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.
Shepherd Football Stars Work Out For NFL Scouts On Pro Day At Ram Stadium
Five Shepherd University football players ran through Pro Day drills in front of three dozen scouts this morning at Ram Stadium on the Shepherd campus. 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 >>
Housing Trends And School Enrollment Projections
If the growth in home building in Jefferson County continues, the school population could be trending upward. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Ambulance Services Now Operating As County Department
As of 8 am on March 1, the Jefferson County Commission officially took on responsibility for ambulance services in the county. Read the Full Story >>
Sale of Jefferson Utilities Hits Resistance From Consumer Advocate & PSC Staff
WV Public Service Commission staff is recommending that the Commission deny American Water's proposed acquisition of Jefferson Utilities. Read the Full Story >>
Rockwool Commits To Improving Stormwater Management At Its Ranson Factory
ROCKWOOL has agreed to additional studies, inspections, and drainage improvements that will further strengthen stormwater handling and control at its Ranson facility. Read the Full Story >>
West Virginia Legislators Consider Regulations For PFAS Chemicals
Proposed legislation would require the WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify sources of PFAS in water sources and address sources of PFAS for certain public water systems with action plans. Read the Full Story >>
New Housing Construction Up Again in Jefferson County
New Home Construction in Jefferson County continued at a rapid pace for the second year in a row in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2023. Read the Full Story >>
American Conservation Film Festival 2023
The 2023 American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) will light up the screen at the intimate and historic Shepherdstown Opera House for three days, (March 10, 11 & 12 — Fri, Sat & Sun) and will spotlight short films that are 40 minutes or less. From among the 300 films submitted from 44 countries, the ACFF Read the Full Story >>
Small-Scale Agriculture Workshops
Shepherd University has partnered with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Veterans & Heroes to Agriculture program to offer a monthly series of workshops that will focus on small-scale, intensive vegetable production techniques. Read the Full Story >>
Speak Storytelling Announces 2023 Season
Story artist Priscilla Howe is the first performer in the 2023 Speak Story Series, presented by Speak Storytelling, Inc. of Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Historic Designation For Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery of Gibsontown, established 150 years ago, is the largest black cemetery in Jefferson County and was recently designated a county historic landmark. Read the Full Story >>
Public Hearing On Local Water System — Feb 6
The West Virginia Public Services Commission (PSC) will be holding a public hearing on Monday, February 6 at 6:30 pm to take comment on the proposed acquision of Jefferson Utilities by American Water. Read the Full Story >>
