July 2023 marks McKowen’s debut in her new role in which she’ll select and shape five plays to premier at CATF, considered one of the country’s top festivals for new plays. Starting in 2006, McKowen worked with Ed Herendeen, CATF’s now retired founder, as costume designer and later Associate Producing Director, to present first-class theater productions and related programs. Now, she intends to uphold CATF’s traditions and pursue new ones. Read the Full Story >>
Feature
No More State Funds for Ranson Construction
Joyce White, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Jefferson County Schools (JCS), spoke to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on April 24 to give a brief update on the new Ranson Elementary School project. “The contractor has equipment on site” was the report, pointing out the visible confirmation that the construction phase of the project is finally underway. The update on the school system’s request for additional state funding was equally to the point — “no additional funding.” Read the Full Story >>
Ambulance Plan Concerns
On March 1 of this year, the Jefferson County Commission officially reorganized the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations as a department reporting to the County Administrator. Previously, the EMS operations were managed by the Emergency Services Agency (ESA), an independent organization created to coordinate both fire and emergency medical services throughout the county. Read the Full Story >>
Interfaith Group Believes in Unity & Connection
Each Wednesday for six weeks leading up to Easter, a different church played host to a Lenten prayer service. but there was a catch — a preacher from yet a different church led the service, which is why Pastor Boomer was before the altar at Trinity, not Reverend Schramm. These services were organized through the Shepherdstown Ministerial Association, which has been active in Shepherdstown for more than 40 years to forge connections between the many churches in the community. Read the Full Story >>
Downtown Emporium Nurtures Small Businesses
The evolution of the Needful Things Emporium is a tale of savvy merchants with a penchant for regeneration and grit. Melissa Glascock (or Missy as she’s locally known) is the current owner of this longtime family enterprise. From the warm greetings from literally every customer who passed by during our interview, it’s obvious she’s an integral part of downtown Charles Town Read the Full Story >>
Some Bills That Failed in the Legislature This Year – Part I
There have been many reviews of bills that passed and became law in West Virginia this year. However, there were far more bills that were introduced but not passed by the legislature. This month’s column points out some bills that did not pass but were sponsored by Delegates Clark, Espinosa, and Ridenour. Read the Full Story >>
Tourism Growth Continues in West Virginia
There’s a lot of hard work going on in West Virginia. But there’s also a lot of fun and play too. According to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, travel-related spending totaled $4.9 billion in 2021. That works out to just under 7 percent of the state’s “gross domestic product” (GDP). Read the Full Story >>
Fourth Solar Project Comes to Jefferson County
The concept plan for the Flowing Springs Farm project proposes a solar panel installation on 660 acres adjacent to the Aspen Greens and Beallair subdivisions northeast of Charles Town. Read the Full Story >>
County Seeks Public Input on Transportation Concerns
The Jefferson County Commission will host a Transportation Summit on May 23 to discuss priorities for transportation funding in the County. Read the Full Story >>
County Commission Sets $32 Million Budget
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved a budget to submit to the State, following a short public hearing at 9:30 in the morning on Monday, March 27. The lone citizen commenter who attended the hearing questioned the short notice and lack of detail in the draft budget document that was released at 4 pm on the previous Friday. This budget covers the fiscal year (FY24) that starts on July 1, 2023 and runs through June 30, 2024. Read the Full Story >>
Garden Club Tour Showcases Member Talents
The Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council is presenting its 65th House and Garden Tour at the end of April. Read the Full Story >>
Agriculture at Home Program Promotes Local Products
Drive around Jefferson County and you will see evidence of agricultural production. But, where can you buy locally-grown and made products? Later this month a new program launches to help make it easier to find and buy such products. Read the Full Story >>
New Ideas Bloom at Dogwood General Store
Shepherdstown locals have long been reclaiming historic spaces; access to old buildings with a rich history is part of the charm of this small town. Walking into the new Dogwood General store on German Street feels as though the building itself has reclaimed its original incarnation Read the Full Story >>
Inherited Justice Black Hole
In Memory of George Floyd, and Too Many Others We circle,Resisting the pull,Watching what we say,Where we go.“Remember who you are,”Our parents warn,As we circle,Trying to keep our distanceFrom the no escape. We circle,From the orbitsWhere “kindship” wasGone with the wind of theAuction block, toMore sophisticated waysTo give a life for a living. We circle,Ten Read the Full Story >>
Bills Passed in the 2023 WV Legislative Session
March 11 was the end of the sixty day legislative session for 2023. Legislators went home having passed 333 bills (293 bills passed in 2022). The Governor has signed nearly one-third of these bills and is expected to sign the remainder soon (he signed all but 13 bills passed in 2022). Absent a special session called by the Governor, our legislators will next meet in January 2024 to vote on new legislation. Read the Full Story >>