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.
Helping People Get Back on Their Feet
Jefferson County Community Ministries is more than a food pantry. The organization helps clients find their path to stability with a strategic offering of services. Read the Full Story >>
Women on the Ball at Shepherd University
Shepherd University’s athletic teams certainly have been working hard during the school’s 150th anniversary year. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson Virtual Academy Offers Online Options
al Academy is part of Jefferson County Schools’ commitment to offer education options to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of a diverse student population. Read the Full Story >>
Homeschool As An Option For Students In The Eastern Panhandle
While there are many motivations for why parents and children choose to school at home, a preference for hands-on learning and outdoor activities seems to be a common reason for choosing this option. Read the Full Story >>
Will New Charter Schools Open in West Virginia?
Governor Jim Justice signed House Bill 2012 in May of 2021, allowing for the establishment of up to 10 charter schools in West Virginia over the next decade. But the status of these virtual charters may be up in the air because of a preliminary injunction issued in late 2021. Read the Full Story >>
Home-Town Connections for the Holidays
“People seem to be focusing on entertaining at home — having family and friends get together seems like a special gift this year,” remarked Deb Luksa, owner of the German Street Marketplace in Shepherdstown. “I see a lot of younger people who are more minimalist — they don’t want a lot of stuff, but they do like to entertain and appreciate a useful gift.” Luksa noted a common holiday wish that she is hearing from her customers: “Treat yourself and your family well — and enjoy your time together.” Read the Full Story >>
Local Giving
mily and friends this holiday season, we can also pause to lend support to the organizations and individuals who are helping those in need here in our own communities. Read the Full Story >>
Local Resident Joins Biden Administration
Rod Snyder, of Shenandoah Junction, was recently appointed Senior Advisor for Agriculture to the Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Observer spoke with Snyder about his new role and what inspired his career in public policy. The questions and responses in this article have been edited for length and clarity. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherd University Men’s Basketball Back on the Court
Shepherd University basketball is back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Jefferson County resident Rob Kuska is a career science writer and the author of three books on basketball. Kuska spoke with Justin Namolik, now entering his 14th season as head men’s basketball coach, to get his thoughts on Shepherd’s return to the hardwood and running a college basketball program during a pandemic. Read the Full Story >>
County Commission & School Board Need Candidates
While the congressional and state elections next November will likely attract a lot of attention, there will be plenty of county and municipal offices on the ballot next year too — these are the local officials who can really affect what happens close to home in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
New Districts for 2022 Elections
Population shifts and politics are redrawing districts lines across West Virginia. Those changes will likely be noticed in several ways next November as West Virginians vote for the politicians to represent them in the US House of Representatives, WV Senate, and WV House of Delegates. Read the Full Story >>
When Pets Become Your Business
“It started with just two sheep about 10 years ago,” recalls artist Bridget Brown. “I’m a graphic designer and have created art in watercolor and pastel for many years. My partner Tim had purchased the sheep to raise and sell, but I decided I wanted to keep them. Read the Full Story >>
Are You Ready for a Pet?
There is a lot of research showing that pets can boost both the physical and mental health of humans. The challenge is to understand and commit to the obligations of pet ownership so it's a mutually beneficial relationship. Read the Full Story >>
Is There A Room Available?
If you’ve ever rented a beach house or a mountain cabin for a week, you’ve likely stayed at a “short-term rental” property. These resort-area rentals have been available for decades, and prior to the internet, were typically booked through a local property management company. While local-agent rentals are still common in beach and mountain locales, the online booking companies Airbnb and Vrbo have established themselves as portals for guests to access a wide variety of short-term rentals in big cities, small towns, the suburbs, and recreation areas across the country. Read the Full Story >>
Aluminum in the Water Prompts Questions
Elks Run and its tributary, Elk Branch, are the primary source of drinking water for Harpers Ferry and Bolivar. Tests of an Elk Branch spring show a 20-fold increase in aluminum in September compared to prior months, according to reports shared with government officials in Harpers Ferry, Bolivar, and the Jefferson County Health Department. Aluminum’s health effects have been widely studied and associated with neurological disorders. Read the Full Story >>
