Local artist John Walsh reflects on the universe, time, and the human experience within both. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown
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 >>
Shepherdstown Library Gets a New Website
The Shepherdstown Library website has a new look and a new address. 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 >>
Stepping Up & Stepping Out To Serve The Community
With spring in the air, and their steps, the volunteers of the Shepherdstown Community Club are turning their eyes to Morgan’s Grove Park, where even during the pandemic it was lively in the fields, along the stream, and under the magnificent trees. Read the Full Story >>
2021 American Conservation Film Festival
The American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF), now in its eighteenth year, is presenting 48 contemporary films in an online festival format for 2021. Aside from the obvious shift away from in-person venues at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) and Shepherd University, the biggest change to this year’s format is the flexibility of watching any (or all) of the films at any time during the festival dates (March 24-28). Read the Full Story >>
March 5 — Virtual Concert: A Celtic Celebration
The Shepherd University Wind Ensemble will perform “A Celtic Celebration” virtual livestream concert from the Frank Center Theater on Friday, March 5 at 7:30 pm. Read the Full Story >>
March 9 — Speak Stories Presents Chetter Galloway
Storyteller Chetter Galloway is the guest of the Speak Story Series on March 9 at 7:30 pm. The evening’s program is titled “A Storytelling Sampler of Traditional, Personal, and Queer Tales.” 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 >>
Feb 5 — Shepherd University Music Virtual Concert
The Shepherd University Music Salon Series presents a free virtual concert showcasing School of Music faculty. Read the Full Story >>
Feb 9 — Speak Stories Series Presents Jasmin Cardenas
Cardenas is a Colombian-American award winning bilingual storyteller, actress, educator and social activist. She enjoys exploring the uncomfortable truths found when you grow up between cultures. Jasmin has always lived between worlds being told she’s not fully American in the US and a gringa in South America. Cardenas was awarded a 2020-2022 LAB Fellowship from 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 >>
Taking Waters Into Their Own Hands
Concerned that West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) oversight is insufficient to protect the water underlying their property from the threat of pollutants from the planned nearby Rockwool factory, a group of local residents is hiring experts to test their water to establish a record to use in possible future legal action. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Farmers Market Open for the Winter
You can still shop close to home on alternate Sunday mornings for local produce, apples, plants, flowers, breads & baked goods, cheeses, yogurt, grass-fed beef, eggs, chicken, pork, local honey, mushrooms, salsas & dips, maple syrups, vinegars, spices, teas, candles, body care, and other locally-produced items. COVID-19 guidelines continue — please wear a mask, follow Read the Full Story >>