Which Upshur County Commissioner(s) Will Take the Plunge on February 11th?

January 15, 2023

Mountaineer News

Upshur County Commission

Alisa Lively addressed the Upshur County County Commission on January 12th and challenged them to take the Polar Plunge on February 11th. / Mountaineer News Photo

BUCKHANNON - Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner and West Virginia Wesleyan’s interim President, Dr. James Moore have committed to take the Plunge during the 2023 Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason fundraising event happening at the Buckhannon Riverwalk Park boat ramp Saturday, February 11th.

During the January 12th Upshur County Commission meeting, Alisa Lively addressed Commission and posed the same challenge:

“As you may know, the Special Olympics of Upshur county is very important to me and a passion of mine, and we are part of Special Olympics West Virginia. You may or may not know that we have about 50 athletes in the county who are active in 11 sports, and we practice year-round. We have great partnerships with the college and different facilities that they allow us to use their facilities to practice,” Lively said

“Our athletes range from eight and up, so we’ve reached out to the Upshur County Board of Education to recruit new members. We’re currently practicing for cheerleading, basketball individual skills and basketball team,” Lively said.

“Wesleyan is actually hosting a regional competition on February 12th. We’d love for you to come watch the kids play. It’s always fun to see them engage in college athletics… the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be serving as referees and scorekeepers… so we’re excited about that.”

Funds raised from the upcoming Polar Plunge fundraiser goes toward uniforms, supplies and travel to competitions. This is the first polar plunge in Buckhannon, and is being joined by Wheeling, Ripley, Hurricane and Morgantown.

Tasha Carrico attended the January 5th Upshur County Commission meeting and challenged Mayor Skinner to take the Plunge. He accepted. (Watch Carrico challenge Mayor Skinner in the link provided.)

Carrico wanted to challenge Commissioner Kristy Tenney, Doug Bush or Sam Nolte, and even County Administrator Tabatha Assistant County Administrator Cindy to represent the County and take the Plunge.

Unfortunately, both Carrico and Commissioner Nolte were unable to attend the January 12th meeting , so we don’t know who will take the plunge until it’s announced by Commission.

Commissioner Bush stated that he would take the plunge if the entire Commission agreed to be Freezin’ for a Reason on Saturday, February 11th!

In the meantime, here's what you need to know about the 2023 Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason:

Polar Plunges are Special Olympics WV largest fundraising activity for the over 4,400 athletes in West Virginia.

Registration begins at 12:30pm with a costume contest slated for 1:30pm. The Plunge kicks off at 2:00pm with an award ceremony given immediately afterward.

Following the award ceremony, an After Plunge Party will commence at the Opera House, 12 E Main Street, Buckhannon. Cost is a $10 donation per guest; Plungers get in FREE.

Fundraising perks for participants are as follows (to be awarded during the award ceremony):

If you would like to participate, please CLICK HERE for more information.

VIDEO CONTENT:

Watch Alisa Lively address the Upshur County Commission on January 12th:

Alisa Lively challenges the Upshur County Commission to take the Polar Plunge on February 11th:

Alisa Lively's closing remarks to Commission: