The Observer Weekly covers the stories of Jefferson County and West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Published by WV Independent Observer LLC, PO Box 3044, Shepherdstown WV 25443. Distributed weekly via free email subscription and online at ObserverWV.com. Send tips and event information to connect@ObserverWV.com.
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Rippon Solar Project Expands Stormwater Construction Application
There are a few more candidate debates on the schedule (see below for this week’s schedule).
If you’re up for a marathon session, I’ll be posing questions to candidates for County Commission, House of Delegates and State Senate during the WRRN debates that will run from 8:00 to 11:30 am on October 13 & 14. You’ll be able to watch the livestream video here.
The Observer is a nominee for Best Small Local Newspaper in WV Living's Best of West Virginia 2026 contest — an honor we won in 2025, thanks to you. Vote for us once a day through Oct. 12 at WV Living.com website (look for Best Small Local Newspaper — The Observer, under Community & Culture).
Rippon Solar Project Files Update To Construction Plan
Rippon Energy Facility LLC, the subsidiary of Torch Clean Energy that is developing an industrial scale solar facility in southern Jefferson County, has filed an update to its stormwater construction permit application (WVR113220).
Graphic from Rippon Energy Facility SWPPP (Oct 2, 2026)
Rippon Energy Facility LLC, the subsidiary of Torch Clean Energy that is developing an industrial scale solar facility in southern Jefferson County, has filed an update to its stormwater construction permit application (WVR113220).
The company had received a stormwater construction permit for phase one of the project earlier this year, covering just under 100 acres of the project site. The updated application covers the entire 589 acres of the project, which sits on three separate sites between the village of Rippon and the Shenandoah River (image above). The project is rated at 90 megawatts.
The Stormwater Protection Plan document for this project was provided to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) on October 2. According to WV DEP representatives, the department is currently reviewing the 1,000+ pages of the plan and will likely request additional information from the company before it opens up the permit for public comment.
The Observer will provide updates as this project progresses through the permitting process.
Most Dangerous Intersections: Inwood to Martinsburg - I-81 Exits 8-16
Interstate 81 between Exit 8 and Exit 16 carries heavy commuter traffic, constant local merging ,and one of the highest tractor-trailer volumes in West Virginia. Shifting lane counts and drivers from four states with different laws make this stretch especially hazardous. Watch the full video in Skinner's Most Dangerous Intersections series to learn more.
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
CTUB Completes Investigation Into DEP Permit Application
The Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) announced a quick conclusion of its investigation into the Sidewinder waterline stormwater construction permit at a special meeting on October 7.
Following that vote, Charles Town Mayor Micheal George, acting in his capacity as the chair of the CTUB board, directed CTUB staff to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the drafting and approval of the recently issued permit. At the time, George said that he hoped to be able to share the findings of the internal investigation within the next few weeks, after the report had been reviewed by CTUB attorneys.
At the October 7 meeting, the CTUB board members — Mayor George, Patrick Kratovil, John Maxey, Heidi Parker, and Keith Pierson — were joined by attorneys Cindy Wilson, Richard Lewis and Tracey Eberline. Charles Town City Attorney Stephanie Grove also participated in the meeting, along with CTUB General Manager Paul Mantello.
Lengthy Discussion With Legal Counsel
Mayor George called the October 7 meeting to order and immediately requested a motion to enter into executive session to discuss what was listed on the agenda as “Legal Issues related to Former General Manager, Kristen Stolipher.”
After the executive session, the board reconvened and Mayor George made the following statement:
“Legal counsel has reviewed the staff’s investigation and found it thorough and agrees with staff that there are no indications of illegal actions. Because there was a thorough review and no indications of illegal actions, an independent third party investigation is not recommended by legal counsel.”
The board then voted unanimously to request staff to prepare a policy for public transparency, which will be reviewed at the board’s October 14 meeting.
