The drones that will be produced at a new factory coming to Berkeley County in the next few months are miniscule compared to the C-17 Globemaster aircraft that the Air National Guard flies out of its base next to the Eastern WV Regional Airport in Martinsburg, but their economic potential for the region is significant (story below).
Over in Charles Town this week, City leaders and community members were excited about the imminent re-opening of the public pool. The pool’s renovation has been a long time coming, but judging by the sneak peek (below), it was worth the wait. Once the pool passes its final inspections, the City will be posting opening dates and times on social media (and the Observer Weekly will pass along the details as well).
July 13 announcement: Angela Mascia (WV Economic Development Office), Governor Morrisey, Dr. Jennifer McArdle (Helsing), Jennifer Smith (Berkeley County Development Authority), and Carrie Krull (Helsing)
Representatives from Helsing, a Germany-based drone and artificial intelligence company, have announced plans to invest $50 million to create an advanced manufacturing facility in Berkeley County.
Governor Patrick Morrisey joined Dr. Jennifer McArdle, the General Manager of Helsing’s U.S. subsidiary, to announce the project on Monday, July 13 at the Blue Ridge Technology Center, part of the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (BRCTC) in Berkeley County.
McArdle said Helsing plans to work with both West Virginia University and BRCTC to recruit employees for the facility. The company expects to employ at least 60 people at the facility, with an average salary of $125,000.
Helsing intends to launch production at the facility this fall with parts and materials imported from the company’s German factories. McArdle emphasised that she expects the company will quickly expand on-site manufacturing and build up a local supply chain to meet United States government requirements for domestic sourcing.
Helsing’s U.S. headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia and McArdle noted Berkeley County’s proximity as a key deciding factor in selecting this location over competing proposals from Texas, Oklahoma and other states. The exact location of the facility was not disclosed during the announcement. The company also plans to establish a 7,000 acre facility in Mineral County for test flights.
Helsing is a start-up company, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, Germany. The Berkeley County facility will be producing the company’s AI-enabled HX-2 drone (shown in the image above), an aircraft that has been battle-tested by Ukraine.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
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A Sneak Peak at the Charles Town Pool
The Charles Town Public Pool is filled with water!
The City is not ready to announce an opening date, but it will be soon. Crews were working on installing the lounge chairs and picnic tables on Wednesday and the new concession stand equipment is plugged in and ready to go.
The multi-year project was spearheaded by Alissa Meeks, the Assistant City Manager. According to Meeks, the key remaining steps are a final inspection of the electrical systems and the pre-opening inspection by the County Health Department.
The 25 yard long pool has 6 swimming lanes and a zero-entry area that doubles as a kiddie pool (image below). There is also a ramp directly into the main swimming area. The restrooms, showers and changing areas were also designed for accessibility.
The poolhouse has been significantly expanded with new changing rooms, a lifeguard break room, and a concession stand. The adjacent pavilion will be available for use when the pool opens, but the planned splash zone will not be open until next season.
Lifeguards Needed
Gavin Bailey, the City’s Parks and Recreation Manager, says that the pool has six lifeguards already hired and is looking to hire another six to maximize the hours the pool can be open this summer. Bailey says the City has arranged with Shepherd University for a lifeguard certification class to be held next week. Bailey will conduct interviews at City Hall on Friday, July 17 between 9:00 and 11:00 am for anyone interested in the positions.
Bailey described the requirements for the position:
Age 15 by July 25, 2026 (no maximum age)
Able to swim 150 yards, tread water for 2 minutes, then swim another 50 yards
Retrieve a 10 pound weight from the deep end of the pool
The pay is $15 per hour, with a $225 bonus for working through the end of the season.
A message from Contemporary American Theater Festival
YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE OF THE MIND.
For over three decades the Contemporary American Theater Festival has been shaping the landscape of American theater while providing audiences with fearless art that sparks conversations.
Join the conversation! Create your own curated package or see all five plays, then meet the playwrights, performers, and more in discussions and lectures, mingle with fellow theater lovers, and add context to your experience.
Immersion. Amazement. Ambience. All happening in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, a place transformed each summer by a gathering of theater makers and theater lovers, joined in the act of creation.
