Governor Meets Local Leaders, New Charles Town Connection, Halloween Events
Published 9 days ago • 8 min read
Observer Weekly
October 23, 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.
Governor Looks At Eastern Panhandle Growth Initiatives
Governor Patrick Morrisey met with leaders from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties on Friday, October 17, at the Berkeley County administrative building in Martinsburg for an Economic Development Summit organized by his office.
The Governor opened the meeting by referring to the “backyard economic brawl,” a phrase he used to describe West Virginia’s competition with neighboring states for business investment. He said the state must focus on what it can do better to attract and grow businesses, and asked each county delegation to share their “big ideas” for economic development.
Jefferson County Talks Agritourism
Jefferson County Commission President Pasha Majdi led off with a brief presentation highlighting the county’s tourism economy. While no specific initiatives were discussed, Majdi noted that the state’s current restrictions on tasting rooms and retail showrooms at wholesale producer facilities limit the growth of agritourism businesses such as craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Berkeley County Plans A Sports and Convention Complex
Jennifer Smith, executive director of the Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA), gave a detailed presentation on the county’s proposed sports and convention center, a project that has been in development for more than a year. Emphasizing that the project would attract new development and support the development of infrastructure that could be extended to serve a larger area west of Interstate 81 in the area of Tabler Station, Smith pitched the Governor to support a “sales tax increment financing” (STIF) district.
How Tax Increment Financing Works
Berkeley County has already approved two property-based “tax increment financing” (TIF) districts along the I-81 corridor. Both TIFs and STIFs dedicate future tax revenues generated by new development within a district to pay for infrastructure improvements and site preparation.
By earmarking those future revenues, a county can issue special bonds — repaid only from those tax proceeds and not from the general budget — to cover part of the upfront development costs. This approach can make large projects more feasible for private developers who then finance and operate the facilities.
While counties can approve TIFs on their own, a STIF district requires state-level authorization. Smith emphasized that state support would be essential for the sports and convention project to move forward.
Morgan County Connects Trails for Tourism
Morgan County representatives highlighted the success of their existing trail system in drawing visitors. They described plans to extend trail connectivity from Cacapon Resort State Park and Berkeley Springs north to Hancock, Maryland. That extension would link local trails to the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, which together stretch from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Governor Morrisey responded with questions about the project and noted that he has access to several funding sources that could help accelerate work on certain trail connections.
A Day Focused on the Local Economy
Earlier in the day, the Governor toured Harpers Ferry. Earlier this month he directed special funding — about $7,000 per day — to the National Park Service to keep both Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge national parks open during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Although programming remains limited, parking lots, exhibits, and restrooms are open, and the fall crowds have continued to visit, providing business for local restaurants, shops, and lodging providers.
In his opening remarks at the summit, Morrisey also mentioned the state’s new “one-stop-shop permitting portal,” saying the project is making good progress and is expected to launch before the end of 2026.
At the close of the meeting, the Governor encouraged local officials to continue developing ideas and to keep his office informed so he can help move promising initiatives through state agencies.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Most Dangerous Intersections: Shenandoah Junction Road & Charles Town Road
Every day, drivers navigate the chaos at Shenandoah Junction and Charles Town Road. Outdated design and heavy traffic create daily risks in an area traveled by families and school buses. See why this intersection has become one of the area’s most talked-about danger zones.
On Saturday, October 25, the City of Charles Town will officially open a new pedestrian bridge linking Evitts Run Park and the Skate Park. The ribbon cutting will take place at noon, followed by a rubber duck race along Evitts Run for all ages. An ice cream truck and other family-friendly activities will be on site until 3 p.m.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission is also using the event to showcase the colorful ground mural that covers the skate surface and ramps. The public art project was completed last year by artist Christina Rogombé, a Charles Town native who also contributed to the Charles Street Star murals.
In addition to the new bridge, the Skate Park has been upgraded with lighting, portable restrooms, and new benches. Ample parking is available at the park, located at the intersection of North West Street and West North Street.
The bridge is part of a broader effort by the city to expand its network of walking and biking trails and promote greater walkability throughout Charles Town.
Shepherdstown Fire Department Cooks Up Apple Butter
It’s been a busy week for volunteers at the Shepherdstown Fire Department, who have spent the past several days mixing and cooking apple butter. According to longtime volunteer Denny Barron, the goal is to produce 4,000 quarts to sell as a fundraiser for the department’s operations.
The volunteers are inviting everyone in the community to stop by the fire hall this Saturday, October 25, between 8 am and 9 pm to help with stirring and canning. Barron says it’s a family-friendly event and that all ages are welcome to participate.
Visitors can also support the fundraiser by purchasing a home-cooked breakfast between 8 and 10 am and lunch between 11:30 am and 2 pm. Plenty of parking is available behind the fire hall at 8052 Martinsburg Pike. Visitors should enter through the rear of the station into Barron Hall, where there will also be bake sales and local vendors throughout the day.
Those who arrive by 9:30 am can see the volunteers light up the engines and sirens as crews depart to join the Shepherd University Homecoming Parade. After the parade, the trucks will be parked in front of the station, and Barron says he’s confident volunteers will be happy to let kids explore the equipment — and maybe even press a siren button or two.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Halloween Sip & Screen at the Opera House — Lost Boys (Rated R). Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Oct 23, 7:30 pm. Free. Info...
