Governor Pushes Tax Cuts, Flu Spreads, Libraries Full Of Activities
Published 4 days ago • 10 min read
Observer Weekly
January 8, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
The Governor and state legislators are heading to Charleston next week to open the 2026 legislative session. The House of Delegates wants to talk about investing for job creation and the Governor wants to talk about tax cuts. Nobody wants to talk about funding cuts. We’ll be following these conversations over the next two months, so stay tuned.
Governor Morrisey Previews Budget Plan For Next Year
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey gave a preview earlier this week of the budget he will be presenting at the opening of the 2026 state legislative session on January 14.
In a January 5 news conference, the Governor said he wants additional cuts to the state personal income tax and expansion of special tax credits for historic preservation and tourism projects. Several state legislators, both Republicans and Democrats, have expressed reservations about the Governor’s proposals. According to a report by Jeff Jenkins of MetroNews, Senator Tom Tabuko (R-Kanahwa) said [If] “the math works I’m excited to see it but the math has to work.” According to the same report, Senator Eric Tarr (R-Putnam) noted that the state already adopted a specific plan for reducing the personal income tax, based on revenue hitting certain milestones. Tarr said that “I don’t want to make it to where we can’t afford the business of the state that we were charged to do by the constitution that we all operate under because we let politics get too far ahead of practicality.”
Delegate Kayla Young (D-Kanahwa) shared her concerns via social media: “So the Governor wants another personal income tax cut (on top of the recent 27% cut) even though we didn’t meet the benchmark triggers for it to cut itself further, plus he’s forcing all state agencies to cut their flat-for-years budgets more. This is fiscally irresponsible.”
West Virginia Can Expect Fewer Federal Dollars
According to information published by the WV State Auditor, federal funds make up approximately 25 percent of the state’s $44 billion operating budget for the current fiscal year (chart above). Morrisey says his plan aligns the state budget with the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” that was signed into law last year by President Trump. To date, the Governor’s office has not issued any guidance on how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will directly affect West Virginia’s state budget.
The full details of the governor’s budget will be available after it is presented to the legislature next week.
A message from Divergent Electrical
Divergent Electrical was built to put people first again. We’re tired of the corporate runaround — pushy upsells, scripted sales techs, and companies more focused on shareholders than homeowners. Our team takes a warm, personable approach, staying fully client-focused from start to finish. We troubleshoot carefully, communicate clearly, and get the job done right the first time. That’s electrical service you can trust, right here in Shepherdstown.
Respiratory Illnesses Surge In The Eastern Panhandle
Jefferson County and the wider Eastern Panhandle are experiencing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses this winter, according to local health officials and clinicians. Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all actively circulating in the community.
Kids and Seniors at Higher Risk
Dr. Michael Londner, chief medical officer at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, says the region is about halfway through the respiratory illness season — the traditional peak period for these infections. “For most people, symptoms will only last a few days and can be managed at home with rest and fluids,” Londner said.
Older adults and children under the age of two are more likely to be hospitalized with severe respiratory illness, however. These groups should seek immediate medical care when symptoms develop, as there are anti-viral prescription treatments available that can ease symptoms and severity of such illnesses - especially if taken within two days of the start of symptoms.
Prevention is Key
“It's very important that when illness is high in our community, like it is now, everyone does their part to help prevent the spread of these viruses,” emphasized Londner.
Preventive measures recommended by local health experts include:
Stay up to date on vaccines. “It is definitely not too late to get an influenza vaccine,” said Dr. Terrence Reidy of the Jefferson County Health Department. “Most of the influenza cases for this season have not yet occurred,” he added, noting that the flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals over 6 months of age. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are available at many pharmacies, medical practices and the health department. WVU Medicine recommends that you ask your health provider about what vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
Practice good hygiene, like frequent handwashing and covering coughs.
Stay home when sick, and avoid contact with others until fever-free for at least 24 hours. Dr. Reidy noted that over-the-counter nasal self-test kits can help you determine if you have the flu or COVID-19.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re at higher risk of severe illness or are not feeling well around vulnerable people.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
“Rounding Third” is a funny, heartwarming play about two dads who battle across a generational divide about their approaches to Little League coaching and fatherhood. Presented by Town Run Theater Company at the Shepherdstown Opera House, this fast-paced, family-friendly comedy plays out over a baseball season full of laughs, nostalgia, and a few unexpected life lessons that hit home for kids and adults.
Local Public Libraries Offer Full Schedule Of Activities
The four community libraries in Jefferson County offer events and activities for both kids and adults. Here’s the winter events schedule for each library (check their websites for program details and special events):
Wed 11:00 - noon — Homeschool Story Hour (ages 5-8)
Adult Book Club meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month (3-5 pm); Creepy Book Club meets on the last Monday of each month (7-8 pm).