West Virginia is one of four states under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control for an unusually high number of cyclosporiasis cases this summer. The agency has linked more than 400 cases across West Virginia, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky as of July 13, saying the pattern suggests a common source, though investigators have not confirmed one.
The Jefferson County Health Department has not yet confirmed whether any local cases have been identified. The Observer contacted the department and is awaiting a statement.
An Unwanted Parasite On Food
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces carrying the parasite, most often in fresh produce, and does not typically pass person to person, according to the CDC. Symptoms — watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite — usually begin about a week after exposure and can last for weeks without treatment.
"Cyclosporiasis can cause intense gastrointestinal symptoms and be an uncomfortable experience for those infected," said Ben Deuell, DO, an emergency medicine specialist with WVU Medicine. "The good news is that most people will get better on their own." Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness; dehydration is the most common complication.
Rinsing fresh produce under running water is an appropriate first step to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes it may not reliably eliminate the parasite. No cyclosporiasis outbreaks to date have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.
A message from the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival
The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival returns August 5-16 for its 2026 Summer Festival with two weeks of world-class performances in the foothills of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. This season's theme, Metamorphosis, explores change through Strauss's Metamorphosen, the world premiere of Liliya Ugay's new bass quintet, the elegance of Bach's Goldberg Variations, and Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm."
Join us for a full festival including educational programming and a series of concerts across Jefferson County, West Virginia and beyond! Concerts include a wide variety of musical styles, from familiar favorites to contemporary works and world premiere performances.
Shepherdstown Street Closures On Friday — Plan ahead if you are driving to downtown Shepherdstown this Friday, June 17. Shepherd University will close King Street north of High Street for paving work on Friday. The Town will also be closing King Street in front of Town Hall between 6:00 and 8:00 pm for a public event.
Temporary Bridge Closure in Harpers Ferry — The Byron Bridge that connects lower town Harpers Ferry with the C&O Canal park will be closed for three to four weeks starting around July 20. Representatives from the National Park Service (NPS) reported to the Harpers Ferry Town Council earlier this week that the contractor will be installing a permanent stair to replace the existing temporary stairs during this time during this window. Status updates will be posted on the project web page. The NPS representatives also said that significant portions of the train station parking lot would likely be inaccessible on July 23 and July 27–30 due to contractor work on a different project.
Local Governments Seek Volunteers — Charles Town, Ranson, and Shepherdstown are all looking for volunteers to serve on boards and commissions. Charles Town is looking to fill slots on its Tree Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Ranson has slots on its Parks and Recreation Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. Shepherdstown is looking to fill seats on its Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and Tree Commission. Applicants need to be residents of the respective municipalities to serve.
Ranson Mini-Grants — Local organizations wishing to apply for funding from the Ranson Mini Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2027 can apply between July 1 and December 31, 2026. >>>Application & info…
Auditions For September Theater Production — The Old Opera House in Charles Town is holding auditions for Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door on Sunday, July 19 at 4:30 pm and Monday, July 20 at 7:00 pm. >>>More info…
Leadership Jefferson Program Seeks Participants — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for Leadership Jefferson, a nine month structured program designed to educate current and future local leaders about Jefferson County’s governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The next course will begin in October 2026. >>>More info…
Youth Art Exhibition — The Jefferson Arts Council is sponsoring a youth art exhibit at the upcoming Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival in September. As part of the program, the Council has teamed with Prismatic Art Studio in Charles Town to offer free drop-in studio time for kids (ages 6-12) on Sundays from noon to 6:00 pm. >>>More info…
A message from the Robert C. Byrd Center
You're Invited to the Byrd Center's Summer Fundraiser!
Join us on the lawn at the historic Jacob Folk House, located at Shepherd University's Tabler Student Farm, for dinner by MJ's on German followed by live music from multi-instrumentalist Ben Townsend.
