Prosecuting Attorney Resigns, Ranson Council Embraces Public Comment
Published 5 days ago • 7 min read
Observer Weekly
October 9, 2025
Jefferson County, WV news & events
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.
County Prosecutor Matt Harvey Moves To Federal Role
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Harvey has resigned, effective October 8, 2025, to become United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the citizens of Jefferson County as their elected Prosecuting Attorney,” Harvey said in a statement. “The trust this community placed in me has been both a responsibility and a privilege, and I will always be proud of the work we accomplished together in pursuit of justice and public safety.”
Under West Virginia law, the Jefferson County Commission must fill the vacancy with a qualified attorney. At its September 18 meeting, the Commission pre-approved Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Groh to serve temporarily once Harvey’s resignation took effect.
The Commission now has 30 days from October 8 to appoint a permanent replacement. Groh has already said he does not wish to be considered for the permanent position, meaning the Commission will need to interview other candidates.
The Prosecuting Attorney position will also appear on the November 2026 ballot, so the appointee will serve for approximately one year.
Most Dangerous Intersections: WV Rt 340 & Fairfax Crossing
Heavy traffic and quick merges on WV Rt. 340 at Fairfax Crossing cause dangerous situations, often leading to serious accidents. This risky section of road, near the Home Depot in Ranson, has deeply affected families in our region. Knowing these dangers helps drivers make safer choices. Stay alert, stay informed. **Watch the full video in the Skinner's Most Dangerous Intersections series today.**
Ranson Council Votes To Support Extended Public Comment
Jefferson County Foundation president Dr. Christine Wimer addresses the Ranson City Council during the public comment period on October 7.
The October 7 Ranson City Council meeting had a short agenda, but a proposed change to limit public comment sparked a lengthy and spirited discussion.
Council member Tommy Custer had proposed the change, which would have limited the practice of allowing multiple people to defer their speaking time to a single presenter to a maximum of two people. Custer was the only Council member to vote in favor and the measure failed 1-4 (the Mayor did not vote, and Council member Herbie McDaniel was absent).
Prior Councils Allowed Consolidated Comment
In recent years, both the Ranson Mayor and the president of the City’s planning commission have supported public comment rules that allow organizations, such as the Jefferson County Foundation, to coordinate extended presentations on land use and other complex issues. Under these rules, multiple individuals can sign up and defer their time to a single speaker, creating a unified presentation.
Dr. Christine Wimer, president of the Jefferson County Foundation, explained at the October 7 meeting that this approach reduces redundancy, prevents multiple attendees from repeating the same points, and provides council members with complex information more efficiently.
Current Council Shows Strong Support for Public Comment
During the discussion, Council members Jaden Bound, Andy Colandrea, Stephanie Fagan, and Jaelyn Wratchford emphasized the value they place on public comment.
Council member Colandrea noted that he appreciated receiving extended comments as a single, coherent narrative, rather than fragmented across multiple speakers. Council member Fagan summed up the Council’s position by saying, “It’s our job to listen.”
Jefferson County Foundation Responds
Following the vote, Wimer issued a statement on behalf of the Jefferson County Foundation:
“We appreciate the Ranson City Council recognizing the importance of effective public participation. The council recognized that public comment and public hearings are not simply a box to be checked, but a meaningful part of government proceedings that play an important role in informing their decisions. We hope that Ranson serves as a role model for other governing bodies in this area.”
A message from the Shepherdstown Community Club
Jefferson County Farm Crawl — Saturday, Oct 11
Image courtesey Level Green Farm
Eleven local farms and farm-related businesses will be participating in the first-ever Jefferson County Farm Crawl this Saturday. Organized by the Jefferson County office of WVU Extension, the event is designed to highlight the variety of agricultural enterprises across the county.
Activities on tap for Saturday include pony rides, goat petting, herb garden tours, wagon rides, farm stands, plus food & refreshments for sale. Middleway Day (see events below) is one of the stops on the crawl as well, with a full lineup of children's activities, craft vendors, and agricultural demonstrations.
WVU Extension operates in all 55 West Virginia counties. The extension program has its origin in the founding of WVU as the Agricultural College of West Virginia in 1867. Renamed West Virginia University the following year, the core mission of the school was to provide practical research to agriculture and industry alongside its general education mission.
Emily Wells Morrow, the local Extension Agent, says the farm crawl events are a relatively new program designed to showcase the potential of agritourism as a viable component of local agricultural operations. In the Eastern Panhandle, Hampshire County has held a crawl for the past four years and Berkeley County started a crawl this year. Morrow says that she is already talking with her counterparts in the surrounding counties about a coordinated schedule for next year.
Experience big screen frights at the Shepherdstown Opera House. We’ll be screening some Halloween favorites and some cult classics throughout the month. Our snack bar will be open (popcorn, snacks, soda, beer & wine). Come in costume and take a selfie at the spookiest theater around!
