The Observer Weekly covers the stories of Jefferson County and West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Published by WV Independent Observer LLC, PO Box 3044, Shepherdstown WV 25443. Distributed weekly via free email subscription and online at ObserverWV.com. Send tips and event information to connect@ObserverWV.com.
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County Puts Buildings Up For Sale
Published about 3 hours ago • 16 min read
Observer Weekly
October 15, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
People regularly ask me where they can go to learn about this year’s candidates. This week, I spent Tuesday and Wednesday morning at WRNR/TV10’s annual candidate forum, asking questions of the candidates running for state legislature and county commissions.
The Tuesday session featured Jefferson County Commission candidates (view here). The Wednesday session featured House of Delegate candidates (click on each district number to view that specific discussion): District 97 (Anders, Valentine), District 98 (Beck, Funkhouser), District 99 (Clark, Dyer), and District 100 (Ridenour, Thacker).
The Wednesday session ended with a debate between the U.S. House candidates Riley Moore and Ace Parsi (view here).
Jefferson County Puts Downtown Buildings Up For Sale
The Jefferson County Commission has officially listed seven of its downtown Charles Town properties for sale. These buildings are scheduled to be vacated as the County relocates its operations to the new government center located at 393 North Lawrence Street.
Washington Street in Charles Town, looking east
The County has already relocated the offices for the Commission, the Assessor, and the County Clerk to the facility on North Lawrence Street. The offices of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Engineering, Planning and Zoning departments are expected to move sometime in 2027.
The sale of these County-owned buildings has been anticipated for several months, following a recently-enacted change to West Virginia law that removed the restriction that required the County to auction these properties rather than market them directly to private buyers.
These County-owned properties are for sale:
104 E Washington St. (Moffet building) — Formerly used by the Assessor. A single bay building that sits just east of the Courthouse, originally built as a commercial building with apartments above. List price: $318,798 for 3,800 sq-ft on two floors (plus a basement).
108 E Washington St. (Reinenger building) — Formerly used by the Assessor. A three bay building that sits east of the Moffet building, originally built as a commercial building with apartments above. List price: $1,631,370 for 5,500 sq-ft on two floors (plus a basement).
114 E Washington St. (Smoot building) — Formerly used by the Teen Court, but vacant for several years. A single bay building that sits east of the Reinenger building, originally built as a commercial building with apartments above. List price: $133,830 for 1,500 sq-ft on two floors (no basement).
116 E Washington St. (Mason building) — Currently occupied by the County’s Engineering, Planning and Zoning department. Built in 1967 as an office building. List price: $2,295,666 for 7,900 sq-ft on two floors (plus a basement and a paved parking area).
124 E Washington St. (Hunter House) — Previously used for the County Commission offices. Located at the corner of Washington and Samuel Streets, this building was built as a private residence and previously used as a restaurant. List price: $1,390,538 for 6,000 sq-ft (plus a basement).
104 N Samuel St. (carriage house behind Hunter House) — Vacant for several years, this building has been used for multiple purposes, including a basement pub. The building currently sits on the same lot at the Hunter House. List price: $161,190 for 1,800 square feet (plus a basement).
120 S George St. (Gray building) — Currently occupied by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Located at the corner of George and Congress Streets, this building was built as a private restaurant and previously used by the County Health Department. List price: $1,355,292 for 5,500 sq-ft (plus a basement).
The County property includes three separate parcels of land currently used for parking. According to Tripp Lowe, one of the listing agents with Path Realty, the County is still working out how those lots will be divided and what parking spaces will be available for each of the properties currently for sale. All of the buildings except for the Mason building are referenced as contributing structures in the downtown Charles Town Historic District noted on the National Register of Historic Places.
The County Court House, Jail Annex, and the St. Margaret’s buildings on North George Street are not included in this sales listing, as they will remain occupied by the court system until the new facility at 330 North George Street (the clock building) is renovated.
City Seeks Creative Projects
The consensus of the local real estate agents contacted by The Observer is that there are opportunities for creative mixed-use development with these properties, but it will be a complicated puzzle. One agent suggested that the opportunity to add additional public parking downtown could be the most impactful aspect of any redevelopment project.
In 2025, the Charles Town City Council funded a market analysis prepared by Place+Main Advisors working with Charles Town Now, a volunteer non-profit that supports revitalization, historic preservation, and economic growth in downtown Charles Town. The report from that analysis, which was intended to provide insight to potential investors and business owners, was published in January 2026 and is available from the City’s Economic Development office (contact Elizabeth Cook at ecook@charlestownwv.us).
