Sidewinder Settlement Rejected, Bank Changes Name, Community Pitches In
Published 22 days ago • 11 min read
Observer Weekly
November 6, 2025
Jefferson County, WV news & events
The Jefferson County Planning Commission and Sidewinder will be in court on Monday after the Planning Commission rejected Sidewinder’s settlement offer. Plus, coverage of a local business with a new name, the community’s efforts to respond to the government shutdown, and lots of things to do this weekend.
At the end of a special meeting on November 5, the Jefferson County Planning Commission voted to reject a litigation settlement offer from Sidewinder LLC.
Seven members of the Planning Commission were present for the meeting — Michael Shepp (currently serving as president of the commission), Cara Keys (who also serves as a County Commissioner), Donnie Fisher, Danial Hayes, Wade Louthan, Tim Smith, and J Ware. Commissioners Aaron Howel and Bruce Chrisman did not attend the special meeting.
Sidewinder had sued the Planning Commission earlier this year after the Planning Commission denied its concept plan to build a large-scale water bottling facility and water pipeline in Middleway.
The agenda for this week’s meeting indicated that the Planning Commission would consider “proffers” (specific proposals) to be made by Sidewinder. The two parties had met in a day-long mediation session the previous week, so presumably the commissioners were aware of the general outline of the proposed settlement prior to the meeting.
The intervenors were present for the October 29 mediation session, but it did not appear that they were consulted by the other two parties during the negotiation discussions.
Sidewinder’s Offer
After Planning Commission president Michael Shepp called the meeting to order at 6 pm, the commissioners moved immediately to convene in executive session to discuss the proposed settlement with the Commission’s attorney, Nathan Cochran.
Thirty minutes later, the Commission returned to public session and invited Sidewinder’s attorney, Susan Snowden, to present the company’s proposed settlement offer.
Snowden outlined several commitments related to the quantity of water to be pumped (1,000 gallons per minute), the number of truck trips per day (145), and the monitoring of the chemical contaminant plume under the site, along with other commitments about the pipeline construction, road improvements, and funding of replacement wells for the properties in the surrounding area.
In return for the Planning Commission accepting the proffers, Snowden offered that Sidewinder would suspend the current litigation. According to Snowden’s presentation, the company would not move to dismiss its lawsuit until it received a final approval of its site plan and building permit.
At the conclusion of Snowden’s presentation, commissioner Ware expressed concern about the technical details of the water extraction limits. Snowden responded that the numbers provided had not changed from the proposal made by the company during the concept plan review earlier this year, referencing a chart that had been included in the records of those earlier proceedings.
Commissioner Keys then moved to reject the settlement offer. Commissioner Fisher seconded the motion. During the discussion, several of the commissioners indicated that they were struggling to balance their misgivings about allowing the project to proceed with the prospect of a lengthy legal battle with an uncertain outcome.
Commission president Shepp called for a vote by a show of hands from the commissioners present at the meeting, which was a departure from the commission’s customary practice of either voice vote or roll call vote. Only 5 commissioners raised their hands in response to Shepp’s initial call.
Shepp then reminded all of the commissioners present at the meeting of their obligation to vote and asked for another show of hands. Commissioners Cara Keys, Donnie Fisher, Daniel Hayes, and Wade Louthan then raised their hands for the motion to reject the settlement offer and commissioners Michael Shepp and Tim Smith raised their hands against the motion to reject the settlement. Commissioner J Ware did not raise his hand during the final round of voting.
Reaction In The Room
Approximately 140 residents were present for the meeting and the room erupted with applause following the Commission’s vote.
Sidewinder’s attorney and all of the planning commissioners left the room immediately after the meeting concluded and were not available to provide comment.
Middleway resident Stacy Chapman leads the Protect Middleway organization that formed shortly after Sidewinder’s plans for the project became public in late 2024. After the meeting, she described her feelings as “jubilant” and remarked that “we still have a long path ahead of us, but we are confident about the court hearing on the 10th. The Planning Commission followed their ordinances when they voted last March, and we’re reassured that they continue to follow their ordinances tonight.”
A Court Date on November 10
The lawsuit is currently scheduled for a hearing before Judge Bridget Cohee in Circuit Court on November 10.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
FAQ: How Long Do I Have to Bring a Claim?
Timing matters when it comes to personal injury claims. Generally—in West Virginia, you have two years to file, two in Virginia, and three in Maryland. Every case is unique, and certain factors can change your deadline. It is one of the first things we review, and acting early can make all the difference.
