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As we approach the Labor Day weekend, we’re anticipating the return of popular fall events and activities, including the Appalachian Heritage Festival (see our spotlight story at the end of today’s newsletter). It’s really encouraging to see something like this can last so many years and continue to re-invent itself each year.
County Changes Ambulance Fee Due Date To Next Spring
The Jefferson County Commission has decided that it will not be mailing this year’s ambulance fee bills until March 2027.
At its August 20 meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to amend the County’s ambulance fee ordinance to allow for the bills to be prepared and sent in March, a shift from the current wording which specified that the bills are sent in July of each year.
According to County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM, the shift was necessary to accommodate the time-consuming task of updating property records each year. The record-keeping effort is compounded by a lack of integration between the Assessor’s computer system and the ambulance fee billing system.
Since the ambulance fee was implemented in 2014, the County Commission staff has had to manually transfer the property data into the ambulance fee billing system. That system seemed to work until the recent spikes in new construction added several hundred, then several thousand, new properties each year. With the added workload, the office fell behind in sending out the bills for the past two years — and was on track to be late again this year.
To streamline the process, the County Commission has issued a contract to Software Systems to move the ambulance fee billing onto the same system used by the Sheriff’s Tax Office. That system has automated integrations with the Assessor’s systems, which should eliminate the manual labor required over the past several years.
The County will also be shifting the ambulance fee collection office to be housed with the Sheriff’s Tax Office and relocating both offices to the new County building at 393 North Lawrence. That move won’t happen until later this year, so for now it’s business as usual, with the ambulance fee office at the Emergency Services Agency office at 419 16th Street in Ranson.
Three Reasons Medical Care After A Crash Matters More Than You Think
After an accident, small choices like medical care, documentation, and timing can quietly shape what happens next. Understanding common missteps can help protect both your health and your financial future.
Skinner Law Firm 115 E Washington St., Charles Town WV 25414. 304.777.7777 SEVEN STATES. ONE FIRM. Andrew Skinner is admitted in VA,WV & IL and Stephen Skinner is admitted in WV, MD, DC & NY
Shepherdstown Council Approves Budget Increase
The Shepherdstown Town Council, during a special meeting on August 26, voted to approve an additional $243,251 to be included in the Town’s current year operating budget and an additional $300,000 to be expended for a capital equipment purchase.
Initial 2026-2027 shown in light blue; revised 2026-2027 budget shown in dark blue.
In April 2026, the Council approved an operating budget of $3,021,900. The additional items approved this week represent an 8 percent increase from that number. There were no corresponding increases to the revenue side of the budget, so the Town will need to draw from its reserves to fund these additional expenses. It was not clear from the discussion how much would be needed from the reserves to balance the budget: it could be anywhere between $43,251 (if the Town used all of the $200,000 currently designated for “contingencies”) to $243,251.
In the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30, the Town also drew approximately $50,000 from its reserves to fund operations according to the year-end budget documents. The Town does have significant reserves, but several Council members asked for annualized budget documents and more detail about the intended uses of these reserves. The Town’s Finance Committee has been tasked to develop this information, according to the Mayor.
Included in this week’s budget approvals were projects involving traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety; downtown enhancements such as flower bed maintenance; Market House Plaza pilot and traffic study; contracted services to support grant development, zoning ordinance updating, and the planning for the elementary school property’s future use; and town property maintenance and management.
Mayor James Gatz described most of these items as one-time expenses, with the exception of the traffic enforcement staffing, flower bed maintenance, holiday decorations, and grant development consultant.
Trash Truck Is A Big Ticket Purchase
As part of the budget revision, the Mayor also proposed allocating funds to purchase a new trash truck. During the discussion with the Town staff, the Council determined that $300,000 was a realistic number to budget for this item. The purchase would be considered a “capital budget” item rather than an operating expense.
Editor’s note: Shepherdstown Council member Harriet Pearson is a co-owner of The Observer.
A message from the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office
Notice of Filings Due
(for Assessment Information as of July 1 2026)
Dates to File:
Jefferson County Dog Tags: File by July 1
Farm use Forms & Farm Statistics: File by September 1
Commercial Business Report (corporation & business forms): Due by September 1
Personal Property Report (online filing available): Due by December 1
Homestead Exemption: Apply by December 1
New office location: 393 North Lawrence St, Suite 100, Charles Town. 304-728-3224. Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Development Authority Budget Shrinks With No Clear Plan
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) board voted last week to approve an operating budget that shows a deficit even after the Jefferson County Commission moved most of its expenses into a separate County-funded department.
During the JCDA board meeting on August 18, the County’s Director of Economic Development, Daryl Cowles, presented a skeleton budget for the Authority that showed the County assuming all of the staff and office expenses associated with economic development activity. What was left for the JCDA budget was mostly legal fees and accounting expenses.
The draft budget presented by Cowles showed a $24,000 deficit, but that number grew after board members pointed out that the Cowles’ numbers did not include the costs for developing a strategic plan and finalizing the transfer of the roads in the Burr/Bardane business park to the business owners association. The Board approved an additional $37,000 to cover those items bringing the projected deficit to $61,000.
