individuals and families throughout West Virginia, but there are grant programs available to help keep people in their homes. Read the Full Story >>
COVID-19
Two Years of COVID in the Eastern Panhandle
wo years ago, in early March 2020, West Virginia was the only state in the country without a documented COVID-19 case. Anticipating the virus would soon arrive, Governor Jim Justice issued an order to close all West Virginia schools (pre-K to grade 12) after Friday the 13th of March. At the time there was very limited information about the virus, but the date was an omen of what was to come. Four days later the first case of COVID was diagnosed in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
Helping People Get Back on Their Feet
Jefferson County Community Ministries is more than a food pantry. The organization helps clients find their path to stability with a strategic offering of services. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson Virtual Academy Offers Online Options
al Academy is part of Jefferson County Schools’ commitment to offer education options to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of a diverse student population. Read the Full Story >>
Postponed: Chamber Music Festival Winter Residency
n December 22, 2021, the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival announced that its 2021 Winter Residency will be postponed until 2022 due to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherd University Men’s Basketball Back on the Court
Shepherd University basketball is back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Jefferson County resident Rob Kuska is a career science writer and the author of three books on basketball. Kuska spoke with Justin Namolik, now entering his 14th season as head men’s basketball coach, to get his thoughts on Shepherd’s return to the hardwood and running a college basketball program during a pandemic. Read the Full Story >>
Main Street America Recognizes Charles Town’s Recovery Efforts
When the Governor issued the stay-at-home order closing restaurants and retail shops in March 2020, the organizers of Charles Town Now (CTN) moved quickly to implement a curbside takeout and gift card program. One year later CTN noted the anniversary with the slogan “One Year, Still Here.” The group’s plucky attitude helped earn Charles Town a second place award nationally in the American Express “Order In, Help Out Innovation Challenge. Read the Full Story >>
Crafting Art in COVID — JUL 22 to AUG 1
The “Creating Art in COVID” exhibit at Evolve Shepherdstown this month will document the pandemic from the perspective of ten artists. Read the Full Story >>
Over The Mountain Studio Tour Takes A New Path
The conversation that would lead to the creation of Over The Mountain Studio Tour started at a kitchen table, recalls Anne Bowers, an original member. “We were a few artists looking for a way to represent ourselves beyond just going to shows. Read the Full Story >>
Can They Do That? Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. With many public and private entities requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, any concerns about the vaccine go beyond evaluating the personal health and risk choices into questions of law. Take a quick look into the most likely answers to the following questions about the legality of vaccine requirements. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Library Gets a New Website
The Shepherdstown Library website has a new look and a new address. Read the Full Story >>
Unlocking Options for Renters & Landlords in the Pandemic
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last spring, landlords and tenants have struggled to address challenges created by economic losses. Governmental responses include restrictions on evictions to curtail homelessness. 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 >>
Feb 5 — Shepherd University Music Online Concert
The Shepherd University Music Salon Series presents a free online concert showcasing School of Music faculty. 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 >>