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 >>
Charles Town & Ranson
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival Launches New Event
You can play almost anywhere with four people,” remarked Katie Tertell, artistic director and organizer of the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival. “You can be in an intimate space and the audience can be there with you. When I play informal house concerts, people say it’s such a different experience to be this close. Read the Full Story >>
Main Street America Recognizes Charles Town’s Recovery Efforts
When the Governor issued the stay-at-home order closing restaurants and retail shops in March 2020, the organizers of Charles Town Now (CTN) moved quickly to implement a curbside takeout and gift card program. One year later CTN noted the anniversary with the slogan “One Year, Still Here.” The group’s plucky attitude helped earn Charles Town a second place award nationally in the American Express “Order In, Help Out Innovation Challenge. Read the Full Story >>
Construction Complete, Concerns Continue Over Rockwool
According to the @ROCKWOOLRansonCommunity page on Facebook, the manufacturing facility will operate equipment in May to “run in” the factory, prior to beginning production operations in June. In an April 30 post, the company stated that “steam” will be visible from the chimney stack above the “wet electrostatic precipitator'' and a “plume” will be visible from the tall chimney Read the Full Story >>
Ranson Local Elections – June 1
In the upcoming June 1 election, Ranson residents will vote for Mayor and 2 City Council seats. The last day to register to vote in the election is May 11. Voters have multiple options for casting their vote - absentee, early in person, and in person on election day. Concern for COVID-19 exposure is a valid medical reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Read the Full Story >>
Charles Town Local Elections – May 27
In the upcoming May 27 election, Charles Town residents will vote for Mayor and 5 City Council seats. The last day to register to vote in the election is May 6. Voters have multiple options for casting their vote - absentee, early in person, and in person on election day. Concern for COVID-19 exposure is a valid medical reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Read the Full Story >>
Solar in Jefferson County
With this post, The Observer introduces SIGHTLINE stories, in-depth explorations intended to engage and inform the community on key topics. Our first SIGHTLINE story explores the implications of large-scale solar development in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
Rebuilding A Shopping Destination In Downtown Charles Town
Melissa Glascock has long been a supporter of the downtown retail experience. With the end of the pandemic in sight, Glascock sees this as the perfect time to revitalize shopping in Charles Town though a reimagining of Needful Things. Read the Full Story >>
Discover History At The Jefferson County Museum
The Jefferson County Museum is now open by appointment, Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am to 4 pm. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Boost Efforts to Vaccinate Community
“We could not do this without these volunteers,” says Dr. Terrence Reidy, a sentiment echoed by everyone else working with the Jefferson County Health Department to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Ranson Civic Center. Read the Full Story >>
COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing
Pre-Register for COVID-19 Vaccine All West Virginia residents over the age of 16 are encouraged to register with the West Virginia Vaccine Registration System (click here). This will help the state schedule the distribution of vaccines to each county as needed. As of March 22, all residents 16+ are eligible to receive a vaccine (ages Read the Full Story >>
Inkwells Tavern Reopens in Charles Town
Inkwells Tavern has reopened at 200 W. Washington Street in Charles Town and is serving old favorites plus Bolivar Bread and Rations Coffee. Read the Full Story >>
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Park Celebrates 50 Years
The National Park, the C&O Canal Trust, and the Canal Towns Partnership representing the ten nearby towns along its western path are organizing various events and activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park in 2021. Read the Full Story >>
Transportation Hub for the Eastern Panhandle
The question to ask is, “do you want to take advantage of economic development opportunities?” said Shane Farthing, Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Martinsburg. He suggested that if the city did not have a train station and “we did a study on how to improve the economy, we’d ask how great it would be to have a train station. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the good things you already have. Read the Full Story >>
Tracking the Train in West Virginia’s 2021 Budget Debates
The pandemic has strained the MTA’s workforce and put a dent in ridership and revenue. Discussions about West Virginia’s rail funding for the next fiscal year (from July 2021) will begin when the state Legislature receives the Governor’s budget proposal in early February. Read the Full Story >>
