Wawa Comes To Town, Bike Path Plans, plus Last-Minute Shopping Options
Published 25 days ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
December 18, 2025
Jefferson County, WV news & events
We’re excited to see that new businesses are coming to Jefferson County and our local governments are making plans to improve the livability of the community. As we prepare to wrap up 2025, we’d like to note our appreciation for the local businesses who advertise in the Observer Weekly. If you’d like to join them in promoting your business to our engaged readers across Jefferson County, you can email us at Publisher@ObserverWV.com.
— Steve Pearson
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.
Ranson mayor Ken Suits and Charles Town mayor Mike George celebrate with “Wally Goose” at the Wawa grand opening event in Ranson.
There was plenty of enthusiasm (and free coffee) as employees, community members, and local government officials gathered at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Wawa store in Ranson on December 18.
Wawa’s upfront investment in this new store is roughly $10 million, according to Katerina Goldfarb, a Wawa executive responsible for real estate planning. That number includes the property owner’s site preparation, the construction work, and the equipment installed to support both the fuel service and convenience store operations. Wawa has hired approximately 50 associates, including managers, for this location, according to Amanda Wynne, director of operations for the company. She also noted that Wawa remains family-controlled, with the employees themselves owning 40 percent of the company.
What Attracts A Wawa
Traffic volume is a key factor in determining a location’s appeal for a retailer, and the presence of certain retailers often signals that a community has reached a certain scale.
Wawa’s real estate guidelines indicate that the company prefers to locate its stores at high-volume intersections, with a specific criteria of 25,000 average daily trips. By comparison, Sheetz specifies 15,000 average daily trips in its site-selection criteria and Dollar General will utilize sites with an average daily trip count as low as 2,500 according to information published by those companies.
Goldfarb said that Wawa is already working on two new West Virginia locations, both in Berkeley County, in addition to the existing locations in Inwood and Ranson. She said the company has no immediate plans for an additional location in Jefferson County.
Water and sewer infrastructure are also key criteria in the company’s site selection process, according to Goldfarb. She mentioned a potential site near Shepherdstown that did not work out because the company could not justify the expense of building the necessary utility connections.
Goldfarb, along with the development company that provided the site work for the Ranson store, mentioned the rocky terrain in Jefferson County as a hurdle for their projects, given the company’s need to bury the tanks and plumbing necessary for the fuel service operations.
Local Government Officials Welcome Investment
Among other officials who attended the ribbon-cutting, Ranson Mayor Ken Suits remarked that “Wawa’s investment is a strong message of confidence in Ranson.” He said he was particularly impressed with the company’s commitment to its associates and its culture of community involvement. “We look forward to welcoming them as part of the fabric of our community.”
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Public Invited To Comment On Route 9 Bike Path Options
HEPMPO, the organization that coordinates long-range planning for transportation projects in our region, is conducting a survey about extending the existing Route 9 bike path to connect with downtown Ranson and Charles Town.
The survey (click here to begin) will be open for public comment until January 15. The survey consists of interactive maps that allow participants to mark preferences for specific routes, express concerns about safety and make other comments.
The Route 9 bike path currently extends approximately 10 miles from Grapevine Road in Berkeley County (near the regional jail) to Currie Road in Jefferson County. The plans presented at a public meeting on December 16 at the Jefferson County government building outlined four distinct proposals to continue the path from Currie Road into Ranson and ultimately to the skate park in Charles Town, with multiple variations in the specific route for each of the four proposals.
The City of Martinsburg is currently working on a project to extend the western end of the path into Frog Hollow Park. The $25 million cost of that extension project, covering approximately ¾ of a mile, is being funded by grants according to Matt Mullenax, the Executive Director of HEPMPO.
What HEPMPO Does
The full name of HEPMPO is Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization. It is an intergovernmental agency, with a board that includes members from the state transportation agencies and local governments. The organization studies the long-term transportation needs of the region and proposes concept plans for addressing future needs. HEPMPO itself does not design or build specific projects — its role is to ensure that the state and local governments that do build these projects have a “master plan” to help guide development priorities and that local development plans take into account the need for future transportation improvements.