Mayor Explains CTUB Actions
In response to The Observer’s questions earlier today, Mayor George stated that “CTUB never accused Kristen Stolipher of doing anything wrong.”
Mayor George said that the investigation found that CTUB’s direction to staff with respect to signing agreements had been vague. He also said that the investigation found a lack of communication between CTUB and the engineering firm that prepared the application for the stormwater construction permit.
In response to a question about the October 7 meeting agenda’s reference to “Legal Issues,” Mayor George said that the legal issue was a demand for indemnification sent by attorney Dan Casto on behalf of Kristen Stolipher, the former General Manager of CTUB. Casto’s letter referenced the investigation announced at the September 23 meeting.
One Lawsuit Filed, Threats Of More To Come
Casto has already filed a lawsuit on behalf of Kristen Stolipher against Jefferson County Commissioner Cara Keys. That complaint, filed on September 29, is for defamation, referencing questions that Keys directed to Commissioner Steve Stolipher (the husband of Kristen Stolipher) during a County Commission meeting on September 4. Commissioner Keys has not yet made any public statements in response to that lawsuit.
In public comment at the October 7 CTUB meeting, Casto called the board’s actions a “witch hunt.” In a statement to The Observer, Casto said “Mrs. Stolipher’s comment is the lawsuit.” — a reference to an additional lawsuit that he said “will be filed shortly against 13 defendants and will seek millions of dollars in damages….”
Book Event Draws Crowds — During the October 5 Charles Town City Council meeting, several council members remarked on the success of the Miss Willa’s Ever After romance book festival that took place downtown in late September, noting that several thousand attendees spent a significant amount of time and money in town (pictured above, council members Kevin Tester and Andie Sugrue at a welcome table set up outside of Charles Washington Hall during the event).
Pedestrian Safety A Pressing Concern — The Charles Town Council had a brief discussion about crosswalks during the October 5 meeting, referring the issue to its Infrastructure Committee to review several intersections and make recommendations back to the Council. During the Ranson City Council meeting on October 6, several community members asked the Council to address speeding concerns, citing a traffic study in the Shenandoah Springs neighborhood that recorded 500 speeding vehicles in the neighborhood over a one week study period. In Shepherdstown several traffic calming measures were recently implemented, triggered by a pedestrian fatality on July 4.
Data Center Guardrails Proposal Gets Support — After the Jefferson County Commission voted to adopt a “Good Neighbors Data Center Guardrails” proposal on October 1, the Commission directed County Administrator Eddie Benites to send the proposal to all five of the municipalities in Jefferson County. So far, Charles Town City Council followed up with a vote of support for the proposal during its October 5 meeting and Ranson Mayor Ken Suits says he expects the proposal will be on the agenda for the Ranson City Council meeting on October 20.
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.
Jefferson High School Stadium OK For Use — Jefferson County Schools has confirmed that the press box at the Jefferson High School stadium has been demolished and the stands have been cleared for use ahead of Friday’s home football game. School officials acted quickly to take down the structure (image above, after demolition) after the WV State Fire Marshall determined that it was unsafe due to structural failure.
Candidate Forum (Oct 9) — The Jefferson County NAACP will ask questions of Jefferson County Commission candidates on Friday, October 9. This forum will run from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Jefferson County Government Center auditorium (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town).
Street Sweeping In Shepherdstown — The Town began its regular fall sweeping schedule on October 6. The Town will post signs on the affected streets in advance of the scheduled cleanup days, to notify residents to move vehicles. Residents can call Town Hall (304-876-2312) during business hours with any questions. The Town expects to complete the sweeping before the end of October:
Town Run Cleaup (Oct 10) — The Town Run Watershed organization is asking volunteers to meet on October 10 at the lower parking lot in Morgan’s Grove Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown) to assist with removing invasive plants from the stream. The event will take place between 9 am and noon. >>>More info…
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…
Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing (Oct 22) — The Berkeley County Commission will accept comments from the public on the draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan during a public hearing that begins at 10:10 am on Thursday, October 22. The meeting will take place at the Berkeley County Commission Chambers (on the second floor of 400 West Stephen Street, Martinsburg). Residents can find a copy of the draft plan and more information about the process on the Berkeley County website.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Double Shot of Live Music at the Shepherdstown Opera House
One night, a stage full of original music.
