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

New ER Medical Director chosen at Webster County Memorial Hospital

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. – Janak “Jay” Raman Patel, M.D., a board certified family practice physician, has been named the ER Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Webster County Memorial Hospital (WCMH). In his role he will provide leadership and guidance to the hospital emergency department.

Since joining WCMH’s medical staff in 2017, Dr. Patel has served as an emergency department physician. In this capacity, he has also served on the WCMH emergency department Peer Review Committee.

He is a 1991 graduate of the Medical College of the University of Georgia, and completed his family medicine residency program at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va.  He has earned the following honors: American Academy of Family Medicine, Member; West Virginia Academy of Family Medicine, Member; Academy of Family Practice, Fellow; American Board of Family Medicine, board certification.  Additionally, he is certified in ACLS, ATLS, BLS, and PALS.

Webster County Memorial Hospital

WCMH is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving the Webster County, WV region.  In addition to acute care, WCMH provides 24/7 emergency care, diagnostics, pharmacy, a rural health clinic, and therapy and rehabilitation programs.

It operates affiliate care services in Webster County including the following: Cowen Pharmacy, Emergency Medical Services, school-based physical therapy, and The Cowen Clinic which provides family medicine, pain management care, and a Prenatal Primary Care program through collaboration with Davis Medical Center in Elkins.  WCMH currently has a clinical affiliation with Davis Medical Center.

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.