Shepherdstown Grows, Sidewinder Appeals, County Commission Fights
Published about 13 hours ago • 13 min read
Observer Weekly
April 23, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
The County Commission has made a big deal of how the commissioners have been working well with each other to focus on county business over the past two years. That happy-face gloss faded a bit over the past two weeks as it became clear that political jockeying was going on behind closed doors.
There had been hints that Commissioner Steve Stolipher was not happy with Commissioner Cara Keys being on the Planning Commission and her role in rejecting the Sidewinder application for a water bottling plant in Middleway. He made his opinion clear in January when he vocally opposed having her continue to sit on the Planning Commission (the other Commissioners supported her continuing in that role).
What happened after the Commission’s vote to fill three volunteer seats on the Planning Commission earlier this month removed any doubt that there are multiple agendas at play with the Planning Commission, not all of which are being disclosed to the public.
With the completion of the Comprehensive Plan and the recent updates to the Zoning Ordinance, it would seem that the Planning Commissioners are done with contentious issues for a while. So it seems odd that control of the Planning Commission would be so important — unless someone hopes to have it reverse course and settle the litigation pending before the Supreme Court (story below).
— Steve Pearson
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Shepherdstown Adds Key Parcel To Town Jurisdiction
Shepherdstown Town Council on April 21
At its April 21 meeting, the Shepherdstown Town Council voted unanimously to proceed with the annexation of 4.37 acres located along the Potomac River at the Town’s eastern border. The Town’s next step in the process is to formally notify the Jefferson County Commission of the proposed annexation. Because the land is located within the Shepherdstown Growth Management Boundary defined in the Jefferson County Future Land Use Guide, the County Commission is required to approve the Town’s annexation request.
The area being annexed is adjacent to approximately 8 acres that previously had been annexed and which are now under the same ownership. While no formal development plans have been submitted to the Town for the entire 12-acre property, the current owners have indicated that they intend to develop a 55+ community with walkable connections to the historic downtown.
A History of Slow Growth
The Virginia General Assembly issued a charter to the Town of Mecklenburg in 1762, which consisted of a rectilinear grid of streets and property lots covering 50 acres, according to research published by S. Allen Chambers, Jr. The Virginia legislature issued a revised charter in 1798 to expand the Town’s boundary to the river and change the name to Shepherd’s Town (later Shepherdstown).
The Town’s boundaries did not expand significantly after that until the early 21st century. In addition to the 8 acres noted above, Shepherd University’s dormitories were annexed in phases between 2000 and 2010. Within the past decade, the Town expanded to include the Shepherd Village property on the eastern side of town and the Bavarian Inn property on the northwestern side of town.
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Sidewinder Files Appeal With WV Supreme Court
Looking north on Queen Street in Middleway
Sidewinder LLC filed a brief with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia on April 16.
The brief is the first step in the appeals process that the company is pursuing as it attempts to overturn the decision issued by Circuit Court Judge Bridget Cohee in December 2025 that affirmed the Jefferson County Planning Commission’s action to deny Sidewinders application to construct a water bottling facility in Middleway.
The principal claim in Sidewinder’s appeal brief focuses on the question of whether the Planning Commission has any authority to override the staff’s recommendation about a project.
The Jefferson County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations define the authorities of both the Zoning Administrator and the Planning Commission. The Zoning Ordinance designates the Administrator as the chief enforcement officer of the Zoning Ordinance and gives that individual the authority to interpret the ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance also assigns the Planning Commission the role of reviewing applications according to the rules laid out in the Subdivision Regulations.
One of the complicating factors with Sidewinder’s project was the connection between two distinct sites, one designated as an industrial zone and the other as a rural zone. The Planning Commission focused on two issues during its review when it rejected the application:
The extraction of water for commercial use from the parcel in the rural zone, a use not defined (and therefore not allowed) under the Zoning Ordinance
The harmful impact of a proposed pipeline and anticipated heavy truck traffic on the historic Middleway district
The Planning Commission has until June 1 to file its response to Sidewinder’s appeal brief. The Middleway residents and the Jefferson County Foundation, who were recognized as intervenors in the Circuit Court litigation, can also file response briefs by June 1.
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At its April 2 meeting, the County Commission (image above) voted to appoint three individuals to the Planning Commission.