Americana songwriter Davey O. opens the night with songs about love, loss, and the long road, delivered with the kind of storytelling that’s earned him a New Folk Finalist nod at the Kerrville Folk Festival and opening slots for the likes of Suzanne Vega, Jim Lauderdale, and Poco.
Eastern Panhandle favorite Steve Warner will be joined by musicians Mike Janney and Andy Mosholder.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Apple Butter Festival — 51st annual festival with apple butter stirred in copper kettles, more than 200 craft and food vendors, live music, a parade and contests, kicking off Friday evening with a beer garden party. Downtown Berkeley Springs and Berkeley Springs State Park, Berkeley Springs. Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11. Free. Info…
Live Theater: We Will Not Be Silent — A play about the White Rose resistance against the Nazis, presented by the Town Run Theater Company at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Final weekend: Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 at 7 pm and Sunday, October 11 at 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Trail of Bones: Halloween Hike — Family Halloween hike with skull and bone identification, trail stations and a campfire with marshmallows, with registration required for one-hour time slots. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town. Friday, October 9, 5-8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Live Theater: We Will Not Be Silent — Final weekend to see the live theater production of "We Will Not Be Silent." Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 7 pm; Sunday, October 11, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Freedom's Run — Annual race with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids fun run, with proceeds funding community grants. Races start at Shepherd University, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 10, start times vary with distance (packet pickups start on Friday, October 9). $ Tickets & Info…
Farm Crawl — Self-guided, self-paced tour of Jefferson County farms and small agriculture-based businesses. Jefferson County. Saturday, October 10, 10 am-4 pm. Free. Info…
Middleway Day — Annual village street festival in Middleway's historic district with local musicians, artisans, historical trade and apple butter demonstrations, hay rides, free children's activities, food trucks, history tours and Revolutionary War-era reenactors. Middleway Historic District, Middleway. Saturday, October 10, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Info…
Case Nature Center Open Day — Family-friendly open house at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring Preserve. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Saturday, October 10, 10 am-2 pm. Free. Info…
Nature Journaling — Leisurely guided walk journaling fall colors and change, with registration required. Poor House Farm Park, Poor House Rd, Martinsburg. Saturday, October 10, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Info…
Fall Fun Day at Tabler Student Farm — Family fall afternoon at Shepherd University's student farm, with baby farm animals, hay wagon tours, pumpkin and face painting, cider press and honey-spinning demos, square dancing and chicken poop bingo. Tabler Student Farm, 482 Billmyer Mill Rd, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 10, noon-4 pm. Free. Info…
Nature Photography for Beginners — Beginner nature photography workshop for ages 16 and up, open to any camera from cell phones to DSLRs. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Saturday, October 10, 2:30-5:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Craft Beer Fest — Annual craft beer festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown with regional brews, local food trucks, live music, cornhole and a bounce house for kids, benefiting Jefferson County youth programs. Morgan's Grove Park, 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 10, 3-7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Live Music: Minks Miracle Medicine — Early evening concert in downtown Shepherdstown. Temporary Market House Plaza, South King St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 10, 5-7 pm. Free. Info…
West Virginia Breeders Classics — 40th annual evening of stakes races for West Virginia-bred thoroughbreds, the highlight of Charles Town's fall racing season. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town. Saturday, October 10, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Native Plant Sale & Farmfest — Fourth annual native plant sale and farm festival at historic Clermont Farm, with hard-to-find native plants, expert advice, demonstrations and local vendors. Clermont Farm, 151 Clermont Ln, Berryville, VA. Sunday, October 11, 9 am-3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Greater Shepherdstown Alliance — Several Shepherdstown and Jefferson County residents will share their experiences with putting permanent protections on their lands, and the property, along with other informational updates. All are welcome. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Monday, October 12, 6:30-8:00 pm. Free. Info…