Tickets are $150/person. All proceeds support the Byrd Center’s civic education initiatives.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Contemporary American Theater Festival — Annual festival featuring world-premiere and new American plays, readings and special events on and around the Shepherd University campus in Shepherdstown. Now until Sunday, Aug. 2. $ Tickets & Info…
Foam Fridays — Cool off with foam-filled fun for kids at The Amp at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, July 17, 10 am-noon. Bring swimsuits. $5 admission per child. Info…
South Morgan Volunteer Fireman's Carnival — Annual carnival featuring rides, games and food. South Morgan Volunteer Fire Department, 10166 Winchester Grade Rd, Berkeley Springs. Now until Saturday, July 18. Open Thursday and Friday, 6-10 pm and Saturday, 4-10 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve Trail Cleanup — Organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. 4069 Back Creek Valley Rd, Hedgesville. Friday, July 17, 4-6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Music in the Park — Performance by Steve Boyd and Friends. Bolivar Children's Park, 37 Taylor St, Bolivar. Friday, July 17, 6-8 pm. Free. Info…
Monty Python Pub Crawl — Fundraiser event organized by United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Downtown Winchester, VA. Friday, July 17, 6-9 pm. Info…
Case Nature Center Open House — Interactive exhibit and animal “ambassadors” at this family-friendly open house organized by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. No registration required. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Saturday, July 18, 9:30 am-3 pm and Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 am-3 pm. Free. Info…
Nature Journaling at Yankauer Nature Preserve | Shadows & Shade — An experiential nature journaling program at Yankauer Nature Preserve. 438 Whitings Neck Rd, Martinsburg. Saturday, July 18, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Info…
Colonial Kids Day at the Burwell Morgan Mill — A family-friendly day of colonial-era activities. 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, VA. Saturday, July 18, 11 am-4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Washington County Ag Expo and Fair — Animal shows, exhibits, track events, vendors, food and music. 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, July 18–Saturday, July 25, opens at noon each day. $ Tickets & Info…
Pickle Day — A celebration of all things pickle, including pickle beer and pickle ice cream. 320 North Cameron St, Winchester. Saturday, July 18, 2-6 pm. Info…
Town of Bolivar 200th Anniversary Celebration — July 18 event is Postponed due to weather. Info…
Sips of Summer at the Historic McFarland House — An afternoon tea experience at the Historic McFarland House. 409 South Queen St, Martinsburg. Sunday, July 19, 1-3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Concerts at the Gazebo: Melissa and the Moth Men — Presented by River & Roots Productions. 575 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, July 19, 7-9 pm. Free. Info…
Yankauer Nature Preserve Trail Cleanup — Organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. 438 Whitings Neck Rd, Martinsburg. Monday, July 20, 4-6:30 pm. Free. Info…
CATF TalkTuesday — Reading of The End of Black Excellence by Chris Webb. Marinoff Theater, 62 West Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, July 21, 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Women's Ride on the C&O Canal — A group bicycle ride on the C&O Canal. Shepherdstown. Wednesday, July 22, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Rocket Academy — Build then launch a rocket in this two-week workshop. Registration required; ages 10+. The Hobbies Shop, 305 South West St, Charles Town. Thursday, July 23 and 30, 2 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…
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. Saturday, 11 am-5 pm and Sunday, 1-4 pm. Admission by donation ($5 suggested). 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…
Limited Time Only: Don't miss this rare opportunity to shop for timeless clothing and accessories for women and men from J. McLaughlin at warehouse prices in the heart of Shepherdstown. July 23 - July 26, 10 am - 4 pm at Eclectic (formerly Evolve), 106 West German St, Shepherdstown.
Spotlight — JCESA Hires 8 New Recruits
JCESA training on July 14
The Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency (JCESA) welcomed eight new recruits this week.
The department currently operates 5 ambulance crews 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and an additional crew during the 12-hour day shift 7 days a week. Each crew consists of 2 individuals.
JCESA Chief Todd Gorham, who himself joined the department only a few months ago, says that once these recruits complete their orientation over the next weeks, the department will be fully staffed to support the current operating schedule.
The ambulance crews are stationed at the four fire stations:
Friendship (Harpers Ferry): one 24x7 crew
Citizens (Charles Town): two 24x7 crews
Independent (Ranson): one 24x7 crew and one 12x7 crew
Shepherdstown: one 24x7 crew
The department has mutual-aid agreements in place with Berkeley County as well as neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia to provide “quickest route” dispatch service if the nearest JCESA crew is unavailable (if they are transporting a patient to the WVU Berkeley Medical Center, for example).
Corrections: The Observer mis-spelled the names of two individuals in the July 9 issue. The correct spellings are Marcy Bartlett (member of the Shepherdstown Town Council) and Summer Wilkes (Community Development Director for the City of Ranson).
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.