After interviewing nine candidates, the Commission had a discussion about the candidates and then voted on a motion to appoint Tim Smith, Chris Garcia, and Krista Edwards to the Planning Commission. The discussion included a “straw poll” of the commissioners to indicate support for specific candidates. Following the straw poll, the commissioners had additional discussion and voted on a final list of the three candidates to be appointed.
The Planning Commission met the following week, but two of the appointees, Garcia and Edwards, were not seated. According to one of the appointees, a “threatened legal action” was the explanation provided for why the two new commissioners would not be sworn in in a timely manner.
During its April 16 meeting, the County Commission spent over 3 hours in executive session. The commissioners noted that the Planning Commission appointment vote was one of the topics discussed in that closed session, but they took no action when they reconvened after midnight.
The County Commission finally resolved the appointments during a special meeting on April 21, voting on a motion to confirm the vote of April 2 and to issue letters of appointment to Smith, Garcia and Edwards.
During the April 21 meeting, Commissioner Cara Keys described a behind-the-scenes pressure campaign to affect the commissioners' votes, noting that local attorney Dan Casto, whom she indicated was aligned with Commissioner Steve Stolipher, had threatened to sue the Commission over the appointment of Edwards.
Keys defended her support for Edwards as a well-qualified candidate for the role. Commissioner Jack Hefestay also recognized Edwards as very well qualified. Commissioner Steve Stolipher voiced a strong objection to the appointment process and then threatened Commissioner Keys with political retribution.
Commission President Pasha Majdi reiterated his support for the appointment process and called for a vote on the motion, which passed 4-1, with Stolipher the only negative vote.
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Prescription Drug Take back day is Saturday, April 25 — If you have any expired or unused medications you can drop them off during the national Prescription Drug Take Back Day. In Jefferson County, the Sheriff’s Office and the Shepherdstown Police Department will be operating drop off locations. >>>more information & location lookup…
Ranson Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 25 — The City of Ranson invites residents for a city-wide cleanup effort from 9 am to 1 pm. >>>more information & signup form…
Registration Open for Stronger With Each Step 5K — The Brian O’Neill Jr. Foundation organizes teen suicide prevention programs throughout the Eastern Panhandle. Its annual 5K Color Run fundraising event will take place this year on Saturday, May 3 at Sam Michaels Park in Harpers Ferry. Advance registration is $30 for adults, $25 for students. Day of race registration is $35. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. >>>more information…
Charles Town Utility Board hires General Manager — Paul Mantello joined CTUB on April 20 as the General Manager. Mantello previously served as the Town Administrator for Middletown, MD and the Town Manager for Boonsboro, MD. Mantello will oversee daily operations and also guide the upcoming expansion projects for the utility’s water and wastewater treatment plants. >>>more information…
Jefferson County Planning Commission defers action — An amendment to the county’s solar zoning ordinance has been in the Planning Commission’s workplan since the end of 2024. The solar topic was on the April 14 Planning Commission meeting agenda for discussion, but the planning staff requested that the item be deferred until the May 12 meeting so they could include new language about glare from solar panels. The Planning Commission has been discussing changes to the zoning ordinance to clarify historic research and preservation requirements for major projects since late 2025. The 7 commissioners present for the meeting (image above) could not come to agreement on how to proceed with the historic preservation requirements and voted to send question back to the County Commission for further direction.
Charles Town City Council discusses economic development — During the Council’s April 21 meeting, Daryl Cowles, the new Executive director of the Jefferson County Development Authority, briefed the Council on the difficulties working parents have with finding local child care. According to his presentation, the current wait time for child care slots in Jefferson County exceeds 1 year, a number that has not improved since the JCDA surveyed providers in 2023. The Council also voted to draft a letter to the Jefferson County Board of Education expressing concern about potential school program cuts. Councilmember Jeff Hynes noted during the discussion that employers look at the local education systems and expressed concern that the state’s under-investment in education makes it difficult to attract businesses to Jefferson County.
