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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Schools Count Enrollment, Cities Get To Work, Halloween Arrives
Published about 1 hour ago • 15 min read
Observer Weekly
October 22, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Early voting has started in Jefferson County, until October 31. With less than two weeks to go before Election Day, it seems like the calm before the storm — as long as you stay off of social media. The barrage of attack ads and mailers make us wonder why some folks feel they need to “flood the zone” with nonsense.
On a lighter note, even if political yard signs are popping up everywhere, there are even more ghosts, goblins and creative decorations to brighten the mood. The spooky season has been creeping in since the beginning of the month, but it is definitely in full swing this weekend (check out our listing of events at the end of this newsletter).
Public School Enrollment Down Statewide, Smaller Decline In Jefferson
The West Virginia Department of Education released certified public school enrollment numbers for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday.
Statewide certified enrollment is 226,687 students, down 8,270 from 234,957 for the 2025-2026 school year, a 3.5 percent decrease, according to the Department. Statewide enrollment has fallen by more than 23,000 students since the 2022-2023 school year and by more than 46,000 over the past 10 years. The 10-year drop is a 17 percent decline. All 55 counties lost students this year.
A Slower Decline in Jefferson County
Jefferson County’s public school enrollment has also fallen over the past decade, but more slowly than the state’s (chart above). Jefferson County’s certified enrollment for 2026-2027 is 8,082 students. The enrollment for last year was 8,213 and in 2017-2018 the enrollment was 9,173. That represents a 1.6 percent decline from last year and 11.9 percent decline over 10 years.
The Department’s certified enrollment figures do not include home-school or private school students. The Department notes that 2026-2027 is the first year all West Virginia students are eligible for the Hope Scholarship. In August, the West Virginia Treasurer reported Jefferson County had 1,484 Hope Scholarship applicants for the current school year, third among the state’s 55 counties. Berkeley County ranked first with 3,193 Hope Scholarship applicants for the current school year.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Most Dangerous Intersections: Berkeley County —
Rt 9 & Harlan Springs Rd
Berkeley County keeps growing, and Route 9 at Harlan Springs Road is feeling it. Housing developments sit on both sides, nearby employers release workers all at once, and drivers turn across lanes while through traffic moves at highway speeds. One misjudged gap is all it takes. Stay informed with Skinner's Most Dangerous Intersections series.
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
Charles Town Briefs
Charles Town City Council on October 19
The Charles Town City Council met on Monday, October 19 for a regular meeting. Highlights of the meeting:
Walkability Improvement Grants — The Council voted to increase the amount available for each grant, informally known as “sidewalk grants,” from $5,000 to $7,000 to help residents defray the costs of repairing sidewalks in front of their property. Owners of corner lots can apply for a double grant. The revised policy also allows for brick or concrete walks.
Façade Improvement Grants — The Council voted to update the façade improvement grant program to remove ambiguous language, clarify the role of the City’s Historic Landmark Commission, and remove new signs from the list of eligible expenses.
Community Grant Policy — The Council voted to adopt a once-a-year cycle for its “community grant program” and align it with the City’s budget schedule. Lump sum grants will be capped at $5,000 and new organizations can ask for waivers from the record requirements. The City expects to advertise the 2027 grant cycle in November, with applications due by mid-January.
Storage for Police Video — The longest and most contentious topic of discussion of the meeting was a review of the City’s options for storing video from the body and in-vehicle cameras used by the City’s Police Department (the City does not use license plate readers or Flock-style general surveillance cameras). Chief Chris Kutcher (above, speaking to the Council) explained that as the cameras improve to capture better quality images, the storage requirements have also increased. Kutcher presented several options for the Council to review, with a basic choice of maintaining on-site equipment or moving to a cloud-based storage service. Several members of the Council expressed concerns about privacy and control with a shift to a cloud-based system, but the Council voted 5-4 to move forward with that option.
Stormwater Management — The Council voted to move forward with a full analysis and development of concept plans for addressing stormwater issues in “watershed 3” — the area bounded roughly by South George Street, Mason Street and South Samuel Street (uphill from the sewage treatment plant). This area was prioritized because of the existing stormwater issues that affect residents in the area.
