New Park Plans, Summit Point Arguments, Health Director Retires
Published about 21 hours ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
February 19, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Most of the government meetings I attended this week had a common theme that was pretty clear — infrastructure, and how to pay for it. What wasn’t as clear was how committed all of the participants were to finding solutions.
You can read our summary of this week’s discussions about the Summit Point utility project below and also find a deeper analysis at ObserverWV.com. Given its potential impact and the layers of questions that seem to be circling around this project I expect we’ll be writing a lot more about it.
In the meantime, enjoy some of the events on our calendar and share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors so they can follow what’s happening around Jefferson County.
— Steve Pearson
The Observer is proud to be the "Best Small Local Newspaper" in West Virginia — WV Living's Best of West Virginia - 2025 Gold Award Winner
The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission is planning a new county park on the campus of the new Shepherdstown Elementary School. Commissioners unveiled a draft concept plan (image above) at a public meeting on February 18 at Sam Michaels Park.
The amenities shown in the concept plan presentation (images below are keyed to the map image above) include a “great lawn” (1), parking lot (2), pump track (3), bike repair station (4), restrooms (5), pavilions (6), pickleball & basketball courts (7), storage (8), disk golf (9), youth basketball courts (10), multi-purpose fields (11), children’s sprint track (12), playground (13), outdoor classroom (14), adult gym equipment (15), wetland with boardwalk path (16), and natural surface trail (17).\
Residents are encouraged to share their feedback through an online survey (click here), which remains open through the end of February, according to Parks and Recreation Commission staff. Project updates and additional information are available on the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Coverage That Can Help with Medical Bills After a Crash
Many drivers have coverage that can help with medical costs but don't realize it. A quick check could prevent major out-of-pocket expenses.
Skinner Law Firm 115 E Washington St., Charles Town WV 25414. 304.777.7777
JCDA Votes To Take Over Summit Point Utility Project
JCDA board meeting on February 17 2026
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) voted Tuesday afternoon to partner with West Virginia American Water (WVAW) to construct a water and sewer extension to Summit Point — unless the Charles Town City Council agreed that same evening to finance the project.
The motion, voted on after executive session, directed County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM, serving as interim JCDA director, to move forward with what was described as a “public-private partnership” with WVAW unless the City voted during its regular meeting later that night to issue bonds covering the project’s cost.
When the City Council met a few hours later, it declined to approve what members characterized as an open-ended financial commitment without more complete information.
The vote signals a significant shift in how the Summit Point utility project might proceed.
Project Background: CTUB Explored Options, Sought Grant
Benites started the February 17 JCDA discussion by providing background about how Summit Point’s existing on-site water and sewer systems limit expansion and new construction. She then explained that the Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) had worked with the Summit Point owners on a feasibility study to explore options for constructing new water and sewer systems to serve the site.
The study, completed by Gwin, Dobson & Foreman Engineers in June 2025 included preliminary cost estimates ranging from $7.7 million to $10.7 million.
In December 2025, CTUB General Manager, Kristen Stolipher, submitted an application to the West Virginia Water Development Authority for a grant that offered the potential to fund the entire cost of the design, engineering and construction of a water and sewer system in Summit Point. At the time, CTUB expected the grant amount would be $10.6 million with no requirement for local funding, based on assurances from the state entities involved in the process.
However, according to information provided to the CTUB board at its January 28 meeting, the state received more applications than expected for the grant fund, so the grant amount available to CTUB for this project was reduced to $4 million.
After it received word that the Water Development Authority would not fund the entire project, the CTUB board requested the utility staff to prepare financing options for it to consider at its next meeting on February 11.
JCDA Interrogates CTUB, Then Hears From American Water
During the February 17 JCDA meeting, several of the JCDA board members, as well as County Administrator Benites, challenged CTUB’s commitment to the project. CTUB board member John Maxey gave an overview of the project and pointed to the CTUB board’s multiple votes in support of providing service. He explained several times the distinction between CTUB (which operates the utility) and the City of Charles Town (which has the authority to issue bonds).
JCDA board member Kathy Skinner raised concerns about the revenue projections for the project provided to the JCDA board. County Administrator Benites responded to the question and stated that the project would initially generate monthly revenue of $120,000. Skinner questioned that number, referencing projections in the packet documents that indicate annual revenue of only $68,927 for water and $68,927 for sewer (equivalent to a combined monthly revenue of $11,488).
One of the board members suggested that Mr. Maxey could shed some light on the discrepancy between the County Administrator’s numbers and the numbers prepared by the CTUB staff. The Board interrupted that line of inquiry to ask a question of Ms. Reel and then Mr. Casto motioned to move into executive session.
