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

New Upshur County Commissioner Doug Bush attends first meeting, looks forward to serving community

Upshur County Commissioner Doug Bush

BUCKHANNON – Newly appointed Upshur County Commissioner Doug K. Bush attended his first regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22.

The appointment became necessary after the unexpected passing of commissioner Terry Cutright on Sept. 1, 2022. Fellow commissioners Kristie Tenney and Sam Nolte chose Bush during the Sept. 15 meeting after receiving letters of interest from those interested in the position.

Bush said he felt good about his first meeting, but he knows there is still a lot left to learn about his new role.

“I’m always learning,” the former teacher said. “I think that’s the biggest thing in my position, to soak in as much information as I can find. I enjoy working with the other commissioners, and wow, what a great support staff we have here.”

He reflected on his previous job experience and his dedication to working with the community.

“I have been involved with the Tygart Valley Conservation District for a few years, doing a similar thing, but on a smaller level,” Bush said. “I’ve always had an interest in the community — I have been here my whole life — and I’m always trying to find out ways that I can help. I’m a retired teacher and I’m still working, but always trying to do something for my community.”

Bush previously coached basketball and football for 30 years and taught history for 20 years.

“I’ve also been an elementary PE teacher and I coached at the high school,” he said. “I enjoyed that, and I think that that would be one of my interests, to help out the youth.”

Bush said he aims to accomplish Cutright’s goals and his own during his appointment.

“I think my position is unique because I was appointed, and my job is to do what Terry Cutright had envisioned and to carry out his work,” he said. “So I think I’m in a unique position that I must not only work on what I’d like to do, but I think it’s my job to carry on what Terry wanted.”

“I appreciate the other commissioners for their trust and their confidence in me,” Bush added. “I’m going to try my best, and for the next few months, I’ll be learning. If they’re patient with me, I’ve always tried hard at anything I’ve done and this will be no different.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon-Upshur FFA shines at regional Leadership Development Events

Buckhannon-Upshur High School FFA students earned top placements at the Regional FFA Leadership Development Events, with Miah McCue and Haley Krum taking first in their categories and others demonstrating strong leadership skills.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: June 19, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on June 19, 2025.

Local organizations distribute supply-filled summer backpacks for people experiencing houselessness

A coalition of local organizations and volunteers distributed supply-filled summer backpacks and meals to people experiencing houselessness in Upshur County, aiming to address unmet needs and connect individuals with community resources.

West Virginia Strawberry Festival reports attendance of 50,000-plus for 2025 event

The 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival drew 50,000 visitors over three days, with strong community support, expanded events, and a renewed focus on making Buckhannon a vibrant regional tourism destination.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 13, 2025

Buckhannon community happenings include a free hike at Upshur County Park, Fish Hawk Acres’ farm dinner, bartender competition winners, and the new Francesca’s Gifts shop at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: June 17, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on June 17, 2025.

Buckhannon water superintendent Kelly Arnold honored with prestigious George Warren Fuller Award

Kelly Arnold, retiring superintendent of the Buckhannon Water Department, was honored with the George Warren Fuller Award by the American Water Works Association for his decades of distinguished service and leadership in the water industry.

Upshur County Sheriff’s Office seeking applications for full-time Animal Control Officer

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications for a full-time Animal Control Officer who will investigate animal welfare cases and perform related duties after completing required training.

Inside the Courtroom: Despite victim’s support for ex-Buckhannon mayor, judge cites ‘manipulation’ in ordering 10-year max sentence

Former Buckhannon mayor David W. McCauley was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving a 17-year-old.