The Council had several other items on its agenda for October 19 which it tabled to a future meeting, including planning for the Depot District park, changes to fees paid by developers, and use of the City’s opioid settlement funds. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for November 2.
A message from Lanae Johnson
OUR VOICE. OUR COUNTY. OUR FUTURE.
JEFFERSON COUNTY DESERVES LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENS.
I’m Lanae Johnson, candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner.
With 37 years of public service, I bring proven leadership, experience, and a commitment to putting people before politics.
The Ranson City Council met on Tuesday, October 20 for a regular meeting. Highlights of the meeting:
Carbon Monoxide from Construction Activity — Interim City Manager Rick Rinehart reported that he has spoken with the WV Fire Marshal’s office about recent complaints of carbon monoxide leaking into homes next to blasting activities in the Shenandoah Springs subdivision, to identify how residents can document and submit formal requests for the Fire Marshal to investigate. Rinehart reported that there have been no new complaints since October 9.
Toys For Tots Support — The Council voted unanimously to allow the Jefferson County Toys For Tots program to use the City’s facility at Marcus Field to store and sort the donations that will be processed over the next two months. Debra Saunders and Osmund Anderson, the local program coordinators, reported that the program currently has collection boxes in 64 locations
Flood Plain Ordinance — Community Development Director Summer Wilkes presented a long list of revisions to the City’s ordinance, required by an updated flood plain map issued by FEMA in May 2026. The City has until November to adopt the ordinance to remain in compliance with FEMA regulations that enable homeowners to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance program. The Council voted to update the ordinance and a public hearing will be scheduled in November, followed by a second reading and vote to adopt the revised ordinance. Councilperson Andy Colandrea was the lone nay vote.
City Manager Job Description and Hiring Process — The Council spent over an hour drilling into the details of the job description of the City Manager role. After the Council came to an agreement on the key qualifications it wants candidates to have, it turned to a discussion of how candidates would be screened before the finalists sit for an interview with the full Council. All of the Council members expressed interest in being involved in the process from the beginning. The Mayor suggested that the “Ranson Municipal Committee” — an ad hoc committee composed of the Mayor and a rotating pair of Council members — would allow all of the Council members to sit in on at least one session of screening interviews without dragging out the process.
Public Comment Policy — The Council closed out the night by affirming that public comment is welcome at all Council meetings (both regular and special meetings). The Council also directed the City Manager to implement a similar policy for all other boards and commissions that report to the Council.
The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for November 17.
A message from the Jefferson County Assessor
Notice of Filings Due
(for 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.
Diesel Fuel Emergency Declaration — According to a statement released by the West Virginia Governor’s Office on October 20, the average price of diesel fuel in West Virginia hit $6.34 per gallon, up from $3.57 per gallon a year ago. In response, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed an emergency order on October 20 to allow the sale of offroad “red-dye” diesel fuel for general commercial use. The Governor’s order matches a federal order previously issued by President Trump to temporarily suspend restrictions on the sale of “red-dye” diesel fuel normally reserved for agricultural use. The Governor’s action does not affect the state sales taxes on regular diesel and gasoline, which will remain in effect. The Governor’s Office estimates this action will save users 20.5 cents/gallon — reducing the cost to fill a 30 gallon tank from $190 to $184.
