Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Charles Town, WV

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Charles Town, WV for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Charles Town, WV

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Charles Town, WV.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Charles Town, WV
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Charles Town, WV

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Charles Town, WV

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Charles Town, WV

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Charles Town, WV

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Charles Town, WV tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Charles Town, WV

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Charles Town, WV.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Charles Town, WV

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Charles Town, WV

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Charles Town, WV

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Charles Town, WV

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Charles Town, WV

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Charles Town, WV
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Charles Town, WV

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Charles Town, WV

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

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Latest News Near Charles Town, WV

Live Review: Steel Panther @ Hollywood Casino (Charles Town, WV) — 9/12/25

Steel Panther Bring Glam, Gags, and Guitars to Hollywood Casino Words and Photos by Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker PhotographyWalking into the Hollywood Casino events center on a Friday night already feels like stepping into a neon-fueled fever dream, but throw Steel Panther into the mix and suddenly it’s not just a concert — it’s a circus where sleaze, sarcasm, and serious chops collide.Seriously, when Steel Panther rolls into town, the line between casino kitsch and Sunset Stri...

Steel Panther Bring Glam, Gags, and Guitars to Hollywood Casino Words and Photos by Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography

Walking into the Hollywood Casino events center on a Friday night already feels like stepping into a neon-fueled fever dream, but throw Steel Panther into the mix and suddenly it’s not just a concert — it’s a circus where sleaze, sarcasm, and serious chops collide.

Seriously, when Steel Panther rolls into town, the line between casino kitsch and Sunset Strip sleaze blurs until you can’t tell if you’re in West Virginia or at some forgotten LA club where eyeliner, spandex, and excess are still the dress code.

I’ve seen Steel Panther before, but every time feels different, like they’ve sharpened their parody blade just enough to slice a little deeper into the absurdity of rock culture while still, somehow, delivering the kind of arena-ready performance that half the current touring bands couldn’t touch if they tried.

The band have made a career out of parodying the absurdity of ‘80s glam metal, but let’s be real: Steel Panther are too good at what they do to write off as a joke. They’re a tight, muscular rock band with chops that would embarrass most of the groups they lampoon. And on Friday, they proved again why their mix of comedy, crude theatrics, and face-melting musicianship works as both satire and spectacle.

Before a single note rang out on Sept. 12, the atmosphere was already buzzing. Fans rolled in wearing wigs, fishnets, leopard print, and more than a few mullets that straddled the line between costume and reality. The room definitely felt like it had been set to “party.”

Then the lights dropped and the band hit the stage with “Eyes of a Panther,” a song that immediately set the tone: fast, loud, full of innuendo. Michael Starr prowled the stage, strutting like a frontman who never got the memo that 1989 ended. Satchel, guitar slung low, fired off solos as casually as some people order a drink. Stix Zadinia sat grinning behind the kit, holding it all together, while Spyder (their bassist and de facto newest member) locked in the groove with practiced ease.

Watch Steel Panther perform “Eyes of a Panther” live from the On the Prowl World Tour via YouTube:

Steel Panther’s setlist is basically a checklist of raunchy anthems, sentimental fake-outs, and classic rock teases — designed for maximum chaos. After the opener, they tore into “Tomorrow Night,” a cheeky ode to procrastinated partying, before dropping into “Asian Hooker.” It’s offensive, ridiculous, and still one of their sharpest parody songs because it leans all the way into glam metal’s worst impulses.

“Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)” had the audience chanting along, half-laughing, half-belting the chorus, while “Friends with Benefits” leaned into that weird middle ground Steel Panther love to occupy: technically a love song, but also a send-up of every overblown power rocker from the MTV era.

Then came “Girl From Oklahoma.” This one’s always a crazy moment — Starr crooning with mock sincerity, the crowd howling the obscene lyrics like it’s some lost Poison ballad. It’s silly, sure, but you could see that’s the strange magic of Steel Panther: songs that are written as jokes somehow end up feeling oddly heartfelt when you’re screaming them in a packed room.

If you’ve never been to a Steel Panther show, the banter isn’t filler, it’s half the show. Between songs, they riff on each other, the crowd, and whatever local quirks they can latch onto. Satchel’s humor is razor-sharp and he constantly had the whole room in stitches.

