Power Line Questions, New Councilmembers, Lots of Fireworks
Published about 20 hours ago • 11 min read
Observer Weekly
July 2, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
As I attended the Valley Link Transmission open house at Shepherd University on Tuesday (story below), the temperature hovered around 90 degrees. Earlier in the week, forecasts of extreme heat had prompted the regional power grid operator to seek an "imminent electricity reliability emergency," allowing it to ask large electricity users — including data centers — to temporarily reduce their power consumption.
The heat made for an uncomfortable afternoon for the small group of protesters outside the meeting, made even more uncomfortable by the directive that they remain in an area with virtually no shade.
Inside, the conversations were generally polite but often pointed, as residents questioned how thoroughly Valley Link had identified homes, preservation easements, and historic resources along its proposed routes.
I listened to several exchanges between residents and company representatives where it was clear that Valley Link had no idea of what lies beneath the tree canopy shown in the satellite imagery used to develop its maps. The company says it wants public feedback, so we've included its contact information in the story below.
Valley Link representatives greet visitors at June 30 open house session.
Earlier this week, Jefferson County residents got a first look at plans for the Valley North project, a 765 kilovolt power line proposed to cross Jefferson County as part of a 260 mile long corridor stretching from Putnam County, West Virginia to Frederick County, Maryland.
The June 30 “open house” held on Shepherd University’s campus was one of 23 sessions that Valley Link Transmission LLC, the company behind the project, has scheduled for June and July in the 20 counties along the proposed path of the power line.
According to Lauren Siburkis, a spokesperson for Valley Link, the company will be collecting residents’ feedback from these sessions to refine the project path and then hold another round of community meetings in the fall of 2026 to present revised maps for additional public comment.
Valley Link is aiming to submit its final route proposal to the utility commissions in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia by mid-2027.
In addition to this week’s open house in Shepherdstown, Valley Link has scheduled meetings next week in Berkeley and Clarke Counties:
July 7 in Berkeley County, WV (4:00 – 7:30 pm at the Holiday Inn, 301 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg WV)
July 7 in Clarke County, VA (4:00 – 7:30 pm at the Fairgrounds Ruritan Building, 890 West Main St, Berryville VA)
As described by company representatives, the 765 kilovolt line will have a transmission capacity roughly equivalent to three 500 kilovolt lines. This line is intended to be a “backbone” connection to power generation facilities in the Ohio valley and users in the Northern Virginia/DC Metro area. The power line will require a minimum 200 foot right-of-way along the entire route, with towers that will be between 150 and 180 feet high.
The project website (VLtransmission.com) has links to the first round of maps and other project information shared during the open house. Residents can email VLnorth@VLtransmisison.com or call 304-207-0120 to provide comments or ask questions about the project.
A small group of residents protested outside of the June 30 meeting with hand-made signs describing the Valley North project as an “extension cord for northern Virginia data centers.”
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Most Dangerous Intersections: WV Rt 340 & Augustine Avenue
The intersection of Rt. 340 & Augustine Avenue near Washington High is one of Jefferson County's most dangerous spots. If you drive through Jefferson County, this is one you need to know about. The Skinner brothers break down the hazards and what drivers in the area need to be aware of. Watch now.
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
New Faces On Ranson & Shepherdstown Councils
Both Ranson and Shepherdtown have new members on their governing councils as of July 1.
Four new City Councilmembers for Ranson were sworn in on June 24 to serve four-year terms running through June 2030. Pictured above (left to right) are Wesley Wildrick, Christopher Tarvin, Andy Colandrea, and Daniel Strickland. Tarvin and Strickland are new to the Council. Both Wildrick and Colandrea were previously serving as appointed members of the Council. They join Mayor Ken Suits and Councilmembers Jaden Bound and Stephanie Fagan on the seven person Council.
Shepherdstown has elections every two years to choose all members of its Town Council — the Mayor, Recorder and 5 Councilmembers. Pictured below (left to right) are Ashleigh Sanders, Joe Yates, Harriet Pearson (Recorder), Cheryl Roberts, Marcy Bartlett, James Gatz (Mayor), and Jim Auxer. Sanders, Yates, and Pearson are new to the Council this year. Roberts, Bartlett and Gatz were reelected, and Auxer is rejoining the Council having previously served as Mayor for almost two decades prior to 2024.
