Health Investment, Flood Relief, Infrastructure Planning
Published about 5 hours ago • 13 min read
Observer Weekly
July 23, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
I was thinking that things might slow down a bit as we get further into the summer. But the fencing that went up around the Jefferson Medical Center hinted that things are about to get busy there — to the tune of $60 million to build and outfit an 80,000 square foot expansion.
Combined with the $200 million expansion of the Berkeley Medical Center, WVU Medicine will be investing $260 million in its Eastern Panhandle facilities during the next two years. Those numbers are just a starting point, since both medical centers will stimulate additional economic activity in the area as they expand their operations in the new facilities.
Looking down the road towards Summit Point, the Charles Town Utility Board is working hard to support some potential development there as well (story below).
Stay tuned to The Observer for local news and events coverage — and share us with your friends and neighbors so they have something to talk about too.
WVU Medicine Shares Details Of Expansion In Ranson
Concept rendering of new building (view from Fairfax Blvd.)
Nicole Dollison, the CEO of Jefferson Medical Center, presented WVU Medicine's current plans for a $60 million investment in its Ranson health complex during the the City Council meeting on July 21.
According to Dollision, the project will add 80,000 square feet to the Jefferson Medical Center including a new building. In addition to constructing the new structure and connecting it to the existing medical center, the first phase of the project will build out a new clinic on the third floor, an imaging center on the second floor, and a PT/OT center on the ground floor. The new structure will include space for future expansion (labeled “shell” in the image below).
Functional organization of the expanded Jefferson Medical Center (new building spaces are on the left, existing building spaces are on the right)
The new building will be designed to connect seamlessly with the operating rooms and patient care facilities in the existing building. The existing building will be upgraded during the project to support a new infusion center on the third floor.
The project site between the existing medical center building and Lancaster Circle is already surrounded by a safety fence and a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29. Dollison said the building construction and fit-out of the first phase of the project is expected to be complete by early 2028.
Most Dangerous Intersections: WV RT 340 & Fairfax Crossing
Heavy traffic and quick merges on WV Route 340 at Fairfax Crossing make this one of the region's most dangerous intersections. Located near the Home Depot in Ranson, this stretch has been the site of serious accidents that have deeply affected local families. Understanding the risks here can help you make safer choices behind the wheel. Stay alert, stay informed.
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
Relief Efforts For Lewis & Upshur County Residents
According to state emergency management officials, the most urgent needs in the next few days as the flood waters recede are materials used in cleaning and drying wet items:
Bleach
Laundry Detergent
Contractor Trash Bags
Disinfecting Wipes
Adult Weatherproof Boots
Shovels
Dehumidifiers
Extension Cords
The next priority are supplies to help displaced individuals with daily hygiene needs and ongoing cleanup:
Baby diapers & Pull-ups
Baby wipes
Waterproof Gloves
Baby Formula
Hygiene Products
Feminine Hygiene Products
Buckets
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Mops
Cleaning Wipes
Clothing and other bulky items are a low priority need for the initial recovery efforts.
Jefferson County Collection Points
Jefferson County residents Howard and Mary Harder are collecting supplies that they plan to deliver early on Saturday July 25. The Harder’s say that they will be renting as big a truck as they need to fit the donations, courtesy of real estate agent Adam Shively. You can contact the Howards if you can assist with collecting and packing.
You can drop off supplies at the following locations on Friday, July 24:
The Observer will update this story on ObserverWV.com as additional collection points and item requests are announced.
A message from WVU Medicine
The Future is Here!
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:
Inspections and Sidewalks Are Hot Topics In Ranson
After hearing about the Jefferson Medical Center expansion (story above), the Ranson City Council quickly moved through a brief agenda during its July 21 meeting to hear staff reports, approve routine budget adjustments, and get updates about upcoming events.
Lots of Permit Reviews
The Community Development Department, which both issues building permits and conducts inspections, provided a report on its June activity, which included applications for:
12 new townhomes
20 new single family homes
2 new duplex homes (a single building)
1 new commercial project (Patriot Federal Credit Union)
The June report also included 63 other applications received for decks, fences, site development and 1 fireworks stand. For the month, the department collected $608,589 in fees for the permits issued to construct 58 new homes and 88 other projects.
