Data Center In Summit Point, Politics Not As Usual
Published about 11 hours ago • 13 min read
Observer Weekly
April 30, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Jefferson County seems to have its own chapter of the Little Rascal’s “he-man woman-haters club” judging by the attack advertising aimed at Cara Keys, currently the only female serving on the Jefferson County Commission (story below). We’ll leave it to our readers to decide who is playing Spanky and who is playing Alfalfa in this case.
Despite the political games, we occasionally see some glimmers of adults working together to plan for the county’s future. Case in point, the discussion earlier this week at the Charles Town Utility Board. A development company introduced its plans for a data center in Summit Point and asked for the utility’s cooperation in planning for water and sewer services (story below). West Virginia’s new data center regulatory framework doesn’t require the company to disclose information this early in the process, so perhaps it's a hopeful sign that they want to be good neighbors.
— Steve Pearson
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The map shows the Ryan Stuart property (highlighted) northwest of the village and north of the race course. Two high-voltage power lines run across the property.
Ryan Stuart Development is working on plans for a data center project to be located northwest of Summit Point village. The company purchased the 235 acre property on April 9, 2026 (highlighted on the map image above).
Kenny Boddye, Director of Government Affairs for the Reston-based company, gave a brief overview of the company’s intentions for the project to the Charles Town Utility Board during its April 29 meeting. Boddye said that the company is in the early stages of marketing the site to potential data center operators and does not yet have a specific end-user identified. He was able to provide only a ballpark estimate of the facility’s water needs — between 100,000 and 130,000 gallons per day.
Boddye asked the utility to clarify its ability to provide water service to the location. During the brief discussion, the utility board members emphasized CTUB’s interest in providing water service and also raised the possibility of constructing a “purple line” that would deliver processed water from CTUB’s wastewater treatment plant, which Boddye characterized as a win-win for both parties.
Boddye emphasized that Ryan Stuart Development expected to pay for any new infrastructure required for the project, in line with CTUB’s goal of not burdening ratepayers with the costs of system expansion.
Following the discussion with Boddye, CTUB voted to re-advertise its open RFP (request for proposal) for a preliminary engineering study that will evaluate the options and costs of providing water and sewer service to the Summit Point area. Following the meeting, CTUB Chairman Brent Manuel noted that he was glad to see that the company was quick to share its plans with CTUB so that the utility’s planning for water and sewer service in this area could proceed with accurate information.
In that context, the area to the west of Summit Point appears to be very attractive for data center projects. First Energy operates a 138 kilovolt line that runs through this area (the smaller “H” tower to the right in the image above). First Energy is planning to add a new 500 kilovolt line in the same right-0f-way as the existing 138 kilovolt line. A plan to add a 765 kilovolt line parallel to the existing lines has also been approved by PJM (the regional electric grid operator).
The existing 500 kilovolt line (the larger lattice tower to the left in the image above) is owned by Dominion Energy and connects the Mount Storm generating facility with customers in Virginia. Dominion is not licensed to deliver power in West Virginia, so it is unlikely that any data center projects in Jefferson County could tap into that line.
Find more of The Observer’s coverage of data centers projects in West Virginia at ObserverWV.com.
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Shepherd President Says Goodbye and Thanks Community
The leadership committee of Women Investing In Shepherd (WISH) recognized Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix at their annual membership reception this week. Shown (left-right): Carolyn Fleenor, Mary "Peachy" Staley, Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, Liz Oates, Bev Hughes.
The Shepherd University campus is getting noticeably quieter as the students have final exams this week. President Mary J.C. Hendrix will preside over the commencement ceremony on Saturday May 9, one of her last official duties before she retires in June.
Hendrix received a bachelor of science degree from Shepherd in 1974 and is the only Shepherd graduate to lead the institution over its 154 year history. Earlier this week she issued a statement looking back at her time in the President’s office:
“As I enter the concluding weeks of my service as President of this remarkable University, I do so with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. Ten years ago, I accepted this role with a clear understanding of its responsibilities — but what I could not have fully anticipated was the profound impact this community would have on me.”
She thanked the faculty, staff, students, along with the community and alumni (many of whom remained in the area as business owners and community leaders) that support the university and she expressed her confidence in the future of the institution.
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:
Five political action committees (PACs) spent more than $1.6 million in the current legislative primary campaigns, according to an April 25 story by Steven Allen Adams of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. Adams based his reporting on an analysis of independent expenditure reports filed with the WV Secretary of State.