A message from Jefferson County Assessor’s Office
Notice of Filings Due — Assessment Information as of July 1 2026
Dates to File:
Jefferson County Dog Tags: File by July 1
Farm use Forms & Farm Statistics: File by September 1
Commercial Business Report (corporation & business forms): Due by September 1
Personal Property Report (online filing available): Due by December 1
Homestead Exemption: Apply by December 1
New office location: 393 North Lawrence St, Suite 100, Charles Town. 304-728-3224. Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Extreme heat is expected to continue through the July 4 holiday weekend. The National Weather Service has heat index values reaching up to 110 degrees today, with dangerous heat and little overnight relief expected to persist into the weekend before temperatures ease early next week.
Know the signs. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are often confused, but they call for different responses, said Afsoun Sichani, MD, Medical Director of WVU Medicine Urgent Care-East. "Anyone can develop heat exhaustion, especially in the hot summer weather. Children and the elderly are often at a higher risk." Watch for pale skin, dizziness and a body temperature between 101 and 104 degrees — get out of the heat and cool down. If symptoms don't improve, Urgent Care can help; fading alertness signals an emergency.
Heat stroke is more dangerous: the body's cooling systems stop working, temperature climbs above 104, and confusion, dry red skin or seizures can follow. WVU Medicine Emergency Medicine Specialist David Deuell, DO, said it can be fatal without prompt treatment — call 911 or go to the ER if symptoms progress.
Cooling Centers. As of today, there are no plans to operate emergency cooling centers in Jefferson County this weekend.The Ranson Civic Center and the Bolivar Community Center were open for public use during normal operating hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday–Friday for Ranson and 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday–Friday for Bolivar). Both of these facilities are normally closed on weekends and due to the Independence Day holiday, they are both closed on Friday, July 3. The Jefferson County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says that it will post updates to its Facebook page if either of these facilities (or others) decide to operate outside of these regular schedules.
The Bottom Line. Stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during peak hours, and check on elderly neighbors and kids. Never leave children or pets in parked cars. Power outage? Call Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877 or use the First Energy online reporting portal.
A message from the Contemporary American Theater Festival
NEW PLAYS. IT’S WHAT WE DO.
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.
Create your own curated package or see all five new plays, then meet the playwrights, the performers, and the creatives 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.
Historic Jefferson County Driving Tour — The Charles Town Library has created a self-guided driving tour with 25 stops highlighting Jefferson County’s history to celebrate America’s 250th. >>>Details…
Parks & Recreation Month — The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission (JCPRC) is celebrating “National Parks and Recreation Month,” part of a nationwide campaign to highlight the efforts of local parks departments in their communities. As part of the activities this month JCPRC has created the “Power of the Parks” challenge, a month-long scavenger hunt across all of the County parks.>>>Details…
Holiday Closures for July 4th weekend — Here’s a partial list of local closures:
Federal Offices (including SSA) — Closed on July 3
State & Local Government Offices (including DMV) — Closed on July 3
Banks — Closed July 3
US Post Service — Open July 3, closed July 4
Public Libraries — Closed July 3 & 4
The Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority transfer station in Kearneysville and the Berkeley County recycling centers will be closed on July 4.
Antietam, C&O Canal, and Harpers Ferry National Parks are open, with normal hours & fees. West Virginia state parks are also open for the holiday.
