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

Officials receive $7,500 from Randolph County Commission for international band competition

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The Randolph County Commission has awarded the World Association of Marching Show Bands Buckhannon Host Committee with $7,500 in support of making the 2023 World Championship in Buckhannon a success.

“We are thankful for the Randolph County Commission’s contribution and excited to have them as official partners of such an impactful event,” said Randy Sanders, president of the WAMSB 2023 Buckhannon Host Committee.

Randolph County joins the list of growing sponsors of the event. To date, contributions have been received from The City of Buckhannon in the amount of $100,000, the Harrison County Commission for $4,000, and Community Bank for $550.

The WAMSB 2023 World Championship will take place in July 2023. This is only the second time in 26 years it will take place in the U.S. and the first time being hosted on the East Coast, putting the region and state in an international spotlight. 

“To date, we have 47 bands from 24 nations that have submitted applications to participate,” Sanders provided. “Our guests will be staying in our hotels and motels and will have the opportunity to visit shops and restaurants and take part in different recreation opportunities across the region.”

This one-time event provides an opportunity to develop and leverage long-term tourism and economic development relationships with international entities, dignitaries, and other attendees from around the world.

The Barbour County Commission and Lewis County Commission are reviewing similar funding requests for the event.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Football Bucs struggle to get going in 56-0 playoff loss to Morgantown

Morgantown dominated Buckhannon-Upshur 56-0 in a first-round playoff rout as the Mohigans piled up 435 yards and five first-half touchdowns while the Bucs managed just 81 yards and five first downs.

Wesleyan women open basketball campaign with 70-67 loss to Bloomsburg

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied from a 14-point second-half deficit to force a tense finish but fell 70–67 to Bloomsburg after the Huskies sank perfect late free throws in the Jim Crawley Conference Challenge.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball team sweeps Davis & Elkins; earns top seed in upcoming MEC Tournament

Wesleyan swept Davis & Elkins 3–0 to finish 11–4 in MEC play, secure the conference’s top seed over Charleston, and will host the Mountain East Conference Tournament next week.

West Virginia Wesleyan to host Festival of Lessons and Carols Nov. 30

West Virginia Wesleyan College will hold its annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel. The free event features musical performances, readings and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

St. Joseph’s Hospital introduces new Da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system

St. Joseph’s Hospital has successfully implemented the Da Vinci 5, Intuitive’s most advanced robotic surgical system, marking a major investment in innovation for the region. The hospital completed its first procedure with the new system on November 13, performed by Dr. Susan Long.

Larry Kemp Riley

Larry Kemp Riley, 50, of Crawford, WV, a hunter and Appalachian Forest Products employee, died Nov. 13, 2025; he is survived by his mother Betty Riley, son Joshua, two sisters, former wife Angela, and extended family.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 12: Narduzzi said what?

This week, Duane talks about Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, who drew criticism for dismissing the Notre Dame game’s importance. Also, he recaps his weekend high school and college game predictions.

Football Bucs to open playoffs at No. 1 Morgantown

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-8) enters the Class AAAA playoffs as the No. 16 seed and will visit top-seeded Morgantown (9-1) Friday night, their first trip to the playoffs in nine years.
BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Five Buccaneers named to WVHSSCA All-State Soccer Team

Five Buckhannon-Upshur juniors — Coby Smith, Jimmie Green, Zack Simmons, Brady Hommema and Deacon Thorne — were named to the 2025 WVHSSCA All-State Soccer teams, with Smith leading the Buccaneers with 19 goals.