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

W.V.a Division of Forestry investigators request public information on arson fires

File Photo

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Forestry’s Special Operations Unit is investigating several arson fires around the state and is asking members of the public to help solve the crimes.

Forestry investigators are seeking information about the following arson fires:

Boone County — Two fires on Colony Bay Strip near Wharton on March 4, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 5 headquarters at 304-743-6186.

Grant County — Three fires on Williamsport Road near Williamsport on Jan. 9, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 2 headquarters at 304-822-4512.

Hardy County — Fire on Oldfield Road near Willimasport on Jan. 9, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 2 headquarters at 304-822-4512.

Jefferson County — Fire on Gap View Lane near Ranson on Jan. 23, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 2 headquarters at 304-822-4512.

Kanawha County — Wildfire in Kanawha County located on 8 Mile Hollow in Campbells Creek on March 13, 2021. Those with information about the fire should contact the Region 5 headquarters at 304-743-6186.

Lincoln County — A fire on Stonecoal near Spurlockville on March 3, 2021 and a fire on Friday Road, off of Monday Addition, on March 3, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 5 headquarters at 304-743-6186.

McDowell County — Fire on Big Branch near Coalwood on March 8, 2021. Those with information about the fires should contact the Region 4 headquarters at 304-256-6775.

Anyone with information about arson fires can also contact Forestry’s Special Operations Unit by calling its arson hotline at 1-800-233-FIRE or by reporting online at wvforestry.com/report-a-violation. Additional contact information for W.Va, Forestry’s regional offices can be found at wvforestry.com/contact-us.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.