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.
At its July 8 meeting, the Commission discussed renovation plans for both buildings. The plan for the Lawrence Street facility, which will house most county departments, is largely complete.
In contrast, the plan for the George Street building — which will accommodate magistrate, family, and circuit court operations — is still in early development. County Administrator Eddie Benites gave a detailed presentation at the meeting outlining key issues that must be addressed before work can move forward.
A major focus of the discussion was safety: for defendants, victims, family members involved in disputes, and judicial personnel. Designing the building to keep opposing parties physically separated adds significant complexity. Requirements include separate entrances, holding cells, and meeting rooms. While other security elements — such as secure elevators, surveillance cameras, and ballistic-glazed windows — are more straightforward to include, they still add to the overall cost.
The renovation team has completed what it describes as a “first pass” on the design after reviewing the requirements with the various court and county personnel involved in the judicial operations. During the July 8 meeting, Benites walked the commissioners through the estimated budget, which now stands at $11.5 million for the renovation (up from the initial $9 million estimate). A revised design (a “second pass”) is expected within the next few months.
How the Commission will fund the George Street renovation remains unclear. During the meeting, the commissioners said they are optimistic about securing state-level funding after a meeting with the WV State Treasurer. Benites also noted that the county plans to apply for multiple grants that specifically support court facility improvements.
A message from the Shepherd University
County Commission To Host Community Discussion on Reuse Of County Buildings In Downtown Charles Town
Jefferson County offices currently occupy 5 buildings on East Washington Street.
The Jefferson County Commission has scheduled a community discussion for Thursday, July 17, to explore future possibilities for the buildings it currently occupies on East Washington Street in downtown Charles Town.
According to the latest timeline shared by the Commission, the county expects to fully vacate five buildings east of the historic court house by the end of 2026. The county-owned buildings that will be available for new uses are the Moffett building (106 E Washington St), the Reinenger building (108/110/112), the Smoot building (114), the Mason building (116) and the Hunter House building (124).
The community discussion event will begin at 5 pm and will feature brief presentations by the county facilities manager, the Assessor, and other stakeholders with relevant expertise. Afterward, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer input.
The Commission tentatively plans to hold the event in the large meeting room at 393 North Lawrence Street — it will confirm this location (or announce an alternate location) prior to next Thursday’s event. For details and updates, check the official Facebook event page.
A word from the Contemporary American Theater Festival
What happens when the trust we place in our medical system actually makes us sicker? After a series of diagnoses, a mother leads us through her son’s search for wellness, a Kafkaesque journey through the world of psychiatry. Written with humor and fury, the story explores the side effects of fighting through illness with the ones we love. In these crazy times, playwright Lisa Loom and CATF asks: are we medicating life itself? Visit CATF.org for your tickets.
An Art-full Weekend Around Shepherdstown
The artists of Over The Mountain Studio Tour
The 2025 Contemporary American Theater Festival opens this weekend in Shepherdstown and several local galleries are open to showcase new artwork as well.
Skull City Studio, Shepherdstown’s newest gallery (105 South Princess St), is collaborating with Windward Blooms to pair local artists and florists — the fresh creations will be on display July 11 through July 13. There will be a meet-the-artists reception on July 12, 3 - 6 pm. Details on their Facebook page.
At Badgerhound Studio and Gallery (110 West German St), local artists Michael Davis and Emily Vaughn are showcasing a decade of art-making with a display of recent work. Opening reception is July 12, 5 - 7 pm. Details on Facebook.
Bridge Gallery (8566 Shepherdstown Pike) opens its summer exhibition on July 11. Showcasing the floral photography of Keron Psillas Oliveira, the exhibition will run through August 3. Details on the gallery’s website.
The Over The Mountain Studio Tour’s Summer Preview highlights all of their artists in one location. This year’s show is at Evolve (106 West German St), from July 11 through July 13. Details on their website.
A message from Bridge Gallery & Framing
The Bridge Gallery exhibits regional art, offers custom framing and additional art services. Our Summer Exhibit (July 11 – Aug. 3) features the stunning floral photography of Shepherdstown native Keron Psillas Oliveira. The exhibit, titled “Floraveira” is being presented in a variety of creative ways including traditional framing, elegant free hanging images printed on specialty papers and gorgeous silk scarves.