Transportation Workshop (July 8) — The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is seeking public input to help guide the future of transportation in West Virginia. WVDOT will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, July 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. During the public meeting, WVDOT representatives will accept comments and answer questions about the draft “Statewide Transportation Improvement Program” (STIP) for 2027—2032. >>>Online meeting link…
A message from Bridge Gallery & Framing
The Bridge Gallery welcomes artists Lynn, Jennifer, and Evan Boggess for a new exhibit opening July 11th. The exhibit will run in conjunction with the Contemporary Theater Festival at Shepherd University where Evan Boggess teaches in the Department of Art and Theater. Lynn Boggess is an accomplished artist with an international collector base and representations at galleries across the United States and Scotland. Jennifer Boggess is Art Professor Emeritus at Fairmont State University. Each artist draws deeply from childhood experiences in the Appalachian landscape. The exhibit runs July 11th through August 2.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Shepherdstown Live: First Friday Music— Ginada Piñata kicks off the holiday weekend in Shepherdstown, part of Experience Shepherdstown’s First Friday series. Due to the heat, this event will be indoors at the Shepherdstown Train Station, 111 Audrey Egle Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, July 3, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Free.Info…
Fireworks at Locust Hill Golf Course — A public celebration featuring live music by The White Room Band, vendors, and a fireworks show at dusk. Locust Hill Golf Course, 1171 Locust Hill Rd, Charles Town. Friday, July 3, 5:00 pm until dusk. Free admission (no outside food or drinks permitted). Info…
Fireworks at Rock Spring Church — A public celebration featuring food trucks, music, kids activities, and a fireworks show at dusk. Rock Spring Church, 114 Poor Farm Rd, Kearneysville. Friday, July 3, 6:00 pm until dusk. Free admission. Info…
Fireworks in Williamsport — A community celebration organized by Main Street Williamsport. Byron Memorial Park, 109 Park Dr, Williamsport, MD. Friday, July 3, 5 pm until dusk. Free. Info…
Fireworks in Boonsboro — A community celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks. Shafer Park, 37 Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD. Friday, July 3, 5:00 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm. Free. Info…
Fireworks in Brunswick — A community celebration featuring vendors, food trucks, music, and fireworks at night, with open access to the Brunswick Municipal Pool as part of the broader festival activities. Brunswick Middle School, 101 Cummings Dr, Brunswick, MD. Friday, July 3, 5 pm until dusk. Free. Info…
Mountain Lake Club Independence Day Weekend Celebration — A ticketed Independence Day weekend event featuring live music, fireworks, and family activities with member and general admission options. Mountain Lake Club, 1329 Lakeside Drive, Harpers Ferry. Friday, July 3 – Saturday, July 4, times vary (Friday concerts begin at 6:00 pm; Saturday events begin at 10:00 am with fireworks around 9:30 pm). $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown 4th of July Parade & Picnic — Shepherdstown’s annual Independence Day celebration featuring a parade in downtown Shepherdstown followed by a community picnic at Morgan’s Grove Park. Saturday, July 4, parade at 11 am and picnic noon-3 pm. Free. Info…
Washington County’s 250th Celebration — A full-day community festival marking Washington County’s and the USA’s 250th anniversary with entertainment, vendors, exhibits, car show, drone show, and fireworks finale. Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, July 4, gates open at 12 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Independence Day Fireworks Display — A citywide fireworks display launched from East John Street with viewing available across multiple public locations throughout Martinsburg. Downtown Martinsburg (launch from hill at end of East John St), Martinsburg. Saturday, July 4, 9:20 pm. Free. Info…
Hagerstown Municipal Band & Hagerstown Choral Arts 250th Anniversary Concert — A free community concert celebrating Washington County’s 250th anniversary featuring patriotic selections performed by the Hagerstown Municipal Band and Hagerstown Choral Arts. North Hagerstown High School Auditorium, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD. Sunday, July 5, 7 pm. Free. Info…
1976 Time Capsule Opening — A community unveiling of Hagerstown’s 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule featuring artifacts, letters, and memorabilia from the original Bicentennial celebration. City Park Rose Garden (next to Washington County Museum of Fine Arts), Hagerstown, MD. Tuesday, July 7, 11 am. Free. Info…
Stars & Stripes Block Party — A patriotic street festival featuring live music, vendors, community activities, and the unveiling of Hagerstown’s 1976 Time Capsule. Public Square, Hagerstown, MD. Thursday, July 9, 4-9 pm. Free. Info…
PVAS StoryWalk Installations — Self-guided outdoor StoryWalk experiences featuring illustrated children’s books at multiple nature preserves and parks. Cool Spring Preserve (Charles Town), Yankauer Nature Preserve (Harpers Ferry), and Morgan’s Grove Park (Shepherdstown). Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 12, dawn to dusk. Free. Info…
Ongoing
Tablescapes Celebrating America — Decorative table settings celebrating American themes will be featured during an opening reception for a weeklong exhibition. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily through July 4. Info…
Historic Shepherdstown Museum — An interpretive collection highlighting 250+ years of history and local artifacts. 129 East German St, Shepherdstown. Open Saturdays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sundays 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Admission by donation. Info…
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…
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…
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…
The Shepherdstown Fire Department has a long-standing tradition of carrying an oversized flag in the July 4th parade (image above, from 2021), a tradition that they carried on even when the official parade was cancelled in 2020 due to Governor Justice's pandemic restrictions.
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.
