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.
![vote at town hall sign](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shepherdstown-Election-vote-here-sign-20240604_102615-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Shepherdstown Elects New Mayor and Town Council Members
Shepherdstown residents elected James Gatz as mayor on June 4 along with 2 incumbent and 3 new council members. Read the Full Story >>
![Shepherdstown South Preferred Growth Area (proposed May 2024)](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PGA-Shepherdtown-South-2024-05-13-1.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Draft Map For The Future Of Jefferson County Proposes New Growth Areas
The Jefferson County Planning Commission is holding a final input session on Monday May 13 for public comment on the future land use map and action items for the new county comprehensive plan. Read the Full Story >>
![Shepherdstown Planning Commission at meeting](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Stown-Comp-Plan-Review-Hearing-Planning-Commission-20240430_180728-scaled.jpg?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Shepherdstown Comprehensive Plan Review Presented and Discussed in Special Hearing
On April 30, Shepherdstown’s Planning Commission held a hearing at which a special committee’s recommendations to update the town’s comprehensive plan were presented to the public. Read the Full Story >>
![beach at Mountain Lake Club](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mountain-Lake-Club-swimming-beach-Shannondale-20240426_155021-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
The Rebirth Of The Mountain Lake Club In Shannondale
Jeff Shores and Matt Barager have reestablished the Mountain Lake Club in Shannondale as a family-friendly recreation spot for the community. Read the Full Story >>
![Jefferson County Commission May 2024 (3 commissioners)](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JC-Commission-3-commissioners-20240513_093228-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C376&ssl=1)
Republican Party Divison Stalls County Government
Following the removal of Tricia Jackson and Jennifer Krouse on May 1, the Jefferson County Commission will operate with only 3 commissioners. Read the Full Story >>
![Jefferson County Commission April 2024](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JC-County-Commission-20240418_180014-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C317&ssl=1)
County Commission Hires Administrator, But Many Open Items Still Need Action
The Jefferson County Commision voted on April 22 2024 for Eddie Benites-LM to continue as the County Administrator on a permanent basis. Read the Full Story >>
![Shepherdstown Elementary students parade through town](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Storybook-Parade-Shepherdstown-20240419_132232-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
A Full Summer Calendar At Shepherdstown Public Library
The Shepherdstown Public Library will kick off its summer reading program with a festival on June 1. Read the Full Story >>
![volunteers clean up Town Run](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Town-Run-cleanup-20240406_115306.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Getting To Know The Shepherdstown Town Run
Local residents have organized to educate, maintain, and preserve the resources of the Shepherdstown Town Run. Read the Full Story >>
![wagon used to transport John Brown to hanging](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jefferson-County-Museum-John-Brown-wagon-Charles-Town-20240424_144346-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Jefferson County Museum Refreshes & Reorganizes Its Display Gallery
The Jefferson County Museum covers a broad span of the history of the place that is now called Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
![board of education candidates at forum](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BOE-Candidates-Shepherdstown-forum-20240418_203612-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
What’s On The May 14 Ballot In Jefferson County
There are three candidates running to fill 3 seats on the Board of Education: James Southern, Rikki Twyford, and Donna Joy (currently serving on the BOE). The May election ballot is long. If you are voting on a Republican or Democratic ballot in Jefferson County, you’ll find primary choices for President, US Senator, US House, Read the Full Story >>
![Shepherdstown preferred growth area (map snippet)](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shepherdstown-PGA-map-snippet-2024-04.webp?resize=576%2C294&ssl=1)
Panel Discussion On Growth Around Shepherdstown
On Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm The Observer hosted a panel discussion on the growth that is expected to affect Shepherdstown-area residents in the next decade. Following the presentations, the panel took questions from the audience participants.  Read the Full Story >>
![sunrise in mural](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Stown-Mural-sunrise-Shepherd-U-20240321_135012-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
New Mural Coming To Downtown Shepherdstown
Shepherd Unversity art students are working on a mural that will be hung on the side of Betty's Restaurant in downtown Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
![draft land use map](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Future-Land-Use-Zoom.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Critical Time For Public Input On County’s Future Land Use Map
The Jefferson County Planning Commission intends to finalize the draft future land use map by August 2024. Read the Full Story >>
![bavarian brothers brewing tanks](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bavarian-Brewing-Aaron-Blessing-Shepherdstown-20240321_140923-WVIO.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Craft Brewing Around Jefferson County
The tradition of local beer brewing in Jefferson County continues, with modern flavors and welcoming taprooms. Read the Full Story >>
![vacancies at county commission staff](https://i0.wp.com/wearetheobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JeffCo-Vacancy-Chart_Rev-scaled.webp?resize=740%2C400&ssl=1)
Jefferson County Commissioners Fail To Hire Key Staff To Prepare Budget
The Jefferson County Commission has left the Finance Director position vacant for almost a year. Read the Full Story >>