On the inspection side, the department conducted 18 code enforcement inspections and 1,065 permit inspections in June. The City relies on outside inspectors to conduct a lot of this work — in June, more than half of the permit inspections were performed by two contracted inspectors. Councilmember Daniel Strickland asked if the City would consider hiring a full-time code enforcement officer to step up that activity. City Manager Todd Wilt responded to that question with the recommendation that the City should prioritize hiring an additional in-house inspector for permit inspections.
A Budget For Improving Sidewalks
Wilt also reported that the City has a $50,000 line item in its capital budget for sidewalk repairs each year. In the past two years the City has used those funds to fill in along older streets that were built without sidewalks. He noted that there are still many areas where sidewalks could be expanded, but that the City had completed most of the projects he considered “low hanging fruit,” and that work in these other areas would need a bigger budget to accommodate the more difficult engineering and site work.
Wilt also noted that the City’s ordinances authorize a sidewalk “cost-share” program that allows the City to split the costs of repairs with property owners. Wilt says the City has not completed any projects under this provision in recent years, but suggested that the Council might want to direct staff to create a more structured program and allocate the capital fund line item to these repairs.
Ranson does not have a specific application for the sidewalk repair program. Wilt says that residents can use the “fix-it request” form on the City’s website to alert the City to their interest in the program or a potential repair.
A message from the 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.
Firearms Discharge Complaint Denied — The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) voted 3-2 to deny a resident’s appeal of the County Zoning Administrator’s ruling about QRF Solutions K9 LLC business operations. In 2025, QRF received a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a home-based firearms business on a 10 acre residential property located at 1899 Trough Road. That CUP prohibited commercial use of the property as a firing range. This spring, a neighbor filed a complaint citing excessive noise from frequent discharge of firearms and vibration from explosives used in the dog training conducted on the property. Andy Beall, the County Zoning Administrator concluded that he had no authority under the Zoning Ordinance to conduct an on-site investigation and reported no violation related to the CUP.
In its deliberations, the BZA struggled to reconcile the concerns expressed by the neighbors with what was described as an “insufficient investigation” presented in the official record. The BZA members also noted the narrow scope of their authority that limited their response to the specific appeal presented to them. Several BZA members suggested that a noise complaint would be a more appropriate enforcement option.
Harpers Ferry Pedestrian Bridge Update — The National Park Service has updated the construction schedule for the stairway attached to the pedestrian bridge between Harpers Ferry and the C&O Canal. The temporary stairway that has been in place since last year will be closed starting July 27. The final steps of the project to install a new permanent staircase is expected to last 3 to 4 weeks. During this time there will be a shuttle running between Harpers Ferry and Lock 34, but these buses will have limited space for bicycles. There may also be flaggers and restrictions along the towpath during work hours. >>>More information…
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.
CTUB water main extension — map included with preliminary water model report
The Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) is moving ahead with plans to bring water and sewer service to the Summit Point area.
During the July 22 board meeting, Paul Mantello, the CTUB General Manager, provided an overview of the Summit Point Regional Utility Corridor Initiative (SPRUCI). Mantello’s overview included a preliminary water model report and a map of the potential route, which would connect from CTUB’s existing water and sewer lines near Locust Hill and run along Summit Point Road.
The potential major customers for the project include the Summit Point motorsports park, a planned data center development north of the Summit Point Village, and South Jefferson Elementary School. The project would also support fire service for the village and surrounding areas.
The current concept for the project envisions three lines: a treated water line, a sewer line, and a recycled water line to take the output from the Tuscawilla sewage treatment plant and deliver it to the data center project.
Mantello said he would be meeting next week with legislators and state officials to get their perspectives on where the data center project stands with respect to state approvals. CTUB has also hired an engineering firm to begin a preliminary engineering analysis, the first step in applying for state grants to assist with the design and construction. Mantello estimates that the project could take two to three years to complete if it proceeds.
