Observer Weekly

September 24, 2026

Jefferson County, WV news & events

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The weather turned chilly this week, and so did the Ranson City Council’s relationship with its City Manager. Listening to the discussion at the special meeting this week, it’s pretty clear that a majority of the Council wanted Wilt to leave, citing a loss of trust (story bel0w). What’s not clear is how much trust the Council members have in each other as they move forward from this decision.

Across town, the Charles Town Council was taking a “deep dive” into stormwater. The Council had a lot of information to digest, but the bottom line is that they expect to make significant investment in infrastructure in the coming years.

In the meantime, it’s party time this weekend, with multiple events in Charles Town, Kearneysville, and Shepherdstown (see our events calendar below).

— Steve Pearson

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Ranson City Council Fires City Manager

The Ranson City Council held a special meeting on September 22 to discuss the City Manager’s performance and employment agreement. At the end of the meeting, the Council voted 4-2 to fire Todd Wilt as the City Manager, effective immediately.

Following two hours of heated discussions, Council member Chris Tarvin, who had requested the special meeting, made a motion that the Council “terminate the employment of the City Manager, Todd Wilt, based on Section 9A of his contract, based on failure to implement the City Council's expectations and instructions and his actions or advice have contributed to litigation against the City.” The motion was seconded by Council member Stephanie Fagan.

Council members Daniel Strickland and Wesley Wildrick joined with Tarvin and Fagan to vote for termination. Council members Jaden Bound and Andy Colandrea voted against the motion. Mayor Ken Suits did not vote on the motion (the Mayor typically votes only if there is a tie among the other council members).

The Council voted to adjourn the meeting immediately after the vote to terminate Wilt. The Council has a special meeting scheduled for Friday, September 25 at 6:00 pm to discuss how it intends to proceed with appointing an interim manager for the City.

Colleagues Show Support

The meeting started with a half hour of public comment. Despite the general description on the agenda, several City employees seemed to have a sense of where the Council was heading and attended to speak in support of Wilt as a manager. County Administrator Eddie Benites also voiced her support of Wilt.

Following the public comment time, Council member Tarvin made a motion for the Council to convene in executive session to begin its discussions. Wilt then made a request that the Council conduct the discussion in open season, referencing a provision in the WV Code that allows an employee to request an open session when a governing body is reviewing disciplinary action.

A Contentious Council Discussion

Wilt was hired by Ranson in March 2023 with a three-year contract. That contract converted to a year-to-year agreement in 2026. The contract references a job description and an annual performance evaluation process where the Council sets goals and objectives for the City Manager.

During the September 22 discussions, several Council members highlighted the haphazard evaluation process and indicated that they had not been provided a meaningful opportunity to set these goals and objectives. Later in the meeting, Mayor Suits took responsibility for missteps in the evaluation process and Council member Bound argued that Wilt should be given clear direction before the Council took action to judge whether or not he was meeting the Council’s expectations.

An hour into the discussion, the Mayor asked the Council members to provide specific examples of how Wilt had failed to meet expectations, to which he received four responses:

• Council member Wildrick noted two instances where his request for email rather than oral communication was not met by Wilt
• Council member Fagan noted that she had requested an organizational chart for the City, a request that Wilt has not fulfilled despite several follow-up requests
• Council member Tarvin mentioned several instances of Wilt conveying legal guidance prepared by the City’s attorney without providing any detailed backup.
• Council member Strickland referenced getting pushback from Wilt on an email he sent asking about communication protocols

Council member Tarvin also repeatedly mentioned his concerns about local builders not following the City’s rules and code requirements. Council member Strickland framed his concerns as a trust issue.

The Council discussed other issues, including frustrations with getting items on the agenda, that are not directly the responsibility of the City Manager. After two hours of discussion, Council members Bound and Colandrea argued that the Council’s trust with Wilt could be rebuilt, but Council members Fagan, Tarvin, Strickland and Wildrick felt otherwise.

