On Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm The Observer will host an informational panel discussion on growth that may affect Shepherdstown-area residents in the next decade. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County
Critical Time For Public Input On County’s Future Land Use Map
The Jefferson County Planning Commission intends to finalize the draft future land use map by August 2024. Read the Full Story >>
Craft Brewing Around Jefferson County
The tradition of local beer brewing in Jefferson County continues, with modern flavors and welcoming taprooms. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commissioners Fail To Hire Key Staff To Prepare Budget
The Jefferson County Commission has left the Finance Director position vacant for almost a year. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Passes Budget For Fiscal Year 2025
The Jefferson County Commission voted on March 21 to approve a $34.4 million operating budget for fiscal 2025. Read the Full Story >>
Concert Supports Community Service Work
The annual Love Thy Neighbor Community Concert will take place on Saturday, April 13, 6-8:30 pm at the Ranson Civic Center. Read the Full Story >>
Wrestling With The County Budget
Jefferson County Commissioners balance budget for fiscal year 2025 with no pay raises for employees. Read the Full Story >>
County Planning Survey Seeks Public Comment On Zoning & Future Land Use
February 6 is the deadline to add comments to the Jefferson County Planning Commission survey on zoning and future land use.  Read the Full Story >>
Blake Solar Project Receives Multiple Environmental Violation Notices
The Blake industrial solar facility near Charles Town has received numerous violation notices involving stormwater runoff. Read the Full Story >>
Housing Construction Continues To Rise In Jefferson County
County-wide, including Charles Town and Ranson, there were 776 permits issued to begin new home construction in 2023.  Read the Full Story >>
Harvest Hills Project Requests Rezoning, Plan Shows 1,000 New Houses
Arcadia Land, the developer of the Harvest Hills subdivision, is asking to rezone the land from Rural (which limits density) to Residential Growth (which would allow high density).  Read the Full Story >>
Rainbow Road Club Waiting For Highway To Arrive
The Rainbow Road Club plans to stay open as long as possible before the project to widen Route 340 demolishes the building. Read the Full Story >>
The Road Ahead For Jefferson County
Route 340 is finally being widened south of Charles Town (below) and the construction of new homes continues to tick up dramatically. There is still a lot of open space and active farmland in the county, but many residents have concerns. Read the Full Story >>
November 30 Deadline for Public Comment On Ranson Planning Map
The City of Ranson’s project to update its Comprehensive Plan is getting closer to the finish line, with the City’s planning commission and council expected to review a final draft for approval in early 2024. November 30 is the last day for the public to make comments on the current draft (public comment is open Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Misses Grant Deadlines
The Jefferson County Commission has not met to conduct business since September 7. The commission has 5 seats, one of which has been vacant since June 2023. In an ongoing struggle over filling the vacant seat, two commissioners — Jennifer Krouse and Tricia Jackson — have been refusing to attend the commission meetings.  Read the Full Story >>