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

Senator Mike Woelfel presented with Visionary Voice Award for work on behalf of sexual assault victims

Senator Woelfel was presented with the award in Charleston in March. Ashley Carpenter, Executive Director, Sexual Assault Help Center; Nancy Hoffman, State Coordinator, WV Foundation for Rape Information Center; and Michele McCord, Executive Director, HOPE, Inc., were on hand to mark the occasion. / Photo courtesy West Virginia Legislature

CHARLESTON – Senator Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, has been named the 2020 Visionary Voice Award recipient from the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.

Senator Woelfel was presented the award in recognition of his efforts to assist sexual assault victims with seeking relief from unsafe situations, and for being a champion of justice for all victims.

Since his election to the West Virginia Senate in 2014, Senator Woelfel has been the lead sponsor of a number of bills that have been designed to increase the rights of sexual assault victims and provide training and assistance for law enforcement dealing with these cases. This year, Senate Bill 434, Requiring training for law-enforcement officers responsible for investigating crimes of sexual assault, passed the Senate unanimously.

In 2020, Senator Woelfel was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 125, which prohibited a victim of sexual assault from being subjected to invasive physical examinations, and in 2019, he was the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 72, which created the Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights.

Senator Woelfel was presented with the award in Charleston in March. Ashley Carpenter, Executive Director, Sexual Assault Help Center; Nancy Hoffman, State Coordinator, WV Foundation for Rape Information Center; and Michele McCord, Executive Director, HOPE, Inc., were on hand to mark the occasion.

“This is not a topic that people want to talk about, but one that unfortunately will impact 1 in 6 women in our state and a significant number of men a well,” Hoffman said. “We are so fortunate in West Virginia to have a legislature in recent years that has recognized sexual assault as the public health crisis that it is, and to have the foresight of leaders like Senator Woelfel in drafting legislation and policies to both address sexual violence and help prevent it.”

Senator Woelfel said he is humbled to receive this award.

“West Virginia is leading the country in our respect for, and treatment of our victims of sexual abuse and exploitation,” Senator Woelfel said.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Soccer ‘Cats end year with 2-1 victory over Davis & Elkins

West Virginia Wesleyan closed its 2025 season with a 2–1 win over Davis & Elkins, keyed by goals from Chris Gonzalez and Blair Sinclair and crucial saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani.

Wesleyan women upset by Senators 1-0 in regular-season finale; knocked out of MEC Tournament

Wesleyan’s women were eliminated from the MEC Tournament after falling 1–0 to Davis & Elkins in the regular-season finale despite outshooting the Senators and pressuring late.

Sikara Sokel’s solo exhibition ‘Luminescence’ opens Nov. 7 with opening reception at CAC Gallery in Buckhannon

The Colonial Arts Center’s CAC Gallery will host “Luminescence,” a solo exhibition of painter Sikara Sokel from Nov. 7 to Dec. 13, 2025, with a free opening reception and artist talk on Nov. 7.

Mary “Bert” Dean

Mary “Bert” Dean, 83, of Buckhannon, WV, died Nov. 5, 2025; she is survived by four daughters, a brother, numerous grandchildren and great‑descendants, two cats, and was a longtime member of Sand Run Baptist Church.

Annual Veterans Day Parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Buckhannon

The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 11, with line-up at 8:30 a.m. at the Charles W. Gibson Library. The parade will be followed by a Veterans Day Program at Jawbone Park at 11 a.m.

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honors first DAISY Award recipient for nursing excellence

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honored Erin Wamsley, RN, as its first DAISY Award recipient for extraordinary nursing excellence and compassionate care at a ceremony with colleagues and family.

Stanley E. Mullins

Stanley E. Mullins, 80, of Buckhannon, WV, a former truck driver, died Nov. 4, 2025; he is survived by his wife Lucy, children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, with services Nov. 7.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Alivia Cogar and Conner McKim

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars are B-U’s Alivia Cogar, who posted 10 kills and 22 digs in regional action, and Conner McKim, whose goal-line stop sealed a 60-57 win over Preston. #buckhannon
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats drop first set to Concord then rallies to win a 3-1 contest

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Concord 3–1 (16–25, 25–17, 25–16, 25–22), led by Bhrooke Axe’s 18 kills and strong defense from Alexis Moeschler.