Are you ready for some home-town college football? Our local Shepherd University Rams open practice this week, looking ahead to their season opener on September 1. Read the Full Story >>
Feature
Jefferson County Purchases Ambulances
The Jefferson County Commission takes additional steps to reorganize the county's EMS services. The Commission approved plans to purchase 10 ambulances from volunteer companies, but questions on locations, organization, and budget still need answers. Read the Full Story >>
Questions for Solar Projects
The County Commission discussed permit fees for solar projects at its July 21 meeting. The commissioners discussed a range of fees, with Commissioner Jane Tabb proposing $700,000 to ensure the County covers its review and inspection costs while Commissioner Steve Stolipher suggested a cap of $75,000. Projects of similar size in nearby jurisdictions pay permit fees ranging from $700,000 to $1,400,000. The Commission decided to defer a decision and requested staff to provide further research and recommendations to be presented at a future meeting (Aug 4 or Aug 18). Read the Full Story >>
Writers Conference Returns to Shepherd University
Manuscript to Marketplace, a conference for writers of all genres, will take place on the Shepherd University campus September 9 & 10 and is expected to draw attendees from across the region and beyond. Read the Full Story >>
Freedom’s Run 2022 – Your Solution to the Comfort Crisis
So many things today compete for our attention and energy. So it’s no surprise that when we get a few minutes of peace we seek comfort. But a book I brought on a summer trip to Oregon suggests we should regularly seek to get out of our comfort zones. Read the Full Story >>
Cyber Thriller Debuts at Theater Festival
It took only 20 years for the number of Internet users to grow from a few hundred million to 5 billion people. Today, cyberattacks are constant. And because the United States was an early adopter of connected technologies, we are particularly vulnerable. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Public Library Checks Into Its New Home
The Shepherdstown Public Library has occupied the iconic market house building at the center of downtown Shepherdstown for 100 years. That’s a lot of time to accumulate books — and memories. But come July 22, library director Hali Tayor and the library staff will cheer on the ribbon-cutting for a brand new library building just outside of downtown Shepherdstown. The Read the Full Story >>
Year-Round Excitement at Summit Point Motorsports Park
We’re in the recreation and entertainment business, but it’s important not to lose sight of seeing what we do through the eyes of the participants and visitors — the drivers and fans. Our goal is to be a top-notch, world-class facility with regional appeal.” Read the Full Story >>
Appalachian Chamber Music Returns In August For a Second Season
Last summer, a new music festival landed in Harpers Ferry, bringing a relevant and approachable experience of classical music. The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival is now back for its second season with a two-week schedule of performances celebrating the history, nature, and culture of Jefferson County and the surrounding region. Read the Full Story >>
Identify & Avoid Poison Hemlock & Wild Parsnip
Queen Anne’s Lace is a lovely name for a pretty wildflower. But beware the look-alikes that have become common in West Virginia, particularly Wild Parsnip, Poison Hemlock, and Cow Parsley. Read the Full Story >>
Rockwool Factory In Ranson Marks First Year of Production
One year ago this month, Rockwool North America announced the start of commercial production at its 130-acre insulation factory off Route 9 in Ranson. Where do things stand now? The Observer contacted Rockwool and reviewed publicly available information to prepare this update. Read the Full Story >>
Tourism Potential in Jefferson County
Within West Virginia, Jefferson County ranks at the top for tourism. According to a 2019 analysis prepared for Secretary Ruby by national economic consultants Dean Runyan Associates, tourism in Jefferson County supported more than 7,000 jobs, brought more than $840 million in direct spending, and generated $10.5 million in local government tax revenues. And the region is positioned to attract even more tourism in the years ahead. Read the Full Story >>
Both New & Familiar At The 2022 Contemporary American Theater Festival
The Observer put Peggy McKowen, Producing Artistic Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), in the spotlight to answer some questions about this year’s festival, presented this July in Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Frederick Keys Return With Focus on Fan Experience
The Frederick Keys are back in action this summer and swinging for the fences with a focus on family fun. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Preserve Shepherdstown Battlefield
River Road, east of Shepherdstown is a sleepy part of Jefferson County today. In September 1862 it was a pretty busy place, with an estimated 1,700 Union troops crossing the Potomac River from Maryland to engage 3,000 Confederate troops positioned on the south bank and cliffs above. One hundred and sixty years later, you need to look closely to see any signs of the two-day battle, other than a roadside marker. Read the Full Story >>
