The Hill Top House Hotel project is seeking a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for its 9 acre property in Harpers Ferry. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County
New Superintendent For Jefferson County Schools
William "Chuck" Bishop steps into the role of Superintendent for Jefferson County Schools on July 1. The Board of Education voted on May 24 to hire Dr. Bishop from a pool of 17 applicants to replace the outgoing superintendent, Bondy Gibson-Learn, who resigned on short notice earlier this year. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Virginia Tech and his Master's and Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Virginia and has thirty years of experience in K-12 education. The Observer spoke with Dr. Bishop as he was preparing to start his new role. Read the Full Story >>
Comprehensive Plan Survey Open For Public Comment
The general discussion at the June 5 session drilled down to identify specific concerns in these general areas. There was strong agreement among participants that natural beauty is a key asset of the county. Looking at the concern of growth and lack of infrastructure, participants suggested clustering development around existing urbanized areas of the county and a focus on improving the roads in those areas. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Deadlocks
Clare Ath announced at the end of May that she would resign, six months after she was first elected to the County Commission. Read the Full Story >>
National EMS Weeks Awards for Jefferson County
Since 1974, the third week of May has been designated National Emergency Medical Services Week, to recognize the important work that these professionals perform in their communities. Locally, the Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency recognized several individuals. Read the Full Story >>
Schools Search For New Superintendent — Input From County Residents Invited
The Jefferson County Board of Education has scheduled seven public sessions to collect input from Jefferson County residents about the search for a new Superintendent. Read the Full Story >>
School Board Looks At Options To Fund Increase In Ranson Elementary Construction Costs
Jefferson County Schools is exploring options to cover the $9.5 million increase in construction costs for the new Ranson Elementary school. Read the Full Story >>
Construction Costs Up For New Ranson Elementary School Building
The construction costs for the new Ranson Elementary School have increased $9.5 million above the estimated budget. Read the Full Story >>
Housing Trends And School Enrollment Projections
If the growth in home building in Jefferson County continues, the school population could be trending upward. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Ambulance Services Now Operating As County Department
As of 8 am on March 1, the Jefferson County Commission officially took on responsibility for ambulance services in the county. Read the Full Story >>
Sale of Jefferson Utilities Hits Resistance From Consumer Advocate & PSC Staff
WV Public Service Commission staff is recommending that the Commission deny American Water's proposed acquisition of Jefferson Utilities. Read the Full Story >>
Rockwool Commits To Improving Stormwater Management At Its Ranson Factory
ROCKWOOL has agreed to additional studies, inspections, and drainage improvements that will further strengthen stormwater handling and control at its Ranson facility. Read the Full Story >>
New Housing Construction Up Again in Jefferson County
New Home Construction in Jefferson County continued at a rapid pace for the second year in a row in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2023. Read the Full Story >>
Historic Designation For Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery of Gibsontown, established 150 years ago, is the largest black cemetery in Jefferson County and was recently designated a county historic landmark. Read the Full Story >>
Public Hearing On Local Water System — Feb 6
The West Virginia Public Services Commission (PSC) will be holding a public hearing on Monday, February 6 at 6:30 pm to take comment on the proposed acquision of Jefferson Utilities by American Water. Read the Full Story >>