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 >>
Staff Contributor
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 >>
New Story Takes Flight at Theater Festival
“The Heron’s Journey” is coming to Shepherdstown! You won’t want to miss world-renowned story artist Adam Booth’s original program brought to you by Speak Story Series, in partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival. “The Heron’s Journey” uses spoken storytelling, quilting, and paper sculpture to tell an allegory filled with magic, challenges to opposition, and transformation. Meet the title character in various forms of self-discovery and take part in giving the story wings. Read the Full Story >>
Summer Events at Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library
The Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library is hosting fun events for kids this summer with stories, songs, play instruments, yoga, crafting, and more. Read the Full Story >>
Summer Events at Shepherdstown Public Library
The Shepherdstown is hosting fun events for kids this summer with stories, yoga, classes about beavers, songs, crafting, and more. Read the Full Story >>
Summer Reading for Fun & Prizes
The Shepherdstown and Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Libraries are both hosting summer reading programs. 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 >>
Harpers Ferry Roadblock Begins Sep. 12
If you travel Route 340 between Harpers Ferry and Maryland, mark September 12 on your calendar. The roadway will close for 90 days to stabilize the rock wall above the road. 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 >>
Award for Shepherdstown Water Operator
Woody Coe of the Shepherdstown Water Department wins the 2023 Perkins Boynton award. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Water Operator Wins Award
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 >>
Public Input Session for Comprehensive Plan Update On June 5
What do you like about living in Jefferson County? What are your concerns about the community? These are the types of questions you’ll hear as the County’s planning team works on updating the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. Read the Full Story >>
County Continues Restructure of Ambulance Department
Prior to July 2022, Jefferson County’s ambulance services operated with a mix of volunteer EMTs, ambulances owned by the 7 volunteer fire companies, and full-time medics and EMTs employed by the county’s Emergency Services Agency (ESA). The ESA was structured as a public corporation, with oversight by a 7-member board appointed by the County Commission. Read the Full Story >>
Summer Construction at Shepherd University
When students return to Shepherd University in the fall, they will notice some changes to the east campus. Over the next few months, two former dormitories on the East Loop — Kenamond Hall and Turner Hall — will disappear. Read the Full Story >>
Local Residents Aim To Preserve Historic Home In Harpers Ferry
Local residents have launched a fundraising campaign to save a historic structure in Harpers Ferry. The group seeks to raise $5,000 by June 30. Read the Full Story >>