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

West Virginia governor says school plan still ‘absolutely fluid’

After teasing a “significant” announcement regarding the start of school, Gov. Jim Justice offered a broad overview of the state’s plan during his daily press briefing Wednesday.

“We will begin education for all our kids on Sept. 8, provided we all know just one thing: this situation is absolutely fluid,” Justice said. “Who knows what’s going to happen in the next week? We hope and pray we’re moving in the right direction, but we may have to change things.”

Justice said that by August 14, counties must submit plans covering all options, from having schools open five-days-a-week to going entirely virtual.

“We will have total optionality,” he said. “If you feel like your child should not be at the school, we’re going to make that child’s education virtual and we will absolutely deliver a quality education to them.”

Justice indicated that teachers will also have the option of teaching virtually.

“If we have a teacher who decides she’d rather not be there, but she can contribute from a virtual standpoint, then great,” he said.

The governor said the state is working to devise a red, orange, yellow and green coding system to help identify the threat level on a county-by-county basis. He hopes to release the details on that in the next two weeks.

Justice said no determination has been made about whether masks will be required in schools.

The state will also fund a $6 million Kids Connect program that will be used to install wifi at schools, libraries and state parks that students can access from the parking lot. He said buses will transport students to the parking lot so they can access their school materials online.

Justice also said the state will continue to ensure students have access to meals.

The announcement came after the governor announced seven deaths since his last press briefing, noting they all came from separate counties.

“This killer is amongst us, all over the place,” Justice said.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Kelley calls soccer camp a success, has sights on leading B-U girls program to new heights

Logan Kelley, newly named head coach of the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc soccer team, helped oversee a successful youth camp and aims to bring stability and new achievements to the girls program.