Power line routes revealed, Charles Town discusses infrastructure
Published about 16 hours ago • 11 min read
Observer Weekly
June 25, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Every year we hear people complaining that they missed the fireworks in Jefferson County, so we want to remind everyone that Jefferson County’s Independence Day fireworks festivities take place this Friday, June 26 at Sam Michaels Park.
Jefferson County has a history that predates the Declaration of Independence — and a history of showing up early too, if you’re familiar with the Bee Line March of 1775. Shepherdtown hosted a march to celebrate that historic event last year, and will celebrate the Declaration of Independence this year with another parade through downtown, on July 4.
In between the festivities, we’re also expecting a large crowd to show up in Shepherdstown on June 30 for a public meeting on the planned Valley North transmission line meeting (details below). While details are still emerging about this project, it has the potential to affect a significant number of property owners in the southern part of Jefferson County.
Valley Link Shares Details Of Power Line Route Options
Valley Link Transmission LLC, a joint venture of several major energy companies, has shared details of multiple potential routes for the 765-kilovolt transmission line it intends to build across West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
In Jefferson County, the project map shows three distinct potential routes:
Entering from Clark County near Franklintown. This route would follow a path roughly along the southern side of an existing First Energy 138-kilovolt line that runs between Franklintown and Kabletown.
Entering from the very northern point of Clark County. This route would run along the southern side of the existing Dominion 500-kilovolt line.
Entering from Berkeley County south of Middleway. This route runs southeast to connect (in the vicinity of Summit Point) with the potential route alongside the Dominion 500-kilovolt line.
Valley Link will host an open house with printed copies of the maps and other material on Tuesday, June 30 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm at the Storer Ballroom located on the third floor of Shepherd University's Student Center (210 North King Street, Shepherdstown). Parking will be available in university lots and on nearby streets.
At a meeting earlier this week hosted by Jefferson County VOLT (image below), a group organizing to oppose the project, approximately 50 Jefferson County residents got a preview of the types of questions that are likely to come up at the Valley Link meeting.
Keryn Newman spoke at the Jefferson County VOLT meeting to share her experience with opposing a transmission project over a decade ago.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
The Skinner Bros Proudly Present the Jefferson County Fireworks
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Charles Town Council Notes: June 2026
In its June meetings, the Charles Town City Council addressed downtown vibrancy and safety concerns, expanded the city’s designated outdoor alcohol consumption area, and received updates on major infrastructure projects.
Downtown Vibrancy & Street Preachers
The first ordinance-related item on the Council’s June 1 agenda was a public hearing on a new registration process and fee structure for vacant buildings. There were no comments during the public hearing, but Stephanie Grove, the City’s attorney, did present staff-recommended changes to the ordinance that would implement the registration process and fees. The Council voted to accept those changes as an additional “first reading” of the ordinance — meaning that there will be another public hearing in July before the Council votes on final approval of the vacant building registration process and fees after a “second reading” of the ordinance.
The Council then went into executive session to discuss legal issues related to public demonstrations. The issue was added to the agenda in response to concerns raised in May by numerous residents about the activities of the so-called street preachers who frequently occupy the street corners in the middle of downtown Charles Town. There was no action following the executive session during the June 1 meeting, but Councilperson Elizabeth Ricketts encouraged residents to file reports with the police department if they feel they are being harassed on the public streets.
At the same meeting, the Council also considered revisions to two other ordinances related to commercial building use and rental dwelling safety, referring both to the Council’s Ordinance Committee for more detailed review and potential revision before they come back to the full Council.
Hip Sips District Expands
The motion to expand the “Hip Sips District” passed unanimously at the June 15 meeting. Officially described as a “Private Outdoor Designated Area” (PODA), the Hip Sips District was initially approved in March 2025 and allows for the outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages (with some specific rules and restrictions). The approved expansion extends the northern boundary to First Street to include all of the “Depot District” park. The district was also adjusted to include the entire block of North Samuel Street where the Charles Town Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays. The revision also removed a few areas adjacent to residential dwellings. The Hip Sips District boundaries are marked with signs (image above) and the City says it will publish an updated map to its website soon.
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.
Hendrix Thanks Community as Decade of Leadership Ends
As Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix concludes her decade leading the University at the end of June, she shared a letter with The Observer expressing gratitude to the citizens of Shepherdstown and the surrounding region who helped the University thrive over the past decade.
“Universities do not succeed in isolation," Hendrix wrote. "They flourish because of the people who believe in their mission and invest their time, talents, and resources in helping students achieve their dreams.”
She thanked community members who served as mentors, internship sponsors, guest speakers, donors, advocates, and volunteers, and who supported the University by attending performances, athletic events, lectures, and celebrations.
Hendrix said she is especially grateful for the longstanding partnership between Shepherd University and the community, describing it as “built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common belief that higher education strengthens not only individual lives but also the vitality of the entire region.”
Earlier this month, the Shepherdstown Mayor and Town Council issued a proclamation honoring Hendrix, recognizing her “decade of dedicated service” and contributions to Shepherd University and the community.