Unknown Expenses
The budget picture became even murkier when board members asked Cowles about the “public-private partnership” agreement with WV American Water. This was a project taken on by the JCDA earlier this year at the direction of the Jefferson County Commission. Cowles says that the JCDA has signed an engagement agreement with a law firm to draft this agreement, but he could not provide an estimate of the fees that would be billed to the JCDA for the legal work.
Cash Flow Constraints
Beyond the $61,000 deficit built into the budget, the JCDA also needs to cover an additional $150,000 of expenses that eventually will be covered by a state grant program to prepare sites for development. Because these are “reimbursement” grants, the JCDA doesn’t receive funds until after it pays the bills, so it needs the working capital to complete the projects to qualify for the grants.
Add it all up and the JCDA needs over $200,000 to stay afloat through the end of the current (FY 2027) fiscal year.
An Unsteady Balance Sheet
According to the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 2025 and recent reports from the JCDA treasurer, the authority has $1,049,110 in its bank account, but also owes the state $825,000 for accrued interest for a loan tied to the Burr/Bardane business park — a positive balance of $223,215, but not much of a cushion given the organization's cash-flow requirements.
The JCDA board has acknowledged the need to develop a project that generates revenue to support the authority, but they have no specific plan under consideration at this time.
A message from the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee
The Blue Soirée at the historic Claymont Court Mansion
Enjoy an evening of socializing, fellowship, live music, a DJ and an exciting auction and a keynote speech from our honored guest, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn.
Saturday, August 29, 6 – 9 pm
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided with admission tickets. Guests are encouraged to incorporate blue into their dress for the event.
The 16,000 square foot Claymont Court mansion is considered the grandest of the Washington Family homes in Jefferson County. Built for Bushrod Corbin Washington, George Washington's grand-nephew, it later became home to famed author Frank Stockton and then Elsie Bogardus Murphy, Jefferson County's most prominent philanthropist.
Harry Dunn is the author of Standing My Ground: A Capitol Police Officer's Fight for Accountability and Good Trouble After January 6th.
The Claymont Society, which owns and manages Claymont Court, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is strictly nonpolitical and nonpartisan. The Society does not endorse, support, or oppose any political party, candidate, or ballot issue.
Worth Noting...
School Board Supports CTUB Expansion Planning — The Jefferson County Board of Education (BOE) voted on August 24 to approve a letter in support of CTUB (the Charles Town Utility Board) efforts to expand water and sewer service lines towards Summit Point that could potentially serve South Jefferson Elementary School. The letter was drafted in response to a presentation that Paul Mantello, General Manager of CTUB, provided at the BOE’s July 27 meeting. During the July presentation, Mantello emphasized that CTUB expects grants and support from other commercial users will fund the expansion of lines that would pass directly adjacent to the elementary school, which is currently served by on-site well and septic systems. Once the CTUB lines are in place, it would be the BOE’s decision to connect (or not) to the utility system.
Transportation Survey — The West Virginia Department of Transportation and local transportation organizations are updating the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan that covers the Eastern Panhandle. They are asking residents to participate in an online survey to help them understand local transportation needs. >>>Take the survey…
Volunteers For Trail Cleanup at Nature Preserves — The Potomac Valley Audubon Society invites volunteers to help clean and maintain the trails at its nature preserves in the Eastern Panhandle. The worksessions are appropriate for ages 16 and up, but younger children can participate if they are supervised by an accompanying adult. Upcoming events at Stauffer’s Marsh (Aug 28, 8 am), Cool Springs (Aug 31, 9 am), Yankauer (Sep 1, 3 pm), Eidolon (Sep 2, 10 am). >>>Learn more…
A message from The Bridge Gallery
Matthews & Shank Art Collection Sale
On Saturday, September 12 the Bridge Gallery is opening a sale of paintings from the personal collection of longtime Shepherdstown residents and former antique and art dealers, John Shank and Joe Matthews. While a portion of their estate has been sent to auction, there remains a collection of beautiful paintings and art pieces for this sale. A selection of local and regional artists will be a part of the exhibit including work by Ben Summerford, Don Rees, James Kline, Seth Hill, Jacob Stilley, and more. The exhibit will run through October 11.
Opening Reception is Saturday, September 12, 5-7 pm.
Call (304) 876-2300 for additional information.
