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 >>
Harpers Ferry & Bolivar
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 >>
The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority Rides Out The Pandemic
Elaine Bartoldson, Director of the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA), describes EPTA’s mission as “providing service for the workforce, individuals who have no other way to get around.” She summarized her perspective on the value of EPTA, saying, “without public transportation, things will stop for the people who use it." Read the Full Story >>
Shade’s Farm Offers Local Honey Products & More
Need a last-minute gift or a sweet way to start the New Year? Local honey, beeswax candles, and more are available from Shade’s Farm! “Curt’s products are great, and his attention to quality service is excellent and appreciated,” said a satisfied holiday customer. See the local retailer listings on the Facebook page or order online Read the Full Story >>
The Pandemic is Here & Now
Dr. Terrence Reidy shares thoughts and observations about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as his advice for reducing risk while the vaccine rollout begins. Read the Full Story >>
The Holiday Bear Art Hunt Begins!
Join The Observer and participate in this fun and free holiday activity! The Holiday Bear Art Hunt is brought to the community by The Observer with the support of Jefferson Security Bank. Read the Full Story >>
A 50 Year Holiday Tradition Continues — Olde Tyme Christmas Adapts in Harpers Ferry and Bolivar
The large A&P grocery store ad on page A-5 of the December 2 issue of The Spirit of Jefferson-Farmers Advocate from 1971 brings back memories. Four loaves of bread for a dollar, pork chops at $1.09 per pound, but also a note from the grocer apologizing for having been out of stock on so many Read the Full Story >>
Handmade Crafts at the Tri-State Holiday Handmade Market
A juried event featuring only hand-crafted items produced by local artisans and artists. Organized by Heavenly Treasures Pottery Studio and Rock Fusion Studio, this show and sale presents dozens of individuals selling a variety of items suitable for gifts, including pottery, candles, prints, jewelry and other unique items. For this indoor event, masks and social Read the Full Story >>
Thomas Shepherd Inn Reopens
In the spring of 2020, Bryan and Cathy were pondering the implications of the unfolding pandemic, and Cathy’s employer decided her days as a salesperson on the road were at an end. A friend called to tell them that the Thomas Shepherd Inn was coming on the market. Then another friend called. And another. They arranged to visit the property on the day it was first open for showing. Standing in the back yard after walking through, they had already decided to make an offer. Read the Full Story >>
Navigating A Difficult Road
The Observer asked Stephen Willingham to explore how the local public school system is managing through the current public health crisis. The author interviewed the Superintendent and also spoke with teachers about their experiences in the classroom and online. Read the Full Story >>
Words Plus Images
The idea of soliciting poems to combine with art seemed to fit perfectly with he Washington Street Artists’ Cooperative's goals of expanding participation in art. Read the Full Story >>
History Afoot
The Certified Guide Tours, operated by the volunteers of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, are once again available with some modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the Full Story >>
Sparking A Converstation: Local Farmers Discuss Large-Scale Solar Development
Pastoral landscapes may be easy on the eyes, but farming them is a hard life. Todd Hough of Oakwood Farm has been working the land since he was a child. He and his brother are the fourth generation to run the family farm in the Kabletown District of Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
The Water Connecting Us
One hundred years ago, underneath the Old Opera House in Charles Town, locals and tourists danced the night away beside a crystal-clear lake inside a cavern filled with orchestral tones. Today, the Lakeland Caverns cave is quiet, all entries sealed off from the public. Read the Full Story >>