History Alive: Abigail Adams — Living history performer Kim Steyer portrays Abigail Adams and shares stories from the early days of the American republic. Shepherdstown Public Library (100 East German Street, Shepherdstown). Thursday, October 9, 6:30–7:30 pm. Info…
SCC Legendary Book Sale — Thousands of gently used books, plus puzzles, CDs, and more, at this annual fundraiser for the Shepherdstown Community Club. Shepherdstown Community Club (102 East German Street, Shepherdstown). Friday, October 10–Sunday, October 19. Info…
Trail of Bones — Explore the mysteries of animal bones and skeletons during this hands-on evening program for all ages. Cool Spring Nature Preserve (1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town). Friday, October 10, 4:00–8:00 pm.Info…
Harpers Ferry Lantern Tour — Take an evening walking tour through Lower Town and hear strange stories from Harpers Ferry’s past. Lower Town (Harpers Ferry). Friday, October 10, 7:00–8:30 pm. Tickets & Info…
Rabies Clinic — The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County offers low-cost rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats. Moose Lodge (77 Osbourne Road, Charles Town). Saturday, October 11, 8:00–10:00 am.Info…
Car Show — Classic and custom cars on display to benefit Hospice of the Panhandle. 144 Oak Lee Drive, Ranson. Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am–2:00 pm.
Jefferson County Farm Crawl — Visit local farms to meet producers, see animals, and learn about agriculture in Jefferson County. Multiple locations throughout the county. Saturday, October 11, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Info…
Middleway Day — Celebrate the history and community of Middleway with food, crafts, and live music downtown. Downtown Middleway. Saturday, October 11, 10:00 am–3:00 pm. Info…
The Last Class — A new play exploring loss and rediscovery, presented by Town Run Theater Company. Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German Street, Shepherdstown). Saturday, October 11, 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Tickets & Info…
West Virginia Breeders Classic — The state’s premier night of horse racing, featuring top West Virginia-bred thoroughbreds. Charles Town Races (750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town). Saturday, October 11, 6:00 pm. Info…
Coming Out Plays: A Festival of New Works — Short plays by local writers celebrating stories of identity and resilience. Black Box Theater, Shepherd University (92 West Campus Drive, Shepherdstown). Saturday, October 11, 8:00 pm. Info…
Farm Fest & Native Plant Sale — Enjoy local food, vendors, and a native plant sale at this annual event in Clarke County. Clermont Farm Foundation (151 Clermont Lane, Berryville, Virginia). Sunday, October 12, 9:00 am–3:00 pm. Info…
Sip & Screen at the Opera House: Beetlejuice — A lighthearted Sunday movie event featuring Tim Burton’s classic Beetlejuice (Rated PG). Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German Street, Shepherdstown). Sunday, October 12, 3:00 pm. Info…
Fall Foliage, Fiddles & Fare — An outdoor celebration with food, music, and autumn scenery benefiting the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Sundogs (207 South Princess Street, Shepherdstown). Sunday, October 12, 3:00–6:00 pm. Tickets & Info…
Fire Safety with the Shepherdstown Fire Department — Meet local firefighters and learn tips for keeping your family safe. Shepherdstown Public Library (100 East German Street, Shepherdstown). Monday, October 13, 11:00 am. Info…
Cecilia: Lively Traditional Music from Quebec — Energetic folk trio brings French Canadian reels and songs to Shepherdstown. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (100 West Washington Street, Shepherdstown). Monday, October 13, 7:30 pm. Tickets & Info…
Community CPR & Stop the Bleed — Learn basic lifesaving skills in this free hands-on evening workshop. Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency (419 16th Avenue, Ranson). Tuesday, October 14, 6:00–9:00 pm. Info…
Speak Stories: Sheila Arnold — Acclaimed storyteller Sheila Arnold shares tales that blend humor, history, and humanity. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church (100 West Washington Street, Shepherdstown). Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 pm. Tickets & Info…
French & Indian War at Fort Frederick — Park Ranger Robert Ambrose discusses Maryland’s frontier fort and its role in the 1750s conflict. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (213 North King Street, Shepherdstown). Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 pm. Info…
Forest Bathing with Roots & Rocks Adventures — Experience mindfulness and connection to nature through guided forest immersion. Appalachian Trail Conservancy (799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry). Thursday, October 16, 10:00 a.m.–noon. Tickets & Info…
Women of the Raid — Hear the stories of women whose lives intersected with John Brown’s Raid, part of Harpers Ferry Park Association’s “History on Tap” series. Allstadt’s Ale House (1308 Allstadt’s Hill Road, Harpers Ferry). Thursday, October 16, 6:00–7:00 pm. Tickets & Info…
The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking public input on outdoor assets and amenities in Jefferson County. They currently have two surveys to collect input:
Amenities & Infrastructure (trails, parks, cultural sites, public art)
