Upshur County Commission

09/04/2026

The Office of the Upshur County Commission is accepting applications for full-time E911 telecommunicator (dispatch) position. Applications will be received until the positions is filled. The starting rate of pay is $15.00 per hour. Applicants with prior 911 experience may qualify for higher pay based on experience and qualifications. Individuals may pick up an application form at the Office of the Upshur County Commission located at the Upshur County Administrative Annex, 91 West Main Street, Suite l 01, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or on the website at: www.upshurcounty.org. Please return the application to the following:

Upshur County Communications Center Kimbra Wachob, E911 Assistant Director
181 Pallottine Drive Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201

or via email to [email protected]

Applicants must be able to communicate and work with the public during stressful situations and events. Writing, typing and computer skills are necessary to perform the duties of the position. Knowledge of Upshur County and the City of Buckhannon would be beneficial for this position. Previous experience in this type of work environment would be beneficial. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED and have the ability to read and interpret operations documents and manuals. Schedule may involve working rotating shifts throughout the month. Applicants must have the availability to work any shift. Successful applicants must complete and become certified by a nationally recognized dispatch course as selected by Upshur County (such as APCO), become certified on the West Virginia Automated Police Network System (WEAPONS), successfully complete an emergency medical dispatch (EMD) course and pass an extensive 90- day in-house training program. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation and drug testing. Working in the 911 Center requires strict confidentiality and the ability to function as a member of a team. Employment with Upshur County is available to all qualified applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, s*x, age or handicap. Upshur County has established a drug free and to***co free work environment.

08/28/2026

Reminder: Substantial Damage Determinations

Substantial Damage Determinations for structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Area are still being conducted in Upshur County for homes and businesses affected by the July 21–22, 2026, flooding event.

Substantial Damage Determinations will be conducted by the Upshur County Commission and the City of Buckhannon in accordance with their respective Floodplain Ordinances and as part of their local floodplain management responsibilities. These determinations help identify structures that may require specific permitting, mitigation measures, or additional compliance steps as part of the long-term recovery process.

**What residents and property owners should know:

1. County Commission employees will be conducting assessments in **marked vehicles**.
2. Assessments will be conducted from the roadway or yard.
3. Employees will NOT enter or assess the interior of any structure.

These assessments are an important part of the long-term recovery process and help ensure that flood-affected properties are addressed in accordance with applicable floodplain regulations.

08/24/2026

Local officials are encouraging residents to take mold remediation seriously as cleanup continues across Upshur County. Flood survivors often feel pressure to return to normalcy quickly, but failing to properly address mold can lead to long‑term health and structural problems.

Trusted Mold Remediation Resources: Residents are encouraged to review the following reputable guidance:

EPA’s “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” Printable version available at EPA.gov. Although designed for larger facilities, the principles apply to homes and small businesses.

National Environmental Health Association — Indoor Mold Concerns https://pubs.neha.org/indoor-mold-concerns A clear, accessible resource for homeowners navigating mold issues after flooding.

City and County Officials emphasize that proper drying, cleaning, and removal of contaminated materials is essential to prevent future hazards.

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Coordinated Release Issued By: City of Buckhannon • Upshur County Commission • Upshur County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Website of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment.

08/24/2026

Upshur County Community Partners invite all flood‑recovery organizers, volunteers, and supporting organizations to join a collaborative discussion focused on long‑term recovery needs, ongoing efforts, and coordinated support for our neighbors.

Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Safety Complex, 22 S. Florida Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

Your voice. Your ideas. Our future. Working together for a stronger Upshur County.

Discussion Focus

Share Ideas — Identify needs, challenges, and opportunities.
Build Partnerships — Strengthen coordination among agencies and volunteers.
Support the Community — Align resources to meet long‑term recovery goals.
Plan for the Future — Develop sustainable strategies for continued relief and rebuilding.

