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

Upshur County deputies arrest two on meth charges

Police Crime
File Photo

BUCKHANNON — Two people have been arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve, according to a press release from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office:

On December 31, 2021, Deputy Tanner Collins and Chief Deputy Mike Coffman made a traffic stop on Route 20 South on a silver Chevy Impala.

Upon approach, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The driver appeared to be nervous and under the influence.

Chief Deputy Coffman observed a marijuana grinder located in plain view inside of the vehicle. Deputies searched the vehicle. Approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales and plastic baggies were recovered from the vehicle.

The driver, Ricky P. Mathes, 60, of Rock Cave was charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and DUI of a controlled substance. Mr. Mathes showed signs of impairment and admitted to using controlled substance prior to driving.

The passenger, Jennifer Renee Linger, 21, of Rock Cave was charged with conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. They were both transported to Tygart Valley Regional Jail to await arraignment.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Joshua Bowers joins Buckhannon Fire Department as new paid firefighter

Joshua Bowers was sworn in as Buckhannon Fire Department’s newest paid firefighter at the Dec. 18 city council meeting, with Mayor Robbie Skinner administering the oath and his wife Grace pinning his badge.

First Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raises nearly $8,500 for animal rescue organizations

The first Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raised nearly $8,500 for local animal rescue groups and the Buckhannon Dog Park.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr., 83, of Buckhannon, a 2006 Sago Mine Disaster survivor and former coal mine fire boss, died December 29, 2025; he is survived by his wife Helen, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County sports schedule runs Dec. 29–Jan. 4 with multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball games in winter classics and out-of-state tournaments, wrestling entries in Powerade and regional meets, and a Mohawk Invitational swim.

WVWC’s Witt named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan senior Emma Witt and Concord’s Alexis Frazee were named co–MEC Women’s Basketball Players of the Week after Witt’s 30-point double-double and Frazee’s 20.5-point weekly average.

Driver cited after triggering three-vehicle crash on Main Street that damaged police car, hit Buckhannon bank

A Beverly woman allegedly ran a stop sign on Main Street in Buckhannon, causing a Dec. 27 crash that involved three vehicles and struck the First Community Bank building, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department’s wreck report.

Woman extricated after Route 33 crash near Huddle House; truck driver cited

A Salem woman was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated after a two-vehicle crash on Route 33 north of the Huddle House. Police say a truck driver attempting to cross lanes to turn left was cited for failing to yield.

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald, 68, of French Creek, WV, died December 24, 2025, in Morgantown and is survived by his family, with cremation and private services planned.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: Week of Dec. 29, 2025

No regularly scheduled meetings this week. City offices and waste collection closed January 1 for New Year’s Day.