Spirit winner says childhood memories still galvanize her enthusiasm for the Strawberry Festival

Five educators are finalists for West Virginia’s 2027 School Principal of the Year. The Chamber Foundation and state Department of Education will announce the winner at the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital earned two 2026 American Heart Association awards for evidence-based rural heart failure and coronary artery disease care. The honors recognize its commitment to better outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality.

A man was charged with DUI and child neglect after deputies said he crossed a double yellow line in a blind curve and struck a pickup truck while his 1-year-old son was in the U-Haul he was driving.

The West Virginia Wildlife Center’s 10th annual Rendezvous Celebration returns July 31–Aug. 1 in French Creek. Visitors can explore living-history encampments, traditional crafts and frontier demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

A 76-year-old man died in a climbing fall at Seneca Rocks on July 11. The Pendleton County Office of Emergency Management said the man was climbing the east side (back side) of the rocks when the accident occurred.

Buckhannon’s July 13-17 calendar includes public meetings, Festival Fridays and the farmers market. Announcements cover water line upgrades, meeting cancellations and upcoming community events.