Route 340 construction update — The Virginia Department of Transportation issued an alert this week about construction in Clarke County related to West Virginia’s realignment of Route 340. For the next month, there will be no access to Shepherds Mill Road (Route 612) from Route 340. >>>more information…
Stormwater management workshop on April 30 — The Town Run Watershed group will offer a presentation and walking tour of rain gardens, swales, and barrels on April 30 from 2 to 4 pm. Meet at the Historic Reformed Church (304 East German Street, Shepherdstown). The event is free, no pre-registration required. >>>more information…
Transportation survey open through April 30 — The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) is conducting a survey to get residents’ input on priorities for road improvements, transit routes, sidewalks, traffic, bike paths, maintenance concerns, accessibility and mobility issues. The study area includes all of Jefferson County, along with Berkeley County and Washington County, MD. The survey results will help guide HEPMPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan that sets the regional priorities for highway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects The survey (click here to begin) will be open through April 30.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Preserving the Past: A Curator’s Collection — A behind-the-scenes look at the items in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park’s museum. John Brown Museum (2nd Floor), 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry. Friday, April 24, 12-3 pm. Free. Info…
Hip-After-Six Food Truck Festival — Charles Town Now hosts food trucks, pop-up bar, and music on North Charles St. in downtown Charles Town. Friday, April 24, 6-9 pm. Free. Info…
Poetry Parlor — Community poetry gathering and informal readings. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 24, 6 pm. Free. Info…
Film: Mr. Nobody Against Putin — Russian school teacher secretly films Russian propaganda. Winner of 2026 Oscar for Best Documentary. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 24, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Live Theater: She Loves Me — Musical theater production running multiple performances. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday, April 24–Sunday, May 3 $ Tickets & Info…
Live Theater: The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals — Musical comedy theater production. Roving Peregrine Theater Company, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 24–Sunday, May 3, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…
68th Annual Home & Garden Tour — Self-guided regional tour across Jefferson and Berkeley Counties sponsored by Shenandoah Potomac Garden Council. Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26, all day. $ Tickets & Info…
Independent Bookstore Day Celebration — Community celebration of independent bookstores with events and specials. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 25, 10 am-8 pm. Info…
Local Yarn Store Day Celebration — Fiber arts celebration featuring specials and community activities. Yarnability, 35 Halltown Rd, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, April 25, 10 am-5 pm. Info…
Spring Jubilee — Town-wide, family-friendly spring festival with local vendors and activities. Boonsboro, 16 North Main St, Boonsboro. Saturday, April 25, 10 am-5 pm. $. Info…
Earth Day Short: Building For Birds — Film followed by discussion on how to make windows safe for birds. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 25, 11 am. Free. Info…
Earth Day Art Show — Community art exhibition by young artists K-12 celebrating Earth Day. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 25, 11 am-6 pm. Free. Info…
In Bloom: Virginius Island Guided Hike — Guided spring ecology hike highlighting native blooms. Harpers Ferry National Park, Virginius Island trailhead. Saturday, April 25, 1-3:30 pm. Free. Info…
Masterworks Chorale Concert — Chorale performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana with Shepherd Youth Chorus, conducted by Jason Strunk. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm. $ Info…
Live Music: Black Masala w/ Gypsy Ramblers — High-energy live music performance. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 25, 8 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Open House — Public science open house showcasing ecological research. 11649 Leetown Rd, Kearneysville. Sunday, April 26, 1-4 pm. Free. Info…
Jefferson County Community Chorus Concert — Choral performance benefiting local community services. St. James the Greater Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Sunday, April 26, 2 pm. $. Info…
Film: The Fifth Step — National Theatre Live screening of a staged production about addiction recovery starring Martin Freeman. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, April 26, 3 pm. $. Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Bee City Fundraiser — Community fundraiser supporting pollinator initiatives with food, music, and art. Alma Bea Restaurant, 202 East Washington St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, April 26, 4:30 pm. $. Info…
Shepherd Youth Chorus — Youth choral and recorder ensemble performance. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Farmer Workshop: Integrated Pest Management — Agricultural training workshop for farmers and gardeners. Shepherd University Farm, 482 Billmyer Rd, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, April 29, 5:30-7 pm. Free. Info…
Community Music: Strings — Community string ensemble performance. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, April 29, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Reading: Pointy Tooth God — Reading of one-act play by Elenor Lepp for mature audiences. Studio 112, 92 West Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Thursday, April 30, 7:30 pm. Free. No link available.
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local vendors offering produce and handmade goods. St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan products. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Second & last Fridays, 4 - 7 pm. Free. 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. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors. 125 W King St, Martinsburg, WV. Saturdays, April–October, 10 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Cumberland Valley Artists — Exhibition showcasing works by local artists from the Cumberland Valley region. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr, Hagerstown, MD. Ongoing through Sunday, April 26. Free. Info…
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation invites you to run, laugh, and get COLORFUL at its two-mile color run this Saturday, April 25. Participants will run through 5 color splash zones that will leave everyone covered in bright colors from head to toe.
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.
