Soaring high: An Upshur County native’s flight into falconry has taken off

Mike Junior “Pops” Crawford, 75, of Buckhannon, WV, died unexpectedly at his home on July 3, 2026. A truck driver, he enjoyed traveling, NASCAR, music, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Patricia Ann “Patty” McComas, 84, of Buckhannon, WV, died on July 27, 2026. A lifelong educator, she served as a teacher and administrator for 43 years and was active in her church and community.

Upshur County enters its second week of flood recovery with debris pickup continuing until work is complete. Supplies, meals, health care, counseling and volunteer help remain available, and residents are urged to report property damage.

West Virginia is shifting from emergency response to long-term flood recovery, with nearly 3,000 tons of debris removed and utilities largely restored. State crews, first responders and volunteers continue cleanup and aid in hard-hit counties.

The Ohio-bound slow lane on the Silver Memorial Bridge is closed after an expansion joint failed. Fabricating a replacement could take nine months or more, extending the closure on the busy U.S. 35 crossing.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman said missing person Billy Heater has been found safe. Law enforcement continues to deliver supplies, check on residents and monitor for looting around the county.