A Quick Vote To Move Ahead With American Water
When the JCDA board returned to open session, Mr. Casto made a motion to direct Ms. Benites to enter into an agreement with WV American Water (described as a “public-private partnership”) to construct the project in Summit Point unless the Charles Town City Council were to vote to commit to issuing a bond to finance the cost of the project during its regular meeting scheduled for later that evening. Eight of the board members voted in favor of the motion (Dan Casto, David Luttman, Heather McIntyre, Mike Mood, Nick Russo, Tyler Tummolo, Jill Upson, and Todd Wilt were yes votes; Mara Bauserman and Kathy Skinner were no votes; Raymond Goodrich had recused himself from the discussion).
City of Charles Town Responds
Charles Town City Council meeting on February 17, 2026
When the Charles Town City Council met a few hours later, it declined to vote on a “blank check” bond as demanded by the JCDA board.
During the meeting, Mayor Mike George stated that he was “not happy with how the Jefferson County Commission and the Jefferson County Development Authority are strong-arming” the City of Charles Town. He also emphasized that the City will “fully support [the project] if it is economically, technically, and financially feasible, but right now I don't have the data to make a decision.”
The County Administrator attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, but has not publicly disclosed specifics of how JCDA and WVAW plan to take over responsibility for the project.
The Meeker-Meads family headlined a Mardi-Gras themed fundraising event on February 15 at Alma Bea Restaurant in Shepherdstown for the Shepherd University Appalachian Heritage Festival planned for September. The 2026 festival schedule, which will again be co-sponsored by Experience Shepherdstown, has not yet been finalized, but you can get a sense of the event from the 2025 program website.
County Health Officer to Retire; Delegates Move Training Bill
Dr. Terrence Reidy, Health Officer and Executive Director of the Jefferson County Department of Health since 2019, announced at the February 13 Board of Health meeting that he plans to retire at the end of June. His departure will require the county to appoint a new Health Department leader.
Early in his tenure, Dr. Reidy guided the department through the COVID‑19 pandemic, overseeing testing, vaccination clinics, evolving public health guidance, and coordination with state and local officials. The Observer previously reported on his leadership during the height of the crisis. More recently, Dr. Reidy provided guidance on managing this year’s respiratory illness season.
Legislation to Modernize Sanitarian Training
At the same February 13 meeting, the Board unanimously approved a letter supporting HB 4463, legislation designed to modernize West Virginia’s training requirements for sanitarians. In a February 16 letter to members of the Jefferson County House delegation, the Board noted that the current training framework can take up to 18 months to complete and cost the department approximately $10,000 per trainee.
Sanitarians — also known as registered environmental health specialists — are frontline public health professionals. They conduct restaurant and food establishment inspections, review and permit septic systems, investigate complaints, and enforce environmental health regulations intended to prevent disease outbreaks and protect water quality. In a fast‑growing county with expanding residential and commercial development, demand for their services has increased.
According to the Board’s letter, HB 4463 would expand year‑round training opportunities, allow more locally supervised hands‑on training, authorize candidates with associate’s degrees, and recognize out‑of‑state credential reciprocity. The bill, which is co-sponsored by Delegates Wayne Clark, Joe Funkhouser, and Bill Ridenour from Jefferson County, passed the West Virginia House of Delegates on February 16 by a 98–0 vote, and was referred to the Senate Government Organization Committee on February 17. Both of Jefferson County’s state Senators, Jason Barrett and Patricia Rucker, sit on that Senate Committee. You can find contact information for each legislator by clicking on their names.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
The Town Run Theater Company will present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” at the Shepherdstown Opera House on April 10/11/12 and April 17/18/19. Details and advance ticket purchase at OperaHouseLive.com.
QUICK UPDATES...
Public Invited To Vote In “I Voted” Sticker Contest — Shepherdstown Middle School student Arabella Piccolomini is one of four finalists (sticker image above) selected from more than 1,100 entries in the statewide “I Voted” sticker contest. Kris Warner, the WV Secretary of State, is inviting all residents to cast a vote for their favorite sticker by 4:30 pm on February 17. There is a limit of 1 vote per email address. The winner will be announced on March 11. Click here to view the finalists’ sticker designs and cast a vote.
Morgan’s Grove Planning Event & Survey — The non-profit Town Run Watershed Group is facilitating a “Green Infrastructure” concept planning project for Morgan’s Grove Park. The park, located just south of Shepherdstown, is owned and operated by the Shepherdstown Community Club. The Watershed Group expects that community feedback will play a key role in refining the concept plan and determining whether future implementation funding is pursued. There will be a public stakeholder meeting on February 24, from 7 to 8 pm at the Community Club building (102 East German St, Shepherdstown). Information about the project and a public comment form (open until March 5) are on the Town Run Watershed Group website.