County Rejected For Summit Point Water Utility Grant — At the Jefferson County Development Authority board meeting on October 20, JCDA Executive Director Daryl Cowles informed the board members that the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) had rejected the County’s application for a $75,000 grant. The JCDA had applied for the grant earlier in 2026 to fund a preliminary engineering report for water and sewer infrastructure in Summit Point. Cowles also presented the JCDA board with a $4,500 invoice from the Bowles Rice law firm. The JCDA had hired the law firm earlier this year to draft a public-private partnership agreement between the JCDA and West Virginia American Water at the request of the Jefferson County Commission. At this week’s meeting, several JCDA board members asked for a copy of the agreement, but Cowles declined to share it, saying that he wanted to review it with American Water first before providing it to the JCDA board. >>>More coverage of the Summit Point utility project at Observer.com…
Child Care Cost-Sharing Program Expands Statewide — Tri-Share is a program that helps parents afford child care through a three-way split of costs between employers, employees and the state. Wonderschool, the state’s designated coordinator for the program, announced on October 13 that the program is expanding from an eight county pilot to all 55 West Virginia counties, funded by an appropriation approved by the Legislature earlier this year. >>>Program details for employers & families…
Blood Drive (Oct 26) — The Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive at Covenant Church (7485 Shepherdstown Pike Shepherdstown) on Monday, October 26 from noon to 6 pm. >>>Schedule appointment (enter 25443 to select event)…
Register for Middle School STEM Fest (Oct 31) — A day of discovery for students (grades 5 – 8) with hands-on lab activities and opportunities to learn about academic options and career paths. At Shepherd University, Saturday, October 31, 9 am - 3:30pm. >>>Info & registration…
Potomac Edison Planned Outage (Nov 9) — Several neighborhoods near Old County Club Road in Charles Town will be affected by work at the nearby Potomac Edison substation, according to a report from the Jefferson County Homeland Security & Emergency Management (JCHSEM) office. The service interruption will last for 6 hours, between 8 am and 2 pm, on Monday, November 9. The affected streets are Posting Way, Barrel Horse Drive, Bellair Manor Drive, Hanoverian Drive, Kimberwicke Drive, Walker Court, Bridle Court, Breckenridge Subdivision, Trotting Way, Pommel Lane, Belgian Way, Boulder Spring Terrace, Appaloosa Way, Polo Court, Buckskin Court, Pelham Lane, Shire Court, and Welsh Court. >>>Follow JCHSEM for updates…
Survey About Road Safety (Nov 15 deadline) — The HEPMPO (Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization) Intersection Safety Survey is live, starting today until November 15, 2026. HEPMPO wants public input to help guide how it prioritizes the region’s intersections for safety improvements. >>>Take the survey…
Register for LEGO Competition (Dec 5) — The Berkeley County Civitan Club will hold its 3rd annual LEGO competition on December 5. Entry fee is $5, with youth and adult category prizes. To register, email CivitanHannah@gmail.com before November 29.
Volunteer For County Boards & Commissions — The Jefferson County Commission seeks volunteers to serve on the following boards:
Click on the links for information about qualifications and responsibilities of each position. Interested volunteers are encouraged to call the Commission office (304-728-3284) for details about the application process.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Theater: Clue — Stage production of Clue, a comedy based on the cult classic film and game. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday–Sunday, October 23–25, 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday $ Tickets & Info…
Theater: How to Train Your Dragon JR. — Apollo Youth Theatre presents the junior stage adaptation of the DreamWorks animated film. Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 East Martin St, Martinsburg. Friday–Sunday, October 23–25, 7 pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday. $ Tickets & Info…
Film+Discussion: The Blair Witch Project — A screening of the influential 1999 horror film with commentary by Shepherd University graduate student Allison Gunn and Professor Ben Bankhurst, presented with Shepherd’s Center for Appalachian Studies & Communities. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, October 23, 7 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Berkeley Springs Studio Tour — A free, self-guided driving tour of artists’ studios, where artists demonstrate and explain their work in a range of media. Berkeley Springs. Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 10 am-5 pm. Free.Info…
Bolivar Craft & Vendor Event — Local artisans, crafters, makers, authors, bakers and small businesses sell their goods at this fall market. 60 Panama St, Bolivar. Saturday, October 24, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Info…
Leaves and a Good Read — A park ranger reads a children’s book outdoors, leads an autumn craft and explains why leaves change color. Children who finish earn a junior ranger badge. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, October 24, 11 am-noon. Free with park admission. Info…