Little Shop of Horrors — Musical theater production at the Old Opera House, 204 N George St, Charles Town. Friday, Oct 24–Sunday, Oct 26. $ Tickets & Info...
Monster Bash — Family-friendly Trunk or Treat event featuring crafts, games, and activities for all ages. Ranson Civic Center (432 W 2nd Ave, Ranson WV). Friday, Oct 24, 6–8 pm. Free. Info…
Haunted Tours at the Entler Hotel — Guided tours highlighting spooky stories and paranormal encounters. Shepherdstown Museum (129 E German St, Shepherdstown). Friday–Saturday, Oct 24–25, 7–9:30 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Night of the Living Dead — Screening of the classic 1968 horror film. Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St, Shepherdstown). Friday, Oct 24, 5 pm. Free/Pay what you can. Tickets & Info…
House on Haunted Hill — Screening of the 1959 horror classic starring Vincent Price. Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St, Shepherdstown). Friday, Oct 24, 7:30 pm. Free/Pay what you can. Tickets & Info…
Vampire Ball — Halloween dance party with live music by Withers LaRue. Shepherdstown Community Club (102 E German St, Shepherdstown). Friday, Oct 24, 8:30 pm–midnight. $10 single, $15 couple. Tickets & Info…
Apple Butter Festival — Annual fall celebration featuring apple butter making, food, and crafts. Shepherdstown Fire Department (8052 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown). Saturday, Oct 25, all day. Free. Info…
Shepherd University Homecoming Parade — The annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Shepherdstown. Saturday, Oct 25, 10–11 am. Free. Info…
Spooky Stories Event — Story time, writing activities, and snacks for children (pre-K through 6th grades) hosted by National Writing Project at Shepherd University’s Little House (120 North Princess St, Shepherdstown). Saturday, Oct 25, 11 am-1 pm. Free. Info…
Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival — Juried artisan festival featuring fine art, crafts, music, and local food vendors. Washington County Agricultural Education Center (7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD). Saturday, Oct 25, 11 am–5 pm. Free. Info…
Little Shop of Horrors (1960) — Screening of the original cult-classic horror-comedy film that inspired the musical. Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St, Shepherdstown). Saturday, Oct 25, noon. Free/Pay what you can. Tickets & Info…
Haunted Symphony: The Witching Hour — Concert of Halloween-inspired classical and cinematic music by the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra. Harpers Ferry Middle School (1710 W Washington St, Harpers Ferry). Saturday, Oct 25, 2 pm. Tickets & Info…
Winchester Musica Viva — Chamber concert exploring the music of Leonardo da Vinci and his era. Frank Arts Center, Shepherd University (260 University Dr, Shepherdstown). Saturday, Oct 25, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Enchanted Tea Party — Family-friendly costume tea party and canned food drive. Shepherdstown Community Club (102 E German St, Shepherdstown). Sunday, Oct 26, 1–3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Tunes for Todd — Benefit concert in the Depot District of Charles Town, 325 North George St. Sunday, Oct 26, 1 pm. Donations accepted. Info…
Carnival of Souls — Screening of the 1962 cult-classic psychological horror film at the Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St, Shepherdstown). Sunday, Oct 26, 3 pm. Free/Pay what you can. Tickets & Info…
Halloween Carnival & Trunk or Treat — Family event with games, activities, and candy for kids. Mountain Lake Club (1329 Lakeside Dr, Harpers Ferry). Sunday, Oct 26, 4–6 pm. Free. Info…
Haunted History Walk — Evening walking tour exploring haunted sites and stories of historic Charles Town. Meet at City Hall, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, Oct 29, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Shep-or-Treat Community Children’s Carnival — Annual Shepherd University Halloween celebration with games, treats, and fun for local families. West Campus Drive, Lower Parking Lot G across from Wellness Center, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Oct 29, 6–8 pm. Free. Info…
Book Talk: Richard Primus — Discussion of The Oldest Constitutional Question: Enumeration and Federal Power. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (213 N King St, Shepherdstown). Thursday, Oct 30, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Charles Town Now is asking for local residents to share their thoughts about downtown Charles Town. This survey is part of an analysis being conducted to help craft a plan for ongoing revitalization. Click here to take the survey.
City officials and local residents tested the new Evitts Run bridge last week.
Quick Updates
The Jefferson County Commission has completed its first round of town hall meetings with the county’s volunteer fire companies (meeting videos). The consulting company will be analyzing data from the 911 center and preparing a report to the Commission early next year.
A large crowd came armed with costumes, creative signs, and boisterous energy for the No Kings rally in Shepherdstown on October 18 (photos).
The urban deer hunt in Harpers Ferry runs through the end of January according to the Town & Trail Alliance of Harpers Ferry & Bolivar. The alliance issued a reminder to wear bright clothing when hiking the in-town trails in Woodpecker Woods and along the Ridge Street.
The roundabout construction project at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 287 (Berlin Turnpike) in Loudoun County has begun (project details & updates).
