July 2023 marks McKowen’s debut in her new role in which she’ll select and shape five plays to premier at CATF, considered one of the country’s top festivals for new plays. Starting in 2006, McKowen worked with Ed Herendeen, CATF’s now retired founder, as costume designer and later Associate Producing Director, to present first-class theater productions and related programs. Now, she intends to uphold CATF’s traditions and pursue new ones. Read the Full Story >>
Community
No More State Funds for Ranson Construction
Joyce White, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Jefferson County Schools (JCS), spoke to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on April 24 to give a brief update on the new Ranson Elementary School project. “The contractor has equipment on site” was the report, pointing out the visible confirmation that the construction phase of the project is finally underway. The update on the school system’s request for additional state funding was equally to the point — “no additional funding.” Read the Full Story >>
Ambulance Plan Concerns
On March 1 of this year, the Jefferson County Commission officially reorganized the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations as a department reporting to the County Administrator. Previously, the EMS operations were managed by the Emergency Services Agency (ESA), an independent organization created to coordinate both fire and emergency medical services throughout the county. Read the Full Story >>
Interfaith Group Believes in Unity & Connection
Each Wednesday for six weeks leading up to Easter, a different church played host to a Lenten prayer service. but there was a catch — a preacher from yet a different church led the service, which is why Pastor Boomer was before the altar at Trinity, not Reverend Schramm. These services were organized through the Shepherdstown Ministerial Association, which has been active in Shepherdstown for more than 40 years to forge connections between the many churches in the community. Read the Full Story >>
Downtown Emporium Nurtures Small Businesses
The evolution of the Needful Things Emporium is a tale of savvy merchants with a penchant for regeneration and grit. Melissa Glascock (or Missy as she’s locally known) is the current owner of this longtime family enterprise. From the warm greetings from literally every customer who passed by during our interview, it’s obvious she’s an integral part of downtown Charles Town Read the Full Story >>
Theater Youth Summer Programs
There are several local programs this summer for children who are curious about acting and theater production. Read the Full Story >>
Youth Music Camps at Shepherd University
The School of Music has announced camps for string orchestra, jazz, jazz flute, woodwind, to be held on the Shepherd University Campus in June Read the Full Story >>
Collecting Food for Kidz Power Pacs
The Leadership Jefferson class of 2023 has partnered Kidz Power Pacs (KPP) to collect food donations for Kidz Power Pacs at the Weis grocery store in Ranson (217 Oak Lee Drive) on May 13 (Sat), 10 am - 4 pm. Read the Full Story >>
Fourth Solar Project Comes to Jefferson County
The concept plan for the Flowing Springs Farm project proposes a solar panel installation on 660 acres adjacent to the Aspen Greens and Beallair subdivisions northeast of Charles Town. Read the Full Story >>
County Seeks Public Input on Transportation Concerns
The Jefferson County Commission will host a Transportation Summit on May 23 to discuss priorities for transportation funding in the County. Read the Full Story >>
Suicide Prevention Seeking Event Sponsors
The Brian ONeill Jr Foundation is a locally-based nonprofit organization focused on the fight against suicide. The foundation is seeking sponsors for its annual Stronger With Each Step 5K run to be held on May 21 at the Hedgesville High School Cross Country field. The mission of the foundation is to empower individuals and their families to prevent youth and young adult suicide. Read the Full Story >>
Creating Connections in Our Community
The word angel was used more than once. Even if you had never met Sara Lueck, you could feel her kindness and positivity in the tributes offered during a recent vigil. She made a career as a librarian at Jefferson County Schools and a vocation of serving the community. And those connections live on. Read the Full Story >>
Garden Club Tour Showcases Member Talents
The Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council is presenting its 65th House and Garden Tour at the end of April. Read the Full Story >>
New Ideas Bloom at Dogwood General Store
Shepherdstown locals have long been reclaiming historic spaces; access to old buildings with a rich history is part of the charm of this small town. Walking into the new Dogwood General store on German Street feels as though the building itself has reclaimed its original incarnation Read the Full Story >>
Inherited Justice Black Hole
In Memory of George Floyd, and Too Many Others We circle,Resisting the pull,Watching what we say,Where we go.“Remember who you are,”Our parents warn,As we circle,Trying to keep our distanceFrom the no escape. We circle,From the orbitsWhere “kindship” wasGone with the wind of theAuction block, toMore sophisticated waysTo give a life for a living. We circle,Ten Read the Full Story >>