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

UK COVID variant detected in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, or more commonly referred to as the UK Variant, have been detected in West Virginia. Forty-two other states have reported 1,523 cases, including all the bordering states to West Virginia.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has collaborated with West Virginia University and Marshall University to conduct whole genome sequencing which is used to detect this variant. The confirmed cases are in the north central region of West Virginia.

“While the presence of this COVID-19 variant in West Virginia is not surprising, it’s a good motivator for us to double down on the prevention efforts we’ve had in place for many months now,” said Dr. Ayne Amjad, State Health Officer and Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health. “Now that we have this confirmation, as Governor Justice always says; it’s not time to be fearful, it’s time to be smart. All West Virginians should continue hand washing, social distancing, proper mask wearing, testing, and everyone should get vaccinated when it’s their turn.”

For more information on the UK variant, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html.

Free COVID-19 testing is available to all West Virginia residents. For a list of testing events, please visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 8, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 8, 2026, with an agenda outlining the topics and business to be addressed by the commission.
High Voltage Power Line

Equipment failure on transmission line causes widespread Upshur County power outage

An equipment failure on a transmission line feeding a French Creek substation knocked out power to about 4,000 Upshur County customers, with residents reporting bright flashes and loud booms.

Basketball Lady Bucs come up short at home against North Marion in 48-40 setback

Buckhannon-Upshur rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to cut the gap to five in the final minute but fell 48-40 at home to North Marion, with freshman Emma Pingley leading B-U with 13 points.

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.

Stockert Youth and Community Center eyes funding opportunities for new technology learning facility

Buckhannon residents are being asked to prioritize how a $1 million Weyerhaeuser THRIVE grant should be spent. Local leaders hope community support will steer the funds toward a new regional STEM center.

Senator Robbie Morris named chairman of Committee on Government Organization

Senate President Randy E. Smith has appointed Sen. Robbie Morris to chair the Senate Committee on Government Organization, citing its key role in overseeing agencies, regulations, and reforms for a more efficient, accountable state government.

Record-breaking year for labor and delivery at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrated a record-breaking 2025 in labor and delivery, welcoming 373 babies—the most in its history for the critical access hospital.

Buckhannon City Council approves record $50,000 for 2026 Strawberry Festival

Buckhannon City Council voted to appropriate $50,000 for the 2026 West Virginia Strawberry Festival — the city’s largest contribution yet. Festival leaders say the increase will help offset uncertain state funding and boost entertainment and overall event quality.

Evid Eugene Miller

Evid Eugene Miller, 92, a Korean War U.S. Army veteran, well tender, devoted outdoorsman and Methodist from Buckhannon, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by his children, brother, nieces, nephews and friends.