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

Upshur County Commission honors W.Va. School Service Personnel of the Year

Commissioners Sam Nolte, Kristie Tenney and Doug Bush with Jessica Grose (second from left).

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission recently honored a local educator after she earned recognition from two state agencies.

The West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education appointed Jessica Grose as the 2023 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year in September. The Upshur County Commission invited Grose to the Nov. 3 Upshur County Commission meeting to recognize her achievement.

“We would like to thank you for your dedication and your service to the Upshur County youth, and we just want to tell you congratulations for the special award that you just recently received,” Upshur County Commission president Kristie Tenney said.

A press release previously posted on My Buckhannon said, “Grose is a special education aide at Hodgesville Elementary School in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She is known as a great team player who commits to serving children whenever she is needed. During her 11 years of service, Grose has made lasting connections with students by making them feel important through her positive attitude and genuineness.

“In addition to the support she provides in her school building, Grose volunteers with the Upshur County FFA, the Buckhannon-Upshur High School football team, choir, band, cheerleading team, and Buckhannon 24 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.”

In other Upshur County Commission news:

  • The commission approved and signed the Esri renewal quote in the amount of $4,450 for the period Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023. Of this amount, $1,200 is to be paid by the Assessor’s Revaluation Fund. Esri is a geographic information system software package.
  • The commission approved correspondence from Brian Cooper, WVDOT Division of Highways District Seven Manger, regarding the current lease with the Division of Highways for the Tallmansville Radio Tower. The lease term is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2022. Approval was given to renew the referenced lease with the WVDOT Division of Highways for another five-year term. 
  • The commission approved and signed the Plan Maintenance Agreement with White’s Clock and Carillon Northeast, Inc. in the amount of $600, for the calendar year 2023.
  • The commission approved a request of Sheriff Virgil D. Miller to hire Cameron A. Forte as full-time Deputy Sheriff, effective Nov. 3, 2022. Deputy Forte was previously appointed for a provisional period of 90 days as permitted under WV Code 7-14-12.
  • The commission approved revised Appointment Procedures within the Upshur County Employee Handbook of Personnel Guidelines. 

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball and wrestling games and middle school matchups Jan. 13–17, plus West Virginia Wesleyan and West Virginia State college basketball contests.

Basketball ‘Cats remain winless after 99-74 loss to Pioneers

Glenville State’s balanced offense and hot shooting overwhelmed West Virginia Wesleyan, handing the Bobcats a 99-74 loss and leaving Wesleyan winless at 0-13.

Wesleyan women fall on the road to Glenville State, 95-84

Glenville State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 95–84 as the Pioneers’ depth, 34 points off turnovers, 35–6 bench advantage and 19–6 second-chance edge overwhelmed the Bobcats despite 61.8% shooting from the field.

Helen Lea Reed

Helen Lea Reed, 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died January 10, 2026, in Elkins; a devoted mother, former switchboard operator and Troop Mother, she is survived by five children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Wayne Sanford Smith

Wayne Sanford Smith, 73, a retired MonPower lineman, ordained Baptist minister, renowned gunsmith and avid hunter, died January 10, 2026, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, four children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Goldilocks Pediatrics opens in Buckhannon, offers ‘just right’ care for every child

A new pediatrics office is now welcoming families in Buckhannon. Goldilocks Pediatrics officially opened this month, offering individualized care, well-child visits, sports physicals and sick appointments.

Glenn J. Yerkey

Glenn J. Yerkey, 93, a Korean War Army veteran and retired Goodyear master mechanic from the Brushy Fork community, died January 9, 2026, and will be cremated with a memorial and inurnment to be announced.

Patricia Koon Craven

Patricia Koon Craven, a retired nursing professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College and member of Buckhannon First Baptist Church, died January 7, 2026, after a long illness, survived by her son Jeffrey and other relatives.

Mary Francis Dagley

Mary Francis Dagley, 93, of Buckhannon, WV, a lifelong homemaker and Sand Run Baptist Church member who enjoyed travel, square-dancing and family, died January 9, 2026; she is survived by her children, grandchildren and extended family.