How Local Libraries Are Funded
All four of these libraries rely on a mix of funding from community donors and local government funding. The public library charters of the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown and South Jefferson libraries allow them to receive funding from the state library commission. The Charles Town library is organized as an independent charitable organization, so it does not receive money from the library commission.
County Reduces Impact Fees For 55+ Residential Development — The Jefferson County Commission voted at its Jan 8 meeting to eliminate school impact fees for new residential developments that are deed-restricted for residents aged 55 and above. These age-restricted development projects will continue to pay the impact fees assessed on new construction to fund expansion of county administration, law enforcement, ambulance services and parks driven by residential growth.
Ranson Issues Statement On ICE Actions — The Ranson City Council voted unanimously at its January 6 meeting to issue a statement of “Community Concerns & Public Safety.” The statement was drafted in response to concerns expressed by residents about reckless and excessively violent behavior by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a recent federal law enforcement action in Ranson. You can read the full statement on the City of Ranson website or download a PDF version of the document.
“I Voted” Sticker Design Contest — WV Secretary of State Kris Warner is inviting all 8th grade students across the state to participate in a contest to design “I Voted” stickers for the upcoming 2026 elections. >>>Contest rules and deadlines...
Volunteers Needed To Support Food Box Giveaway — Community Markets, Inc. (CMI) will be conducting a food box giveaway on Saturday, Jan 10 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. CMI is seeking volunteers to help assemble the boxes on Friday, Jan 9 between 12:30 and 3:30 at Covenant Church (7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown) and to help with the distribution event on Saturday at St. James Church (49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town). Email Mark Peiffer to volunteer or visit the CMI website for more information.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursday, Jan 8, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Celebrating Small Things — A month-long art exhibit featuring award-winning wildlife photography with proceeds supporting the library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Runs until Saturday, Jan 31 during library hours. Free. Info…
Rounding Third - A Play About Baseball— A Town Run Theater Company production exploring competition, family, and America’s pastime. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Two weekends, Jan 9–18, various times. $ Tickets & Info…
Game Night at the Legion — Tri-State Game Nights hosts a public game night on the second floor of the Charles Town American Legion post. 225 West Washington St, Charles Town. Friday, Jan 9, 6 - 10 pm. Free. Info…
Introduction to Beekeeping Course — A two-weekend course on beekeeping basics by the Washington County Beekeepers Association. Trinity Lutheran Church, 64 South Main St, Boonsboro, MD. Saturdays, Jan 10 and 17, 9 am.. $ Tickets & Info…
Get Wet – Exhibit Opening Reception — Reception for a new water-themed exhibit at the Morgan Arts Center Ice House Galleries, Berkeley Springs. Saturday, Jan 10, 3 pm. Free. Info…
24-Hour Play Festival — See three new plays written, rehearsed, and performed all within 24 hours. Roving Peregrine Theatre, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Jan 10, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Day Hike at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — A moderate guided hike with historical narration and scenic views along park trails, hosted by the Sierra Club. Visitor Center, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Jan 10, 10 am - 1 pm. Hike is free. Park entrance/parking fees. Info…
Welcome to Your Next Chapter: A Vision Board Workshop — A creative workshop where participants design a visual representation of their future. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German Street, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Jan 10, 6:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Washington County Reptile Show — A family-friendly reptile show featuring reptiles, supplies, and educational exhibits. Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Sunday, Jan 11, 10 am - 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum Open House — An open house showcasing detailed model railroad displays for visitors of all ages. Antietam Station, 17230 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, MD. Sundays, Jan 11–25, Noon - 4 pm. Free. Info…
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl Tour with Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone — A book tour event featuring author readings and discussion hosted by Four Seasons Books. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Jan 13, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Phaze 2 Gallery: ToUgH sHaPes Opening Reception — An opening reception for a contemporary art exhibition exploring geometric form and perception. Phaze 2 Gallery, Shepherd University, 92 West Campus Drive, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Jan 13, 4 - 6 pm (Gallery is open 4-6 pm M-F). Free. Info…
Spotlight — State Legislature To Begin 2026 Session
The Jefferson County Commission met with several state legislators (above) on January 8 to discuss the commission’s priorities and requests for the 2026 legislative session, which convenes at the state capitol in Charlestown on January 14.
The session is scheduled to end on March 14. During the 60 day session, the state senators and delegates will consider hundreds of proposed bills, only a few of which will pass both chambers to be signed by the Governor.
All bills are posted to the state legislature’s website as they are introduced. Residents can contact their representatives directly to weigh in on specific bills. Jefferson County is represented by two state senators and four delegates:
Senator Patricia Rucker (Assistant Majority Leader)
You can find bios and committee assignments for all state senators and delegates on the legislative website (click on links for the directory).
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.