​>>>Meeting video available here…​

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A message from the Skinner Law Firm

Most Dangerous Intersections: Martinsburg - I-81 Construction Zones

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Construction on I-81 through Martinsburg and Berkeley County never really ends. Sudden lane shifts, temporary barriers, changing speed limits, and heavy truck traffic leave little room for error when traffic stops at highway speeds. Construction is temporary. A serious crash isn't.

​>>>Watch Skinner's Most Dangerous Intersection series 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

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CTUB Reviews Sidewinder Permit, Investigates Irregularities

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The Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) voted unanimously at its September 23, 2026 meeting to withdraw the recently issued stormwater construction permit for the Sidewinder raw water line in Middleway. Charles Town Mayor Micheal George, who serves as the chair of CTUB, also said he would direct the staff to initiate an investigation into how the permit was prepared and issued.

Approximately 100 residents attended the September 23 meeting, which was held at the Jefferson County Government Center in anticipation of the large attendance. Mayor George read a statement at the beginning of the meeting, recognizing the concerns that had been raised by the community and emphasizing that “reviewing the permit does not, by itself, determine the future of the Sidewinder project. The Board must consider its regulatory responsibilities, existing contractual obligations, and the engineering and financial implications of the proposed infrastructure.” (view the complete statement here)​

22 individuals spoke during public comment (image above) at the beginning of the meeting to encourage CTUB to review the permit and investigate the irregularities in how it was issued.

Following an executive session which lasted approximately 90 minutes, board member John Maxey made a motion to authorize the CTUB staff to file a new stormwater construction permit application with the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP), with two specific conditions:

• Request that the WV DEP set the maximum length for public comment and also schedule a public hearing on the new application
• Request that the WV DEP take no action to approve the new permit until the litigation pending before the WV Supreme Court of Appeals is resolved

The motion also included a directive to withdraw the existing permit application request immediately after the WV DEP accepts the new application.

The motion passed unanimously. According to Maxey, the intent of the board is that CTUB should continue to fulfill its obligations under the agreement it has with Sidewinder to take ownership and operate the water line if and when it is constructed, but that no activity or further approvals should take place on this project until the outstanding legal issues are resolved.

A Multi-Step Investigation

Mayor George also directed staff to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the drafting and approval of the recently issued permit.

The results of that investigation will be reviewed by CTUB’s attorneys who will prepare a recommendation to the board for next steps, which may include hiring a third party to conduct an independent investigation. George said that he hoped to be able to share the findings of the internal investigation within the next few weeks.

​>>>Read more of The Observer’s coverage of the Sidewinder project…​

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A message from the Jefferson County Assessor's Office

Notice of Filings Due

(for Assessment Information as of July 1 2026)

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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.

​JeffersonCountyWVAssessor.gov​

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Charles Town Examines Stormwater Infrastructure

The City of Charles Town received a detailed review of the stormwater drainage issues across the city during its September 21 meeting.

The City signed an agreement with Greenway Engineering in April 2025 to conduct a city-wide stormwater drainage study, broken into five phases:

• Part 1: A city-wide survey
• Part 2: Full analysis of specific watersheds
• Parts 3 & 4: Development of construction documents
• Part 5: Support for Federal MS4 compliance

Where Does The Water Go?

The general flow of stormwater around the city is from north to south, towards Evitts Run. In the image above, that surface stream is shown within the “flood hazard area” that runs along the western and southern boundaries of the city. Within the municipal boundaries, Greenway identified 10 distinct watersheds where water flows within the municipal boundaries of Charles Town.

The local karst topography plays a crucial role in stormwater drainage. The Greenway report includes a historical map data compiled from US Geological Survey data (image below) that shows “karst swales” in several of the city’s watersheds that absorb surface runoff before it reaches Evitts Run. The dark blue areas on the map indicate karst swales that currently function to absorb water. The light blue areas indicate the original size of these karst swales that no longer absorb water because they have been covered with impervious material (i.e. buildings and roads).

Dr. Nathaniel Hitt, Senior Scientist for the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, recently explained how water flows through the local karst during a presentation he gave at a community conservation event in Shepherdstown. According to Hitt, the flow of groundwater through karst in Jefferson County is completely separate from what is visible in the surface streams and runs generally South to North.

