Upshur County voters defeat excess levy call by nearly 350 votes

James “Jim” L. Harris, Sr., 92, of Buckhannon, WV, passed away on July 9, 2026, in Cambridge, Ohio. A Christian, Mason, Shriner and retired businessman, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Dorothy Ann “Dotti” Eiker, 86, of Queens, WV, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026. A lifelong horticulturist and devoted volunteer, she cherished her family, community, and the mountains of West Virginia.

Norman Howard Helmick, 56, of Buckhannon, WV, died on July 8, 2026, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. He was a former truck driver and well tender.

WVU Industrial Engineering students James Carnes and Kyle Gillis turned late-night “build sessions” and an IgniteWV win into Iconic Air, an energy-tech company helping industries track emissions and operations in real time.

Buckhannon City Council advanced an ordinance to buy a long-abandoned property on Cleveland Avenue, capping the purchase price at $5,000 ahead of a final vote. Once the title is cleared, the city plans to obtain an asbestos certification and demolish the building.

State Sen. Robbie Morris says he opposes the proposed Valley North transmission line after hearing concerns from area residents. He urged opponents to submit comments before Aug. 14 and noted the PSC will make the final decision.