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

Residents of a city in Mineral County have been unable to drink the water for nearly a month

Water Faucet

CHARLESTON, WV – Emergencies begin and end at the local level, and this is certainly true for the City of Piedmont in Mineral County where a “do not drink” order has been in place for the water system since January 6.

Issues with the water system are being addressed by the City of Piedmont with support from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mineral County Health Department, and others.

While the combined agencies address the overall problem, Piedmont faces an enormous task: coordinating water donations and assuring filling stations are available.

Recognizing a way to help, the Mineral County Emergency Services (MCES) approached city leaders to offer their services.

“I talked with Commissioner Harvey and Mayor Boggs to offer our assistance and told them how we could help with the operation,” said Mineral County Emergency Manager Luke McKenzie. “Now we’re coordinating water donations to allow the City of Piedmont to focus on filling stations and the needs of their citizens.”

“Along with other state agencies, we’ve provided updates to the delegates from Mineral County,” said EMD Director GE McCabe. “EMD will continue to support Director McKenzie in this operation for as long as needed.”

If your organization or business would like to donate water to the City of Piedmont, please contact Mineral County Emergency Services at 304-788-5921.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Riverwalk Trail dedicated as Mountaineer Mile location

The Buckhannon Riverwalk Trail was officially dedicated as a Mountaineer Mile location during a community event highlighting the importance of physical activity and walkable spaces.

James “Ted” Carol Turner Sr.

James “Ted” Carol Turner Sr., 84, a Weston native, U.S. Army veteran, longtime Weston State Hospital security officer, devoted coach and family man, died January 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Buckhannon Community Band seeks support to launch new statewide Community Bands Festival

The Buckhannon Community Band is organizing West Virginia’s first Community Band Festival, set for May 2 at Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Organizers estimate 500–600 performers and asked the Upshur County Commission for help with planning costs.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center, Red Cross to host free fire safety training in Buckhannon

Mountain CAP Family Support Center and the American Red Cross will host a free fire safety and emergency preparedness training Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at 30 E. Main St. in Buckhannon.

Applications open for Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Applications are open for West Virginia’s Governor’s School for the Arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College, running June 21–July 11, 2026. Theatre arts takes the spotlight alongside tracks like digital media, creative writing, dance, music and studio art.

Upshur County Special Olympics director updates Rotary on how their funding assists the organization

Special Olympics director Dion Wamsley told the local Rotary Club that rising travel, facility and accreditation costs are stretching the budget. He’s doubled athlete participation and is asking the community for fundraising ideas ahead of the Feb. 28 Polar Plunge.

David Leroy Baxa

David Leroy Baxa, 72, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime contractor and skilled tradesman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping, died December 28, 2025, and is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Caraline, two grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.

Paul Ronald Linger

Paul Ronald Linger, 94, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime West Virginia Wesleyan College master electrician and Upshur County jailer who loved rock collecting, hunting and fishing, died December 19, 2025; he will be cremated.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 8, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 8, 2026, with an agenda outlining the topics and business to be addressed by the commission.