Ballot Shakeup, More Water Line Questions, Remembering 9/11
Published about 11 hours ago • 16 min read
Observer Weekly
September 10, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
It’s hard to believe it’s been a quarter-century since September 11, 2001. I can vividly recall the bright blue cloudless sky as I was driving towards Crystal City in Arlington, listening to WTOP with “traffic and weather on the 8s” when I heard the news of a second plane crashing into the World Trade Center. The report of the first plane was a puzzle. The meaning of the second plane was unmistakably clear.
What I remember most about the day as it unfolded was the silence in the sky, punctuated by a constant wail of sirens from emergency vehicles rushing to the Pentagon, and the steady stream of commuters walking away from DC — across the bridges and through the streets of Arlington. I spent several hours picking up people and dropping them at the Ballston station, which was the closest working Metro stop after the trains were blocked from running into the city.
We were all strangers, yet that day we recognized that we were all connected.
Circuit Court Removes Tabb From County Commission Ballot
Following a hearing today (September 10), Circuit Court Judge Bridget Cohee found that David Tabb is not legally qualified to appear on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot as a candidate for the Jefferson County Commission from the Harpers Ferry Magisterial District.
David Tabb at 2022 Jefferson County Fair
The court proceedings were initiated by a complaint filed on September 1, 2026 by John Cline, a Jefferson County resident. The complaint asked the Court to compel the Jefferson County Ballot Commission to act on the allegations that David Tabb is a resident in the Charles Town Magisterial District and therefore not eligible to run for the seat assigned to the Harpers Ferry Magisterial District.
The Court found that “Mr. Tabb was not, and is not a resident of the Harpers Ferry Magisterial District” and in the final order posted later in the day, ordered the Jefferson County Board of Ballot Commissioners to omit Tabb’s name from the ballot.
With Tabb removed, the 2026 ballot for the Harpers Ferry seat on the Jefferson County Commission will include Pasha Majdi (Republican Party), Lanae Johnson (Democratic Party) and Tricia Jackson (Constitution Party).
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Most Dangerous Intersections: Kearneysville - Rt 51 & Leetown Rd
Drivers crossing Route 51 at Leetown Road, on the Jefferson and Berkeley County line, face a hotspot for danger. Roads meet at an angle, lanes don't line up, and poles block sightlines, leaving drivers guessing and putting families and commuters at risk every time they pass through. Watch Skinner's Most Dangerous Intersections series to stay informed.
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
CTUB Will Review Sidewinder Permit Issues Next Week
The Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) has scheduled a special meeting on Monday, September 14 at 4 pm. The meeting agenda will focus on the concerns and questions surrounding the West Virginia Department of Environment (WV DEP) permit issued for the Sidewinder Raw Water Line in May 2026.
CTUB meeting on September 9 2026
Community Objections
After The Observer first reported on this permit last week, several community members spoke out about their concerns during the Charles Town City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 8. Later in that meeting, CTUB General Manager Paul Mantello briefed the City Council on this permit and other CTUB issues, saying that he would be recommending that CTUB restart the WV DEP application process for this project from the beginning.
During the regularly scheduled CTUB meeting on Wednesday, September 9, approximately 30 residents attended and 12 gave public comments about their concerns with this permit and the “irregular process” by which it was issued.
Later in the meeting, Mantello briefed the CTUB board in more detail about his preliminary investigation into how the permit was issued. The board members went into executive session to receive legal advice on this topic and then voted to schedule the special meeting to consider CTUB’s next steps, which could include hiring an outside attorney or consultant to conduct an independent investigation.
Timeline of Activities
According to the activity log visible in the WV DEP permit tracking system, the permit application was initially uploaded into the system by Integrity Federal Services (IFS) between November 24 and December 3, 2025, but not initiated for the WV DEP’s review until March 17, 2026. The application was signed by former CTUB General Manager Kristen Stolipher, who left CTUB in February 2026.
On April 23, 2026, the WV DEP requested corrections to the Stormwater Protection Plan (SWPPP) document included in the permit application. According to the activity log, IFS resubmitted the SWPPP on May 22, 2026.
