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Observer Weekly

The Observer Weekly reports on news and events happening in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Sign up below to get our quick-read email newsletter delivered straight to your inbox each week.

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fiber optic cables being buried in ground

Data Center Rules Published, Summit Point Grant Gets Green Light

Observer Weekly November 26, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Happy Thanksgiving! We’re publishing a day early this week so we can enjoy some time with our family on Thursday. We hope to see you around the county this weekend for the many festivities that kick off the holiday season. — Steve Pearson Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value...
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map of land swap between national park and customs and border protection in harpers ferry

Federal Agencies Plan Harpers Ferry Land Swap, Charles Town Votes To Raise Sewer Fee

Observer Weekly November 20, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. Federal Agencies Plan To Swap Land In Harpers Ferry The four members of West Virginia’s Congressional delegation have introduced legislation to authorize a long-planned transfer of 71.5 acres of...
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Intervenors in Sidewinder vs JC Planning Commission outside of courthouse

Sidewinder Loses in Court, Summit Point Rejected By CTUB

Observer Weekly November 13, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Jefferson County’s water supply is in the news again this week. Circuit Court Judge Cohee rejected the water bottling companies legal arguments and the Charles Town Utility Board passed on an opportunity to apply for a state grant. Planning Commission Prevails Over Sidewinder In Court The intervenors from Middleway gathered outside the courthouse after the hearing (pictured left to right): William White Grantham, Margaret...
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residents attend planning commission meeting

Sidewinder Settlement Rejected, Bank Changes Name, Community Pitches In

Observer Weekly November 6, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events The Jefferson County Planning Commission and Sidewinder will be in court on Monday after the Planning Commission rejected Sidewinder’s settlement offer. Plus, coverage of a local business with a new name, the community’s efforts to respond to the government shutdown, and lots of things to do this weekend. Planning Commission Rejects Sidewinder Settlement Offer At the end of a special meeting on November 5, the Jefferson...
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crowd on East Street in Middleway during festival

Food Pantries, Water Bottling Project Settlement Talks, Halloween Events

Observer Weekly October 30, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. Local Charity Groups See Spike In Food Pantry Needs Shepherdstown Shares food pantry provides fresh food and non-perishable items. The unsettled economy and government dysfunction in Washington...
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Governor Patrick Morrisey speaking in Eastern Panhandle forum

Governor Meets Local Leaders, New Charles Town Connection, Halloween Events

Observer Weekly October 23, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. Governor Looks At Eastern Panhandle Growth Initiatives Governor Patrick Morrisey met with leaders from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties on Friday, October 17, at the Berkeley County...
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ambulance parked in snow

Ambulance Fee Questions, New Business Opens, Weekend Events

Observer Weekly October 16, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. County Ambulance Fees Lagging Behind EMS Expenses The ambulance housed in Shepherdstown is routinely assigned to standby at the Route 9 bike trail parking lot in Kearneysville to provide mid-county...
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roosters and hens in barnyard

Prosecuting Attorney Resigns, Ranson Council Embraces Public Comment

Observer Weekly October 9, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. County Prosecutor Matt Harvey Moves To Federal Role Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Harvey has resigned, effective October 8, 2025, to become United States Attorney for the Northern...
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Looking down High Street in Harpers Ferry

Shutdown In Harpers Ferry, Fire On The Mountain

Observer Weekly October 2, 2025 Jefferson County, WV news & events Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free. If you value local journalism, become a paid subscriber. Closures, Restrictions & Uncertainty At Harpers Ferry Park The shutdown of the federal government that began on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 is affecting operations at the Harpers Ferry National...
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