Jefferson County EMS regularly stations an ambulance at Leetown Road and Route 9 to cover the area around Kearneysville.
It’s hard to believe that the events taking place in our nation’s capital are just a short drive away from Jefferson County. Whatever your politics, I expect most of us agree that we don’t want federal-levels of division and disrespect in our community.
It’s encouraging to report in this issue that the county budget process is underway and the new County Commission and its President have not fallen prey to the distractions that plagued the Commission last year. Even the Middleway Bottling Plant proposal — controversial as it is — seems to be bringing people together to voice their concerns and protect the history and economic future of the region.
If recent local events teach us anything, however, it’s that change with lasting impact can happen with lightning speed. The price of liberty (and democracy) is eternal vigilance, as Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying. That’s why we’re proud to share that 2025 marks The Observer’s 5th anniversary under its current ownership. But when you are finished changing, you’re finished, Ben Franklin is supposed to have said. Wise words that ring true today, especially given technology and market changes in local journalism.
So we are also pleased to announce the launch of the new online Jefferson Observer newsletter — a quick-read roundup of key news and events information sent directly to your email inbox every week or so. The Observer’s paper will still get published, shifting to a bimonthly schedule.
Almost a thousand of your neighbors have already signed up to receive the new Jefferson Observer newsletter — go to ObserverWV.com to sign up so you receive it from the start.
By Steve Pearson