Libraries Full Of Activities This Fall
Schools are back in session and the local libraries also have a full schedule of programs and events for kids (and also programs for adults). Here’s a summary of the free programming available:
Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library — Programs include story times for toddlers, preschool and younger kids, book clubs for teens, plus adult knitting and chair yoga clubs. >>>calendar…
Charles Town Library — Programs include story times and activities for young children, book clubs for teens, and “unplugged” Thursdays (at 5:00 pm). >>>calendar…
Shepherdstown Public Library — Programs include story times for toddlers, preschool and younger kids, math club for middle schoolers, art clubs, craft sessions, youth chess club, STEM club, coding sessions, nature club, plus numerous adult programs. >>>calendar…
South Jefferson Public Library — Programs include story hours for children and book clubs for adults. >>>calendar…
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Short Film Festival Comes To Shepherdstown
The Shepherdstown Opera House is participating in the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival on September 25, 26 & 27. Last year’s event was so popular that we added an extra day — purchase your tickets now so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Full Moon Circle — Gather under the moon for meditation, breathwork, and movement. Bring your own mat, journal, or other items. The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, August 28, 7-9 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Info…
Concert in the Park: US Navy Band Country Current — Live music outdoors. Blankets and chairs welcome. Shafer Park, 37 Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD. Friday, August 28, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Sprint & Super Sprint Triathlon — Triathlon event rescheduled from earlier this summer. War Memorial Park, 500 North Tennesssee Ave, Martinsburg. Saturday, August 29, 6:15 am check-in (check-in also available 5-7 pm on Friday, August 28). $ Tickets & Info…
Chess Tournament — Chess tournament with pre-registration recommended as spots are limited to 20. Chess boards and notation sheets provided. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, August 29, 11 am-1:40 pm. Free with donations accepted. Info…
Middleway Fire Dept Cruise In and Food Truck Festival — A family-friendly event featuring food trucks and music. 110 Dark Hill Ln, Middleway. Sunday, August 30, noon-6 pm. Free admission. Info…
Film: All My Sons — Screening of the UK’s National Theatre Live production of All My Sons, Arthur Miller’s acclaimed play. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, August 30, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Concert in the Park: Williamsport Community Jazz Band — Live music outdoors. Blankets and chairs welcome. Shafer Park, 37 Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD. Sunday, August 30, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Antietam Institute Lecture — Local historian John Schildt’s talk is the final event in Antietam Institute's 2026 Civil War Summer Lecture Series. St Paul's Episcopal Church, 209 West Main St, Sharpsburg. Monday, August 31, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Monarch Tagging Workshop — Workshop on tagging monarch butterflies hosted by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Pre-registration required. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town. Tuesday, September 1, 5-6:30 pm. Free, donations accepted. Info…
Nature’s Palette Watercolor Workshop: Northern Cardinal — Watercolor workshop featuring the northern cardinal. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town. Wednesday, September 2, 6-8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Walks About Nothing - Two Year Anniversary — A walk from City Hall to the Depot District for ice cream, lawn games and a DJ. City Hall, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, September 2, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Legacy of Robert C. Byrd Through Ten Objects from his Congressional Archives — A presentation on the late Senator Robert C. Byrd's archives as part of Historic Shepherdstown’s Speaker Series. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, September 2, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan products. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5-6:30 pm. Info…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — Farmers market held on the second and last Friday of the month. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Friday, Aug. 14, 4-7 pm. Info…
Historic Shepherdstown Museum — The museum is open for its 2026 season for visitors to explore exhibits on local history and heritage. Historic Shepherdstown Museum, 129 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturdays, 11 am-5 pm and Sundays, 1-4 pm. Admission by donation ($5 suggested). Info…
Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. 125 West King St, Martinsburg. Saturdays, April-October, 10 am-2 pm. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, meats, baked goods and artisan products. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, April-December, 9 am-1 pm. Info…
Women's Ride on the C&O Canal — A group bicycle ride on the C&O Canal. Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Guy Brescia Solo Exhibition — Primarily pen and ink illustrations. Exhibit continues through Aug. 31. Firehouse Gallery, 108 North George St, Charles Town. Free. Info…
Spotlight — Appalachian Heritage Festival Turns 30
Becky Hill - Photo credit: Cory-Marie-Podielski
Jake Blount has played Carnegie Hall, Newport Folk Festival, and NPR's Tiny Desk — and this year, he's playing Shepherdstown. The Smithsonian Folkways recording artist headlines this year's Appalachian Heritage Festival in Shepherdstown, running September 24 to 27. He's joined by master musician Dave Bing and percussive dancer Becky Hill.
In addition to main-stage performances by these and other performers, Festival-goers will have close-up opportunities to learn about and enjoy the region's music, dance, and storytelling traditions.
Festival events will take place across Shepherdstown: an old-fashioned square dance is scheduled for Friday, September 25, and a showcase concert for Saturday, September 26, both on an outdoor stage on King Street.
Additional events will take place at the Shepherdstown Opera House, Alma Bea Restaurant, the Byrd Center Auditorium, and Reynolds Hall on campus. These include a film screening, demonstrations, community singing, and jam sessions. The University's much loved "Little House" (a child-sized house built in the late 1920s by a Shepherd College teacher and her students) will be open Saturday, September 26, 11am-1pm, with Appalachian children's activities.
As Shepherd University’s Rachael Meads shared with The Observer a few years ago, the Festival traces back to 1996, when she and English professor Dr. Linda Tate hatched the idea during a car ride home from an Appalachian Studies Association conference. Meads has organized the Festival ever since. Tate, now retired from teaching, returns this year to headline a session with a reading from her family memoir, Power in the Blood.
Admission is free to all Festival events, with donations welcomed.
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.