Current Permit Not Valid
On September 8, The Observer spoke with a WV DEP official who acknowledged the application had deficiencies, but was unable to provide any specific explanation about why the permit reviewer missed these deficiencies.
To date, three significant deficiencies have been identified:
The Stormwater Protection Plan (SWPPP) document included with the permit application is unsigned. It is unclear why IFS did not contact CTUB in May 2026 (when it resubmitted the SWPPP with a blank signature page) to obtain a signature for the updated document. According to the WV DEP representative, the permit is not valid without this signature.
The “Erosion and Sediment Control” (ESC) plan in the SWPPP has inconsistent revision dates and is missing required signatures. The ESC plan is 15 sheets of drawings prepared by an engineer. The first sheet, which is stamped, signed and dated by a licensed engineer, indicates a revision date of November 13, 2025 for the detail sheets in the plan. The detail sheets themselves show an August 2023 revision date and are marked as “advanced copy not for construction” with no engineer’s signature. According to professional engineers consulted by The Observer, it is highly irregular to have a mix of signed and unsigned sheets in a document submitted for this type of application.
There is no “Karst Mitigation Plan” included in the application. This mitigation plan is required by WV DEP for projects in karst topography. The project clearly runs through karst topography, according to WV DEP’s interactive maps. According to the WV DEP official, the permit reviewer relies on the coordinates provided with the application to determine whether a “Karst Mitigation Plan” is required, but the project GPS coordinates included in the application are not correct (one of the GPS points provided in the application is actually located outside of Jefferson County).
At its September 9 meeting, the Shepherdstown Town Council voted to update the Town’s property maintenance code, approved more traffic safety measures, and adopt an immigration resolution. The Council also heard about mail delivery concerns and voted to support several events.
Shepherdstown Market House Plaza on Labor Day 2026
Property maintenance code updated. The Council voted to update Title 13 of the Town Code to use the 2018 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, replacing the 2012 edition the Town had used since 2015 with the rest of Title 13 staying the same.
Policy on immigration enforcement. Following public comment by six speakers who voiced support, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution declining to enter into a cooperation agreement with federal immigration authorities and affirming its commitment to constitutional and legal compliance.
Traffic complaints pile up. A fatal pedestrian-vehicle incident in July has prompted the Town to increase traffic safety and enforcement. Earlier this month, pedestrian “see me” flags were installed at all four-way stop intersections in town. Yesterday, several residents, including Councilmember Cheryl Roberts, also raised concerns about vehicles speeding on Browns Alley, near Bane-Harris Park, and on West High Street. Council referred these issues for the Town’s Public Works Committee to review with police input.
Mail delivery question resurfaces. Following up on resident Latina Clark’s request for home-delivered mail, Town Administrator Gino Sisco reported that “[t]here was never an official proclamation by Town officials that mail could only be sent or delivered at the post office.” After hearing that the US Postal Service (USPS) is unlikely to provide door-to-door delivery, Town staff agreed to look into what delivery options the USPS can make available to residents.
Constitution Day Parade. The Town Council voted to approve up to $1,000 for a community grant to support the “We the People” Constitution Day Parade which will take place on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00-11:30 am.
9/25 to honor Appalachian Heritage and Dolly Parton. In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Appalachian Heritage Festival in Shepherdstown and the impact that Dolly Parton has had on Appalachian culture and individuals including in Shepherdstown, the Town will celebrate both on Friday, September 25. More information on the Appalachian Heritage Festival is available here.
Editor’s note: Shepherdstown Council member Harriet Pearson is a co-owner of The Observer.
A message from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Join Us for the 50th — BRING A FRIEND & GET IN FREE!
Bring a friend and make a day of it! Celebrate the 50th Annual Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival with incredible handmade arts and crafts, live Appalachian music, delicious food, family-friendly fun, and the rich traditions of our region.
For a limited time, buy one admission and get one FREE! It’s the perfect excuse to grab your favorite festival buddy and enjoy a day filled with creativity, Appalachian heritage, music, food and memories.
Don’t miss this golden anniversary celebration, 50 years of Appalachian tradition!
You must have a printed copy (color or b/w) of the BOGO ad in hand to enjoy the BOGO, download one here!