Halfway through the set, during “17 Girls in a Row,” their tradition continued: women from the crowd were invited on stage. At some shows, a handful make the leap. In Charles Town? It looked like two dozen. Suddenly, the stage was a storm of denim shorts, teased hair, tattoos, and unfiltered joy. Starr tried to wrangle it, Satchel cracked jokes and Stix drummed through it like it was just another night at the office.

It was messy, loud, and maybe a little too much for security to handle, but that’s the point. Steel Panther shows thrive on barely controlled chaos.

“Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’” walked the line between parody and legitimate singalong, Starr’s vocals surprisingly tender until you remember what he’s singing about.

Then came “Community Property.” Honestly, there’s no describing how much this one lands live unless you’ve seen it. The whole room sang the chorus like it was gospel, people swaying, arms raised, smiling at strangers. Yes, it’s obscene. Yes, it’s a parody. But in that moment, it felt genuine, like the band tapped into some primal need for catharsis through shared laughter and volume.

Watch the official music video for “Community Property” by Steel Panther on YouTube:

Satchel’s guitar solo might have been the most jaw-dropping part of the night. While also playing beats on the drums, he stitched together riffs from Metallica, Van Halen, AC/DC, and then, as laughter rolled across the room, he launched into Ozzy’s “Crazy Train.” — complete with tapping sequences that would make Eddie Van Halen smile. You forget sometimes that these guys are world-class musicians first, comedians second.

The set closed with their twin titans: “Death to All But Metal” and “Gloryhole.”

“Death to All But Metal” is their mission statement, really — a bratty anthem mocking pop, hip hop, and anything that isn’t loud and ridiculous. The crowd shouted the chorus so hard you could feel it in your ribs.

And then “Gloryhole” ended the night in a way only Steel Panther could: completely obscene, completely absurd, and somehow one of the catchiest songs of the last 15 years. Guitars roared, lights flared, and the room dissolved into one final, euphoric singalong.

Steel Panther gets dismissed sometimes as a novelty act, but seeing them live makes that argument evaporate. They’re comedians, yes. They’re satirists, absolutely. They’re filthy, offensive, and over the top, but they’re also one of the tightest rock bands you’ll see on a stage this year.

There’s something oddly comforting about knowing a band like this exists in 2025 — a band willing to be offensive, outrageous, and loud in a time when everything feels so sanitized. They remind you of why glam metal existed in the first place: because sometimes you just need to laugh, scream, and party until you can’t feel your face.

Setlist

Eyes of a Panther Tomorrow Night Asian Hooker Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) Friends with Benefits Girl From Oklahoma 17 Girls in a Row Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’ Crazy Train (cover tease) Death to All But Metal Community Property Gloryhole

Here are some photos of Steel Panther performing live at Hollywood Casino on Sept. 12, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/ Odd Rocker Photography.

Bank of Charles Town Debuts New Name

Evolution Honors Heritage, Unifies Markets, and Reinforces Dedication to Personalized Service and Local ImpactCHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTCID:PTBS) -- In celebration of Bank of Charles Town's journey that has been unfolding for over 154 years, the bank announced today it is officially being renamed Potomac Bank, effective November 3, 2025. This transition not only reflects the bank's significant growth and expanding regional presence across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Mar...

Evolution Honors Heritage, Unifies Markets, and Reinforces Dedication to Personalized Service and Local Impact

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTCID:PTBS) -- In celebration of Bank of Charles Town's journey that has been unfolding for over 154 years, the bank announced today it is officially being renamed Potomac Bank, effective November 3, 2025. This transition not only reflects the bank's significant growth and expanding regional presence across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, it also affirms the foresight of its Board of Directors who established and named its holding company, Potomac Bancshares, over 30 years ago.

The name Potomac Bank was chosen to symbolize the powerful connection shared among the diverse communities the bank serves, all united by the namesake Potomac River, which has shaped the region's geography, history, and prosperity. This transition is a natural progression that honors the bank's heritage and values while celebrating the shared connection that unites the bank's identity.

"Potomac Bank is more than a new name. It's a reflection of who we've become, the relationships we've nurtured, and the future we're building together," stated Dr. Keith Berkeley, Chairman of Potomac Bancshares. "This transition isn't about changing who we are, it's about embracing our successful growth into the Potomac River region and expanding those relationships into the future."

