We’re preparing, along with everyone else, for the big snowstorm heading across the country this weekend. If you’re looking for weather information or need to contact local government agencies or utility companies, we’ve published a helpful list on our website.
In this issue we’re introducing our first Charles Town Snapshot - a focused look at what’s happening in our county seat.
Alma Bea Chef Earns James Beard Foundation Recognition
Photo credit: Steven Keith (WVFoodGuy.com)
Mary Ellen Diaz, executive chef at Alma Bea in Shepherdstown, has been named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Best Chef: Southeast category. She is the first chef in the Eastern Panhandle, and only the third West Virginia chef, to reach this stage, following Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge in Charleston and Scott MacGregor of Appalachia Kitchen in Snowshoe.
The James Beard Awards, widely considered one of the most prestigious honors in American cooking, recognize chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary innovators across the country. Semifinalists are selected by a panel of industry professionals before finalists are announced in March and winners celebrated in June.
Before opening Alma Bea, Diaz worked in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, gaining experience in high-level kitchens and learning how restaurants can serve as hubs for both culinary innovation and community building. She has carried this philosophy to Shepherdstown, emphasizing local sourcing, mentoring staff, and creating a welcoming environment for diners.
At Alma Bea, Diaz focuses on Appalachian ingredients and locally sourced produce. The restaurant has gained attention for its seasonal menus and emphasis on regional flavors. Diaz and her spouse have also become widely recognized locally as strong community supporters. In 2025, Alma Bea hosted a free community Thanksgiving dinner, welcoming neighbors and visitors — including those facing economic challenges — to share a holiday meal and celebrate community.
“This recognition is about more than my kitchen—it’s about putting Shepherdstown on the map as a place where culture, community, and cuisine come together,” Diaz said.
The James Beard semifinalists were announced January 21, with finalists scheduled for release March 31.
Alma Bea Restaurant is located at 202 East Washington Street in Shepherdstown.
A message from Divergent Electrical
Divergent Electrical was built to put people first again. We’re tired of the corporate runaround — pushy upsells, scripted sales techs, and companies more focused on shareholders than homeowners. Our team takes a warm, personable approach, staying fully client-focused from start to finish. We troubleshoot carefully, communicate clearly, and get the job done right the first time. That’s electrical service you can trust, right here in Shepherdstown.
Affordable Child Care Plays A Key Role In Economic Growth
West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner highlighted the link between childcare and economic development in a statement he issued earlier this week, noting that affordable daycare has become an issue in all of West Virginia’s counties.
Warner tied the lack of childcare directly to economic growth: “When families cannot access affordable, quality childcare, businesses lose workers, communities lose productivity, and children lose crucial early‑development opportunities. West Virginia, like much of the nation, faces profound childcare challenges that must be addressed to build a stronger workforce and brighter future.”
John Deskins, the Director of the Bureau of Economic Research at West Virginia University has been emphasizing a similar concern about the lack of affordable child care in briefings he provides to local governments and chambers of commerce around the state.
During a briefing to the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce in December 2025, Deskins shared figures showing that West Virginia’s workforce participation rate is the lowest in the country by far. While he noted several issues driving this statistic, including drug addiction and an aging population, Deskins emphasized that in the 21st century economy, jobs follow people — that is, companies look to invest in locations with an available workforce.
According to Deskins, the quality of life amenities — including childcare and health care services — play an important role in attracting the younger workforce that is necessary to expand West Virginia’s economy.
The West Virginia legislature is currently reviewing several bills focused on childcare. House Bill 4659 would move oversight of childcare facilities from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Education. House Bill 4517 would update the employer tax credit for childcare. Senate Bill 468 would increase reimbursement rates for licensed childcare providers.
>>>Follow The Observer’s coverage of this topic at ObserverWV.com…
Charles Town Snapshot
The Charles Town City Council met on Tuesday, January 20 for its second meeting of 2026. During the Mayor report, Mike George gave heartfelt remarks about former council member Todd Coyle who died on January 16. Coyle was a lifelong resident and his most recent role in shaping the life of Charles Town was as the driving force behind Bushel & Peck and the Charles Town Farmers Market.
Supporting Local Business
The first order of new business before the council was a resolution in support of local business SustainBio, which operates a hemp product dispensary downtown. The company is also the first nano-brewery licensed in West Virginia. The council voted unanimously for the resolution that opposes legislative efforts to alter the regulations for legal hemp processing.
Finding Funds For The Bike Path
The next item on the agenda was a presentation by Matt Ward of Sustainable Strategies DC and Matt Mullenax of the Hagerstown Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO). The topic of their presentation was the extension of the Route 9 bike path from Currie Road into Charles Town. Mullinax updated the council on the recently closed survey and his organization's progress on identifying the preferred path for the connection. Ward’s focus was to ask the council to support his efforts to apply for a $2 million grant from the US Department of Transportation to fund the design and engineering work. Ward highlighted that the grant requires no local funding and the council was quick to voice its approval to proceed with the application.
Progress For The Augustine Avenue Path
Ward also updated the council on the bike/pedestrian path along Augustine Avenue. Phase 1 of the project (the middle section north of Page Jackson Elementary School) was completed last fall. Phase 2, connecting through to Washington High School is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2026. Ward announced that the WV Department of Transportation informed him that it will be accelerating the schedule for Phase 3 (completing the path northward to the skatepark) to meet a September 2026 deadline to spend the $2 million allocated for construction.