County Seeks Proposals For Public Art — The Jefferson County Commission is seeking artists who would like to be considered for public art commissions as funding opportunities become available. Artists with experience in mural painting, public art, large-scale artwork, or similar projects are encouraged to express their interest. West Virginia-based artists, particularly those from Jefferson County and the Eastern Panhandle, are especially encouraged to respond. If interested, email Kayla.N.Whetstone@jeffcowv.gov (subject line “Public Art – Artist Interest”) with your name and contact information, a brief description of your artistic background and experience, and examples of previous work or a link to an online portfolio.
Town Run “Stream Cleaners” (Sep 12) — Volunteers help remove invasive plants, pick up trash and build community relationships while helping maintain the Town Run. Meet at Morgan Grove’s Park, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Data Center Forums (Sep 12) — There are two data center information events scheduled for this Saturday:
The Jefferson County NAACP will host an event at Wright Denny Intermediate School (209 West Congress Ave, Charles Town) from 3 to 5 pm. This event will be moderated by Antoinette Ringgold and will include Than Hitt, Cara Keys, Staci Hartwell, Theodora Scarato, and Alexander Link as panelists. >>>Details…
Residents have organized a forum at Spring Mills High School (499 Campus Dr, Martinsburg) from 6 to 8 pm. >>>Details…
Two Rivers Giving Circle Grant Program (Sep 14 deadline) — Applications are being accepted by the Two Rivers Giving Circle for historic preservation and natural resource conservation projects. Grant applications between $500-$2500 will be accepted until September 14 for the 2026 grant cycle. >>>Details and application form…
Food Box Giveaway Event in Ranson (Sep 15) — Community Markets, Ranson Parks & Recreation, and the City of Ranson are hosting a food box event on September 15 between noon and 2 pm. The event will take place at Marcus Field (132 Athletic Way, Ranson). >>>Details…
Community First Aid Class (Sep 15) — First aid training with pre-registration required. Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency, 419 Sixteenth Ave, Ranson. Tuesday, September 15, 6 pm. Free. Info…
A message from the Shepherdstown Community Club
University Invites Community To Common Reading Events
Shepherd University has selected The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass as the University’s 2026-2027 common reading selection. Community members are invited to join students to “Read the Book & Join the Conversation!” events throughout the academic year. This year’s program at Shepherd is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through Arts Midwest.
Common Reading events this fall include:
September 15 (Tuesday) — Fall Keynote and Performance with Nathan Richardson, published author, performance poet and Frederick Douglass historian. 7:00 pm at the Frank Arts Center Auditorium (260 University Dr, Shepherdstown). Free and open to the public.
September 17 (Thursday) — 250 Years of Independence: An Exploration of the History, Memory, and Meaning led by Dr. Ben Bankhurst. This event also kicks off Lifelong Learning’s Lecture & Libations series. 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Alma Bea Restaurant (202 East Washington St, Shepherdstown). Free to the public, no registration required.
September 19 (Saturday) — Community Kickoff in Partnership with Shepherdstown Public Library. 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown). Free and open to the public.
September 16 through October 21 — Honoring America250 Event: Lifelong Learning Course. Class meets September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21. Stories of America as Told by Two Medical Doctors with Instructor Richard Casuccio. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education Multipurpose Room. Also available via Zoom.| 9:00– 10:30 am. Cost: $79.
October 17 (Saturday) — Frederick Douglass and the Freedom of Writing: A Children’s Creative Writing Workshop and Book Event. 9:30 am on the Little House Lawn (120-½ North Princess St, Shepherdstown). Free and open to the public.
October 21 (Wednesday) — “Benedict Arnold: A Tragic Hero” with Speaker Blane Ampthor at the Byrd Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Also available via Zoom.Cost: $15.