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 24, 10 am-noon. Bring swimsuits. $5 Info…
Washington County Ag Expo and Fair — Animal shows, exhibits, track events, vendors, food and music. 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Through Saturday, July 25, opens at noon each day. $ Tickets & Info…
MSV at Night: Sweet Mountain Laurel — An evening featuring live music, art demonstrations and access to the gardens. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA. Friday, July 24, 5-8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pageant of Steam — Displays and demonstrations of vintage steam-powered equipment. Clark County Ruritan Fairgrounds, 890 West Main St, Berryville, VA. Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26. $ Tickets & Info…
Trail Stewards Volunteer Cleanup — Volunteer trail cleanup at Cool Spring Preserve. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Friday, July 24, 4:30-7 pm. Free. Info…
Hip after Six: Melodies & Makers — Live music with Wayne Snow, DJ Jazzy Josh, immersive art installation, and food vendors. Presented by Charles Town Now. 100 block of North Charles St, Charles Town. Friday, July 24, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Live Theater: Disney's The Little Mermaid — Live musical production with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26 and Friday, July 30 - Sunday, Aug 2.. $ Tickets & Info…
Movie Night: Hamilton (rescheduled from a prior date) — Outdoor screening presented by the Shepherdstown Community Club. Morgan's Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Friday, July 24, 8:15 pm. Free. Info…
Christmas in July — Local crafts and food vendors, Santa visits, plus the official announcement of this year's Christmas parade theme. Ranson Civic Center, 432 West 2nd Ave, Ranson. Saturday, July 25, 10 am-2 pm. Free. Info…
Living History Days — Living history demonstrations and activities. City Park Train Hub, 770 City Park Dr, Hagerstown, MD. Saturday, July 25, 10 am-2:30 pm. Free. Info…
Summer Block Party — Community summer celebration with bounce house and activities for all ages. In front of Maryland State Theater, 21 South Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD. Saturday, July 25, 11 am-2 pm. Free. Info…
Live Music: The Reagan Years — Concert presented by Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. The Amp at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Saturday, July 25, 6-9:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Design a Nature Junk Journal — Create a nature-inspired journal; pre-registration required. Yankauer Nature Preserve, 438 Whitings Neck Rd, Martinsburg. Sunday, July 26, 1-4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Concerts at the Gazebo: Kate Macleod's Mind the Gap — Concert presented by River & Roots Productions. 575 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, July 26, 7-9 pm. Free. Info…
CATF TalkTuesday — Reading of Fog Woman by Vera Starbard. Marinoff Theater, 62 West Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, July 28, 5 pm. $Tickets & Info…
Visit with the Shepherdstown Police — Children can enjoy a story, meet officers, explore a police cruiser and create child ID kits. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, July 29, 11 am-noon. Free. Info…
Women's Ride on the C&O Canal — A group bicycle ride on the C&O Canal. Shepherdstown. Wednesday, July 29, 5:30-7:30 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. 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 — New Shepherdstown Farmers Co-op
When six Shepherdstown residents bought 30 acres of farmland along Shepherdstown Pike/Route 230 last fall, they were determined to keep it in agricultural use. On July 22, they made good on that objective, signing a long-term lease for the entire property with the newly formed Shepherdstown Farmers Cooperative.
The property owners have agreed with the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board to place 26 of the 30 acres under permanent legal protection through a Deed of Conservation Easement. The remaining acres are reserved for residential and other infrastructure to support farming.
The Shepherdstown Farmers Cooperative’s founding members — Jamie Byron, Robert Hatcher, Molly Sutter, Jesse Mills, Jen Willett, and Mary Ball — plan fruit and vegetable production alongside regenerative livestock grazing, with ideas for a community space and farm market down the road.
The property owners are all active in the Greater Shepherdstown Alliance, a local nonprofit working to protect farmland, open space, and community character in the greater Shepherdstown area. According to Phil Baker-Shenk, GSA president and one of the six property owners, “[w]e believe we've built a model that can work elsewhere in our area. Greater Shepherdstown is a very special place, and there are tools available to maintain its character. We hope this project encourages others to use them.”
The Greater Shepherdstown Alliance welcomes community members to learn more and get involved. Its next public meeting is Monday, August 31 at 6:30 pm at the War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown. More information available on Greater Shepherdstown Alliance’s Facebook page.
Editor's note: The Observer's editor and publisher are among the six Shepherdstown residents who acquired the property described in this article.
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