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Buckhannon City Council officially approves phased water rate increase to fund new treatment plant
After listening to community feedback during a public hearing, Buckhannon officials approved a three-step water rate increase that will raise rates about 62% by 2028 to help pay for a new $47 million water treatment plant. Just one person outright opposed the measure.
The little girl who fell in love with learning: A reminder of why schools matter
A Rock Cave Elementary teacher’s memory of her own childhood kindergarten classroom reminds us why schools matter. One child’s love of learning — and a teacher’s belief — show how education creates possibility and shapes our future.
Man arrested for domestic battery after allegedly striking a woman in the face, ripping earring from her ear
A Buckhannon man faces a third-offense domestic battery charge after a woman said he struck her in the face and hit her leg with an ATV.
Rock Cave families, students and staff plead to keep their school open
Parents, students and staff urged the Upshur County Board of Education not to close Rock Cave Elementary, saying consolidation would harm students, overload French Creek’s facilities and erase a community hub. Public hearings are set for Nov. 13.
With SNAP benefits delayed, state officials steer thousands of West Virginians to overwhelmed food banks
A delayed federal SNAP payment left roughly 270,000 West Virginians without benefits Nov. 1, pushing food banks and volunteers to scramble as the state pledges millions and the National Guard helps distribute emergency aid.
Sheriff releases more details about ATV crash that killed Rock Cave man
Police have identified the 32-year-old Rock Cave man who died Oct. 31 after losing control of an ATV on Gougerville Road. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
City of Buckhannon begins removing unhealthy trees around Charles W. Gibson Public Library
Buckhannon officials voted to remove four trees around the Charles W. Gibson Public Library after an inspection found two were dead or dying and another showed significant decay. The board also discussed replacing them with saplings and revisiting angled parking for the library.
Retiring UMWA President Cecil Roberts talks about where the coalfields have been and where they could be going
Cecil Roberts, retiring after 30 years as president of the United Mine Workers, reflects on the decline of coal jobs, failed protections for miners, politics’ impact on coal communities and the challenges of reviving the industry without new technology.
Fairmont State basketball teams earn national preseason recognition ahead of 2025-26 campaign
Both Fairmont State men’s and women’s basketball teams received national preseason rankings — the men at No. 5 in the NABC poll and the women at No. 16 in the WBCA poll — as both squads enter the 2025-26 season atop the Mountain East Conference.
West Virginia clarifies after-school child care reimbursement, providers warn of closures
The state Department of Human Services says it clarified reimbursement rules for after-school care — but providers say the change will cost centers tens of thousands monthly, risking layoffs and closures across West Virginia.
Meetings scheduled to address drinking water contamination in West Virginia’s northern panhandle
State environmental officials will hold public meetings in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle this month to discuss drinking water contamination linked to PFAS and gather residents’ input. Meetings will review test results and next steps under the state’s PFAS Protection Act.
Rock Cave teachers fight to keep school open: “What is the cost — not just in dollars, but in dreams?”
Community members urged state officials to reconsider plans to close Rock Cave Elementary and consolidate it into French Creek, warning of overcrowding, questioning the impact study and highlighting the school’s role at the center of the rural community.
Upshur County approves temporary easements for courthouse intersection expansion project
Upshur County Commission approved seven temporary construction easements to assist the West Virginia Department of Highways as it prepares to widen South Locust Street near the courthouse to ease traffic congestion at the stoplight.
All Aboard! Belington Winter Special pulls into town Jan. 18 for scenic Tygart River Gorge rides
Mountain Rail West Virginia will launch the Belington Winter Special on Jan. 18, 2026, offering a 90-minute scenic ride through the Tygart River Gorge on four select Sundays.
Two Buckhannon men arrested after allegedly stealing wheels, fridges from neighbor
Two Buckhannon men were arrested after police say they took tires, rims, two mini fridges and other items from a neighbor. When asked why they took the items, one suspect pointed to a “broke but proud” pin on his cowboy hat and told officers, “Yeah, I’m broke.”
Commissioner of Agriculture: Standing together to fight hunger in West Virginia
‘Hunger is not a political issue: it is a human one.’ West Virginia Department of Agriculture is mobilizing food banks, redirecting USDA commodities, offering refrigerated trucks and more to help families amid potential SNAP delays caused by the federal shutdown.