Next Steps For The City

The cost of the Part 1 study was $84,000. Greenway provided an estimated budget of $51,000 for each watershed that gets a full analysis. Greenway highlighted three watersheds of particular concern where the Part 1 study identified “ponding” and “roadway spread” — what a layperson would describe as flooding.

With the first phase delivered, the Council’s next step is to select which watersheds it wants Greenway Engineering to focus on for the Part 2 analysis. The Council asked staff to review the Greenway study and present options for its consideration at a future meeting.

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A message from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Join Us for the 50th — BRING A FRIEND & GET IN FREE!

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​Bring a friend and make a day of it! Celebrate the 50th Annual Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival with incredible handmade arts and crafts, live Appalachian music, delicious food, family-friendly fun, and the rich traditions of our region.

For a limited time, buy one admission and get one FREE! It’s the perfect excuse to grab your favorite festival buddy and enjoy a day filled with creativity, Appalachian heritage, music, food and memories.

Don’t miss this golden anniversary celebration, 50 years of Appalachian tradition!

You must have a printed copy (color or b/w) of the BOGO ad in hand to enjoy the BOGO, download one here!​

​>>>Learn more by visiting the website HERE…​

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Worth Noting...​ ​ ​

Charles Town Bookstore Hosts Gala Event (Sep 25–26) — Several thousand fans of romance fiction will be in town on Friday and Saturday for Miss Willa’s Everafter. The event, organized by Miss Willa’s Bookstore, will feature a keynote address by author Jennifer L. Armentrout, panels featuring 20 authors, and an "Enchanted Garden” ball in Charles Town’s new Depot District Park. Tickets for this year’s event are sold out, but Charles Town Now is hosting other open events around town during the weekend (see events calendar below).

Guarding John Brown Exhibit Opens (Sep 25) — The Jefferson County Museum is expanding its long-running John Brown exhibit with new artifacts and stories. The Museum will open the event with a museum tour and reception at 6 pm on Friday, September 25. Ticketed event. >>>Details & tickets…​

Harpers Ferry Black History Walking Tour (Sep 26) — A guided walking tour that will explore the diverse African American community that was concentrated along Fillmore and Washington Streets and in the West Ridge neighborhood from the late 19th through the mid-20th centuries. Proceeds to benefit Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation. Advance ticket purchase required. Saturday, September 26, 10 am to noon. >>>Details & tickets…​

Cemetery Restoration Workshop (Sep 26) — The Middleway Conservancy has a few spots left for a hands-on workshop to learn safe, respectful techniques for cleaning and resetting historic headstones. The program will take place at the Middleway Cemetery. Participation is free, courtesy of a grant from the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation >>>Details & signup…​

West Virginia Goes Purple (Sep 26) — A statewide movement bringing together individuals, families, and organizations from across all 55 counties to raise awareness about substance use disorder, celebrate recovery, and support those still struggling. Saturday’s event from 11 am to 4 pm at War Memorial Park in Martinsburg (500 North Tennessee Ave) is open to all and is a free family-friendly environment focused on connection, support, and breaking the stigma. >>>Details…​

Quilt Raffle (Sep 26 & 27) — Fundraiser for teachers and at-risk students. Four lap quilts crafted by West Virginia quilters will be raffled off with all donations collected going to the faculty at Shepherdstown Elementary and Shepherdstown Middle Schools. Organized by Shepherdstown Shares at Eclectic (106 West German St, Shepherdstown). >>>Details…​

Community Health Fair Offers Discounted Screenings — Asbury United Methodist Church is sponsoring a community health fair on October 3 that will offer affordable health screenings, wellness education, community resources, and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals. WVUMedicine is providing the health services and discounted rates are available if you register by September 29 (click here). The event will be held at the church (4257 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). >>>Details…​

Motor Vehicle Tax Credit Deadline (Sep 30) — West Virginia residents can claim an income tax credit for property tax on personal and business vehicles. The credit is claimed when income tax returns are filed in the spring, but the property taxes for the vehicles must be paid by the half-year deadlines on September 30 and March 31 to be eligible. >>>Learn more…​

Theater or Music Major for a Day (Oct 12) — Shepherd University’s School of the Arts and Media is holding an open house event on Monday, October 12, 8 am to 3 pm. High school juniors and seniors, along with transfer and non-traditional students are invited to meet faculty and current students, explore the campuus performance spaces, participate in classes or workshops, and learn about the audition and admissions process. The program is free. Pre-registration is requested. >>>Details…​

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A message from the Middleway Conservancy

Celebrate local history and community spirit at the Middleway Day festival on Saturday, October 10!