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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
Valley North Transmission Project Has Revised Maps
Earlier this week, Valley Link published a second round of maps for its proposed Valley North 765 kilovolt transmission line. The entire project spans 260 miles between Putnam County, WV and Frederick County, MD.
Image from Valley North project, Jefferson County map sheet (October 2026) showing proposed route options crossing the Shenandoah River
According to Valley Link representatives, the 765kV line is intended to act as a backbone connection between two new substations to be built in Putnam County and Frederick County, with smaller lines (138KV) distributing power into the local distribution grid. According to the company, the 765kV line can carry a load equivalent to three separate 500kV transmission lines.
The project also includes a substation in Hardy County, WV, but that is designed to provide load-balancing rather than distribution connections according to Valley Link engineers.
The revised maps published this week dropped the route option that entered Jefferson County south of Rippon village from Clarke County, VA. The two route options that enter Jefferson County from the west have been narrowed down with fewer options.
Two paths meet near Summit Point
In Berkeley County, a single proposed route enters from Frederick County, VA just west of Runnymeade Road, running east to cross I-81 just north of the welcome center. From there it runs southeast, crossing Specks Run Road and Hyslip Ford Road, then down to Opequon. As it enters Jefferson County, this route crosses Brucetown Road between Pleasant Run Drive and Martin Payne Road, south west of Middleway. The route continues southeast, crossing Box Factory Road before it connects with the second route described below.
A second proposed route enters Jefferson County from Frederick County, VA via the northern tip of Clarke, County VA, running alongside the existing Dominion transmission line (on the south side). This route follows the Dominion transmission line until it veers to the southeast near McCormack Lane and crosses Route 340 just north of Rippon village. From there it runs east until it crosses the end of Old Shennandale Road and turns to the northeast.
Multiple paths near the Shenandoah River
The route continues across Kabletown Road just north of Old Shennandale Road and runs northeast before it splits into two potential paths just south of Mount Hammond Lane. Those two paths run northeast and come together where the paths cross Charles Town Road just west of the Bloomery Bridge. The line then runs between the existing First Energy lines south of Millville before splitting into two potential paths across the Shenandoah River and up the Blue Ridge to cross into Loudoun County.
Open Houses in November
Valley Link has scheduled twelve open houses in November where residents can express their concerns about the route options. There are several meetings that will be in or near Jefferson County:
Nov 5, Winchester: Frederick County Middle School, 4661 North Frederick Pike, Winchester VA. 5 – 8 pm.
Nov 12, Lovettesville: Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 South Berlin Pike, Lovettsville, VA. 4 – 7 pm.
Nov 18, Ranson: Ranson Civic Center, 432 West 2nd St, Ranson WV. 4 – 7 pm.
Nov 19, Brunswick: Brunswick Fire Hall, 1500 Volunteer Way, Brunswick MD. 4 – 7 pm.
WVU Medicine is bringing advanced specialty care, new services, and major investments directly to the Eastern Panhandle region. Advancements are underway to ambulatory services, cancer care, and more at WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center as part of a major $260 million investment to expand healthcare access in the Eastern Panhandle. Learn more about our new services and providers at WVUMedicine.org/FutureisHere, or follow us on social media.
A summary of news from this week's Town Council meeting:
Police chief to retire — Mayor James Gatz announced during the October 14 Town Council meeting that longtime Police Chief Mike King will retire at the end of the month. Gatz said he will involve the Council’s Personnel Committee in next steps and noted that Sgt. Bryce Dickens will serve in a leadership role during the transition.
Advisory committee on police/traffic enforcement — Mayor Gatz is forming a Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Police and Traffic Enforcement, which he said is partly in response to the July 4 traffic fatality and to the number of residents who have raised traffic concerns. The goal is to bring recommendations to the Council within a few months.
55+ community proposed on River Road — The owners of 5026 River Road have met informally with the mayor and Town staff about their plans for a 148-unit, 55-and-older residential development. If the property owners decide to file a formal application, it would go through the review process spelled out in the Town’s recently revised planned unit development (PUD) ordinance. During public comment at the October 14 Town Council meeting, several area residents asked the Council to review the project carefully, citing concerns about increased traffic, light pollution and the potential for buildings out of keeping with the town’s historic architecture.
