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

Upshur County Sheriff: Drunk driver wrecks into pole, causing power outage Monday

A drunk driver crashed into a power pole in Upshur County early Monday morning, triggering a power outage and sustaining injuries that led to hospitalization while authorities investigate the high-speed incident.

A drunk driver caused a power outage in Upshur County after wrecking into a power pole early Monday morning.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a gray Ford F-150 near a residence at 3220 Old Elkins Road, according to a press release. The investigation showed that the suspect’s vehicle exited the roadway at a high rate of speed, struck a tree, multiple mailboxes, a chain-link fence and gate, and a power pole before coming to a rest hanging on the power lines of a Mon Power pole, causing a power outage in Upshur County.

The driver was identified as Joshua Paul Woods, who allegedly admitted to consuming a 12-pack of alcoholic beverages and being under the influence of alcohol. He was exhibiting extremely slurred speech, the release notes.

Woods was transported by Upshur County EMS to St. Joseph’s Hospital for injuries resulting from the crash.

Deputy Lamb is leading the ongoing investigation. The Buckhannon Police Department, Upshur County EMS and Buckhannon Fire Department also responded to the scene of the crash.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVWC Golf

Bobcat golfers compete in Dr. Wally Edgell Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan men’s golf finished 13th of 16 at the Dr. Wally Edgell Invitational (965, +91) as Glenville State won, with Robin Heidenreich pacing the Bobcats and the team returning Sept. 22–23.

Soccer Bobcats drop 4-1 battle to Point Park in MEC action

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 4–1 to Point Park as an early three-goal deficit proved decisive, though freshman Lis Shala scored his first collegiate goal in the 82nd minute to avoid a shutout.

Soccer Lady ‘Cats double up Senators in 2-1 road win

West Virginia Wesleyan women’s soccer edged Davis & Elkins 2-1 on the road as goals from Ava Badallo and Paloma Zamora and six saves from Maite Coutinho delivered the Lady Bobcats’ first MEC win.

First Community Bank holds onto lead in men’s golf league standings

First Community Bank extended its lead to 92½ points in fourth-quarter Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial League after a 23-17 win, with Lisa Cain Edward Jones climbing to second on 89 points.

B-UMS X-C squads have solid showings at Doddridge County

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School’s boys and girls cross-country teams each finished fourth at the Doddridge County Invitational, with Felix Stump and Audrey Johnston among the top finishers.

West Virginia Supreme Court hears challenge over proposed $56 million Weston hospital

The West Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Mon Health’s planned $56 million Stonewall hospital requires a certificate of need — a dispute that could strip WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital of critical federal funding.

WVWC prepares to welcome alumni home for aloha-themed Homecoming 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College will welcome alumni to an aloha-themed Homecoming Sept. 25-28 celebrating its 135th anniversary with reunions, concerts, athletic events, lectures, a block party and campus tours.

X-C Lady Bucs run fifth at Doddridge County Invitational

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Lady Buc cross-country team placed fifth of eight with 110 points at the Doddridge County Invitational, led by Gwendolyn Rogosky’s 12th-place finish as University won the meet.
WVWC Golf

WVWC golf teams compete at UC Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan men’s and women’s golf teams competed at the University of Charleston Invitational Sept. 8–9, with the men finishing 19th (+101) and the women 15th (+185); Robin Heidenreich and Sydney Baird led.