Organized by the Middleway Conservancy, this free, family-friendly street fair honors our 18th-century heritage with children's craft activities, vendors, revolutionary reenactments, and historic tours dedicated to preserving our community's unique past.

​>>>Learn more…​

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Poll Workers Needed For November 3 Election

Both Jefferson and Berkeley County need more poll workers for the upcoming election.

Poll workers are paid for both training ($50 for a 2 hour session) and election day ($250 for the full day). The training is offered on multiple days in October. The election day schedule begins at 5:30 in the morning to prepare for the 6:30 am poll opening and runs until approximately 8:00 pm.

Poll workers must be registered to vote in the county for which they are working. They must also be able to read and write in the English language. Duties can include delivering election supplies to polling places, setting up voting rooms, verifying voter identities and registrations, greeting voters, issuing ballots, and securing the materials after polls close.

Berkeley County has approximately 60 open slots and is looking for workers with all party registrations, including independents. Contact Deputy Clerk, Sandra Kackley (phone: 304-264-1989 or email: skackley@berkeley.wv.org).

Jefferson County has approximately 10 open slots and specifically needs workers with Democratic Party or independent registrations. Contact Kaelyn Hoffman (phone: 304-728-3386 or email: kaelyn.a.hoffman@jeffcowv.gov). Additional information is available on the Jefferson County Clerk’s website.

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A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House

On Stage For Two Weekends Only!

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The Town Run Theater Company presents a powerful drama that explores the courage of young people who risked everything to speak out against Nazi tyranny in World War II Germany. Meyer’s play premiered at the 2017 Contemporary American Theater Festival and this staging premiers a newly-rewitten script at the Shepherdstown Opera House.

​>>>Showtimes & tickets…​

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Arts, Culture & Community Events

Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:

“Legendary” Book Sale — The Shepherdstown Community Club’s annual used book sale continues at the War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, September 25–Sunday, September 27, 10 am-6 pm. Free. Info…​

Appalachian Heritage Festival — Shepherd University's 30th year of bringing Appalachian live music, dance, history, and traditions to campus and the community. Includes Friday evening community square dance and Saturday evening showcase concert. Multiple locations in Shepherdstown. Thursday, September 24–Sunday, September 27. Free admission to all events. Info…​

Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival — 50th annual celebration of traditional arts and crafts, plus live music, food, and craft beverage tasting. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 1707 Old Leetown Pike, Kearneysville. Friday, September 25–Sunday, September 27, 10 am-5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…​

Live Theater: 9 to 5, the musical — Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world. Apollo Civic Theater, 128 East Martin St, Martinsburg. Thursday, September 24–Sunday, September 27. $ Tickets & Info…​

Hip After Six – Starlight & Sip — Starlight market on North Charles featuring DJ Disco Jazzy Josh to kick off Willa’s Ever After Book Festival. North Charles St, Charles Town. Friday, September 25, 6-10 pm. Free. Info…​

Reel 'Em Boys, Reel 'Em — Documentary screening on West Virginia dance traditions, followed by a discussion led by dancer and filmmaker Becky Hill. Part of the Appalachian Heritage Festival. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, September 25, 3 pm. Free. Info…​

Manhattan SHORT Film Festival — Short-film festival where you vote for Best Film and Best Actor with screenings Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, September 25, Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. $ Tickets & Info…​

Old-Time Square Dance — All ages and skill levels are welcome, with a pre-dance workshop and lesson at 7:30 pm. North King Street in front of Town Hall, Shepherdstown. Friday, September 25, 8-10 pm. Free. Info…​