ADU ordinance heads to final vote — The Council advanced an accessory dwelling unit ordinance on first reading, with second reading and a vote expected at November’s Council meeting. A new state law, SB 659, requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU by right on any lot with a single-family home and voids conflicting local rules on January 1, 2027. The Town’s draft aims to set the local standards allowable under the state law, including design guidelines and a certificate of appropriateness in the historic district.
Elementary school purchase — The Town, which is under contract to buy the former Shepherdstown Elementary School property, is seeking individuals or firms to provide project coordination and technical expertise on the project. Responses to its Request for Qualifications are due October 21.
Volunteers needed — The Town seeks volunteers to join the Planning Commission, the Tree Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. More information on these and other volunteer opportunities can be found on the Town website. Those interested can email Town Clerk Amy Boyd at ABoyd@shepherdstown.gov.
A message from the Rumseyan Society
Have you visited Rumsey Monument Park lately?
Folks and visitors alike around Shepherdstown have noticed: fresh plantings, cleared brush, a blooming natural garden, improved paths and expanded parking make this park a true gem of our beautiful town.
Want to see even more good things next year? Become a member of the Rumseyan Society with a minimum $10 donation. Your membership helps keep this park thriving for friends and neighbors. The Rumseyan Society is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Municipalities Oppose Transmission Lines — The Ranson City Council approved a resolution on October 6 and the Harpers Ferry Town Council approved a similar resolution on October 12. Bolivar, Charles Town, and Shepherdstown are reviewing similar resolutions and anticipate approving them at their next regular meetings. These resolutions call out three projects — Valley North, Gore-Dobbs-Goose Creek, and the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link — for imposing significant costs on Jefferson County without providing any local benefits. The County Commission adopted its own resolution against the Valley North transmission line project on August 6.
Foundation Raises Concerns About Transmission Lines — Following this week’s release of Valley Link’s revised plans, the Jefferson County Foundation provided The Observer with a statement about its concerns with the expected construction process: “In Jefferson County, anchoring the large support towers will likely require fortifying the karstic bedrock. This includes boring a well into the bedrock and injecting a large amount of concrete into the groundwater until the solution channels and fractures are filled with concrete rather than groundwater. This contaminates groundwater and changes its flow, with the potential to affect groundwater availability and quality at groundwater wells well outside of the path. This could also have negative impacts on our underground ecosystems including on the threatened Madison Cave Isopod.”
Sweet Run Park Master Plan — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has published a master plan for Sweet Run Park, the newest addition to the state’s park system. The 884 acre park is located in western Loudoun County, four miles south of Harpers Ferry. According to reporting by LoudounNow, the priority theme of the plan recognizes that “Sweet Run State Park conserves the natural, cultural, historical, and agricultural qualities of the Between the Hills Valley, preserving a continuing story of adaptation and resilience amidst an ever-changing landscape.”
Share Your Concerns About Road Safety — The HEPMPO (Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization) Intersection Safety Survey is live, starting today until November 15, 2026. HEPMPO wants public input to help guide how it prioritizes the region’s intersections for safety improvements. >>>Take the survey…
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
The Shepherdstown Opera House is THRILLED to serve as the West Virginia stop on Josh Farley’s Magic Across America Tour — fifty states, fifty theatres, one year, bringing a rare chance to catch this nationally touring show in our region.
Farley has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion Live!, and Celebrities of Magic, and brings a show built on sleight of hand, illusion, and audience participation.
Sunday, October 25 at 3 pm. One performance only, limited number of tickets still available.
