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

Former Buckhannon mayor sentenced to decade in prison for child pornography offense

David Walter McCauley, former Buckhannon mayor, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years supervised release for child pornography involving a 17-year-old boy, following an FBI-led investigation.

American Legion Post 7 cancels Flag Retirement Ceremony due to rain

The American Legion Post 7 has canceled its June 14 Flag Retirement Ceremony because of expected rain and thunderstorms, and will reschedule the event for a later date.

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison, a longtime educator in Buckhannon, is remembered by family and former students following her death at age 73, with funeral services set for June 18 at Way of Holiness Church.
LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will offer low-dose CT scans in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon in July for insured and eligible uninsured patients by appointment.

Man arrested for allegedly attempting to cash unauthorized check at BC Bank in Buckhannon

Christian Lyons, 47, of Ashford, was arrested on a felony charge after allegedly attempting to cash a check without authorization at a Buckhannon bank, with surveillance and account details helping police identify him.
Summer basketball

Summer Basketball League continues to grow under UCRC director Mitchell Shaw

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League, overseen by UCRC director Mitchell Shaw, is thriving and expanding with 18 teams and 183 players, offering organized, community-focused competition and new sponsorship-driven prizes in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 11, 2025

Local highlights include a June 28 Glow Stick Party at James Curry Library, Upshur Schools’ virtual learning signups, BUHS rescheduled Alumni Soccer Game and a debut novel by Chantelle Kerr.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 11, 2025 podcast

The Upshur Update highlights the return of the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, pool openings with new inclusive programs, community achievements in literacy and sports, student honors, local recognitions, and upcoming summer events in Buckhannon and Upshur County.

‘It’s the Small Things that Count’ – Lively pens book about daughter Megan

Alisa Mauk Lively has written “It’s the Small Things that Count,” a book celebrating the life and impact of her late daughter Megan, with proceeds benefiting Upshur County Special Olympics.