Also featured are the Plein-Air paintings of Joshua Hoffman. Joshua will be participating in the Easton, Maryland Plein-Air Festival and joining us for a special Q&A later this month. The gallery is located at 8566 Shepherdstown Pike. Tel: 304-876-2300.
What We're Watching — Solar Zoning Changes, Ambulances In Middlway, Development Authority Reorganization & More
The Blake project near Charles Town was referenced by the Planning Commission during its July 8 meeting as as an example of the shortcomings of the current solar zoning rules.
There were several significant issues addressed at Jefferson County Commission (JCC) and Jefferson County Planning Commission (PC) meetings this week. In addition to the judicial center project, here’s what caught our attention:
The JCC has hired a consultant to study how fire response services are coordinated and funded.
The JCC plans to reconstitute the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) board. As a first step, in this week’s meeting, the County Coommission voted unanimously to “remove” all of the current JCDA board members and reduce the board from 15 to 9 members. The JCC indicated it plans to interview for new board members at its August meeting.
The PC is looking at a new “rural residential” zoning district that would provide options for duplex, triplex and quadplex homes in rural areas in exchange for increased greenspace preservation.
The PC modified its policies for public comment to make them more restrictive.
In the coming weeks, The Observer will provide analysis and context on these issues that go beyond headlines and social media chatter.
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Live Music at The AMP — Incendio performs in concert in the Levitt AMP Music Series (235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction). Thursday, July 10, 7:30 pm (gates open 6:30 pm). Free. Info…
CATF Season Opens — The Contemporary American Theater Festival kicks off its 2025 season this weekend with five plays: Grandfather and Happy Fall (opening Friday) and Kling, Magdalene, and Side Effects (opening Saturday) in Shepherdstown. $ Info…
Summer Art Exhibit — Shepherdstown native Keron Psillas Oliveira’s floral photography is featured July 11 - August 3 at The Bridge Gallery (8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown). Free. Info…
Cruise-In and Cake Auction — Classic cars, good eats, and community fun at the Shepherdstown Fire Department (8052 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown). Friday, July 11, 5 pm (auction starts at 7 pm). Free. Info…
Over The Mountain Studio Tour Summer Preview — A look ahead at the annual Over the Mountain Studio Tour at Evolve (106 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday, July 11, 5 pm through Sunday, July 13, 4 pm. Free. Info…
Art in Bloom — Exhibit features local artists with floral accompaniments at Skull City Studio (105 South Princess St., Shepherdstown). Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13; Saturday reception 3–6 pm. Free. Info…
Town Run Stream Cleanup — Help protect a key local waterway by removing invasive plants and trash in Morgan Grove’s Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). Saturday, July 12, 9 am –12:30 pm. Free. Info…
Outdoor Movie: If Beale Street Could Talk (Rated R) — Screening hosted by Shepherdstown Community Club at Morgan Grove’s Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). Saturday, July 12, 7 pm (movie starts at dusk). Free. Info…
Washington County Ag Expo & Fair — Family-friendly fair featuring livestock, music, and food at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center (7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro). July 12 through July 19. $ Info…
Celebrating a Decade of Art Making — Anniversary celebration and exhibit at Badgerhound Studio (110 West German St., Shepherdstown). Reception on Saturday, July 12, 5–7 pm. Free. Info…
Exclusive Sneak Peek Film Screening: Tornado Tastes Like Aluminum Sting — CATF presents a special screening of this new documentary about the making of one of its recent plays. Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Tuesday, July 15, 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Mr. Jon & Friends — Family-friendly music as part of the “Let’s Play”series at Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction). Tuesday, July 15, 7 pm (gates open at 6pm). Free. Info…
Stories in the Park: Mushroom Rain — Harpers Ferry Park Association presents a nature-themed storytime (Harpers Ferry). Wednesday, July 16, 10 am. $ Info…
JCC Community Discussion — The County Commission invites the public to share ideas on downtown redevelopment in Charles Town (location to be confirmed). Thursday, July 17, 5 pm. Info…
Author Talk: Midnight on the Potomac — Lecture and book signing with historian Scott Ellsworth on the tumultuous last year of the Civil War. Byrd Center (213 North King St, Shepherdstown). Thursday, July 17, 7 pm. Free. Info…
