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.
Two Commissioners Refuse To Meet
The Jefferson County Commission failed to convene to conduct business at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 21. Read the Full Story >>
Local Woman Plays For USA Team In Amputee Soccer Tournament
Shepherdstown resident Tracy Danzey recently competed for the US Women’s Amputee Soccer Team in the Amp Futbol Cup tournament held in Warsaw, Poland in October 2023. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Day Care Center Celebrates 50 Years
Melissa Holman, director of the the Shepherdstown Day Care Center talks about the center's programs and challenges. Read the Full Story >>
Imaginary Horribles – An Artist’s Perspective
The Bridge Gallery in Shepherdstown will be hosting a retrospective of 40 years of Barbara Chapman’s paintings starting on October 7 2023. Read the Full Story >>
Local Residents Will Perform “The Anvil” At Courthouse In October
Local residents will recreate the 1859 John Brown trial on site in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Charles Town. Read the Full Story >>
Friends Of Music Presents Poulenc Trio In October
Friends of Music are presenting the Poulenc Trio for two performances on October 7 and 8. Read the Full Story >>
Comment On Air Permit Modification For Rockwool Factory In Ranson Due Oct 23
The public can comment on WVDEP's proposed modifications for the Rockwool Ranson factory's air permit until October 23. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Planning Commission Takes Comments On Future Land Use
The Jefferson County Planning Commission continues to work on updating the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and hosted two public input sessions in August. Read the Full Story >>
The Emotional Benefits Of Fishing
Volunteer fishing guides bring smiles to the faces of nursing home residents and veterans at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Leetown. Read the Full Story >>
Route 340 Closure Begins Early In The Morning On September 12
Route 340 will be closed between Chestnut Hill Road and Harpers Ferry Road starting September 12 2023. Read the Full Story >>
Route 340 Closure Will Affect Traffic For Three Months
Route 340 between Harpers Ferry Road and the Potomack River Bridge will be closed to stablize the rock cliff above between Sept. 12 and Dec. 20 2023. The road will be closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the project. Read the Full Story >>
Route 340 Closure Traffic Will Hit Jefferson County And Surrounding Region
Alternate routes to the official Route 340 detour have bottlenecks and speed limits. Read the Full Story >>
Childcare Options Needed In Jefferson County
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 >>
Appalachian Heritage Festival At Shepherd University To Highlight Family And Community
The 2023 Appalachian Heritage Festival will be held on September 23 at various locations on the Shepherd University campus. Read the Full Story >>
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 >>