The Jefferson County Commission takes additional steps to reorganize the county's EMS services. The Commission approved plans to purchase 10 ambulances from volunteer companies, but questions on locations, organization, and budget still need answers. Read the Full Story >>
Economy & Environment
Questions for Solar Projects
The County Commission discussed permit fees for solar projects at its July 21 meeting. The commissioners discussed a range of fees, with Commissioner Jane Tabb proposing $700,000 to ensure the County covers its review and inspection costs while Commissioner Steve Stolipher suggested a cap of $75,000. Projects of similar size in nearby jurisdictions pay permit fees ranging from $700,000 to $1,400,000. The Commission decided to defer a decision and requested staff to provide further research and recommendations to be presented at a future meeting (Aug 4 or Aug 18). Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Looks at Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan for the Corporation of Shepherdstown is due for an update. As a first step, the Town Council has authorized the Planning Commission to create a committee of volunteers to review and assess the Town’s progress towards the goals set forth in the 2014 plan. Read the Full Story >>
Tracking the Bats Overhead
Last Saturday night, I led a friend and her family on a bat walk. She said it was the only thing she wanted for her birthday, so I met her at her house near Ranson, West Virginia around 8:30 pm. It had rained all day but started to clear up in the late afternoon. Perfect “batting” weather. Read the Full Story >>
Identify & Avoid Poison Hemlock & Wild Parsnip
Queen Anne’s Lace is a lovely name for a pretty wildflower. But beware the look-alikes that have become common in West Virginia, particularly Wild Parsnip, Poison Hemlock, and Cow Parsley. Read the Full Story >>
Dutchman’s Pipe, the Old Porch Vine
When my wife and I added a new trellis to our old side porch, we knew the perfect vine to plant there. Facing northwest, the porch is shaded by the house until it gets the full afternoon sun, just the place to plant a Dutchman’s pipe, also called pipevine. Read the Full Story >>
Rockwool Factory In Ranson Marks First Year of Production
One year ago this month, Rockwool North America announced the start of commercial production at its 130-acre insulation factory off Route 9 in Ranson. Where do things stand now? The Observer contacted Rockwool and reviewed publicly available information to prepare this update. Read the Full Story >>
Visit Our Local Parks
With gasoline prices climbing, it makes more sense than ever to take advantage of nearby recreation options. Fortunately, there is no shortage of national wilderness areas and parks within a short drive from Jefferson County. And you can stretch your dollar even farther by taking advantage of discounted or free access passes from the National Park Service. Read the Full Story >>
Stunning Colors at the Feeder
A half-dozen goldfinches, pure yellow against the fresh grass of May, sought scattered dandelion seeds. Brilliant as they are, they can’t compare to the painted bunting that showed up at Tom O’Connor’s Clarke County, Virginia bird feeder a few days ago. Read the Full Story >>
Air Quality Forum – June 2
The Rockwool Ranson facility is required to file an application for its air permit with the WV Department of Environmental Protection in June. The non-profit Jefferson County Foundation will summarize the permitting process as it applies to the Rockwool facility, followed by a discussion about how residents can engage in this review process. Read the Full Story >>
Reeling In Big Fish & Big Tales
The largest member of the pike family, Esox masquiniongy got the name muskellunge from an Ojibway expression meaning “big fish.” True to its name, a musky grows bigger than any other fish in its habitat. Read the Full Story >>
Solar in Jefferson County
Jefferson County could be home to several large scale solar power projects - if the County can amend its zoning to permit these facilities. There has been much discussion, several amendments, and several lawsuits since this process began in 2020. Read the Full Story >>
Drama at the Nest
They were all set to start a family. The nursery was almost ready. Then one day everything changed when a young stranger appeared. Is this the trailer for a new soap opera? No, it’s part of the drama that’s unfolded over the past month keeping viewers tuned in to the live camera feed at the Shepherdstown eagle nest. Read the Full Story >>
The Bradford Pear Outgrows Its Welcome
It sounded like springtime in December. Three dozen robins were singing and scolding on Christmas morning. They had gathered to feed on the fruits of a Bradford pear, an ornamental tree that was the darling of landscapers thirty years ago but is now black-listed by many gardeners and nature lovers. Read the Full Story >>
Barred Owls Hoot a Duet
As a new year starts, I love to step outside at dusk and see the twigs of the bare trees etched against the greenish afterglow of sunset. I was about to call the dogs back into the house when I heard two barred owls hooting. We don’t hear barred owls too often. Hearing them makes me smile. Read the Full Story >>
