The 2023 Appalachian Heritage Festival will be held on September 23 at various locations on the Shepherd University campus. Read the Full Story >>
Feature
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 >>
Moulton Family Transfers 82 Acres To Expand Local Park
The Moulton family gathered for a ceremony on August 22 to mark the family’s transfer of 82 acres to expand Moulton Park along the Shenandoah River. Read the Full Story >>
Expanded Services at New Shepherdstown Library
With the successful launch of the new building, the Shepherdstown Public Library has also initiated a leadership transition. Director Hali Taylor, who has worked at the library for 33 years, and development director Lee Ann Warner have both announced their retirements. Read the Full Story >>
Many More New Homes In Jefferson County
For the first six months, the county’s Office of Impact Fees reports that 386 residential construction permits were issued. Read the Full Story >>
Developer Seeks Increased Housing Density For Harvest Hills Subdivision
Arcadia Development Co, developer of the Harvest Hills subdivision is requesting a zoning change from rural to residential growth, which would allow for higher density of housing on the site. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Open Food Pantry On Blue Ridge
The Blue Ridge Food Pantry is here to help individuals struggling to pay their bills and buy food, disabled veterans, seniors on fixed incomes, recently unemployed or underemployed individuals, those suffering from illness or injury, families with children, or anyone else in need of food. Read the Full Story >>
New Book Festival In Shepherdstown Hosts Regional & National Authors
The inaugural Shepherdstown Book Festival, which runs from September 15 through 17, will host three days of events, all revolving around the love of books and writing. Read the Full Story >>
2023 Appalachian Chamber Music Festival Notes Places That Inspire
This year’s Appalachian Chamber Music Festival will feature sixteen musicians in twelve performances taking place between August 17 and 27. Read the Full Story >>
Walking Tour Of Black History In Charles Town
The City of Charles Town is supporting the launch of a new Charles Town African American History Audio Tour. Read the Full Story >>
Hill Top House Hotel In Harpers Ferry Seeks Special Tax District
The Hill Top House Hotel project is seeking a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for its 9 acre property in Harpers Ferry. Read the Full Story >>
New Superintendent For Jefferson County Schools
William "Chuck" Bishop steps into the role of Superintendent for Jefferson County Schools on July 1. The Board of Education voted on May 24 to hire Dr. Bishop from a pool of 17 applicants to replace the outgoing superintendent, Bondy Gibson-Learn, who resigned on short notice earlier this year. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Virginia Tech and his Master's and Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Virginia and has thirty years of experience in K-12 education. The Observer spoke with Dr. Bishop as he was preparing to start his new role. Read the Full Story >>
Comprehensive Plan Survey Open For Public Comment
The general discussion at the June 5 session drilled down to identify specific concerns in these general areas. There was strong agreement among participants that natural beauty is a key asset of the county. Looking at the concern of growth and lack of infrastructure, participants suggested clustering development around existing urbanized areas of the county and a focus on improving the roads in those areas. Read the Full Story >>
Commission Deadlocks
Clare Ath announced at the end of May that she would resign, six months after she was first elected to the County Commission. Read the Full Story >>
Public Input Session for Comprehensive Plan Update On June 5
What do you like about living in Jefferson County? What are your concerns about the community? These are the types of questions you’ll hear as the County’s planning team works on updating the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. Read the Full Story >>