News Updates

Capito and Unger Quarterly Report

State Senator John Unger’s congressional campaign cheered hard about the amount of money he has raised so far, but it still falls short compared to his Republican opponent, Representative Shelley Moore Capito. From July 1 to Sept. 30, Unger raised $123,667, bringing his total contributions to $150,312.  “I am deeply grateful for the generosity of people from all over West Virginia who have shown such strong support for making a change in our state,” Unger said.  Rep. Capito raised $258,807 during the same three-month period.

Theater to Open in Ranson

A 12-theatre multiplex will open in Ranson in 2008. The multi-screen complex will be operated by Frank Theatres and will be situated in the Boulevard at Potomac Towne Center across from The Marketplace on Route 9. The Boulevard may also include a Starbucks Coffee, McDonald’s, Rite Aid, and a Bob Evans restaurant. Patrick Davenport, community development officer for the city of Ranson, said, “This is a major economic opportunity for Ranson and Jefferson County. These businesses will complement the historic tourism already in place in the area.” Davenport estimates that at least an additional $2 million per year would be generated for Ranson through its business and occupancy tax on businesses in the shopping center.

Town Settles on Police Issue

The Corporation of Shepherdstown settled two unrelated civil lawsuits, October 8. Justin Pistore and Molly Humphreys had brought separate claims against the town, in November 2003 and September 2004, alleging they were wrongly arrested and subject to excessive force by the Shepherdstown police. The settlements were sealed and neither party would comment on the amounts. Gregory Bailey, the attorney who represented Humphrey, confirmed that a satisfactory settlement had been reached.

WV Supreme Court and County Commission

The West Virginian Supreme Court heard the case brought by the City of Charles Town regarding two annexation proposals: Prospect Point and Windmill. The Jefferson County Commission has so far refused to approve these annexations despite successfully stepping through the Charles Town application process. A ruling is expected in the case in November.

Clarification

A story in the October edition of The Observer about Shepherdstown police chief Terry Bellomy reported on the reopening of an investigation on the disappearance of money from police custody. The report was not meant to imply that former mayor Peter Wilson had been a suspect in the case. The report incorrectly stated that the disappearance of the money, which was evidence in a case, took place while Wilson was mayor. The investigation was initiated by Mayor Lance Dom shortly after he took office. The Observer.