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

State Youth Environmental Program recognizes top groups

Young West Virginians making Mountain State shine through volunteer work

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Youth Environmental Program (YEP) will present close to $15,000 in cash awards to groups from around the state for their efforts this past year to better the environment in the Mountain State.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), the YEP consists of 4-H clubs, scout troops, school groups and other youth organizations who focus on completing environmental projects that benefit the state and their communities. Some of those projects include recycling drives, litter cleanups and tree plantings.

During the past year, YEP groups worked thousands of hours to remove 760 bags of litter from more than 100 miles of West Virginia roadways and community areas. They also planted 241 trees, more than 2,000 flowers and recycled 34,000 pounds of aluminum, 66,000 pounds of plastic, 127,000 pounds of steel and 102,000 pounds of paper.

Normally, YEP award winners are recognized annually during Youth Environmental Day at North Bend State Park. This year’s event, scheduled for May 16, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time in 57 years Youth Day had to be cancelled.

“I know all of our groups are as sad as I am to not have attended Youth Day,” YEP Director Annette Hoskins said. “I certainly missed seeing everyone and not having the opportunity to thank them in person for all of their hard work in making West Virginia a better place to live.”

Among the individual award winners was Point Pleasant High School’s Josie Hill, who will receive the $10,000 Rick Vecellio Memorial Scholarship, given annually to a high school senior enrolled in the YEP.

For a complete list of award winners, clickhere.
For more information about the awards and their sponsors, clickhere.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Madelyn Tucker and Jerin Westfall

The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice expected to cause ‘widespread and significant impacts’ this weekend

Upshur County is under a winter storm watch as heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten major travel and infrastructure impacts from Saturday through Monday.

School bus crashes on Route 20 after hitting black ice; one child taken to hospital

A school bus carrying 25 students slid on black ice on Route 20 Wednesday morning and went off the road, according to Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman. All students were checked at the scene, and one child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries.

B-U swim teams finish up regular season

Buckhannon-Upshur’s girls won six events (four individual, two relays) and the boys one on Senior Night, then the girls placed fifth and boys sixth at a nine-team/ seven-team make-up before the Big 10 championships.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Frostburg State, 105-83

Frostburg State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 105–83 as Frostburg’s second-half surge and efficient shooting overcame Wesleyan’s 47.8 percent offense and 21 points from Isaiah Baker.

Wesleyan women down Frostburg State, 87-76

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Frostburg State 87-76, led by Kilah Dandridge’s season-high 25 and strong shooting and balance from Emma Witt and Sydney Baird, improving to 9-4 overall and 7-3 in MEC play.

Leadership Upshur sets three workdays to help launch new children’s museum on Main Street

Leadership Upshur is rallying volunteers and sponsors to help prepare a new children’s museum coming to Main Street in Buckhannon. The group has scheduled three workdays and is seeking donated supplies as painting and repairs get underway.

Winter storm watch issued for Upshur County as significant snow expected this weekend

A winter storm watch is in effect for Upshur County as a significant system targets the East Coast from Saturday through Monday, with Buckhannon forecast to see 6–12 inches of heavy snow.