Planting Trees & Trust In The Community
After approving the City’s 2026 tree plan and re-applying for its “Tree City USA” certification, the council took up a discussion of public safety. Police Chief Christopher Kutcher stated that the City’s police force is obligated to enforce the law and to provide police services when requested by other law enforcement agencies with overlapping jurisdiction (i.e. state and federal agencies). Kutcher also confirmed for the Council that the city does not have a 287(g) agreement to coordinate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Kutcher emphasized that the police department is very focused on training, noting that in 2025 the department recorded only 2 uses of force incidents out of 14,000 contacts.
The Council asked the City’s attorney to draft a resolution on public safety for its consideration during its next meeting on February 2.
A message from The Bridge Gallery
January 17 - February 28
Diana Suttenfield is an accomplished artist who, since she arrived in Shepherdstown in 1963, has been captivated by the beauty of the landscape and the history of the town. Her inspiration “comes from the land but the subject is light" and she finds the light in the familiar structures, hay bales and rolling hills depicted in her work. This exhibit celebrates the landscape and the history of the area, as each painting represents a view of Jefferson County. Her recently published book "Shepherdstown My Way, Creating Art in the Eastern Panhandle Of West Virginia and Beyond” tracks her personal art experiences living and painting in Shepherdstown.
Winter Storm Resources — Visit ObserverWV.com for helpful information and links for local government and utility contacts.
Data Center Information Session — The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) will meet on February 5 to receive information about data centers. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 – 8:00 at the County Government Building meeting room (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town). The JCDA board expects to receive presentations about the state’s data center program as well as hear from government officials in nearby jurisdictions who have been working on the issues surrounding the construction of data centers. The public is invited to attend the information session but there will be no public comment period.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Come out and dance the winter blues away with Ginada Piñata at the Shepherdstown Opera House on Saturday, February 7. Doors open at 7:30, show at 8:00.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
STEAM Night at Shipley — Hands‑on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math for families. C.W. Shipley Elementary School, 652 Shipley School Rd, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Jan 23, 6 - 9 pm. Free Info…
Kings, Queens & Things, Oh My — A musical/theatrical performance by The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Jan 23, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Macbeth — A production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth by Endangered Species Theatre Project at New Spire Arts. STAGES at New Spire Arts, 15 West Patrick St, Frederick MD. Friday, Jan 23, 7:30 pm and Saturday, Jan 24, 7:30 pm and Sunday, Jan 25, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
C&O Canal Winter Bird Survey — Group bird‑watching walk along the towpath for beginning and more experienced birders organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Dress for outdoor conditions. Meet point: 117844 Canal Rd, Sharpsburg MD. Saturday, Jan 24, 8 am - 12 noon. Free Info…
Seed Swap — Exchange seeds and gardening tips with local growers at the WVU Jefferson County Extension Service Office, 67 Apple Harvest Ln, Kearneysville. Saturday, Jan 24, 10 am. Free Info…
Frostyfest Skating (Postponed) — Ice skating and winter activities behind Market House in Shepherdstown is being rescheduled due to weather. Originally Saturday, Jan 24–Sunday, Jan 25, 10 am - 4 pm. Free Info…
Charles Town Now Volunteer Meet & Greet — Learn about Charles Town Now and opportunities to get involved. Charles Washington Hall, 100 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Jan 24, 11 am. Free Info…
Tom Lehrer is Alive and Well… — A satirical musical revue of Lehrer’s work. ACT Black Box Center, 43 South Potomac St, Hagerstown MD. Saturday, Jan 24, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Stanislav Golovin Clarinet Concert (Postponed) — Clarinet performance presented by Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 22. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Information Session — Learn about the Spring semester’s offerings for adults of all ages. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Jan 27, 1 pm. Free Info…
Birdwood Brass Trio — Brass ensemble concert performance. W.H. Shipley Recital Hall in Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Jan 27, 7:30 pm. Free Info…
Not Quite Burns Night — Scottish themed evening with trivia, poetry and a kilt contest benefiting Friends of the Brunswick Library. Smoketown Brewing, 223 West Potomac St, Brunswick MD. Tuesday, Jan 27, 6 - 9 pm. Free Info…
FOSL Winter Book Sale — Friends of the Shepherdstown Library book sale at the Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Wed, Jan 28 5-7 pm is Preview Sale by $10 admission. Regular sale on Thu, Jan 29 - Fri, Jan 30 10 am - 6 pm and Sat, Jan 31, 10 am - 2 pm. Free Info…
Ongoing
Celebrating Small Things — A month-long art exhibit featuring award-winning wildlife photography with proceeds supporting the library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Runs until Saturday, Jan 31 during library hours. Free. Info…
Phaze 2 Gallery: ToUgH sHaPes Opening Reception — Exhibit explores geometric form and perception. Phaze 2 Gallery, Shepherd University, 92 West Campus Drive, Shepherdstown. Gallery is open 4-6 pm M-F. Free. Info…
Diana Suttenfield Art Exhibition – Opening Reception — An opening reception for a new art exhibition by Diana Suttenfield. Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Jan 17, 3 - 5 pm. Exhibit runs until Feb 28. Free.Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) is a giving circle that awards four grants each year, two designated for Shepherd University learning projects and two that are awarded to nonprofit organizations serving the Eastern Panhandle and western Maryland. This year, each grant is worth $36,625.
Qualifying nonprofit organizations must be designated as 501(c)3 public charities. Organizations and groups affiliated with Shepherd must be university sanctioned. The deadline for nonprofit applicants to submit an inquiry is March 1. The deadline for Shepherd University applicants is March 15. The grant committee will review the inquiries and invite selected applicants to submit formal grant proposals.
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.
