Some carnival rides don’t look too scary when they’re not moving. The one above is just a bunch of swings that go around in a circle like a merry-go-round, right? But wait till it picks up speed — then it’s time to hold on tight!  Read the Full Story >>
Steve Pearson
Moving Around Jefferson County
The Board of Education kept to its timetable of appointing a new Superintendent, who starts on July 1. He inherits some big holes from his departing predecessor — literally in terms of the two elementary school construction projects, one of which has yet to even go to bid despite the hoopla of a ground-breaking ceremony over a year ago. The twin challenges of retaining & recruiting staff and addressing the fall-off in student achievement are arguably even more complex. All of these issues will no doubt be topics for the School Board election next May. Read the Full Story >>
Changes Underway in Jefferson County
A lot of the articles in the June 2023 issue touch on change (we didn’t plan it that way, it just happened — a sign of the times). Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson Orchards Requests Industrial Zoning Near Rockwool
A zoning change request in Ranson has prompted significant questions and concerns.  Read the Full Story >>
Creating Connections in Our Community
The word angel was used more than once. Even if you had never met Sara Lueck, you could feel her kindness and positivity in the tributes offered during a recent vigil. She made a career as a librarian at Jefferson County Schools and a vocation of serving the community. And those connections live on. Read the Full Story >>
Spring Brings Growth
First it’s the daffodils. Then it’s the forsythia. The wind still blows cold, but springtime is in the air. Doug Pifer explains that some of the haze we see around this time is quite natural — just trees doing what trees do. Local garden club leaders have been eager for spring too. For some, it’s been a four-year wait to stage their annual home and garden tour. It’s quite a show, and it raises money for beautification projects around the Eastern Panhandle. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherd Football Stars Work Out For NFL Scouts On Pro Day At Ram Stadium
Five Shepherd University football players ran through Pro Day drills in front of three dozen scouts this morning at Ram Stadium on the Shepherd campus.  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 >>
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 >>
County Commission Begins 2023 With Many Disagreements
Jefferson County Commission starts 2023 with several disagreements and big change ahead.  Read the Full Story >>
Changes & Choices In 2023
Many changes and choices ahead for Jefferson County in 2023.  Read the Full Story >>
John Nissel Resigns As Jefferson County Administrator
Jefferson County Administrator John Nissel announced his resignation effective January 27, 2023. Read the Full Story >>
Confusion on Plans for Water & Sewer at New Shepherdstown Elementary School
Jefferson County Board of Education has many questions about plans to provide water and sewer utilities to the new Shepherdstown elementary school site. Read the Full Story >>