Tracing its origin to 1871, Potomac Bank is a new name for a very old community institution. According to the company website, the bank was founded by 38 Jefferson County citizens — local apple orchardists, farmers, and merchants. From a single bank in Charles Town, the company has grown to serve the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with an asset base approaching $1 billion.
The new name was foreshadowed 30 years ago when the company organized under a holding company named Potomac Bancshares. The new name for the retail operations aligns both with its corporate parent as well as its growth as a regional financial institution.
Potomac Bank President and CEO Alice P. Frazier says “clients, shareholders, vendors, and community partners can expect a seamless transition. The bank’s ownership, leadership, values, and dedication to personalized service will remain the same. The same friendly faces will continue to provide trusted service and support. All existing accounts, services, and branch locations also remain the same.”
Join Colin Woodard for the Nations Apart book launch on Nov. 12 at 6:30 PM at Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, and be part of the conversation on America’s divided past and shared future.
Staff members of The Conservation Fund assembled 4,000 personal hygiene kits during a retreat at NCTC this week. The kits were donated to local non-profits serving community members in need. From left to right: Carla Tufano, Rachel Eisenberg, Elizabeth Palmer (front center), Christine Lepine, Naomi Harris.
The cities of Ranson and Charles Town have partnered with Jefferson County Community Ministries to organize a food drive this Friday. The event will take place at the Ranson Civic Center (432 West 2nd Ave, Ranson) between 9 am and 1 pm.
According to the event organizers “our friends and neighbors are facing sudden food insecurity; SNAP benefits are paused beginning November 1, and federal employees continue working without pay.” They are encouraging all Jefferson County residents to show up for our neighbors.
The following food items are requested: spaghetti sauce, ramen, crackers, dry cereals, canned meat, hearty soups, canned pasta, rice, box mashed potatoes, peanut butter, and jelly. JCCM also requests personal care items: laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, paper towels, and toilet paper.
The Conservation Fund Organizes Service Project To Assist
Earlier this week, the entire staff of Arlington VA-based The Conservation Fund (TCF) were meeting at the National Conservation Training Center for a multi-day retreat and staff training event. According to Elizabeth Palmer, a senior HR executive with the organization, the group always organizes a service project as part of the retreat.
For this year’s project, the organization focused on our local community and tasked its staff with assembling 4,000 personal hygiene kits from materials donated by The Conservation Fund. The employees, who are based around the country, also brought their own donations of more than 1,000 new socks, hats and gloves to be donated. TCF has pre-arranged with the following local non-profit groups to distribute these items:
Sponsored by the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Jefferson Arts Council.
Go Downtown In November
The downtown merchants in Charles Town and Shepherdstown are working together this season to spread cheer and encourage the community to explore the home town heart of these towns.
In Charles Town, “Be Kind November” has become an annual theme to celebrate the community spirit of the city. Participating merchants and restaurants will have special offers and events througout the month (click here for more details). The highlight for this weekend is the Earth Grounds street festival on Saturday which will include music, food, and a bounce house.
Shepherdstown is inaugurating a “Downtown Cozy Crawl” that will run from November 7 through 22. This event combines a scavenger hunt with discounts and special offers from the participating businesses (click here for more details). The kickoff event this Friday is co-sponsored by Four Seasons Books and Alma Bea.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
St. Isadore Farmers Market — Farmers market featuring local produce and vendors. 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursday, Nov 6, 5 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Tuba Skinny — Traditional Jazz band from New Orleans. Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD. Thursday, Nov 6, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Food Drive — Community food collection to support local families. Civic Center, Ranson. Friday, Nov 7, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Cindy Adams Art Show — Art exhibition presented by Potomac River Artists Guild. War Memorial Building, Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 7 – Sunday, Nov 9. Free. Info…
Crafty Storytime — Children’s storytime with craft activities. Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library, 151 Polk St, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Nov 7, 11 am - noon. Free. Info…
Seasoned in Appalachia — First Friday in Shepherdstown kicks off at Alma Bea with stories and tasty treats. Friday, Nov 7, 5 - 7 pm. Info…
Hill Top House Myths & Mysteries — Local author Lynn Pechuekonis shares stories about the early decades of the Hill Top House. Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library, 151 Polk St, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Nov 7, 6 pm. Free. Info…
The Effect — A play about “love and neuroscience” by award-winning playwright Lucy Prebble presented by Shepherd University’s Contemporary Theater Studies program at the Marinoff Theater on the Shepherd campus. Mature themes and language. Multiple performances, Nov 7 - Nov 9. $ Tickets & Info…
Puzzle Club - Potluck & Puzzle Exchange — Bring puzzles to swap and enjoy a community potluck. MCC Library, 58 Mission Rd, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Nov 7, 7 - 9 pm. Free. Info…
Universal Language — A “lightly satirical and surrealist comedy” and a New York Times Critics pick. Film will be followed by a facilitated discussion for those who wish to stay. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 7, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Pancake Breakfast — Longstanding community favorite for breakfast and socializing. New Street United Methodist Church, 202 West New Street, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 7 - 11 am. $ Info…
Fall Bazaar — Annual community event presented by the Asbury United Methodist Church Women at Williams Hall, Asbury United Methodist Church, 110 West North St, Charles Town. Saturday, Nov 8, 9 am - 2 pm. Free. Info…
Over the Mountain Studio Tour — Annual art studio tour featuring local artists. Multiple locations across Jefferson County. Saturday, Nov 8 – Sunday, Nov 9, 10 am - 5 pm. Free. Info…
Earth Grounds Fall Festival — Fall-themed celebration with food, music, and crafts on North Charles St in downtown Charles Town. Saturday, Nov 8, noon - 6 pm. Free. Info…
SAIL Hobby Fair — Learn about locally-available hobbies and activities at this community event organized by SAIL - Shepherdstown Area Independent Living. Trinity Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 1 - 4 pm. Free. For information, email Info@ShepherdsdtownSAIL.org or call 304-870-7245.