Image from 2023 Shepherd Univesity Homecoming parade
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Film: Ladies in Black — Bruce Beresford’s 2018 film about a young woman coming of age while working in a Sydney department store in 1959, followed by an optional discussion facilitated by the Shepherdstown Film Society. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 16, 7 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Across the Aisle: The Parallel Careers of Senators Robert C. Byrd & Jesse Helms — Moderated conversation and book signing with Dr. William A. Link. Byrd Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 16, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Theater: Clue — Stage production of Clue, a comedy based on the cult classic film and game. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. October 16-18 and 23-25. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Choral Kaleidoscope — Fall choral concert by various Shepherd University student groups. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 16, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Theater: Tomes of Terror — The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company presents a series of tales of terror hosted by “Dr. Wichter.” Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 16 and Saturday October 17, 8:00 pm and Sunday, October 18, Sunday, October 18, 2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Bird Walk — A Potomac Valley Audubon Society bird walk for all experience levels on the grounds of the USGS center. Pre-registration is required and the walk is limited to 10 people. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, 407 Reservoir Rd, Kearneysville. Saturday, October 17, 7:30-10:30 am. Donations accepted. Info…
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival — Weekend festival with a makers market, apple contests and a rodeo, plus a parade in downtown Martinsburg Saturday at 1 pm. Berkeley County Youth Fairgrounds, 2419 Golf Course Rd, Martinsburg. Saturday, October 17, 9 am-6 pm; Sunday, October 18, 9 am-4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pop-Up Handmade Market — A market featuring handmade products. Bolivar Community Center, 60 Panama St, Bolivar. Friday, October 16–Saturday, October 17, 9am-4pm. Free. Info…
Shepherd University Homecoming Parade — Shepherd University’s annual homecoming parade travels down German Street in Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 17, 10 am. Free. Info…
Frederick Douglass and the Freedom of Writing — A children’s creative writing workshop and book event with free books and writing supplies, part of Shepherd University’s Common Reading Program. Little House Lawn, Princess Street, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 17, 10:30 am. Free. Info…
Live Music: Trae Sheehan — Martinsburg native and singer-songwriter Trae Sheehan plays a hometown show after months on tour. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 17, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World — A screening of J.M. Synge’s play, filmed live on stage at London’s National Theatre, starring Nicola Coughlan. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, October 18, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lecture: Indonesia: The Rising, Unknown Power — Retired Senior National Intelligence Officer Terry Markin gives an introduction to Indonesia and its growing international role. The talk is part of Shepherd University Lifelong Learning’s Spark Lecture Series and is also available on Zoom. Robert C. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Monday, October 19, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Wee Naturalists at Yankauer: Nuts about Nuts! — A Potomac Valley Audubon Society program for ages 3-5 and a caregiver, with a nut-themed story time, a hike and a craft. Pre-registration is required. Yankauer Nature Preserve, 438 Whitings Neck Rd, Martinsburg. Wednesday, October 21, 9:30-11 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Intergenerational Book Discussion — An intergenerational book discussion connected to Shepherd University’s Common Reading Program. Robert C. Byrd Center, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, October 21, 11 am. Free.Info…
Lecture: Benedict Arnold: A Tragic Hero — Blane Ampthor examines Benedict Arnold’s military career and his part in the Revolutionary War. The talk is part of the Spark Lecture Series and is also available on Zoom. Robert C. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, October 21, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Discussion: A Shared Tapestry: The Multicultural Roots of Appalachian Music — Rachael Meads, founder of Shepherd’s Appalachian Heritage Festival, discusses the diverse cultural influences in West Virginia’s music as part of the Historic Shepherdstown Speaker Series. Robert C. Byrd Center, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, October 21, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Halloween Pet “Paw-Rade” — A Halloween pet parade and costume contest at the Market House Plaza behind the Welcome Center, 100 East German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 22. Registration for pets taken until 5:45 pm with “paw-rade” at 6:00 pm and costume judging to follow. Free. Info…
Writing Club — A monthly writing club hosted by poet Nic Amber Chapman, with writing to prompts and optional poetry workshopping for writers of all levels. RSVP is requested. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Suite 100, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 22, 6-8 pm. Info…
Film: Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror — A 2025 documentary on the origins of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, directed by Richard O’Brien’s son, Linus. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 22, 6 and 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lecture: A Journey Through the Appalachian Trail Ecosystem — A lecture on the Appalachian Trail ecosystem. National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 22, 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…
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. 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…
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV) announced eight recipients of its 2026 Frontier to Statehood Grant Program grants on October 8. Three historic properties in Jefferson County are on the list:
Halltown Colored Free School, Harpers Ferry. $31,000 awarded to the Halltown Memorial Chapel Association to support completion of the interior renovation of the school.
The Entler Hotel, Shepherdstown — $26,250 to Historic Shepherdstown Commission to support restoration of the metal roof on the Entler Hotel complex.
Shindler House (George Tyler Moore Civil War Center), Shepherdstown — $73,168 to Shepherd University to support necessary masonry and interior repairs of the structure.
This grant program focuses on projects that date prior to 1871, connecting to the state’s early history. In a statement summarizing the awards PAWV Executive Director Danielle Parker said “By supporting the preservation and active use of these early buildings, we’re not only protecting history, we’re creating opportunities for communities across West Virginia to grow, connect, and tell their stories for generations to come.”
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 Observer Weekly covers the stories of Jefferson County and West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Published by WV Independent Observer LLC, PO Box 3044, Shepherdstown WV 25443. Distributed weekly via free email subscription and online at ObserverWV.com. Send tips and event information to connect@ObserverWV.com.
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