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

WVWC departments of theatre, dance and music to present ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

As part of the Homecoming celebration weekend, the West Virginia Wesleyan College Departments of Theatre & Dance and Music present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Performances run from Thursday through Saturday, October 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour before the show and cost $10 for general admission or $5 for seniors, students, or anyone with a WVWC ID.

Winner of the 2005 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences across the country. It features a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh, vibrant score by William Finn.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the county spelling championship while sharing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. They hope never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell signaling a spelling mistake. The musical runs approximately 90 minutes without intermission and is suitable for “PG” audiences.

Wesleyan’s cast includes senior musical theater majors Ben Long of Buckhannon, West Virginia as Chip Tolentino and Sydney Stewart of Barboursville, West Virginia as Olive Ostrovsky, among others. The production’s stage manager is sophomore arts administration major Christina Green of Huntington, West Virginia. Additional crew includes costume designs by sophomore psychology major Kostadena Matina Hartley of Las Vegas, Nevada, and others who contribute to properties design and sound design.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is presented by arrangement with and licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI). For questions, please contact schoffler_t@wvwc.edu.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Helen Lea Reed

Helen Lea Reed, 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died January 10, 2026, in Elkins; a devoted mother, former switchboard operator and Troop Mother, she is survived by five children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Wayne Sanford Smith

Wayne Sanford Smith, 73, a retired MonPower lineman, ordained Baptist minister, renowned gunsmith and avid hunter, died January 10, 2026, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, four children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Goldilocks Pediatrics opens in Buckhannon, offers ‘just right’ care for every child

A new pediatrics office is now welcoming families in Buckhannon. Goldilocks Pediatrics officially opened this month, offering individualized care, well-child visits, sports physicals and sick appointments.

Glenn J. Yerkey

Glenn J. Yerkey, 93, a Korean War Army veteran and retired Goodyear master mechanic from the Brushy Fork community, died January 9, 2026, and will be cremated with a memorial and inurnment to be announced.

Patricia Koon Craven

Patricia Koon Craven, a retired nursing professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College and member of Buckhannon First Baptist Church, died January 7, 2026, after a long illness, survived by her son Jeffrey and other relatives.

Mary Francis Dagley

Mary Francis Dagley, 93, of Buckhannon, WV, a lifelong homemaker and Sand Run Baptist Church member who enjoyed travel, square-dancing and family, died January 9, 2026; she is survived by her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet January 13

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the center, 208 Morton Avenue in Buckhannon. Founded in 1968, FETC offers career and adult training and encourages inquiries at (304) 472-1259.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: January 15, 2026

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board will hold a meeting on January 15, 2026; this notice lists the agenda items to be discussed.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Mallory Hughes and Jerin Westfall were named Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hughes posted top finishes at the MoHawk Invitational and Westfall averaged 25.7 points while powering a 3-0 Ram Hardwood Tournament run.