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Coordinated Release Issued By: City of Buckhannon • Upshur County Commission • Upshur County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

08/23/2026

Residents Strongly Encouraged to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Center on Main Street — Local officials are urging all Upshur County residents who experienced damage from the recent flooding to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located on the 2nd Floor of the Upshur County Development Authority Building, 21 East Main Street, Buckhannon. The center is open Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

FEMA staff are available to help survivors register for federal disaster assistance, review documentation, and explain what benefits may be available. Everyone with flood damage should apply, even if they are unsure whether they qualify.

Important Information About FEMA Calls & Application Processing: After completing an application, FEMA will contact applicants to schedule an inspection of damaged property and materials. These calls may come from out of state area codes, and residents are encouraged to answer them.

Officials remind residents to remain alert for potential scams:
• FEMA will never ask for money, banking details, or credit card information.
• FEMA will attempt to call three times. If they cannot reach you, the application may receive an initial denial, but you can still appeal.
• Always read FEMA correspondence carefully and completely.
• Even if approved for assistance, you may accept or decline the award for any reason.

FEMA assistance is provided as grants, not loans. For those interested in low interest disaster loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) specialists are also available at the Disaster Relief Center. FEMA and SBA are separate agencies, each offering different forms of support to flood survivors.

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Coordinated Release Issued By: City of Buckhannon • Upshur County Commission • Upshur County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

08/21/2026

08/14/2026

City and County officials are providing additional clarification for residents reporting debris blockages in local streams following the recent flooding.

The West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA) and its partner Conservation Districts are focused specifically on stream‑based debris blockages that may worsen flooding or impede natural water flow. Their technicians are deployed statewide to assess flood‑related stream debris and to coordinate assistance where appropriate.

Important Clarifications for Residents

Conservation Districts must work directly with the property owner. Technicians cannot enter private property or begin any assessment unless the actual property owner is aware, reachable, and able to grant permission.
Their mission is limited to stream debris blockages. Conservation Districts evaluate debris within streams, creeks, and natural drainage channels where blockages may create or worsen flooding hazards.

They cannot clear culverts. Culverts, driveway pipes, road‑crossing structures, and other man‑made drainage features fall outside the WVCA’s authority. Residents should continue reporting stream debris blockages to their district office:
Upshur County residents are to contact the Tygart’s Valley Conservation District, Phone: (304) 457‑3026

WVCA technicians will coordinate with property owners to determine whether a blockage meets criteria for assistance and will prioritize locations based on severity and public safety concerns.

Local officials appreciate the community’s cooperation and encourage residents to report stream debris promptly so assessments can continue efficiently.

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Coordinated Release Issued By: City of Buckhannon • Upshur County Commission • Upshur County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

08/13/2026

This is a reminder that FEMA is currently operating a Disaster Recovery Center in Upshur County to provide in‑person support for individuals and families seeking federal disaster aid following the recent flooding.

The center is on the 2nd floor of the Upshur County Development Authority at 21 East Main Street, Buckhannon, and is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

FEMA personnel are available on site to help residents:

· Apply for federal disaster assistance

· Ask questions about available programs

· Submit required documentation for Individual Assistance and related support

Residents who experienced damage or loss in the recent flood are strongly encouraged to visit the center as soon as possible. Meeting directly with FEMA staff can help ensure applications are completed accurately and processed without delay.

Individuals may also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov using Disaster Number DR‑4932, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1‑800‑621‑3362.

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Coordinated Release Issued By: City of Buckhannon • Upshur County Commission • Upshur County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.

08/11/2026

🚨 FLOOD DEBRIS PICKUP UPDATE
Regular household garbage service has continued as normal throughout Upshur County. Flood‑related debris pickup is now entering its final phase.

If you still have flood-related debris that needs picked up in Upshur, please have it out and ready for pickup within the next two days. Crews are continuing to work through the locations that have been reported.

If you have a large amount of flood debris or are concerned your location may have been missed, please reach out so we can make sure we have your address:
📞 Call or text: 304-439-4698

Thank you for helping us make this final push and for your patience as our crews continue working throughout the community.