BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Verified Local Report

Following recent safety concerns at Hodgesville Elementary School, THE UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has assigned a full-time deputy to the campus through January 2026. The decision was publicly confirmed by the sheriff’s office and discussed during a meeting of THE UPSHUR COUNTY COMMISSION, where parents expressed concerns about threats made online toward the school.

The threats originated from an individual who had previously posted comments in an online chat referencing the ability to “snipe” children at Hodgesville Elementary. The individual was initially charged and later released under home confinement. Because the individual’s residence is located near the school, parents raised concerns about line-of-sight access and potential safety risks.

During the Nov. 21 county commission meeting, multiple parents attended and submitted a formal letter requesting immediate and long-term security measures. In response, the commission acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that A SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION RESOURCE OFFICER—a full-time sheriff’s deputy—would be stationed on campus for the coming months.

Parents at the meeting also urged THE UPSHUR COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION to enhance structural security, including installing a privacy fence along the school’s playground. The fence, they argued, would remove any direct line-of-sight from surrounding private residences. While county officials acknowledged the request, no formal timeline or approval has yet been announced for construction or funding.

Officials noted that this early response is aimed at stabilizing safety while long-term decisions are evaluated. The security assignment is currently set through January 2026, though parents have expressed interest in a permanent or year-round security presence, depending on future assessments from the sheriff’s office and school leadership.

At this time, no additional restrictions have been confirmed regarding the individual involved in the original threat beyond the existing home confinement conditions. As of the latest reports, THE UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE continues regular monitoring in accordance with court orders.

Authorities have not announced whether further security infrastructure—such as fencing, access-control adjustments, or surveillance upgrades—will be added. Both the Board of Education and county officials indicated that ongoing conversations are expected in the coming weeks as the community evaluates long-term solutions.

This report includes only confirmed, first-hand information from law-enforcement agencies and county government. No allegations, assumptions, or unverified claims are included. Statements are attributed to official public bodies or publicly documented meeting records.

Sources

Primary Local Source

My Buckhannon (2025, Nov. 30). Parents attend commission meeting as new fence and deputy pledged for Hodgesville Elementary amid safety concerns.

First-Hand Public Records

Upshur County Sheriff’s Office – Public statements regarding PRO deputy placement
Upshur County Commission – Nov. 21 meeting minutes and discussion
Upshur County Board of Education – Acknowledgment of parent concerns during meeting

Secondary Reporting (Context Only)

WV News (2025, Nov. 22–23). Sheriff adds full-time deputy at Hodgesville after suspect released near school.

WV News (2025, Nov. 18). Release of man who made threats spurs security changes at Upshur school.

WV News (2025, Nov. 21). Upshur County commissioners address Hodgesville Elementary security, home confinement concerns.