The Observer focuses on the stories of Jefferson County and West Virginia, looking beyond the headlines to inform the public discusssion on important topics relevant to the community, including the local economy, environment, education, politics, and public health. We also spotlight local artisans, artists, musicians, businesses & community organizations.
Lawrence Crouse Workshop Celebrates 50 Years
The Lawrence Crouse Workshop hand-builds wooden furniture using traditional techniques. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Market House Looks To Past and Future
For the first time in over 220 years, the market house building in Shepherdstown finds itself vacant. The town recently surveyed residents to collect ideas on how this iconic building might continue to play a vital role at the center of the Shepherdstown community. Read the Full Story >>
The 2022 Election In Jefferson County
— Election Day is Tuesday, November 8 — What’s On The Ballot Click on the highlighted text links below to read more about the candidate and amendment choices. At the top of the ballot, Jefferson County voters will select between Alexander Mooney and Barry Wendell for United States Congress. All Jefferson County voters are in Read the Full Story >>
Constitutional Amendments On The 2022 Ballot
Voters will see four proposals to amend the West Virginia Constitution at the very end of the 2022 ballot. Read the Full Story >>
How Amendment #2 Could Affect Jefferson County’s Budget
A look at what might be cut if the Legislature removes local budget control without offsetting revenue. Read the Full Story >>
2022 Election – WV State Senate District 16
West Virginia’s Senate District 16 covers all of Jefferson County and roughly half of Berkeley County. There are two senators representing this district, each elected in alternating even-numbered years. Read the Full Story >>
2022 Election – West Virginia Delegate Districts in Jefferson County
There are four House of Delegate districts in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
2022 Election – Jefferson County Commission
Jefferson County voters will chose 2 County Commissioners in the 2022 election. Read the Full Story >>
2022 Elections – Jefferson County Clerk
Jefferson County voters will chose the County Clerk in the 2022 general election to server for a 6 year term. Read the Full Story >>
2022 Election – Circuit Court Clerk
Democratic candidate Laura Storm and Republican candidate Tina Renner are running for Circuit Court Clerk in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Shows Its Halloween Spirits
Local businesses & residences brighten the night with creative Halloween displays Read the Full Story >>
Conversations About Local Growth
Share your thoughts and concerns on local growth with theStubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University. Read the Full Story >>
Danielle Corsetto & Elephant Town
Corsetto’s current project is Elephant Town, a graphic novel that she updates on a biweekly (ish) schedule on its own website. “It’s a passion project,” she says, about the drama set in Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Bushel & Peck Celebrates Five Years
Todd Coyle, the chief executive of Jefferson G.A.P., describes Bushel & Peck when it opened in October 2017 as a “sustainable, locally focused grocery store in the heart of downtown Charles Town.” In a more recent conversation, he described a larger vision, with the grocery store as a “business incubator — the hub of a network of local businesses that need a way to connect with local consumers.” Read the Full Story >>
Battlefield Advances on Preservation
The ground around Jefferson County is littered with history. Literally. “I got a call a few weeks ago from a kayaker who was paddling along the shore in front of the cement kiln along the Potomac River downstream from Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
