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

West Virginia governor says he is awaiting guidance on whether more ‘stringent action’ is needed

Gov. Jim Justice said Sunday he was waiting for instructions from the medical community and the federal government on whether or not to take more aggressive measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19.

“I am relying on our medical community, as well as the federal government, to give me the recommendations as to whether we should take more stringent action,” Justice said in a press release issued Sunday evening. “They have not given those recommendations to me at this time. However, we will be working into the hours of the night tonight, monitoring every single aspect of this, which may very well lead us to take more aggressive measures.”

The press release was issued hours after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a shelter in place order that would require people to remain home except for essential activities.

In a statewide address Saturday night, Justice said he would not institute such an order, at least not immediately.

“Opinions for political gain, without medical facts, can be dangerous to all of us,” Justice said in the press release, an apparent reference to the heavy criticism he faced in the wake of his Saturday night address. “As you saw during my address last night, I am trying with all in me to allow our state to be successful in defeating this disease.”

Justice will hold a virtual press briefing Monday at 11 a.m.

“I have scheduled my next media briefing for tomorrow at 11 a.m.,” he said in the release. “Any further actions will be announced at that time.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.

Mountain East Conference extends invitation to Shawnee State University

The Mountain East Conference has approved Shawnee State University as its 12th full-time member, with the school set to join in 2026 pending NCAA Division II acceptance and expanding league competition in 19 sports.
Davis and Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College students recognized for high academic honors for Spring 2025 semester

Davis & Elkins College has announced the Spring 2025 president’s list, for students earning 4.0 GPAs, and dean’s list, for those earning 3.6 to 3.99, honoring academic excellence campus-wide.

Ketha Pearl Simmons

Ketha Pearl Simmons, 83, of French Creek, died at home on June 30, 2025, is survived by three children, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and will be remembered at a Frenchton Community Church service.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet July 8

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on July 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the center, focusing on career and technical education programs.

Man faces new charge related to stolen UTV from Barbour County

Travis Medina, 41, of Buckhannon, faces a new charge of receiving or transferring stolen goods after authorities found a UTV reportedly stolen from Barbour County.

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.