According to Adams, the finance reports show a significant amount of this money has come from out-of-state donors. Adams quotes Steven Roberts, chair of the WV Chamber of Commerce, giving his perspective on the spending: “What we’re seeing is loads of money coming into West Virginia, some of it traced to out-of-state billionaires, but loads of money coming in from out of state to influence elections for the West Virginia House of Delegates and the West Virginia State Senate.”
Brad McElhinney, reporting for WV MetroNews in an April 23 story, found a similar pattern of out-of-state donors contributing six-figure amounts to fund a PAC associated with Governor Morrisey that has been spending heavily against several Republican candidates in contested primary contests.
Attack Ads Reach Into Jefferson County
Even the races at the very bottom of the local ballot in Jefferson County appear to be attracting out-of-state interest. Several Jefferson County residents who are registered as Republicans shared copies of a mailing they received this week and also reported receiving text messages and robo calls, all of which attacked Cara Keys, who is running in a contested race for one of 10 seats on the Jefferson County Republican executive committee — literally the last race at the bottom of the ballot.
The attack on Keys, who currently serves as a County Commissioner, focuses on her support for appointing Krista Edwards to the County Planning Commission earlier this month. As The Observer reported last week, Keys argued that Edwards was a more qualified candidate than one of the other candidates initially proposed during the Commission’s discussion on the appointments.
The postal permit on the mailer (image above) is associated with a printing business located in Richmond, Virginia. The “Citizens for Better Communities” shown as the sender matches to a political action committee registered to a mailbox storefront in Morgantown. The registration form for “Citizens for Better Communities” on file with the WV Secretary of State indicates that the PAC was registered on April 24 by a Virginia-based attorney with a principal place of business in Williamsburg Virginia.
Research by The Observer suggests that campaigns for county executive committee seats typically involve little to no spending. Because “Citizens for Better Communities” registered so recently, its total expenditures will not be reported until after the May election. However, based on the volume of outreach already observed, its spending appears to exceed the norm for this type of race.
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Threats Trigger Public School Lockdowns — A threatening phone call received by Wildwood Middle School’s main office shortly after 10 am on Wednesday, April 29 prompted an immediate evacuation of the students from that building and a system-wide lockdown. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued the all-clear by 1 pm and students across the Jefferson County School system were sent home on early release. A similar call was received at the Charles Town Middle School around 11 am on Thursday, April 30. The Charles Town incident was cleared by early afternoon. All public schools will operate virtually on Friday, May 1. >>>Read more: official updates: Wildwood incident… & Charles Town incident…
Budget Update From Jefferson County Schools — Superintendent Chuck Bishop provided an update on the budget planning for next year in a statement released on April 24. Responding to community concerns, Dr. Bishop provided details on specific positions and programs that would be funded next year, specifically identifying middle school athletics and high school band, choral and agriculture positions as continuing. >>>Read the full statement…
Early Voting At County Building — The spring election for the Jefferson County Board of Education and WV Intermediate Court Judges, and the primary election to determine party candidates for the November election, have begun. The early voting location is at the new County Administration building (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town). This location is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm. All voters (including anyone registered as independent) can select school board and judicial candidates. The WV Secretary of State has a sample ballot lookup tool you can use to see what candidates are on the ballot >>>Look up your ballot…
Shepherdstown Clean-Up Week May 4–8 — The Corporation of Shepherdstown will be providing pickup and disposal for bulky household trash next week. Furniture, mattresses, general household items, yard waste, and metal items will be collected at no charge. Residents wishing to dispose of appliances, televisions or tires will need to pre-pay a fee for each item. The Town will not pick up construction material or hazardous items. >>>More info…
Career Fair Next Week — Blue Ridge Community and Technical College will host a career fair on Friday, May 1, 10 am to 1 pm. Location: BRCTC main campus (13650 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg). >>>More info…
Community CPR & Stop The Bleed Class — Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency is offering a first aid class on Tuesday, May 5 at 6 pm. Location: JCESA building (419 Sixteenth Ave, Ranson). The class is free, but advance registration is required.
