The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its next bi-monthly meeting on June 21. The meeting starts at 8:15 am and is open to the public– the LEPC includes many members from first responder and public health organizations, but also includes business owners, educators, community groups, and other residents. (and citizen participants are encouraged). Read the Full Story >>
In Print May 2023
New Artistic Director Debuts At Contemporary American Theater Festival
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 >>
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 >>
Saluting A Habitat Tree
It’s good for a tree’s overall health to remove dead branches. And falling limbs can be a true hazard. But there is great value in keeping a dead tree standing in a safe spot in your yard or property. My wife and I were thrilled to discover a big Kentucky Coffee tree growing next to our driveway when we moved here. As it began to leaf out, we sadly learned it was near the end of its life. Read the Full Story >>
Theater Youth Summer Programs
There are several local programs this summer for children who are curious about acting and theater production. Read the Full Story >>
Youth Music Camps at Shepherd University
The School of Music has announced camps for string orchestra, jazz, jazz flute, woodwind, to be held on the Shepherd University Campus in June Read the Full Story >>
Collecting Food for Kidz Power Pacs
The Leadership Jefferson class of 2023 has partnered Kidz Power Pacs (KPP) to collect food donations for Kidz Power Pacs at the Weis grocery store in Ranson (217 Oak Lee Drive) on May 13 (Sat), 10 am - 4 pm. 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 >>
Suicide Prevention Seeking Event Sponsors
The Brian ONeill Jr Foundation is a locally-based nonprofit organization focused on the fight against suicide. The foundation is seeking sponsors for its annual Stronger With Each Step 5K run to be held on May 21 at the Hedgesville High School Cross Country field. The mission of the foundation is to empower individuals and their families to prevent youth and young adult suicide. Read the Full Story >>