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.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door — A young novelist's forthcoming Broadway adaptation is complicated when a countryside weekend reveals hidden secrets. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. September 11, 12, and 13, Fri & Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Monarch Butterfly Program — Park staff will teach about monarch butterflies’ lifecycle and migration. Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD. Friday, September 11, 1 pm. Free with Park admission. Info…
Culture & Cocktails: The Missing Garnet Jex Painting — A Washington County Historical Society event. Miller House Museum, 135 West Washington St, Hagerstown, MD. Friday, September 11, 6-8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pancake Breakfast — A delicious community tradition. New Street United Methodist Church, 202 West New St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 7-11 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Boonsborough Days — A family-friendly festival showcasing handmade and historical crafts. Shafer Park, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, September 12–Sunday, September 13, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 9 am-4 pm. Free. Info…
Grandparents Day at the Library — Enjoy a photobooth and family storytime to celebrate Grandparents Day. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 10 am-noon. Free. Info…
Nature Journaling — Observe the colors, textures, and movements of the change from summer to fall. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town. Saturday, September 12, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Info…
Paint The Town Day — Painters, sketchers, doodlers, and all other kinds of artists are invited to spend the morning making "plein air" art in downtown Charles Town. Saturday, September 12, 10 am-2 pm. Free. Info…
Cannon Demonstration — A field artillery demonstration at Bolivar Heights (firings at 1, 2 and 3 pm). Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Bolivar Heights (shuttle available from the visitor center). Saturday, September 12, noon-3 pm. Info…
Community Yoga — Outdoor yoga class at the pedestrian plaza located behind the historic Market House, 100 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 10 am. Free. Info…
Live Music at the Market House Plaza — Live music by O.K.S. at the pedestrian plaza located behind the historic Market House, 100 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
Matthews & Shank Art Sale — A sale featuring select items from the estate of longtime collectors John Shank and Joseph Matthews. Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
FOSL Adult Spelling Bee — An adult spelling bee hosted by Friends of the Shepherdstown Library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 6-9 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Movie Night in the Park — An outdoor screening of The Sandlot. Morgan's Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 12, 8:00 - 10:00 pm. Free. Info…
Friends of NCTC Annual Social — Explore the NCTC campus with an archives tour, bald eagle conservation talk, presentation on indigenous artifacts and kid-friendly activities. National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown. Sunday, September 13, 1-4 pm. Free. Info…
Bee City's Garden Grand Opening — A grand opening celebration for a new native plant garden and meadow with light refreshments. Morgan's Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Sunday, September 13, 4-6 pm. Free. Info…
Hagerstown Latino Festival — A festival celebrating Latino culture with music, dance, and food. University Plaza, 50 West Washington St, Hagerstown, MD. Sunday, September 13, 11 am-9 pm. Free. Info…
Shepherd University Common Read Keynote and Performance — A Common Read event featuring Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, September 15, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Walk About Nothing — This week's walk will include a tour of Charles Washington's office. Charles Town City Hall, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, September 16, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Constitution Day Lecture — A lecture presented by Dr. Allida Black, Director of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Oral History Center. Reservations are recommended. Byrd Center Auditorium, Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, September 16, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Early Access to the Shepherdstown Community Club Book Sale - Book dealers and others can have priority access to this annual book sale for a $30 admission. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St. Thursday, September 17, 6 - 8 pm. $ Tickets & 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 — A farmers market held on the second and last Friday of each month. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Friday, 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. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Join the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education for its annual Moses Memorial Constitution Day lecture, this year featuring Allida Black, Ph.D., the Beth Newburger Schwartz Professor of Practice, director of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Oral History Project at Georgetown University. An expert on Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dr. Black’s lecture, “Defining These Truths,” will illuminate the humanity behind the words of the Constitution and beyond.
This is a FREE event but tickets are limited! Reserve your space today at www.ByrdCenter.org.
Spotlight — 9/11 Remembrance in Ranson
The Independent Fire Company will host its 25th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the fire station at 200 West 2nd Avenue in Ranson.
The 30-minute ceremony, which begins at 9:59 am, remembers the 2,753 individuals who perished at the World Trade Center, along with the 184 individuals who died at the Pentagon, and the 40 civilians who perished on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The guest speaker for the 2026 event is CW03 John Cornelius, US Army (retired) who was 18 when the attacks happened. Cornelius served 20 years as a paratrooper and Black Hawk helicopter pilot. The Washington High School Patriot Chamber Choir and the Jefferson High School Cougar Air Force Junior ROTC will also participate in the ceremonies. Bagpipe music will be presented by Joe Kent.
View from mid-town Manhattan on September 11, 2016
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