St. Isidore Farmers Market starts delivery service — In addition to the weekly Thursday pick-up market, Community Markets is launching a delivery service for its farmers market products. Delivery limited to Zip Codes 25414, 25443 and 25438. Delivery fee is $5.99 per order. >>>More information…
World Fiddle Day on May 15–16 — The Harpers Ferry World Fiddle Day event is back for 2026 with a full schedule of jam sessions and concerts. Advance tickets are now available. >>>More info…
2025 Maypole dance at Morgan's Grove Park (for 2026 the event returns to downtown Shepherdstown)
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Shepherdstown Live: First Friday — Community celebration with live music by six-piece band Ophset with shops open late. Downtown Shepherdstown. Friday, May 1, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
Live Theater: She Loves Me — Musical theater production running multiple performances. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3 $ Tickets & Info…
Live Theater: The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals — Musical comedy theater production. Roving Peregrine Theater Company, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…
Art at the Mill — Juried art exhibit featuring regional artists. Burwell Morgan Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millville VA. Friday, May 1–Sunday, May 3, open daily. Info…
Live Music: Motherfolk — Outdoor concert presented by the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series. The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 154 Sam Michaels Ln, Harpers Ferry. Friday, May 1, 7 pm (doors open 6 pm). Free. Info…
Film: Eleanor the Great (2025, PG-13) — A story of late-life reinvention, directed by Scarlett Johansson in her feature debut. Optional post-film discussion presented by the Shepherdstown Film Society. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 1, 7:30 pm. Pay What You Can. Tickets & Info…
Clarke County Farmers Market — Opening weekend of the seasonal farmers market. 317 W Main St, Berryville, VA. Saturday, May 2, 8 am-noon. Info…
Annual Plant Sale — Fundraiser plant sale hosted by the Potomac-Mecklenberg Garden Club. Trinity Episcopal Churchyard, 210 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 2, 9 am-noon. Info…
Annual Plant Sale — Organic and heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings grown from seed by the Tabler Student Farm at Shepherd University, 482 Billmyer Mill Rd, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 2, noon-3 pm. Info…
Earth Fest/Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival — Music and craft festival with vendors, performances, plant sale, and Earth Day-related educational booths. Morgan's Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 2, 11 am-5 pm. Free. Info…
Guns to Gardens — Firearms recycling event organized by Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. Shepherdstown Fire Department, 8052 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 2, 1-3:30 pm. Info…
Hagerfest Music & Arts Festival — Family-friendly festival with music and art at multiple downtown locations. Downtown Hagerstown. Saturday, May 2, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Info…
Contra Dance — Community contra dance event with live music. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, May 2, 7:30-10:30 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
May Day Celebration — Traditional spring celebration with Morris dancers, music, and participatory festivities. McMurran Hall Lawn, German & King Streets, Shepherdstown. Sunday, May 3, 10 am - 1:30 pm (dance ceremony starts at noon). Free. Info…
Shepherd Big Band Concert — Live concert performance at the Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Sunday, May 3, 2-3:30 pm. Info…
Film: All the President's Men — Screening marks 50th anniversary of the classic film about the Watergate scandal and the investigative reporters who broke the story. Post-film discussion led by a community member “who was there.” 70s-era costumes encouraged: wide ties, loud blazers, dresses, trench coats, newspapers under the arm, etc. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, May 3, 3:00 pm. Pay What You Can. Tickets & Info…
Walk About Nothing with Adoptable Dogs — Community walk accompanied by adoptable dogs from the Jefferson County Animal Welfare Society. Meet at City Hall, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Embroider a Handkerchief — Hands-on embroidery workshop at the public library. Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library, 151 Polk St, Harpers Ferry. Thursday, May 7, 5 - 7 pm. Ages 10 to 102. Free. Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info… Shepherdstown Community Club Handmade Market — Recurring monthly artisan market featuring handmade goods and crafts from regional vendors. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, May 1, 4-7 pm; Saturday, May 2, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, May 3, 9 am-4 pm. 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…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Councilperson Cheryl Roberts remarked at a meeting earlier this week that she has seen a noticeable increase in people visiting the Rumsey Monument Park in Shepherdstown. Roberts has chaired the Town’s Parks and Recreation Committee for several years and in that role she has overseen several recent projects to upgrade Shepherdstown’s public parks.
The grassy open field of Rumsey Monument Park with its Potomac River overlook and new “Almost Heaven” swing (image above) sits adjacent to the Cullison Park playground. The Town recently upgraded the walking paths in Cullison and connected the two parks with accessible walking paths through the wooded area between them.
Shepherdstown area resident Hank Walters has re-established the “Rumseyan Society” as a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing and maintaining Rumsey Park. Work planned for this spring includes the addition of two accessible parking spaces and a bike rack.
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.