The new name also directly aligns the bank with its holding company, Potomac Bancshares, whose name was intentionally chosen in 1994 in anticipation of this very moment of growth. Since its founding in 1871, the bank has been deeply rooted in the Charles Town, West Virginia, area. Over many generations, it has proudly shared its unique approach to community banking, extending its reach to bring exceptional service to neighboring communities across a broader Potomac River region.

"While our name is evolving, our iconic tree logo endures as a symbol of our deep roots and our ongoing commitment to growing strong, vibrant communities," said Alice P. Frazier, President and CEO. "As we look to the future, our client-first mindset will continue to guide our team in providing expert financial guidance and driving innovation across the bank, from improving the client experience to enhancing efficiency and expanding our offerings. And just as we always have, we'll continue to lead with our founding core value – if you have the ability to help your neighbor, you do."

Clients, shareholders, vendors, and community partners can expect a seamless transition. The bank's ownership, leadership, values, and dedication to personalized service will remain the same. The same friendly faces will continue to provide trusted service and support. All existing accounts, services, and branch locations also remain the same.

"This transition does not mark a departure from our values, it reaffirms them," added Frazier. "The experience clients have come to trust - customized support, local decision-making, and a meaningful impact on local communities - remains the same."

To mark this new chapter, Bank of Charles Town will introduce its new tagline: "Community Takes Root Here." This phrase underscores the bank's ongoing mission to help the communities and economies they serve grow stronger by supporting individuals and families, local entrepreneurs and businesses, municipalities and community organizations, and investing in the next generation.

This transition marks a significant milestone in the bank's long and storied history, a celebration of everything accomplished over the past 154 years, and is a bold step into the future. Bank of Charles Town, to be renamed Potomac Bank on November 3, 2025, is where tradition meets progress and where community takes root.

About Bank of Charles Town:Bank of Charles Town, to be renamed Potomac Bank on Nov. 3, 2025, has proudly served its communities for over 154 years. Founded in 1871, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTCID: PTBS), the bank has grown to become a trusted financial partner across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Committed to personalized service and community investment, Bank of Charles Town offers a full range of financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses, fostering growth and prosperity throughout the region. Learn more at www.mybct.bank.

SOURCE BCT - Bank of Charles Town

WVDOH reviews public input from West Washington Street Project meeting in Charles Town

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways is reviewing feedback collected during a public workshop held Tuesday, August 5, 2025, on the proposed West Washington Street improvement project in Charles Town, Jefferson County.The meeting, hosted at the Betty J. Roper Auditorium at Wright Denny Intermediate School, drew residents, business owners and local officials interested in the planned upgrades. The open-house format allowed attendees to view project displays, speak directly with WVDOH engine...

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways is reviewing feedback collected during a public workshop held Tuesday, August 5, 2025, on the proposed West Washington Street improvement project in Charles Town, Jefferson County.

The meeting, hosted at the Betty J. Roper Auditorium at Wright Denny Intermediate School, drew residents, business owners and local officials interested in the planned upgrades. The open-house format allowed attendees to view project displays, speak directly with WVDOH engineers and planners, and share comments and concerns.

Proposed improvements focus on increasing roadway safety and capacity at the intersection of West Washington Street, Summit Point Road, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The project also aims to enhance pedestrian safety and bicycle mobility throughout the corridor, supporting the long-term growth of the Charles Town area.

Crash data from 2017 to 2021 was reviewed to determine how often crashes occurred, their types and whether patterns existed. Over the five-year period, there were 51 crashes in the project area, with about 29 percent resulting in injuries. Of these, 23 occurred at the intersection of WV 51 and County Route 340/18 (Augustine Avenue), and 10 occurred at the intersection of WV 51 and County Route 13 (Summit Point Road). When compared with similar roadways across West Virginia, the crash rate in this area is nearly 2.5 times higher than the state average.

“We value the input we received from the community,” said Doug Kirk, director of the WVDOH Technical Support Division. “The feedback gathered at the meeting will be carefully considered as we move forward with design and construction planning.”

Residents who could not attend the workshop may submit written comments through Friday, September 3, 2025, at http://go.wv.gov/dotcomment.

With work continuing in all 55 counties across the state, the West Virginia Division of Highways and the West Virginia Department of Transportation remind the public of the importance of keeping everyone safe in work zones. “Respect the zone; let’s all go home!”

*From WVDOH Press Release

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CIRS Treatment Charles Town, WV

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