In the upcoming June 1 election, Ranson residents will vote for Mayor and 2 City Council seats. The last day to register to vote in the election is May 11. Voters have multiple options for casting their vote - absentee, early in person, and in person on election day. Concern for COVID-19 exposure is a valid medical reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Read the Full Story >>
Charles Town & Ranson
Charles Town Local Elections – May 27
In the upcoming May 27 election, Charles Town residents will vote for Mayor and 5 City Council seats. The last day to register to vote in the election is May 6. Voters have multiple options for casting their vote - absentee, early in person, and in person on election day. Concern for COVID-19 exposure is a valid medical reason for requesting an absentee ballot. Read the Full Story >>
Rebuilding A Shopping Destination In Downtown Charles Town
Melissa Glascock has long been a supporter of the downtown retail experience. With the end of the pandemic in sight, Glascock sees this as the perfect time to revitalize shopping in Charles Town though a reimagining of Needful Things. Read the Full Story >>
Discover History At The Jefferson County Museum
The Jefferson County Museum is now open by appointment, Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am to 4 pm. Read the Full Story >>
Volunteers Boost Efforts to Vaccinate Community
“We could not do this without these volunteers,” says Dr. Terrence Reidy, a sentiment echoed by everyone else working with the Jefferson County Health Department to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Ranson Civic Center. Read the Full Story >>
COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing
Pre-Register for COVID-19 Vaccine All West Virginia residents over the age of 16 are encouraged to register with the West Virginia Vaccine Registration System (click here). This will help the state schedule the distribution of vaccines to each county as needed. As of March 22, all residents 16+ are eligible to receive a vaccine (ages Read the Full Story >>
Inkwells Tavern Reopens in Charles Town
Inkwells Tavern has reopened at 200 W. Washington Street in Charles Town and is serving old favorites plus Bolivar Bread and Rations Coffee. Read the Full Story >>
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Park Celebrates 50 Years
The National Park, the C&O Canal Trust, and the Canal Towns Partnership representing the ten nearby towns along its western path are organizing various events and activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park in 2021. Read the Full Story >>
Transportation Hub for the Eastern Panhandle
The question to ask is, “do you want to take advantage of economic development opportunities?” said Shane Farthing, Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Martinsburg. He suggested that if the city did not have a train station and “we did a study on how to improve the economy, we’d ask how great it would be to have a train station. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the good things you already have. Read the Full Story >>
Tracking the Train in West Virginia’s 2021 Budget Debates
The pandemic has strained the MTA’s workforce and put a dent in ridership and revenue. Discussions about West Virginia’s rail funding for the next fiscal year (from July 2021) will begin when the state Legislature receives the Governor’s budget proposal in early February. Read the Full Story >>
The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority Rides Out The Pandemic
Elaine Bartoldson, Director of the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA), describes EPTA’s mission as “providing service for the workforce, individuals who have no other way to get around.” She summarized her perspective on the value of EPTA, saying, “without public transportation, things will stop for the people who use it." Read the Full Story >>
Shade’s Farm Offers Local Honey Products & More
Need a last-minute gift or a sweet way to start the New Year? Local honey, beeswax candles, and more are available from Shade’s Farm! “Curt’s products are great, and his attention to quality service is excellent and appreciated,” said a satisfied holiday customer. See the local retailer listings on the Facebook page or order online Read the Full Story >>
Bushel & Peck Receives Grant to Expand Operations
Whether you choose to measure by the bushel or peck, there’s no denying that a recent $125,000 grant awarded to local grocer Bushel & Peck will soon allow the organization to offer a lot more local, healthy food to the community. Read the Full Story >>
The Pandemic is Here & Now
Dr. Terrence Reidy shares thoughts and observations about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as his advice for reducing risk while the vaccine rollout begins. Read the Full Story >>
Stocking the Shelves
When The Observer spoke with Greg Petersen of the Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM) for our July 2020 issue, the Food Pantry operated by JCCM in downtown Charles Town was in the early days of navigating the pandemic and the staff was anticipating a sharp increase in demand. We recently touched base with John Cloyd, Greg’s colleague at JCCM to see what they experienced over the summer and what they expect this winter. Read the Full Story >>