The Jefferson County Development Authority estimates that more than 1,600 families in Jefferson County have an unmet need for licensed child care. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County
School Attendance Matters For Academic Skills
Jefferson County Schools has designated September as “attendance awareness month” — an early emphasis intended to establish strong attendance patterns. Read the Full Story >>
Moulton Family Transfers 82 Acres To Expand Local Park
The Moulton family gathered for a ceremony on August 22 to mark the family’s transfer of 82 acres to expand Moulton Park along the Shenandoah River. Read the Full Story >>
Many More New Homes In Jefferson County
For the first six months, the county’s Office of Impact Fees reports that 386 residential construction permits were issued. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Open Food Pantry On Blue Ridge
The Blue Ridge Food Pantry is here to help individuals struggling to pay their bills and buy food, disabled veterans, seniors on fixed incomes, recently unemployed or underemployed individuals, those suffering from illness or injury, families with children, or anyone else in need of food. Read the Full Story >>
Art Gallery Fundraiser for Animal Welfare Society
The Bridge Gallery in Shepherdstown will host a charity bazaar on August 12 & 13 to benefit the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
Planning Commission To Collect Input From Residents At County Fair
The Jefferson County Planning Commissioners and staff will be hosting a booth at the Jefferson County Fair. Read the Full Story >>
Hill Top House Hotel In Harpers Ferry Seeks Special Tax District
The Hill Top House Hotel project is seeking a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for its 9 acre property in Harpers Ferry. Read the Full Story >>
New Superintendent For Jefferson County Schools
William "Chuck" Bishop steps into the role of Superintendent for Jefferson County Schools on July 1. The Board of Education voted on May 24 to hire Dr. Bishop from a pool of 17 applicants to replace the outgoing superintendent, Bondy Gibson-Learn, who resigned on short notice earlier this year. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Virginia Tech and his Master's and Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Virginia and has thirty years of experience in K-12 education. The Observer spoke with Dr. Bishop as he was preparing to start his new role. Read the Full Story >>
Comprehensive Plan Survey Open For Public Comment
The general discussion at the June 5 session drilled down to identify specific concerns in these general areas. There was strong agreement among participants that natural beauty is a key asset of the county. Looking at the concern of growth and lack of infrastructure, participants suggested clustering development around existing urbanized areas of the county and a focus on improving the roads in those areas. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Deadlocks
Clare Ath announced at the end of May that she would resign, six months after she was first elected to the County Commission. Read the Full Story >>
National EMS Weeks Awards for Jefferson County
Since 1974, the third week of May has been designated National Emergency Medical Services Week, to recognize the important work that these professionals perform in their communities. Locally, the Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency recognized several individuals. Read the Full Story >>
Schools Search For New Superintendent — Input From County Residents Invited
The Jefferson County Board of Education has scheduled seven public sessions to collect input from Jefferson County residents about the search for a new Superintendent. Read the Full Story >>
School Board Looks At Options To Fund Increase In Ranson Elementary Construction Costs
Jefferson County Schools is exploring options to cover the $9.5 million increase in construction costs for the new Ranson Elementary school. Read the Full Story >>
Construction Costs Up For New Ranson Elementary School Building
The construction costs for the new Ranson Elementary School have increased $9.5 million above the estimated budget. Read the Full Story >>