In today’s issue, we look back at 2025 and share ideas for local, last-minute gifts.
For The Observer, a 2025 highlight was being voted Best Small Local Newspaper in WV Living’s Best of West Virginia awards.
If you enjoy our weekly publication, consider forwarding it to a friend or two — it’s free, thoughtful, and a personal recommendation from a reader is one of the best ways to support independent local journalism.
Warm wishes for a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
Growth — and how Jefferson County should manage it — was a dominant theme throughout 2025.
In February, the Jefferson County Commission approved an updated comprehensive plan, setting the stage for changes to the county’s zoning rules. The county’s Planning staff spent much of the year drafting amendments to the zoning ordinance in line with that plan. Public hearings on those amendments, however, were pushed into early 2026. One area the Commission specifically asked to address — updated zoning rules for industrial solar projects — has so far seen little progress.
Speaking of industrial solar, the Blake solar project on Kabletown Road agreed this year to remediate its abysmal stormwater management systems. Four other companies have submitted plans for industrial solar facilities since 2022, but two withdrew their grid-connection applications during 2025. The remaining two projects sought extensions on their local permits in 2025, and construction activity is now expected in 2026 (you can follow The Observer’s coverage of solar projects here).
Looking ahead to 2026, we expect to see debates about high voltage transmission lines and data centers heating up. These two issues are being driven by state and national government policies, but we’ll see the concrete effects of these projects on the ground here in Jefferson County.
The Observer Weekly will continue writing about all of these issues in the year ahead, along with the county budget, the county’s plans for supporting ambulance service and fire service, the upcoming legislative session in Charleston, and next year’s local elections. And in response to reader requests, we also plan to expand our coverage of community events and resources.
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If you are still in search of gifts and the ingredients for holiday cheer on December 24, here are several local merchants that can help fill everyone’s stocking (click on the links for addresses):
In downtown Charles Town, you can find watches, rings, necklaces and other jewelry gifts at Feagan’s Jewelers (open 9 – 4 on Dec 24). Needful Things Emporium (open 10 – 4) is just down the street with 50+ micro-stores featuring eclectic selections of locally-produced and vintage items. Parking is free at all downtown meters.
In lower town Harpers Ferry, the Ten Fold Fair Trade Collection (open 10 – 5 on Dec 24) offers a wide selection of whimsical products sourced from crafters around the globe. Pull-in parking available along Potomac Street (look for the ParkMobile signs). Parking in the train station lot is free if you have a park pass, otherwise the daily $20 fee applies.
In downtown Shepherdstown, O’Hurley’s General Store (open 9 – 5 on Dec 24) offers a curated collection of toys, puzzles, apparel, and nostalgic gifts. Dogwood General Store (open 10 – 3) and Four Seasons Books (open 11 – 5) have high-quality toys and other gift items. The German Street Market (open 10:30 – 4) and Grapes and Grains Gourmet (open 11 – 5) can help set the table for your holiday dinners. Parking is free at all downtown meters. Free pull-in parking available at the University lot at High & Princess streets.
Giving To The Community
For those looking to make a meaningful year-end gift, here are some of the many llocal nonprofit organizations that do important work in the community:
The Jefferson County Commission has deferred a decision on changing the annual Ambulance Fee until the spring. The commissioners are expecting a report on the future staffing needs for county fire services and they said they wanted to look at the funding needs for both services before making any decisions.
Visit ObserverWV.com for news about other upcoming government and community meetings.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Frederick Historic Houses of Worship Tour — Self-guided tour of historic religious buildings in downtown Frederick. Multiple locations, Frederick, MD. Friday, Dec 26, 3 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Deaf Coffee Chat — Social gathering featuring ASL activities, Deaf culture, games, and snacks. Clarion Hotel, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Dec 26, 6 - 9 pm. All ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Info…
Public Game Night at the American Legion — Open community game night with board and card games. American Legion, Charles Town. Friday, Dec 26, 6 - 10 pm. Free. Info…
Party Game Night — Casual group game night featuring party-style board and card games. Game Knights, 400 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 26, 7 - 9 pm. Free. Info…
Chamber Music Duo Delights: Festive Treats — Chamber music performance featuring seasonal selections presented by Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at The Station at Shepherdstown, 100 Audrey Eagle Dr, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 27, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Sip & Screen Film Series — Free screenings of popular classics in the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 German St, Shepherdstown. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks for sale. For film title, call 304-876-3704 or email Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. Sunday, Dec 28, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Chamber Music: Holiday Highlights — Holiday-themed chamber music performance by the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at Camp Hill-Wesley UMC, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Dec 28, 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Sip & Screen Film Series — Free screenings of popular classics in the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 German St, Shepherdstown. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks for sale. For film title, call 304-876-3704 or email Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. Monday, Dec 29, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Sip & Screen Film Series — Free screenings of popular classics in the historic Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 German St, Shepherdstown. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks for sale. For film title, call 304-876-3704 or email Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. Tuesday, Dec 30, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Chamber Music: Splendor and Brilliance — Chamber music concert featuring works of expressive range and virtuosity. Zion Episcopal Church, Charles Town. Tuesday, Dec 30, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
2026 Confetti Countdown — Daytime New Year’s celebration featuring activities and entertainment for families. Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Ln, Shenandoah Junction. Wednesday, Dec 31, 11 am - 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Chamber Music: Celebration of Togetherness — New Year’s Eve chamber music concert focused on connection and collaboration. Presented by Appalachian Chamber Music Festival at the War Memorial Building, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Dec 31, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
First Night Winchester at the MSV — Family-friendly New Year’s Eve activities and performances at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, VA. Wednesday, Dec 31, 10 am - 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
First Night Winchester — Community-wide New Year’s Eve celebration with performances and activities downtown. Downtown Winchester, Winchester, VA. Wednesday, Dec 31, 6 pm - midnight. Free. Info…
The People’s Ball — New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music and dancing hosted by the Shepherdstown Community Club at the War Memorial Building, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Dec 31, 8 pm - 1 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Artist Danielle Corsetto (center) joins with members of the Shepherdstown Town Council and community to celebrate the newest bench in Shepherdstown.
New Bench In Shepherdstown Is “Doggone” Comfortable
Shepherdstown mayor James Gatz invited everyone to sit down as he unveiled a new bench in front of the historic Market House in the center of downtown. The bench design was conceived and painted by local resident Danielle Corsetto. A professional cartoonist, Corsetto remarked that she had fun researching the history of the local dogs depicted on the bench.
Gatz read from prepared remarks during the ceremony on December 21: “I am just thrilled with the new work Danielle has created for us.… These benches are more than seating; they’re functional pieces of public art that bring people together, support local artists and add to the character of our downtown. The Bench Initiative reflects what Shepherdstown does best – combining creativity, community and thoughtful use of public space.”
The Town plans to install additional “art” benches in the coming months.
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.
