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.
New electric transmission lines — First Energy will hold an open house on August 13, 6-8 pm at the Shepherd University Wellness Center, to present details and maps for the new 500 kilovolt line it plans to run across Jefferson County. >>>Read more…
Zoning — The Jefferson County Planning Commission will discuss draft language for new Rural Residential & Rural Commercial zoning at its August 12 meeting (7 pm, 393 North Lawrence Street, Charles Town). If the Commission decides to proceed with the draft language, it will schedule a public hearing, likely in September.
Flowing Springs Farm Solar Project Cancelled
The industrial solar project planned for 660 acres north of the Beallair subdivision has been cancelled by the developer, according to research performed by The Observer.
The Flowing Springs Farm project concept plan had been approved by the Jefferson County Planning Commission on May 9, 2023. The plan submitted by Enel, an Italian energy company, showed a 125 megawatt solar panel facility that would have covered 660 acres to the east of Country Club Road, between the Aspen Greens and Beallair subdivisions. Other documents filed by the company indicated 30 megawatts of battery storage would also have been located on the site.
All electric generation projects that connect to the mid-Atlantic power grid must be approved by the grid operator, PJM Interconnection. Enel submitted this project to PJM in early 2023, around the same time it was seeking approval from the Planning Commission. The Observer regularly monitors regulatory and other public filings to monitor significant projects affecting Jefferson County — our most recent review of the PJM database shows that the company withdrew its application on June 30, 2025.
Tracking The Solar Projects
So far, the Horus/Blake project is the only industrial solar project in operation in Jefferson County. The developer of the Wild Hill project, which was denied a PILOT agreement by the County Commission, withdrew its application with PJM in October 2024. The Torch/Rippon and Franklintown Farm projects are still listed as active, but have not yet submitted approved stormwater management plans to the County Planning Department.
Discover a healthier, more active lifestyle at the Shepherd University Wellness Center. Whether you're into pickleball, swimming, lifting weights, or group exercise, our award-winning facility offers something for everyone. With flexible membership options, including discounted rates for Shepherd University staff, faculty, and alumni, it's easy to find a plan that fits your needs. Join today and take the first step toward achieving your wellness goals!
Jefferson County Residential Construction Continues To Grow
Total permits by year (2025 includes only Jan-Jul data). Blue = single family, red = townhome, light gold = duplex, dark gold = multi-family.
So far in 2025, the number of new building permits issued in Jefferson County has already exceeded the total number issued for all of 2024.
The Jefferson County Office of Impact Fees tracks permits issued for new housing construction, both in the municipalities and in the unincorporated areas of the county. In January through April, they counted an average of 120 residential construction permits per month. In May, that number jumped to 251, but dropped to 89 in June. The low June number appears to have been a temporary dip as several builders accelerated their permit applications to beat the June 1 increase in the county’s impact fees. The number rebounded in July, with 325 new permits issued.
If the current trends continue, the total number of new residential permits issued for 2025 could end up between 1,500 and 2,000.
The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival has returned for their Fifth Anniversary Season August 2 – 17. Tickets are still available for this weekend including "A Celebration of Patty Willis" at Charles Washington Hall on Saturday, August 9. ACMF’s second “Art and Music” concert at Shepherdstown Opera House will begin with a pre-concert talk at 5:30pm, concert at 6pm. At 8:30pm, GRAMMY award winning artist Domenic Salerni will present his reimagined original film accompaniment for the Italian silent film, "L'Inferno" (Dante's Inferno, 1911), featuring Domenic Salerni on violin and Sam Suggs on bass. Check out this article and interview published by the Frederick News Post.
Lifelong Learning Program At Shepherd University For All Ages
The Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program offers non-credit courses covering a wide range of topics, with classes open to all members of the community.
Cindy Powers, Director of Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning, says that adults of all ages participate. “We've had young adults try out classes in fields or hobbies they're interested in pursuing, as well as recent Shepherd alumni looking to continue learning for fun.” She notes that the course offerings are designed to be accessible to individuals across a wide spectrum of ages, interests and capabilities.
