This week started off slow, got busy in the middle, and ends with a flurry of activity this weekend. On Wednesday, First Energy pitched its plan for a new 500 KV power line across the county, on Thursday County and Ranson officials battled on the kickball field, and this weekend you can enjoy a parade in Charles Town, music in Shenandoah Junction, and the County Fair in Kearneysville.
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.
500 KV Transmission Line Route & Construction Plans
First Energy plans to replace the wooden towers supporting an existing 138 KV power line (left) with steel monopoles that will support that line plus a new 500 KV line.
First Energy held an open house in Shepherdstown on August 13 to share details about a new 500 kilovolt power line that will begin near Winchester VA, cross Jefferson County into Maryland, and terminate in Loudoun County VA.
First Energy says the new line will remain in the right of way of an existing 138 kilovolt line except for two short segments around the Feagan’s Mill and Millville substations. First Energy says it will file its plans with the WV Public Service Commission as early as October of this year and begin construction in 2027 to have the line in service by 2030.
The utility company is referring to this project as “Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project” (GDGC). The new First Energy line would connect with the “Mid Atlantic Resiliency Link” (MARL) transmission line that energy company NextEra is proposing to construct between Morgantown and Winchester.
First Energy says it plans to use steel monopoles for the GDGC line in Jefferson County. The company provided a graphic (image above) showing 500 kilovolt wires hanging from the longer arms on the left and 138 kilovolt wires hanging from the shorter arms on the right. The company estimates the top of the monopoles will be 185 feet above the ground. For comparison, the existing wooden “H” frame towers (shown below the monopole in the image) are 64 feet tall and the existing steel lattice towers (shown to the right of the monopole) are 120 feet tall.
Power For Data Centers
For the past two years, PJM Interconnect, the regional electric grid operator, has been pushing to expand transmission capacity in the mid-Atlantic, largely in response to escalating demands for power from data centers in northern Virginia. Electricity use by Virginia data centers has increased eightfold in the past ten years, and is projected to do the same again within the next five years.
State Review Process
The county commissions of Monongalia, Mineral, Preston, and Hampshire counties have all voted to formalize their opposition to the MARL segment of the project and have indicated an intent to pursue “intervenor” status with the WV Public Service Commission when it takes up the review of that case later this year. The Jefferson County Commission sent a letter to PJM Interconnection earlier this year requesting the grid operator to consider alternate routes outside of the county. The Commission is likely to discuss this project again at an upcoming meeting, based on recent comments shared with The Observer by several commissioners.
Most Dangerous Intersections: WV Rt 340 & Augustine Avenue
Near Washington High, the Rt. 340 & Augustine Avenue intersection is a crash-prone danger zone. In this vital episode, the Skinner brothers unpack what makes it so risky—and what every driver should know. If you drive in Jefferson County, this could save lives. Watch now and share with your community.
Jefferson County & Ranson Play Ball To Collect Donations
County Administrator Eddie Benites puts the ball in play.
Jefferson County and City of Ranson staff faced off at Sam Michael’s Park on Thursday afternoon for a friendly kickball competition.
Todd Wilt, the Ranson City Manager, said Eddie Benites, the County Administrator, contacted him last month to suggest the event as a way to collect donations for the NAACP’s Back-to-School Block Party. The event drew county commissioners, city council members, and a couple dozen staffers onto the field, with many more cheering from the sidelines.
The final score was Ranson 13, Jefferson County 2. Benites reported that the more important number was the value of the donated supplies, which she estimated at $3,500 (photo below).
The two teams are already talking about a rematch for 2026.
The Back-to-School Block Party event will take place on Friday, August 15 from 6 to 9 pm at the Ranson Civic Center (432 West 2nd Ave, Ranson).
A message from Appalachian Chamber Music Festival
The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival has returned for their Fifth Anniversary Season August 2 – 17. Tickets are still available for this weekend including our Festival Highlights event on Saturday, August 16 in Harpers Ferry. For more information visit AppalachianChamber.org
This Weekend: African American Culture & Heritage Festival
Drumming circle at 2024 festival.
The organizers of the Jefferson County African American Culture & Heritage Festival have put together a full weekend of events this year.
The fun starts on Friday, August 15 with a youth block party from 6 to 9 pm at the Ranson Civic Center (432 West 2nd Ave, Ranson). Billed as an event “planned for youth, by youth,” the organizers are encouraging local elementary, middle and high school students to hang out and enjoy the music by DJ 2Times.
