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

Fairmont State receives grant for International Women’s Day Celebration

Fairmont State University has been awarded $5,975 through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Diversity for Equity grant program to enhance the university’s annual International Women’s Day Celebration.

This grant will be used to build upon the successful events offered during last year’s inaugural celebration, hosted by Fairmont State’s Brickstreet Career Development Center.

The second annual celebration will be held on Thursday, March 7 in observance of the official International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8.  Proposed activities  will include food, music, entertainment, cultural art exhibits, networking through engaging with professional women, inspirational presentation from key-note speaker, panel discussions, and student dialogue.

“Hosting this campus-wide and community event will give us the opportunity to acknowledge women’s political, social and especially economic achievements and raise a level of consciousness to the existing inequities that women in underrepresented industries are confronted with daily,” said Ja-Rhonda Staples, Career Counselor at Fairmont State University. “It is our goal to help enhance our student’s awareness and appreciation where they envision themselves as a part of a global market of cultural and diverse experiences that will enrich their lives and open up unique career paths and opportunities for their future.  We look forward to hosting another successful year!”    

WVHEPC’s Diversity for Equity grant program purposes to help students not only enter into programs of higher education but also to successfully complete those programs regardless of their demographic characteristics. This celebration helps fulfill that mission by recognizing the accomplishments of women globally and supporting the next generation of women leaders.

Fairmont State University’s Brickstreet Career Development Center, located in 222 Turley Center, is dedicated to helping the students of Fairmont State University gain the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong career and professional development.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 18, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. Here’s the agenda for the upcoming session.

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder, 101, a pioneering FMC chemist, devoted church member, and lifelong knitter, died December 12, 2025, in Scott Depot and will be memorialized December 20 in Saint Albans.

Buckhannon shifts sidewalk focus to Route 20 South after property owners refuse access north of town

Buckhannon leaders are pivoting away from the Gateway North sidewalk project after property access issues stalled progress. Instead, they’re eyeing sidewalks along Route 20 South, a proposal now headed to city council.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: December 18, 2025

Buckhannon City Council meets December 18, 2025. View the full agenda and see what items are up for discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: December 16, 2025

Get the full agenda for the Upshur County Board of Education meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025. See what’s on the board’s docket and what will be discussed at the upcoming session.

Denise St. Clair Straight

Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, a beloved Buckhannon kindergarten teacher, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died December 11, remembered for her generosity, humor, baking and lifelong service to students and neighbors.

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall, 63, of Tallmansville, WV, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Tenmile Baptist Church singer, died December 13, 2025; she will be cremated and a memorial service held later.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local basketball games, swimming meets, and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and area schools from Dec. 15–21, with several home and away contests and some TBA times.

Wesleyan women cruise past Salem in non-conference win, 71–43

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 71–43, shooting 50.9%, outrebounding the Tigers 44–28, getting 54 points in the paint and four double-digit scorers to improve to 4–2 (2–1 MEC).