Choral Theater: The Witness — Renatum Chamber Choir presents composer Thomas LaVoy’s choral theater work adapted from a Civil War soldier’s 1888 memoir. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Saturday, October 24, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, October 25, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Ranger Program: Clearing the Sky: John Brown’s Raid and the Trial That Split the Nation — A two-part, ranger-led walking program marks the anniversary of John Brown’s raid, starting in Harpers Ferry and continuing at the site of his trial in Charles Town. The Green, Lower Town, Harpers Ferry (Part 1), and Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 East Washington St, Charles Town (Part 2). Sunday, October 25, 11 am in Harpers Ferry and 1:30 pm in Charles Town. Free with park admission or pass. Info…
Chamber Music: Haunting Sounds: Celebrating Autumn and All Hallows’ Eve — The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival presents violinist Sergey Prokofyev and guitarist Jan Knutson in a program of Irish jigs, classical works and Halloween favorites. Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Sunday, October 25, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lecture: When Trees Were Old — Jim Cummins speaks on humans and environmental change in the Potomac River watershed in Shepherd University’s Spark Lecture Series. Robert C. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown, and on Zoom. Monday, October 26, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lecture: A Brief History of Botany in America — Claudine Lebeau will draw on decades of hands-on experience to describe how the science and practice of botany have evolved over centuries. Part of Shepherd University’s Spark Lecture Series. Robert C. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown, and on Zoom. Wednesday, October 28, 1-2:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lecture: Salmon, Maine and the Origins of American Fisheries — Fisheries biologists Steve Rideout and Ed Baum will present a history of early American fisheries. National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, October 28, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Women+ on the Edge of Democracy — The Contemporary American Theater Festival presents outdoor readings of short plays about democracy. Behind the Shepherdstown Welcome Center, 100 East German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 29, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Film+Discussion: Small Town Universe — Made-in-WV film about Green Bank, WV, where wireless restrictions protect the Green Bank Telescope. Followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, the young student featured in the film who now looks for signs of extraterrestrial life as a PhD student, and WVU Physics & Astronomy Chair Dr. Maura McLaughlin. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 29, 7 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Talk & Exhibit with David Plunkert — Illustrator and designer David Plunkert gives a talk alongside an exhibit of his work. Marinoff Theater, 62 West Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Thursday, October 29, 7 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…
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…
~ Halloween Weekend at the Shepherdstown Opera House ~
Three screenings with live introduction and post-film discussion by author Christine Madrid French, author of the acclaimed book “The Architecture of Suspense.”
Costumes Invited! Come dressed as your favorite Hitchcock character, a building from the films, the mood of suspense—or the master director himself. Oct 30, Oct 31 & Nov 1.
Spotlight — Spooky Season Arrives In Jefferson County
Decorated house on German Street in Shepherdstown
Halloween festivities start this weekend. Here’s what we have on the list so far:
Through Oct 31 — Halloween in Shepherdstown. Multiple events starting on October 22 through Halloween night. >>>Info…
Oct 23 (Fri) — Fall Festival at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 5 – 7 pm. >>>Info…
Oct 23 (Fri) — Monster Bash Trunk or Treat at the Ranson Civic Center. 6 – 8 pm. Costume party at 6:30 in West End Park. >>>Info…
Oct 24 (Sat) — All Ages Storytime at McMurran Hall Lawn, Shepherdstown. 11 am. >>>Info…
Oct 28 (Wed) — Shep or Treat Community Children's Carnival. Shepherd University Wellness Center parking lot. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. >>>Info…
Oct 28 (Wed) — Trunk Or Treat at Asbury United Methodist Church. Shepherdstown. 5 – 7 pm. >>>Info…
Oct 31 (Sat) — Bull & Ghoul Halloween at Bakerton Market. 2:00 - 9:00 pm. >>>Info…
Oct 31 (Sat) — Haunted Symphony at McMurran Hall Lawn in Shepherdstown during trick or treating. 6 – 9 pm. >>>Info…
We’ll have a list of Halloween night trick-or-treat hours in next week’s issue.
Looking for a child’s costume on a budget?
The Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown) is running a “costume swap” through October 31.. Bring in gently used children's Halloween costumes your family no longer needs, and browse the rack for a "new-to-you" outfit. >>>Info>>>
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.
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