Knot Knitting — Knitting meetup for all skill levels. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 1 pm. Free. Info…
Harpers Ferry Pumpkin Roll — Community event featuring pumpkin-themed activities. Town Gazebo Park, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Nov 8, 2:00 - 4:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lifelong Learning Fundraising Event — Dinner event to support the Lifelong Learning program at Shepherd University. War Memorial Building, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 6 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pine Tree Flyers Concert — Live performance by Pine Tree Flyers, who represent the New England traditional music style, at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Masterworks Chorale & Shepherd University Chamber Singers Concert: Dona Nobis Pacem — Community members and Shepherd students combine their voices and talents in this annual performance event featuring three works by celebrated English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 8, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Antietam Aqueduct Hike — Guided hike along the historic canal presented by the C&O Canal Association. Hikers to meet by the towpath near the aqueduct at the end of Canal Road on Sunday, Nov 9, 11 am. Free. Info…
93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade — Annual parade honoring veterans in Downtown Brunswick, MD. Sunday, Nov 9, 1 pm (parade starts at 2 pm). Free. Info…
Dementia Man — Theater performance exploring how to live fully and joyfully despite a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Shepherdstown Opera House, S131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Nov 9, 2 pm. Pay-What-You-Can Tickets & Info…
Auditions for Arsenic and Old Lace — Auditions for upcoming community theater production at the Charles Town Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Sunday, Nov 9, 4 pm and Monday, Nov 10, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Trombone Choir Concert — Shepherd University students and community members perform for the public at the Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Nov 9, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Veterans Day Art Show — Art exhibition hosted by the Shepherdstown Community Club honoring veterans and their creative talents at the War Memorial Building, Shepherdstown. Monday, Nov 10 – Friday, Nov 14. Free. Info…
All Ages Storytime — Storytime for children of all ages at the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library, 151 Polk St, Harpers Ferry. Tuesday, Nov 11, 10:30 - 11:00 am. Free. Info…
Berkeley Springs Veterans Day — Commemoration event at Greenway Cemetery, 269 Greenway Dr, Berkeley Springs. Tuesday, Nov 11, 2 - 4 pm. Free. Info…
Speak Story: Barry Stewart Mann & Deborah Strahorn — Special program featuring a commissioned performance, The Strange Case of Lady Liberty. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church,100 West Washington St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Nov 11, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Mechanical Engineering with 4H — Hands-on engineering activities for grades 3–5. Charles Town Library, 200 East Washington St, Charles Town. Wednesday, Nov 12, 1 - 3 pm. Free. Info…
Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden — Presentation on sustainable gardening and wildlife by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society at the Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Nov 12, 6:30 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Storytime in the Dale — Children’s storytime program. MCC Library, 58 Mission Rd, Harpers Ferry. Thursday, Nov 13, 10:15 am. Free. Info…
Community Spotlight — Jefferson County Community Ministries
Support the Jefferson County Community Ministries and enjoy live music, dancing, concessions, and raffles on Friday, November 14. Doors open at 6 pm and the event runs from 7 – 11 pm at the Charles Town Moose Lodge 948. Tickets are $15 per person – includes admission and a delicious meal from Tee Dawgs BBQ. All are welcome (must be 21+). Can’t attend? You can still make a donation and support JCCM!
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.
