The Observer

Stories of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle

The WV Independent Observer’s SIGHTLINE stories are in-depth explorations of important topics intended to inform and engage our local community.

Some stories need to be told though more than snippets and soundbites. That’s why The Observer is committed to bringing additional nuance and context to our readers through our SIGHTLINE stories series. SIGHTLINE stories provide background — historic, economic, cultural, legal, environmental — on key issues and explore topics from multiple points of view. Perhaps most importantly, The Observer identifies how readers can personally engage — through public comment, volunteering, voting, and more.

Contact The Observer if you have a topic you think should be featured in our SIGHTLINE series or would like to contribute to an existing SIGHTLIGHT story.

a riffle in a stream.

Waters of Jefferson County

What is karst? Who is responsible for protecting surface waters and groundwater in WV? How can community members ensure the safety of their drinking water resources. This SIGHTLINE covers topics surrounding water in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>

lines of solar panels that extend far into the distance which are part of a commercial solar array.

Solar in Jefferson County

With this post, The Observer introduces SIGHTLINE stories, in-depth explorations intended to engage and inform the community on key topics. Our first SIGHTLINE story explores the implications of large-scale solar development in Jefferson County.  Read the Full Story >>

St. Paul’s Church — paid for and built by the members of the congregation.

Remembering Hartstown

Appalachia is often viewed through a narrow lens. The stories of Black communities throughout the region are often left untold or simply overlooked. Acknowledging these communities and preserving their stories helps us to truly understand the broad patterns of the cultural landscape in which we live today. Read the Full Story >>