Counting the students, finishing up construction, and the end of summer
Published 2 days ago • 5 min read
Observer Weekly
August 28, 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.
The deadline to take advantage of the early-payment discount for Jefferson County property taxes is September 1. Pay online at WVpropertytaxes.com or in person at the Sheriff’s Tax Office (110 North George St, Charles Town)
First Energy has filed notice with the WV Public Service Commission that it intends to submit a formal permit request in the next several months for the new 500 kilovolt transmission line it plans to construct across Jefferson County. Follow this story at ObserverWV.com.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has finalized the consent order against Horus West Virginia, the developer of the Blake solar project, with no change to the $193,780 fine. Under the terms of the order, the company is responsible for reworking the stormwater retention across the entire site according to documents filed with the Jefferson County Engineering Department.
New Shepherdstown Elementary School Almost Ready
The Jefferson County Board of Education got a glimpse inside of the new Shepherdstown Elementary School at the board meeting on Monday, August 25.
Staff shared photos of the mostly-complete interior, highlighting the gym (image above) and the classrooms (image below). Joyce White, the Deputy Superintendent of Operations said during the meeting that she expects construction to be substantially complete by September 19, with the school fully ready to be occupied for the second semester, after all of the furnishings and equipment are installed.
Counting the Students
Dr. Chuck Bishop, the Superintendent, discussed enrollment during his report to the board, indicating that he expects the overall number of enrolled students will end up close to last year’s number. He will be providing updated counts to the Board next month, with the official numbers reported to the state in October.
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Shepherd University Largest Freshman Class Since 2020
Parishioners of two local Lutheran churches, St. Peter’s (Shepherdstown) and St. James (Uvilla) organized a free lunch for students (and community members) during the first week of classes. This is the second year for the event and the organizers plan to continue the event every Wednesday during the school year.
Shepherd University welcomed its largest freshman class since 2020 when the fall semester began Monday, August 25. The University expects between 565 and 580 first-time college students on campus this year.
Shepherd’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Will Bell, credited the admissions team and the broader University community for the successful recruitment cycle. “Enrollment is everyone’s responsibility,” Bell said, noting the support of faculty and staff. Provost Dr. Jack DeRochi emphasized the role of the entire community in supporting students.
Shepherd President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix highlighted community collaboration at the 2025 Convocation ceremony welcoming students to campus, introducing this year’s University-wide theme, ONEShepherd. “ONEShepherd celebrates that we are stronger together and that all of us — our people, programs, and places — come together in service of your success,” she said.
Early indicators point to a 12.5 percent increase in first-year student enrollment and a 2 percent rise in student persistence, a metric that tracks continued enrollment across all class levels. Both numbers reflect the change from last fall’s official numbers. While official enrollment numbers for this year will not be finalized until October, DeRochi said the University is encouraged by current trends.
Total undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment stood at 2,403 at Convocation, a 1 percent increase over last year, reflecting steady growth for the University.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
In a remote cabin, a family confronts loss, secrets, lack of hunting skills, unarmed afghans (the blanket, not the people), oppressive parenting, “wild” animals and unexpected connections when a mysterious visitor takes a wrong turn and enters their eccentric lives.
Charles Town Car Show Rolls Into Downtown This Saturday
Downtown Charles Town will be buzzing this Saturday, August 31, as the annual Charles Town Car Show takes over Washington Street with hundreds of classic and custom vehicles, live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event is free to attend and runs from 10 am to 3 pm.
Launched 16 years ago by local business owner Duane Marcus, the show began as a way to draw more visitors to shop and dine in Charles Town. “That first year we had over 100 cars lining the streets, which was phenomenal for a first-year show,” Marcus recalls. “Now, fully situated on the Saturday before Labor Day, this is the largest show within a few hours of here — bringing close to 500 cars and more than 10,000 spectators each year.”
Organized with help from Liz Cook, downtown coordinator for the City of Charles Town, the show relies on the support of local sponsors and dozens of volunteers, including 40 ROTC cadets who assist throughout the day. Proceeds from the event are donated annually to local organizations; this year’s recipient is the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, continuing a tradition of giving that has raised more than $45,000 for community causes.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of activities, including a Food Vendor Row, Craft Vendor Row, a Kids Zone, and the Charles Town Farmers Market. A highlight of the day is the popular Model T demonstration at noon, when the Model T Club will assemble a completely disassembled vintage Ford Model T in under 12 minutes, right in the center of town.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 am with the Jefferson High School ROTC Color Guard and a performance by the Washington High School Show Choir.
With cars filling Main Street early in the morning, many out-of-town registrants arrive the night before and spend the day shopping and dining locally — making the show not only a favorite for car enthusiasts, but also a boost for downtown businesses.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Fly Fishing Film Festival — Seven short films will be screened at this annual event hosted by Friends of the National Conservation Training Center (698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown). Thursday, August 28, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Jazz Workshop — Eight-week performance-based class for jazz musicians of all levels at the Frank Center (260 University Dr., Shepherdstown). Thursday, August 28, 7 pm. $ Registration & Info…
Civil War Center Lecture: Jen Murray — Professor Jennifer Murray, the new Director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, will talk about her research and meet the community (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Thursday, August 28, 7 pm. Lecture will be followed by a reception across the street at the George Tyler Moore Center building. Free. Info…
Ariella & Nicolaas – Enjoy a soulful evening of blues, flamenco, and jazz from this acclaimed musical duo at the Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday, August 29, 7:00 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Charles Town Car Show – Hundreds of classic and custom cars take over downtown Charles Town for a full day of fun on Washington Street. Saturday, August 30, 10 am - 3 pm. Free for spectators. Info…
Picnic & Boot Sale – Celebrate Labor Day with food, “yard sale” shopping, and community fun at Morgans Grove Park hosted by the Shepherdstown Community Club (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). Concessions will be available. Monday, September 1, 10:00 am–3:00 pm. Free. Info…
Walk About Nothing (1 year anniversary) – Join a casual downtown stroll celebrating the one-year anniversary of the “Walk About Nothing” program in downtown Charles Town. Wednesday, September 3, 6:00 pm. Free. Info…
Watermelon Pickers' Fest – A festival celebrating watermelon season with live music performances, workshops, and jamming as well as food and family-friendly activities at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds (848 West Main St., Berryville, VA). Thursday, September 4, 9:00 am – Saturday, September 6 11:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
