Community

Residents are encouraged to bring unused prescription medications to collection sites this Saturday, Oct. 25, for the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The anonymous, free event helps prevent misuse and accidental overdoses.

County and city leaders agreed to purchase river gauges that will provide advance flood warnings. The state will install and maintain the gauges; units cost about $6,000 with no annual fee.

Executive Director Kathy McMurray told the Upshur County Commission that Mountain CAP of West Virginia served more than 1,000 individuals in 2024 and has launched new programs — including a diaper assistance effort — to support families and improve community health.

Upshur Parish House is collecting request forms and donations for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meal packages. Upshur County residents can pick up and submit forms Oct. 13–24 in Buckhannon or Oct. 15 and 22 in Rock Cave; donations are also welcome and needed.

Kelley Tierney’s eighth annual soup drive is collecting cans through Oct. 31 to stock weekend backpacks and break bags for Upshur County students. Drop-offs at her State Farm office on East Main Street are matched can-for-can.

Weyerhaeuser named Buckhannon its third THRIVE community and committed $1 million to be distributed over several years. Company and local leaders will work together to identify long-term projects that benefit residents.

Feed My Sheep, located on Brushy Fork Road, told Upshur County commissioners it provides food, clothing and hygiene supplies, serves thousands monthly and is expanding services to help residents get IDs and access job resources.

The Band of Brothers recently launched their annual calendar fundraiser, aiming to raise at least $40,000 to assist underprivileged children and elderly residents with home repairs. The $15 calendars feature Al Tucker’s West Virginia photos. Proceeds fund about 25 local programs.

Community members gathered Sept. 28 at Jawbone Park to dedicate the Gold Star Mothers Rose Garden, a living memorial honoring families who lost loved ones in military service and connected to the park’s Walk of Valor.

A $4,000 Subaru Loves Pets grant will fund reduced adoption fees, spay/neuter surgeries, Lyme testing and free microchips as Luv 4 Animals aims to clear the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Center in October with an adoption event Oct. 18.

The Almost Heaven BBQ Bash committee will host an All You Can Eat Fish Fry on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Peak Pavilion (BiCentennial Inn) in Buckhannon. Advance tickets are available through Sept. 26; proceeds benefit the 2026 BBQ Bash.

The organizer of the first WV Hillbilly Days said 1,200–1,500 people attended; he plans to make the festival an annual event in North Buckhannon Riverfront Park. The event featured food, a car show and live music.