The Observer previously reported on Hendrix's retirement announcement and the highlights of her tenure as President.
Effective July 1, Dr. Cameron B. Wesson will become the 17th president of Shepherd University.
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.
Seasonal Drought Outlook — According to the most recent update from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), the area drained by the Potomac remains dry, with rainfall, stream flow, and groundwater levels all below normal across the basin. Despite recent rainfall, the ICPRB expects dry conditions to continue for the foreseeable future. >>>Read more…
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…
Matthews & Shank Auction (July 9) — The collection of long-time Shepherdstown antiques dealers Joe Matthews and John Shank will be auctioned on July 9. A brief background on the collection and the auction catalog are available on the Brunk Auctions website.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Real County Music — This Sunday In Shepherdstown
John Paycheck & The Cavalry Band
John PayCheck is a road-tested traditional country artist building a modern career through shows, songs, and consistency — without chasing trends or shortcuts. Born in Nashville, he got his start the old-school way: as a roadie, learning the business while traveling with his father, country legend and Grand Ole Opry member Johnny PayCheck — then stepping out to forge a path that’s uniquely his own. Sunday, June 28. Show at 7:00 (doors open 6:30). Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St). >>>Tickets…
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Art Show & Talk: Peggy Duval— Artist Peggy Duval will discuss her work during a reception and exhibition of her paintings. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Friday, June 26, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
Music: Ramona and the Holy Smokes— Ramona and the Holy Smokes perform live as part of the MAC Music series. MAC Ice House, 155 Independence St, Berkeley Springs. Friday, June 26, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Music: The Rollin' Rust— Americana band The Rollin' Rust performs as part of the Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction Music Series. The AMP at Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, June 26, gates open at 6 pm, music starts at 7 pm, and fireworks follow the music (see below). Free. Info…
Jefferson County Fireworks— 20th annual Independence Day fireworks display. Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction. Friday, June 26. Gates open at 6 pm, concert at 7 pm (see above) and fireworks will start at approximately 9:15 pm. Free. Info…
Lecture: The Battle of Falling Waters— A presentation exploring the first Civil War battle in the Shenandoah Valley, the July 1861 Battle of Falling Waters, and other “firsts.” Berkeley County Historical Society, 126 East Race St, Martinsburg. Saturday, June 27, 1 pm. Free. Info…
Film: A Love Letter To Handsome John— Intimate portrait of acclaimed Americana songwriter Todd Snider during the final year of his life in what started as a film tribute to Snider’s mentor John Prine. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, June 27 at 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Art of the Forge: Blacksmith Workshop— Participants will learn nineteenth-century blacksmithing techniques in a hands-on two-day workshop. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 10 am-4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Sustainable Garden Tour— Self-guided tour of five gardens benefiting Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Various gardens along Shepherd Grade Loop Road, Shepherdstown. Sunday, June 28, 1-5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Music: John PayCheck and his Full Cavalry Band— Country music performer John PayCheck (son of the infamous Johnny PayCheck) and his band perform live in concert. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, June 28, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Concert in the Park: Harmony Cornet Band— The Harmony Cornet Band performs a free outdoor concert in the park. Shafer Park, 37 Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD. Sunday, June 28, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Author Talk: Three Days in November 1864— A discussion of the book Three Days in November 1864: The US Army and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West. Byrd Center at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Monday, June 29, 7-8:15 pm. Free. Info…
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. Monday, June 29, 7 pm. Info…
Full Moon Walk— A guided evening walk exploring the natural environment of Yankauer Nature Preserve under the full moon. Yankauer Nature Preserve, Shepherdstown. Monday, June 29. Free. Info…
Lecture: Rewriting and Representation: How Do We Remember Our Nation’s Past?— Presented by the Stubblefield Institute as part of its American Conversation Series. Byrd Center at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, June 30, 7-8:30 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…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market— Farmers market featuring local produce, food vendors and handmade goods. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Second and last Friday of each month, May-October, 4-7 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
Five local gardeners will open their properties to visitors this Sunday to share the beauty of their gardens and offer inspiration for environmentally conscious landscaping.
The five featured gardens—Windward Blooms, Sundogs Bed and Breakfast, Birds Nest Nursery, and two private gardens—were all specifically designed to support pollinators and other wildlife.
The self-guided tour follows an 8-mile loop along Shepherd Grade Road, north of Shepherdstown. Some locations will offer refreshments, as well as plants and flowers for sale. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. All proceeds from the “Sustainable Garden Tour” will benefit the Potomac Valley Audubon Society.
The Observer would like to correct two details in the June 11 issue:
Filmed by Bike is a national film festival organized by Alden Roth and Olivia Loy (not Lloyd).
The park operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in Harpers Ferry is a National Historical Park (NHP), a designation for parks with significant historical interest. The Harpers Ferry NHP attracted more than 500,000 visitors in 2025, ranking it #14 among National Historical Parks according to information provided by NPS. For comparison, the nearby Shenandoah National Park, which has a recreation and natural preservation focus, attracted 1.68 million visitors in 2025 according to NPS information.
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.
