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

St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrates Spiritual Care Week

Pictured are Barry Moll, Hospital Chaplain, and Sister Francesca Lowis, Vice President of Mission Integration.

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – St. Joseph’s Hospital is celebrating Spiritual Care Week October 23-29.  This nationally-recognized week provides the opportunity to recognize spiritual caregivers and the ministry which they provide for our patients and the community. 

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Relevant and Responsive in Times of Crisis” because spiritual caregivers are responsive and relevant every day, everywhere, and in every situation. 

Sister Francesca Lowis, Vice President of Mission Integration and Chaplain Barry Moll comprise the Spiritual Care Team for the hospital. In addition to meeting with patients who request spiritual care, they also provide a non-denominational prayer service each Wednesday in the hospital’s chapel.

The spiritual care team ensures that the hospital’s mission of “providing our community with quality healthcare in ways which respect the God-given dignity of each person and the sacredness of human life” is fulfilled every day.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.