Rolling Ridge Conservancy Bird Walk — Morning bird walk on the trails of Rolling Ridge Conservancy. Rolling Ridge Conservancy, 138 Tupelo Ln, Harpers Ferry. Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 am. Free. Info…
Nature's Palette Watercolor Workshop: Brook Trout — Beginner-friendly watercolor class painting the brook trout, for ages 12 and up, with supplies provided and registration required. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Tuesday, October 13, 6-8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Story artist: Antonio Rocha — Brazilian-born story artist Antonio Rocha, known for blending storytelling and mime, performs for the Speak Story Series. Byrd Center at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Wee Naturalists at Cool Spring — Leaf-themed storytime, hike and craft for children ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver, with registration required. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Wednesday, October 14, 9:30-11 am and 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Spark Lecture: Money, Mayhem, and Might — Rick Lank and Rebecca Rush explore how the Civil War changed American money, and how money changed the war. Robert C. Byrd Center, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, October 14, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Middleburg Film Festival — 14th annual festival of narrative and documentary films, including premieres and awards-season contenders, with filmmaker Q&As. Middleburg, VA. Thursday, October 15–Sunday, October 18. $ Tickets & Info…
Live Music: Davey O and Steve Warner & Company — Double bill of veteran folk and Americana singer-songwriters, pairing Buffalo, NY-based Davey O with longtime local talents Steve Warner, Mike Janney & Andy Mosholder. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 15, 7 pm. $ Tickets & 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 in Brunswick held twice a month on the second and last Fridays of the month through October 30, 4-7 pm. Martin's Creek Municipal Parking Lot, East Potomac St at First Avenue, Brunswick, MD. Free. 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…
Spotlight — Charles Town Dedicates Chet Hines Bridge
After serving several terms on the Charles Town City Council, Chet Hines continued his community service by serving as the volunteer grounds keeper for Happy Retreat.
Under Hines’ dedicated watch, several overgrown acres of woodland between the Happy Retreat mansion and Evitts Run were transformed into a network of pathways. Charles Town Mayor Micheal George and several Council members joined community and City staff members on October 2 (image above) to dedicate a new pedestrian bridge over Evitts Run that will honor Hines’ service to his community.
The event kicked off with remarks by Council members Alden Roth and Elizabeth Ricketts at the Charles Washington grave site (image below), now accessible from the grounds of Happy Retreat via the new bridge. Roth spoke about how the City’s “parks master plan” helped guide this project and Ricketts noted that this bridge is an example of how the City is investing in “connectivity infrastructure” that brings the expanding community together.
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.
The Observer Weekly covers the stories of Jefferson County and West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Published by WV Independent Observer LLC, PO Box 3044, Shepherdstown WV 25443. Distributed weekly via free email subscription and online at ObserverWV.com. Send tips and event information to connect@ObserverWV.com.
Observer Weekly October 1, 2026 Jefferson County, WV news & events The story about the Governor’s nuclear campus ambitions didn’t stick around very long, but it certainly got a lot of attention. We do applaud the Governor for changing course. Whether willingly or unwillingly, he did listen to the people on this issue. Beyond the headlines, the story highlights some other important themes. Chief among them is the importance of FOIA — this was a clear example of journalists doing the research...
Observer Weekly September 28, 2026 Jefferson County, WV news & events The Observer has been investigating a story that broke late last week about a West Virginia proposal to the US Department of Energy that outlines the state’s intent to develop one or more nuclear innovation campuses. The documents include a site in Jefferson County. We’ve summarized our initial research in the story below. Governor Morrisey has scheduled a press conference at 10 am this morning with the US Department of...
Observer Weekly September 24, 2026 Jefferson County, WV news & events 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...