Live Theater: Rue — A single-night presentation of a new play. Roving Peregrine Theater Company, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, September 25, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…​

Running with the Dogs 5K — A running event for adults and kids to benefit the Martinsburg High School Bulldog Band. Martinsburg High School, 701 South Queen St, Martinsburg. Saturday, September 26, 9 am. $ Tickets & Info…​

Escape the Bibliotheca: A Greek Mythology Quest — A self-guided Greek mythology adventure where kids solve puzzles, decode clues, and complete challenges inspired by gods, heroes, and monsters. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 26, 11 am-noon. Free. Info…​

Showcase of Handcrafted Instruments — Local musicians exhibit collected and handcrafted instruments in conjunction with the Appalachian Heritage Festival. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, September 26, 11 am-6 pm. Free. Info…​

Martinsburg HS Band Spectacular — General admission is $10, kids 5-9 are $5, and children under 5 are free. Martinsburg High School, 701 South Queen St, Martinsburg. Saturday, September 26, 4 pm. $ Tickets & Info…​

Washington County Drone Show — Live music begins at 5:30 pm, the drone show begins at 9 pm, and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, September 26. Free. Info…​

After Willa's Ever After — Baltimore's DJ DAGM will headline with alternating sets from Disco Jazzy Josh in the Abolitionist Ale Works outdoor “biergarten.” 129 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, September 26, 6-10 pm. Free admission. Info…

Love in Appalachia Local Authors Fair — Nine local authors will sign books, take photos, and talk about their work at tables throughout the store, with drop-in attendance welcome. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German St, Shepherdstown. September 27, 1-4 pm. Info…

Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Spark Lecture — Religion scholar Eric Thompson will explore the transformation of the Roman Empire from a pluralistic society to a Catholic Christian state over the course of 70 years. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Monday, September 28, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…​

Beneath the Surface: How Streams Work — Field ecologist and educator Erin Snook will lead a tour through the fundamentals of stream ecology, presented by Town Run Watershed. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 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 — A farmers market held on the second and last Friday of each month. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Friday, 4-7 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. Saturdays, 11 am-5 pm and Sundays, 1-4 pm. Admission by donation ($5 suggested). Info…

Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. 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…​

Women's Ride on the C&O Canal — A group bicycle ride on the C&O Canal. Shepherdstown. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Info…​

Tell us about your event — email Explore@ObserverWV.com.

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Spotlight — Four Initiatives Share $146,500 in WISH Grants

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH), a women's giving circle sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, has awarded four grants totaling $146,500 to two community-based and two campus-based initiatives. Each recipient will receive $36,625.

This year's recipients are:

• Community Markets Inc. — A refrigerated van to help the organization, which connects local food to local markets and works to address food insecurity, deliver more and keep food fresh.
• Morgan County Starting Points — The new Bloom Teaching Garden and Art Collective, a supervised outdoor learning space for girls in Paw Paw.
• Faculty-led Student Career Exploration and Recruitment Initiative — Faculty-led summer workshops to introduce local students to careers in high-demand fields.
• Shepherd University Writing Project — Literacy and writing training events on campus for students and area teachers.

Women join WISH by donating $500 a year to a shared giving pool that funds the grants. More information is available on the Shepherd University Foundation website.

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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.

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CORRECTIONS…

The September 17 2026 issue of the Observer Weekly reported that the Charles Town City Council voted unanimously during the September 8 2026 meeting to amend the City Zoning Ordinance to restrict automotive uses. During its September 21 meeting, the Council noted a correction to the draft minutes to reflect that Councilmembers Ricketts and Tester voted nay on the amendment during the second reading at the September 8 meeting. The ordinance enacting the amendment passed on a 7-2 vote.

If you’re new to the Observer Weekly — Welcome!

You can find the archives of our weekly issues at ObserverWV.news. If you’re looking for accurate, in-depth information about the key issues affecting Jefferson County, you can find our stories on ObserverWV.com, including our ongoing coverage of West Virginia’s plans for data centers, transmission lines, housing growth, local government, and many other topics.

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