 10, 2026, in Elkins; a devoted mother, former switchboard operator and Troop Mother, she is survived by five children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Wayne Sanford Smith

Wayne Sanford Smith, 73, a retired MonPower lineman, ordained Baptist minister, renowned gunsmith and avid hunter, died January 10, 2026, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, four children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Goldilocks Pediatrics opens in Buckhannon, offers ‘just right’ care for every child

A new pediatrics office is now welcoming families in Buckhannon. Goldilocks Pediatrics officially opened this month, offering individualized care, well-child visits, sports physicals and sick appointments.

Glenn J. Yerkey

Glenn J. Yerkey, 93, a Korean War Army veteran and retired Goodyear master mechanic from the Brushy Fork community, died January 9, 2026, and will be cremated with a memorial and inurnment to be announced.