What made you decide to run for County Commission? The Commission appeared to be contentious and deadlocked on several important issues. My management and leadership experience as well as personal history dealing with difficult situations (conflict resolution) led me to think I could be a big assist with the Commission. Why should residents trust you Read the Full Story >>
Government
County Commission – James Walch
What made you decide to run for County Commission? I decided to run for County Commission because Jefferson County is facing some unique challenges and is at a critical point in its history. We are now the 2nd fastest growing county in the state. I have a deep love for Jefferson County and its residents Read the Full Story >>
County Commission Looks At Changes To Impact Fees
Jefferson County has been collecting impact fees on new construction projects since 2004. The initial fee schedule was based on a 2003 report prepared by TischlerBise, a Maryland-based consulting firm that specializes in fiscal and economic planning for local governments. The county had TischlerBise update its recommendations again in a 2015 report. At that time, Read the Full Story >>
Public Hearing for Draft Comprehensive Plan Will Be December 4
The Jefferson County Planning Commission formally delivered the draft of the “2045 Comprehensive Plan” to the County Commission on October 17. This started a 90 day window for the County Commission to schedule a vote to adopt, amend, or reject the comprehensive plan and the accompanying future land use guide. The County Commission’s first order Read the Full Story >>
Water Bottling Plant Planned In Middleway
A plan for a water bottling facility in Middleway is on the Nov 12 2024 Jefferson County Planning Commission meeting agenda. Read the Full Story >>
August 27 Public Hearing For Comment On County Comprehensive Plan
The Jefferson County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing about the draft comprehensive plan on August 27 at 7:00 pm. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Rejects Solar Project Tax Abatement Request
The Jefferson County Commission voted to reject a tax abatement agreement request for the Wild Hill solar project. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Elects New Mayor and Town Council Members
Shepherdstown residents elected James Gatz as mayor on June 4 along with 2 incumbent and 3 new council members. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown: Where, When and How to Vote in Mayor, Council Elections
The town of Shepherdstown will hold elections for mayor and town council on June 4 2024. Read the Full Story >>
Draft Map For The Future Of Jefferson County Proposes New Growth Areas
The Jefferson County Planning Commission is holding a final input session on Monday May 13 for public comment on the future land use map and action items for the new county comprehensive plan. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Comprehensive Plan Review Presented and Discussed in Special Hearing
On April 30, Shepherdstown’s Planning Commission held a hearing at which a special committee’s recommendations to update the town’s comprehensive plan were presented to the public. Read the Full Story >>
Republican Party Divison Stalls County Government
Following the removal of Tricia Jackson and Jennifer Krouse on May 1, the Jefferson County Commission will operate with only 3 commissioners. Read the Full Story >>
County Commission Hires Administrator, But Many Open Items Still Need Action
The Jefferson County Commision voted on April 22 2024 for Eddie Benites-LM to continue as the County Administrator on a permanent basis. Read the Full Story >>
What’s On The May 14 Ballot In Jefferson County
There are three candidates running to fill 3 seats on the Board of Education: James Southern, Rikki Twyford, and Donna Joy (currently serving on the BOE). The May election ballot is long. If you are voting on a Republican or Democratic ballot in Jefferson County, you’ll find primary choices for President, US Senator, US House, Read the Full Story >>
Panel Discussion On Growth Around Shepherdstown
On Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm The Observer hosted a panel discussion on the growth that is expected to affect Shepherdstown-area residents in the next decade. Following the presentations, the panel took questions from the audience participants. Read the Full Story >>