The Harpers Ferry Park Association bookstore in lower town has been closed since March due to COVID-19, but starting in September, the organization will have a pop-up bookstore outside on the green across the street from the bookstor. Read the Full Story >>
Harpers Ferry & Bolivar
The Vintage Lady Doesn’t Sit Still
Cindy Dunn has owned The Vintage Lady shop since 2004, and she’s seen a lot of people walk through the door in the past sixteen years. That changed when the pandemic shut down her shop in March. Read the Full Story >>
Perspectives from a Local Solar Professional
For the first article in this series, we invited Danny Chiotos to research and address some questions about the nature of the specific solar generation project that initiated the request for proposed zoning amendment ZTA 19-03. 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 >>
Hamilton’s Tavern 1840: Creating A New Space in the Community
Chef Jeremiah Brooks and his partner in business & life, Anthony Brooks, were looking forward to the spring of 2020 when crowds would begin returning to the small restaurant they had opened in historic Harpers Ferry the previous July. With a small dining room and patio, and an even smaller kitchen, Hamilton’s Tavern 1840 was an intimate space guaranteed to draw in travelers and locals alike Read the Full Story >>
A Local Artist Finds Inspiration During The Pandemic
Although Gil Narro Garcia may be best known for his nature-inspired dinner plates, his fascination with the natural world is reflected in all of his work. Read the Full Story >>
Why Would a Woman Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail at 50? Why Not?
In the spring of 2012, Shepherdstown resident Annie Wisecarver decided to celebrate a milestone event—her 50th birthday—by setting off on a six-month, 2,000-mile-plus hike. You might have heard of the place: the Appalachian Trail. Read the Full Story >>
Medical Marijuana Loses Traction in Charleston
The West Virginia Legislature passed a bill three years ago legalizing the use of medical marijuana. But that law has never really taken effect. Read the Full Story >>
How Will We Vote During Corona?
Given the current COVID-19 situation across the country, a recent press release from Washington Monthly stated: The 2020 election is at risk. Short of significant reform, voter participation is expected to plummet. Read the Full Story >>
CEG Receives $500K Grant to Bolster HIV Fight in West Virginia
A new $500,000 grant will support CEG’s efforts to improve HIV prevention, testing, screening, and treatment in the state. Read the Full Story >>
And That Works for Me
The July 2020 issue marks a change in ownership of The Observer from Mike Chalmers to Steve Pearson as Editor in Chief & Harriet Pearson as Publisher. Read the Full Story >>
Whither Hilltop House?
A bill has passed the Legislature taking away the authority of the Harpers Ferry Town Council regarding anything relating to the Hilltop House hotel. Read the Full Story >>
The Vintage Lady Still a Marvel After Fifteen Years
The Vintage Lady sits perfectly about halfway up “the hill” in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry (169 High St.) Boasting a variety of unique items—a little something for everyone—from West Virginia hand-blown glass, pottery, carved coal, food, wine, and beer, owner Cindi Dunn also sells her own handmade jewelry. 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 is the “everbridge system” and replaces all of the county-specific registration systems. Even if you put your name on a county waitlist, you should register in the state Read the Full Story >>
Big Manufacturers Want a Big Property Tax Break
Once again, the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) is coming to the Legislature with a proposal to give large manufacturers and mining companies a property tax break. Read the Full Story >>