Public Input For The Bike Path Plan
Mullenax introduced the bike path study at a public workshop on December 16 at the Jefferson County government building. According to Mullenax, the goal of the study is to create a plan that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and connectivity. He said that a study committee, made up of several transportation professionals, local officials, and community members, was involved in drafting the initial plans that he presented at this meeting.
Once the results of the current public survey are processed, this study committee will hold additional meetings to review the recommendations developed by the HEPMPO staff. At the end of that process, there will be another public meeting for the public to review the study committee’s recommendations.
A message from West Virginia American Water
At West Virginia American Water, we're more than your water provider–we're your neighbors. We're proud to invest in the communities we serve because we live here too. From upgrading infrastructure to protecting local water sources, every drop we deliver reflects our commitment to safety, reliability and a better future.
By population, Jefferson County (red) is less than half the size of Berkley County.
Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties are often considered as a group in the context of West Virginia regional planning and politics. While all three stand out from the rest of the state because of their growing populations, the three counties are on very different growth paths.
Jefferson Population Closer to Culpepper Than Berkeley
Looking at the total population (chart above), Berkeley is closer in size to Frederick County, VA (Winchester), Washington County MD (Hagerstown), and Franklin County, PA (Chambersburg). The population of Jefferson is more comparable to Culpepper, Fauquier and Warren counties in VA. Morgan is closer in size to Clarke, VA. Lining up all 55 counties in West Virginia, Berkeley has the 2nd largest population (after Kanawha), Jefferson’s population puts it 8th on the list, and Morgan’s population ranks 32nd.
Population Growth In The Eastern Panhandle
Jefferson has definitely grown at a good clip since 2010, but Berkeley’s 30% growth is 3 times Jefferson’s rate over that 15 year period and Morgan county’s population has remained almost flat over the same period according to US Census data (chart below).
Berkeley County's population is growing at a higher rate than Jefferson and Morgan counties populations.
Between 2020 and 2024, Jefferson’s population has grown 2.6% according to Census estimates. Berkeley continues to outpace Jefferson with 11.6% population growth over the same period. Morgan’s population growth of 4.6% since 2020 has outpaced Jefferson. Counting actual people, the comparison is 14,211 new residents in Berkeley, 1,488 in Jefferson, and 717 in Morgan between the end of 2020 and the end of 2024.
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival brings its 5th season to a close with the popular Winter Residency featuring music from your favorite composers, some new works to spark your curiosity, all connected together with holiday classics to give sparkle to the march towards 2026.
Ranson Police Chief Robert Miller announced his resignation during the December 16 City Council meeting. Miller cited personal reasons for his departure, which will be at the end of this week. Miller had previously served for 25 years with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office, retiring from that department in 2022 as a Lt. Colonel. Per the City Charter, Ranson’s Mayor, Ken Suits, will be responsible for appointing a new police chief.
Krista Hoffman, the executive director of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) announced her resignation during the December 16 JCDA board meeting. Hoffman said her last day at the JCDA would be January 2. Hoffman indicated she would be moving to the private sector, but declined to provide specifics until her new employer formally announces her new position.
The application deadline for the City of Ranson mini-grant program is December 31. Details and the application form are available on the Ranson government website.
Visit ObserverWV.com for news about other upcoming government and community meetings.
A message from Brunswick Main Street
Are you looking for the perfect gift and a way to support your community? Our local gift guide is packed with unique finds from the small businesses that make Downtown Brunswick so special. Whether you’re shopping for handmade goods, local art, tasty treats, or one-of-a-kind experiences, this guide has something for everyone on your list!
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Youth Maker's Market — A pop-up market featuring creations of local youth. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Dec 18, 4 pm. Free. Info...
Holiday Film — Nostalgic holiday favorite film screening for all ages. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Dec 18, 7 pm. Free. Call 304-876-3704 for title. Info...
A Very Peregrine Christmas Spectacular — Holiday comedy with songs and stories presented by Roving Peregrine Theatre at the Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 19–Sunday, Dec 21. $ Tickets & Info...
