Privacy Policy

Discover Buckhannon™ (accessible at discoverbuckhannon.com) is a hyperlocal community platform owned and operated by WV Commons, LLC.

We built this app for our neighbors, and we treat your data the way we'd want our own data treated: minimally collected, never sold, and kept only as long as needed. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights over your data.

Discover Buckhannon™ (operated by WV Commons, LLC) offers optional SMS (text message) features, including safety check-ins for our Bobcat Watch program (walking buddies, campus runs, and student perks for West Virginia Wesleyan College students), account security alerts, and important community notifications.

How opt-in works

• You must explicitly opt in to receive SMS messages by entering your mobile phone number on https://discoverbuckhannon.com and confirming your consent.
• Opt-in is never a condition of using the rest of Discover Buckhannon™. You can use every other feature of the platform without providing a mobile phone number.
• Prior to opting in, you are presented with explicit disclosure language explaining message frequency, carrier rate warnings, opt-out instructions, and links to this Privacy Policy.

Types of SMS messages you may receive

• Safety check-ins: When a Bobcat Watch buddy checks in on you or you request a check-in timer.
• Account security: One-time verification codes and important security alerts.
• Community safety notifications: Urgent local alerts you have opted into (weather emergencies, road closures, safety updates).

Message frequency

Message frequency varies based on the features you opt into and your activity. Safety check-ins are event-driven (sent only when a check-in occurs). Account security messages are rare and sent only when requested.

Opting out (STOP)

You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by:

• Replying STOP to any text message from us. You will receive a single confirmation message and will no longer receive SMS messages from that number.
• Disabling SMS notifications in your Discover Buckhannon™ account settings.
• Removing your mobile phone number from your profile.

Getting help (HELP)

Reply HELP to any text message from us for assistance, or contact us directly at connect@wvcommons.com or (304) 460-4876.

Message and data rates

Message and data rates may apply. Discover Buckhannon™ (operated by WV Commons, LLC) does not charge for SMS messages, but your mobile carrier's standard messaging rates apply. Check with your carrier for details about your plan.

Supported carriers & partner

SMS messages are delivered via Twilio, our trusted communications infrastructure partner. Twilio processes your mobile number solely to deliver messages on our behalf and does not use your number for marketing or share it with third parties.

We keep your account information as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, we remove your profile and personal data within 30 days, though some content (like posts and comments) may remain visible attributed to "Deleted User" to preserve conversation threads.

Business transfers & SMS Carve-Out: If WV Commons, LLC is ever involved in a merger, acquisition, reorganization, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, general user account information may be transferred to the successor entity. However, text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will never be transferred, shared, or sold as part of any business transaction or corporate restructuring.

Questions, concerns, or requests about your privacy? Reach out:

Your privacy matters. Thanks for trusting us with your community. 🏔️