West Virginia

Join Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County and make a difference

Published

2 years ago

May 5, 2024

Join Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County and make a difference

BUCKHANNON, WV — Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? Consider becoming a volunteer with Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County, a dedicated organization with a mission to spread literacy throughout Upshur County by offering free and confidential one-on-one tutoring in reading, basic math, computer skills and other life skills.

According to Jennifer Higham, Director of LVUC, their focus is on teaching students to read. The organization also has an ESL tutor. Higham emphasized the importance of addressing literacy and math skills deficits in the area, noting that Upshur County has a 19% illiteracy rate.

Higham also highlighted the organization’s goal-oriented approach, which includes meeting various goals such as preparing students for the West Virginia driver’s test, helping them balance a checkbook and meeting any other needs they may have.

LVUC hosts various fundraising events throughout the year, including raffles, yard sales and book sales, to support its mission.

LVUC welcomes anyone interested in donating books throughout the year to do so Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at their location at 88 W. Main St., Buckhannon, WV 26201.

Higham expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support, noting that all proceeds from their book sales and other fundraisers benefit LVUC and their students. LVUC also participates in community events, such as Festival Fridays, where they host free children’s book giveaways throughout the summer.

Since 1985, LVUC has taught 500 people to learn how to read and helped them with other aspects of their lives.

“The pandemic has been torturous for most nonprofits, and we’re no exception,” Higham said. “We would love to see some new faces come out to our fundraisers or apply to be a tutor.”

If you’re interested in making a difference in Upshur County and helping others improve their literacy skills, consider becoming a Literacy Volunteer with LVUC. For more information about volunteering or donating, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyVolunteersOfUpshurCounty or contact them directly at (304) 472-2343.

Source link

West Virginia

Oldest Toughman Contest in West Virginia returns for 47th year

Published

36 minutes ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Oldest Toughman Contest in West Virginia returns for 47th year

CLARKSBURG, W.Va (WDTV) – The Toughman Contest will return to Clarksburg this weekend for its 47th year, with the Nathan Goff Armory hosting the event for the 45th consecutive time.

The tournament was founded in 1979 in Bay City, Michigan by Art Dore, a former professional boxer. Dore later teamed up with Jerry Thomas to bring the event to West Virginia.

The contest is designed for amateur boxers, with no professionals allowed to compete. A new rule introduced this year prohibits former winners from competing in future Toughman contests.

“The event is three 1-minute rounds. Everyone wears 16 oz. gloves which is a training glove. There’s no headgear required for this now, hasn’t been for about 7 or 8 years and they get a one-minute rest between each round. We’ll have experienced trainers in each corner,” said Jerry Thomas, president of West Virginia Sports Promotions.

Two doctors will be ringside along with paramedics and EMTs from Harrison County Emergency Squad to tend to fighters after their bouts.

The tournament features five weight classes for both men and women. Fighters will weigh in Friday at 4 p.m., where matchmakers will determine opponents based on age, size and experience.

The single-elimination tournament begins Friday night, with all participants fighting once before returning Saturday to advance through the bracket until winners are crowned.

“The winners here in the men’s division will take home $1,000 for first place prize. The runner-up in each weight class will receive $500. The winner receives a nice Toughman jacket that you can only obtain by winning the tournament or working for the company,” Thomas said.

The weekend will also feature two professional fights. Friday’s bout will be a four-round super middleweight contest, and Saturday will feature an eight-round title fight for the vacant West Virginia cruiserweight championship.

Tickets and live streaming options can be purchased on their website. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door before the event begins at 7 p.m.

Source link

West Virginia

WV House Democrats say they’ll prioritize affordability during session

Published

13 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

WV House Democrats say they’ll prioritize affordability during session

The minority party of the West Virginia House of Delegates hope to prioritize affordability and lowering the cost of living during the 2026 legislative session, which starts this week. The House Democrats held a news conference Monday to announce their “kitchen table” agenda for this year. The plan comes after they held a series of […]

Source link

West Virginia

W.Va. couple arrested in South Carolina after allegedly kidnapping biological child

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

W.Va. couple arrested in South Carolina after allegedly kidnapping biological child

KINGSTREE, S.C. (WCHS) — A Randolph County couple were arrested in South Carolina on Sunday after they allegedly fled West Virginia with their child, which they didn’t have legal custody over, troopers said.

Darries L. Fauntleroy and Megan R. Fauntleroy, both 40, of Montrose were each charged with felony conspiracy and taking a minor child from a custodian out of the state of West Virginia, according to a press release from the Elkins Detachment of West Virginia State Police.

Troopers said the seven-year-old child was in custody of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The Fauntleroys are the biological parents of the child, but allegedly neither had legal custody of the child. In particular, Megan was allegedly not allowed to be in the presence of the child, according to troopers.

Troopers said according to WVDHHR, the couple took the child from the area and were believed to have fled the state, making their way to South Carolina. After an investigation between WVSP, the United States Marshals Service and local South Carolina law enforcement, troopers said the couple was located.

The couple was then arrested in Kingstree, S.C., by officers with the Kingstree Police Department, the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, troopers said, adding that they are both awaiting extradition back to West Virginia.

Meanwhile, the child was safely located and is in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services awaiting a safe return to the care of WVDHHR.

Source link