Mike Chalmers, Author at The Observer

JCPS Responds to Rise in Special Education Needs with New Student Support Center

June 17, 2019

In April, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced in a press release that, due to a significant increase in both the number of students and the level of student needs served in the past decade—particul...

Drug Take Back Day Gets an Upgrade in Shepherdstown

Mike Chalmers

April 7, 2019

Drugs & Addiction

Across the U.S. every year, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day lands in cities and towns with the goal of providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while als...

Martinsburg High School’s Grant Harman Simply Won’t Be Denied

Mike Chalmers

March 1, 2019

Features, Sports

Say the name Grant Harman pretty much anywhere in the Panhandle, and those who follow sports, and many others, will not only know the name, but will likely have more than a few adulatory things to say about the...

Shepherdstown Debates the Emergence of Transient Lodging

Mike Chalmers

January 8, 2019

Features, Society

Arguably the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown remains surprisingly on trend within an assortment of social, political, and even municipal categories. Which is why it should come as no surprise to lea...

Tyson Bagent’s Record-Setting First Season at Shepherd

Mike Chalmers

November 30, 2018

Features, Sports

This time last year, we put Tyson Bagent on the cover in recognition of his inspiring achievements as Martinsburg High School’s starting quarterback, which had culminated in a second straight state title and un...

You’re Either on Team Recovery or You’re Not

Mike Chalmers

November 5, 2018

Drugs & Addiction

Some of the most recent opioid numbers reveal approximately 72,000 yearly drug overdose deaths in the U.S. (2017)—around 30,000 of those directly related to opioids. Depending on the study, and particularly, th...

Shepherd University Athletic Club Takes First Step Towards Prolific Future

Mike Chalmers

September 6, 2018

Features, Sports

Shepherd University Athletics will officially announce the kickoff of the Shepherd University Athletic Club (SUAC) with a FREE launch party on Friday, September 14, at 6pm, at the Smallwood and Small Pavilion w...

He Said. She Said. They Said. We Said.

Mike Chalmers

September 4, 2018

Environment, Features

— Jefferson County divides itself over the arrival of Rockwool. As the title of this piece indicates, there’s a lot to unpack here. Comprised of almost daily coverage via area newspapers (and beyond), radio ...

A Community Conversation with Alan B. Gibson

Mike Chalmers

July 24, 2018

Community

Local author and entrepreneur, Alan B. Gibson, has a lot going on. He and his partner were recognized for years as the owner/operators of the popular Ridgefield Farm & Orchard located just outside of Shephe...

Fresh Take on Fitness and Community Propels Winchester Gym

Mike Chalmers

June 2, 2018

Features, Sports

Located at 2241 Valor Drive, Winchester (VA), Winchester Boxing & Fitness officially opened its doors in June 2016, and has since grown in just about every way possible. Owner/trainers John Custer and Mi...

Author Mike Chalmers