Shepherd University basketball is back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Jefferson County resident Rob Kuska is a career science writer and the author of three books on basketball. Kuska spoke with Justin Namolik, now entering his 14th season as head men’s basketball coach, to get his thoughts on Shepherd’s return to the hardwood and running a college basketball program during a pandemic. Read the Full Story >>
Community
Keeping On Track
A lot of what happens in county government focuses on daily operations but the long term payoff comes from educated citizens who have the skills to participate in a twenty-first century economy that is both local and global in the same place. Read the Full Story >>
Celebrate By Giving
The holiday season can be a joyful time of year, where friends and family come together to celebrate and give thanks. It can also be an opportunity to give back to your community and help others. Consider supporting the mission of one of the many local charitable organizations that assist community members in need. Read the Full Story >>
When Pets Become Your Business
“It started with just two sheep about 10 years ago,” recalls artist Bridget Brown. “I’m a graphic designer and have created art in watercolor and pastel for many years. My partner Tim had purchased the sheep to raise and sell, but I decided I wanted to keep them. Read the Full Story >>
Are You Ready for a Pet?
There is a lot of research showing that pets can boost both the physical and mental health of humans. The challenge is to understand and commit to the obligations of pet ownership so it's a mutually beneficial relationship. Read the Full Story >>
Is There A Room Available?
If you’ve ever rented a beach house or a mountain cabin for a week, you’ve likely stayed at a “short-term rental” property. These resort-area rentals have been available for decades, and prior to the internet, were typically booked through a local property management company. While local-agent rentals are still common in beach and mountain locales, the online booking companies Airbnb and Vrbo have established themselves as portals for guests to access a wide variety of short-term rentals in big cities, small towns, the suburbs, and recreation areas across the country. Read the Full Story >>
The Holiday Bear Fair Returns
Get your crayons and creativity ready! The second annual Holiday Bear Fair featuring Jefferson the Bear returns in the next issue of The Observer. The Holiday Bear Fair is once again sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank. Read the Full Story >>
Short-Term Rentals: What Homeowners Should Consider
Before you open up your property for guests, you should be aware of the state and local regulations, tax requirements, and insurance issues. Read the Full Story >>
Weaving In Anticipation
The fall equinox really did signal a change of season this year, sending us to the closet looking for sweaters for an evening walk with the dogs. Orb-weaver spiders (above) seem to be in unusual abundance this year too — perhaps they want to get back to normalcy and just hang out like everyone else. Read the Full Story >>
Fashion Supports A Passion
Gina Franklyn started in Shepherdstown 15 years ago with the idea of a shop to sell “simple, good things” (hence the name). She remarked that she focuses on “listening and understanding her customers and searching around for merchandise that she thinks might appeal to them.” Read the Full Story >>
Family-Friendly & Accessible Walks
There are plenty of options for easy walking adventures in and around Jefferson County. The Observer staff has highlighted some local and regional parks, trails, and nature preserves that offer fun, family-friendly, and often ADA-accessible trails. Read the Full Story >>
CASA Online Fundraising Challenge, Oct 1-31
CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is hosting its second Superhero Challenge to raise support for the most vulnerable children across the region. Unlike a normal road race during which hundreds or thousands of runners gather on the same path at the same time, the CASA-EP Superhero Challenge can be completed at your own pace, in your own way, and wherever you go. Run, walk, hike, bike, and get active however you like to support this activity challenge throughout the month of October. Join the fun on your own, with your kids, friends, or colleagues, and get active for a good cause. Read the Full Story >>
Turtle Talk — Oct 1
John Steffen, assistant professor of biology at Shepherd University, researches how painted turtles change color in response to the foods they eat, whether turtles actively seek out food with color-inducing pigments, and whether turtle stripes and spots can function to indicate aspects of their health. Read the Full Story >>
Library Repairs Begin In Shepherdstown
Repairs on the library have begun in Shepherdstown — the services of Gruber-Lattimer of Sharpsburg, Maryland have been selected to restore the historic brick structure of the Old Market House. The home of the Shepherdstown Library was damaged by a vehicle on July 4. Read the Full Story >>
Locals Loving Cocina Plantosaurus in Charles Town
Cocina Plantosaurus, at 216 West Washington Street in Charles Town, has gotten rave reviews from customers since it opened in July. The tastes are from Puerto Rico, the ingredients are from plants, and the smiles are everywhere. Read the Full Story >>