Lindsay Guild paintings & prints — Exhibition of paintings and prints with an opening reception. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Now until Wednesday, Dec 31. $ Tickets & Info…
The Nutcracker — Holiday ballet classic at the Old Opera House, 204 N George St, Charles Town. Thursday–Sunday, Dec 18–21. $ Tickets & Info…
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical — Stage musical adaptation of the classic holiday story. Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 East Martin St, Martinsburg. Friday, Dec 19 - Sunday, Dec 21. $ Tickets & Info…
Holiday Film — Family-friendly vintage holiday film screening at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 19, 7 pm. Free. Call 304-876-3704 for film title. Info…
Breakfast With Santa in Shepherdstown — The Shepherdstown Lions’ annual community breakfast event with a visit from Santa at the Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 20, 8 - 11 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Breakfast With Santa in Harpers Ferry — Community breakfast event with a visit from Santa hosted by Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, 181 Keyes Gap Rd, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 20, 8 - 11 am. Free with donations accepted. Info…
Holiday Jigsaw Joust — Timed jigsaw puzzle competition at Game Knights, 400 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 20, 9 am - 1:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Diana Suttenfield Book Signing and Meet-and-Greet — Local artist Diana Suttenfield’s new book, Shepherdstown My Way, is an exploration of creating art in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 20, 11 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Holi-Daze: Muppet Christmas Carol — Family-friendly holiday film screening, hot cocoa, and crafts at the Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 20, 11 am. Free. Info…
Holiday Film — Christmas-themed family-friendly animated short films at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 20, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Company Christmas Parade — Annual holiday parade. Line up at the end of Mission Rd in Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 20, 4 pm. Free. Info…
Christmas Ham Jam — Live holiday music event featuring Joe Ham at Abolitionist Ale Works, Charles Town. Saturday, Dec 20, 7-10 pm. Free admission. Info…
Maryland Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays — Seasonal orchestral concert at The Maryland Theatre, Frederick, MD. Saturday, Dec 20, 7 pm and Sunday, Dec 21, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Christmas Bird Count in Charles Town — Annual community bird counting event organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society for the Charles Town area. Sunday, Dec 21. Free. Registration required. Info…
Eric Byrd Trio — Jazz performance by the Eric Byrd Trio at the Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA. Sunday, Dec 21, noon. $ Tickets & Info…
Holiday Horns with the NSO Brass — Holiday concert presented by the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at Happy Retreat, 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 21, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Holiday Film — Family-friendly animated film favorites at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 21, 3 pm. Call 304-876-3704 for movie title. Free. Info…
Open Mic Night — Open mic evening for local performers at The Barn of Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Dec 21, 5:30 - 9 pm. Free. Info…
Luminary Solstice Walk — Self-guided evening walk to mark the Winter Solstice at Morgan’s Grove Park, Shepherdstown. Hot cocoa and s’mores for sale. Proceeds to benefit Shepherdstown Community Club and Morgan’s Grove Park. Sunday, Dec 21, 7 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Holiday Film — Family-friendly vintage holiday film screening at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Monday, Dec 22, 3 pm. Call 304-876-3704 for movie title. Free. Info…
Holiday Concert: Jordan English Jazz Orchestra — Holida-themed concert at the Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 East Martin St, Martinsburg. Monday, Dec 22, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Lions Club Holiday Gift Wrapping — Fundraising gift-wrapping service at Evolve Shepherdstown, 106 West German St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Dec 23, 11 am - 5 pm. Free. Info…
It’s a Wonderful Life —Third-annual screening of the beloved black-and-white classic film. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Dec 23, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Messiah Sing-Along — Audience-participation performance of Handel’s Messiah. Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick, MD. Tuesday, Dec 23, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
There are many options for local shopping in Jefferson County, especially in the three downtown districts (click on the links for a directory of individual shops):
Several pop-up markets will be open for the final weekend before Christmas. These markets feature local artists and craftspeople selling home-made delights, arts and hand-crafted gifts.
Ho-Ho-Holiday Market — Shepherdstown Community Club (102 East German St, Shepherdstown WV). Fri & Sat (Dec 19 & 20), 10:00 – 6:00, Sun (Dec 21) 8:00 – 4:00
Merry Makers Market — Martinsburg Roundhouse (100 East Liberty St, Martinsburg WV). Sat & Sun (Dec 20 & 21), 11:00 – 4:00
Wrapping It All Up
If you’re looking for last minute help with the finishing touch, the Centennial Lion’s Club’s wrapping service can make all of your gifts look sharp. Your donations will help support the club's service projects. Tuesday (Dec 23) from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Evolve (100 West German St, Shepherdstown WV).
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.