Girl Scouts at 2025 World Thinking Day in Charles Town. The Shepherdstown Welcome Center will host the 2026 event (details below).
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
To Those Who Love The Moon — An anthology of pieces about love, resilience and the moon performed by Roving Peregrine Theater Company. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Feb 20 @ 8 pm, Saturday, Feb 21 @ 8 pm, Sunday, Feb 22 @ 2:30 pm and next weekend at the same times. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherd University Wind Ensemble Concert — A concert featuring the Shepherd University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive, Shepherdstown. Friday, Feb 20, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Brothers of Harmony Soul Food Dinner — Community soul food dinner hosted by Brothers of Harmony Lodge at 101 Maiden Lane, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Feb 21, 12 pm until food runs out. $ Tickets & Info…
Halltown Memorial Chapel Dedication — Dedication event with speakers and music celebrating the restored Halltown Memorial Chapel and Black History Month. Halltown Memorial Chapel, 390 Halltown Rd, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Feb 21, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Murder Mystery Dinner — Charles Town Now’s annual buffet dinner with 80’s music and attire and an interactive murder mystery show. Charles Washington Hall, 100 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Feb 21, 5 - 10 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
World Thinking Day Art Show — Art show to celebrate World Thinking Day, organized by Girl Scouts of Jefferson County with art by girl scouts for sale and viewing. Market House, 100 East German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Feb 22, 12 - 4 pm. Free. Info…
Puzzlemania — Jigsaw puzzle competition benefiting Friends of Music. Shepherd University Wellness Center, 164 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Feb 22, 1 - 4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Stanislav Golovin, Clarinet (An Appalachian Chamber Music Festival event) — Clarinet recital by Stanislav Golovin. Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Sunday, Feb 22, 2 - 4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Journey of Sound & Soul Food Tasting — Music and soul food tasting event. St. John Baptist Church, 320 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Feb 22, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Gallery Talk - Diana Suttenfield – Hear from local artist Diana Suttenfield, whose work is on display at The Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown. Talk is on Sunday, Feb 22 at 2 pm. Exhibit runs until Feb 28. Free.Info…
Hill Top House and its Founders — Talk by local author Lynn Pechuekonis on her research and book. Brunswick Branch Library, 915 North Maple Ave, Brunswick MD. Sunday, Feb 22, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Songs From Slavery to Civil Rights — Concert exploring music history from slavery to civil rights. Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Ct, Berryville VA. Sunday, Feb 22, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Miriam Drum Circle for Women — A community drum circle for women. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Feb 22, 4 - 6 pm. Free. Info…
Film Screening: Thelma — Movie screening presented by Shepherdstown Public Library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 24, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Nobel Prize Topics, Explained — Short talks about 2025 Nobel Prize-winning work presented by Shepherd University faculty members as part of the University’s President’s Lecture Series. Byrd Center Auditorium at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 24, 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Morgan’s Grove Environmental Plan – Public Input Session — Community meeting on environmental planning for Morgan’s Grove Park hosted by Town Run Watershed Group and the Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German Street, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 24, 7 pm. Free. Info…
FOSL Paint & Sip Fundraiser — Fundraiser paint and sip event for Friends of Shepherdstown Library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Feb 25, 6 - 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
They Are Dead and Yet They Live: Civil War Memories in a Polarized America — Book launch with discussion by co-authors and Civil War historians Dr. John Kind and Shepherd University Professor Dr. Jennifer Murray. Hosted by George Tyler Moore Center for Study of Civil War at the Shepherd University Student Center Storer Ballroom, 210 North King St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Feb 26, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
Firehouse Gallery Y"ART" Sale (final weekend) — A multi-day gallery sale featuring affordable artwork and gifts. Firehouse Gallery, 108 North George St, Charles Town. Thursday, Feb 12–Sunday, Feb 22. Free. Info…
Phaze 2 Gallery: ToUgH sHaPes — On-campus exhibit explores geometric form and perception. Phaze 2 Gallery, Shepherd University, 92 West Campus Drive, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until March 6. Gallery is open 4-7 pm M-F. Free. Info…
Art Exhibit: The Audacity of the Mundane — Photography by Charlee Brodsky. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until Mar 31. Free. Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
If you missed the February 18 Pancake Day at Citizens Fire Company this year, mark your calendars for February 9, 2027 for this annual event that draws people from around the county for a hearty meal and good conversation.
This year the volunteer fire company marked 66 years of flipping pancakes to raise money to support their organization. According to the volunteers working the event, they saw a good turnout in the morning, helped by a late school start. The patron count was over 1,500 by lunchtime and they were anticipating a late afternoon and dinner rush.
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.