Also on Friday night, from 7 to 9 pm, the Gospel program at the Betty Roper Auditorium at Wright Denny school (209 West Congress St, Charles Town) will feature choirs, praise dancers, and spoken word poetry.
Saturday, August 16 is the main festival, which kicks off with a parade down East Washington Street in downtown Charles Town featuring local first responders, school bands, and community groups. This year’s Grand Marshal is Coach Shannon A. Layton, head coach of the Spring Mills boys basketball team.
Following the parade the festival and jam concert will start around 2 pm along South Lawrence Street in Charles Town with vendors, food trucks, games and music. This year’s lineup includes Tony Craddock, Jr & Cold Front, Ahzay, Geno Marriott & The Spirit of Jazz, and DJ Vince Hosby.
On Sunday morning there will be a reflective walk honoring the legacy of freedom and the struggle for justice at the John Brown fort site in Harpers Ferry. Meetup is 8:00 am at the Murphy Farm (123 Murphy Road, Harpers Ferry). Later that afternoon at 3:00, the memorial marker at the Charles Town African-American Cemetery will be dedicated (South Seminary & East Avis Streets).
Join us for Tomato Jam on Saturday, August 16th from 3-10 pm atSistermoon Farm! Tomato Jam is a community-based, volunteer-run music festival with a mission to celebrate the land and elevate the community by throwing a shindig for lovers of music, art, and tomatoes. Featuring a full day of live music, artisan vendors, yoga, food trucks, and family friendly events -- there is something for everyone. >>>Get your tickets here…
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Community Youth Block Party – Enjoy an evening of games, music, and community connection for local youth at the Ranson Civic Center (432 West 2nd Ave., Ranson). Friday, August 15, 6–9 p.m. Free. Info
Dear Persephone: A New Play With Music – A contemporary play with music exploring myth, memory, and modern life presented by the Roving Peregrine Theatre Company at the Black Box Arts Center (113 South Princess St., Shepherdstown). Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 24, multiple showtimes. $ Tickets & Info
Movie Night: The Princess Bride – Outdoor family-friendly screening of the beloved fantasy adventure at the Poor House Farm Park (Poor House Rd., Martinsburg). No concessions, bring your own food and drink. Friday, August 15, 8:30 p.m. Free. Info
Movie: Paddington in Peru – Enjoy a fun, family-oriented adventure film under the stars at Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction). Friday, August 15, 8 p.m (doors open at 7 p.m.). Free. Info
Clarke County Ruritan Fair Horse Show – Witness competitive horse show events during the annual Clarke County Fair. (Fairgrounds, Berryville, VA). Saturday, August 15 - Sunday, August 16, multiple showtimes. $ Tickets & Info
African American Cultural & Heritage Festival – Now in its 31st year, this annual event celebrates African American culture in Jefferson County through music, food, and art and is open to all. Various locations in Ranson, Charles Town, and Harpers Ferry. Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17. Free admission, concessions available during some events. Info
Tomato Jam – Enjoy local music, food, and craft vendors in a lively community gathering and benefit Sistermoon Farm (6568 Flowing Springs Rd., Shenandoah Junction). Saturday, August 16, 3–10 p.m. $30. Tickets & Info
Movie: The War With Grandpa – Family-friendly movie screening in Shafer Park (Boonsboro, MD). Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Saturday, August 16. Movie starts at sunset. Free. Info
Concerts in the Park: Swingin’ Harmony Jazz Band – Enjoy live jazz in an outdoor park setting. (Shafer Park, 37 Park Drive, Boonsboro, MD). Sunday, August 17, 7 p.m. Free. Info
Jefferson County Fair – Annual fair featuring rides, livestock, food vendors, and entertainment. (Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Kearneysville, WV). Sunday, August 17 –Saturday, August 23, multiple events and showtimes. $ Tickets & Info
Ween-up Photobooth – Bring your canine pal (especially dachshunds) and photobooth memories at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St., Shepherdstown). Monday, August 18, 6-7:30 pm. Free, donations welcome to benefit the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County. Info
History on Tap: Harpers Ferry Armory – Learn about the history of the Harpers Ferry Armory in a casual pub setting. (Alstadts Ale House, 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry). Thursday, August 21, 6-7 p.m. Free. Tickets & Info