Powers says that the course offerings change significantly from year to year, but one recurring theme is the current political and social climate. “These are classes that help participants make sense of the world right now. On the opposite end of the spectrum, classes that dive into classics like literature, history, and music are popular, as well as creative classes related to 1960s/70s pop culture.”
Now in her second year as the Director, Powers says that the highlight of her job has been “getting to know more of the community through my role, seeing how this program enriches the lives of those who engage with it, and I am regularly delighted by the brilliant courses and lectures that our instructors and speakers come up with. I also enjoy getting to sit in on some of the classes and lectures!”
Lifelong Learning Fall Preview – Preview Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program’s fall lectures, tours, and cultural events at the Robert C. Byrd Center (213 North King Street, Shepherdstown) on Thursday, August 14, 4:00–6:00 p.m. Free. Learn more>>>…
A message from Experience Shepherdstown
Calling All Appalachian Artists
This fun exhibit coincides with the annual Appalachian Heritage Festival, Writer-in-Residence Week, and other related events also happening in September. It is free to enter, and open to all professional and emerging artists who create original handcrafted and artistic items that represent the rich culture and history of this region, such as quilts, pottery, woodworking, paintings and more!
The “Experience Appalachia” exhibit will be on display September 5 to 30 at the Shepherdstown Welcome Center, 100 East German Street and at other participating locations in Shepherdstown.
Entry Deadline: August 20, 2025
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Swift Night Out – Celebrate and learn about chimney swifts as they return to roost for the night at the Shepherd University Swift Tower (604 University Drive, Shepherdstown). Friday, August 8, 7–9 pm. Free. Info…
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival – A week of chamber music experiences in multiple venues across the region. Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 17. Opening night concert, August 8 at 7:00 pm on the lawn at historic Storer College in Harpers Ferry, is Free. Prices vary for other concerts. Schedule & Tickets…
New Voice Play Festival – A showcase of short plays by emerging playwrights at the Old Opera House (204 North George Street, Charles Town). Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, times vary. $ Info…
Mama Said String Band – Bluegrass band from Kentucky with soulful vocals and harmony at the Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday, August 8, 7:00 p.m. $ Tickets & Info…
History on the Rocks – Discover the 500-million-year-old story of Harpers Ferry's geology on a guided walking tour that starts at the benches on the Green across from the Park bookshop (Lower Town, Harpers Ferry). Saturday, August 9, 10:00–11:00 a.m. $. Tickets…
Peach Festival – Food and peach treats for sale at the New Street United Methodist Church (202 West New St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, August 9, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. $ Info…
Quilt Show & Raffle – Fundraiser by Shepherdstown Shares to purchase supplies for local elementary & middle school teachers. At Evolve (106 West German St, Shepherdstown). Saturday, August 9, 11 - 5, Sunday, August 10 9 - 2 Info…
Little Shop of Horrors Auditions – Auditions for this fall’s production will be held at the Old Opera House Theater (204 North George St., Charles Town). Saturday, August 9, 2:30–4:30 p.m and Monday, August 11 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. Info…
Mad Max: Fury Road (Rated R)– Free outdoor movie night at Morgan’s Grove Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). Food available to purchase. Saturday, August 9. Film begins at dusk (around 8:30 p.m.). Free. Info…
Concert in the Park: Dawn Rix Band – Classic country music in Shafer Park (37 Park Dr., Boonsboro). Blankets and chairs permitted. Sunday, August 10, 7:00 p.m. Free. Info…
Community CPR Class – Hands-on CPR training for all ages offered by Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency (419 16th Avenue, Ranson). Registration encouraged. Class size limited to 30 individuals. Tuesday, August 12, 6:00 p.m. Info…
Speak Story Series: Mary Hamilton – A master storyteller shares original and traditional tales at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (100 West Washington Street, Shepherdstown). Tuesday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets & Info…
Stories in the Park: Whose House Is That? – Story and craft time for kids presented by the Harpers Ferry Park Association (Meet at The Green, Harpers Ferry). Wednesday, August 13, noon to 1:30 pm. Free. Info…
