The Price of Exemption: $25M+
The 2018 whiskey-barrel exemption started with a Moore County audit and ended with Nashville taking a multimillion-dollar tax base off the local rolls.
Moore County fundraisers put support to work
From Saturday at Woodards to fall flowers and Book Buddy Lanyards, local families have several ways to pitch in.
‘I’m Going for It’: Linne Takes a Sweet Chance
Lynchburg Sweets & Treats opens with homemade cake pops, self-serve weekend sales, and custom orders.
We Will Always Love You
In the Jan. 22, 2025, edition of the Observer, Haley Payne Roberts wrote about how the Imagination Library was a personal inspiration.
Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt goes nationwide
A 100% malted barley expression is leaving Lynchburg this fall – and this one carries a little history in the bottle.
Tennessee Collective returns with 120-proof blend
Eleven Tennessee distilleries, including Jack Daniel Distillery, are contributing barrels to the 2026 Tennessee Collective whiskey release.
Groceries, gas, credit cards: Feeling the squeeze
Analysis: Moore County credit-card, auto, mortgage and consumer debt – and how we compare with surrounding counties.
Sunday Supper: Banana Nut Muffins
This easy banana nut muffin recipe makes 12 tender, walnut-packed muffins perfect for busy school-week mornings.
Built on Friday Nights
From football’s 1869 beginnings to Lynchburg’s documented 1922 team, it’s the game Moore County gathers to watch.
Sunday Supper: Roast Beef Rollups
Make five grab-and-go lunches in just 15 minutes with these easy rollups made with provolone, arugula, and horseradish sauce.
Big Fair, Old Tennessee Soul
171 years of livestock, lumberjacks, roaring engines, and enough midway lights to make a lightning bug feel underdressed.
Four years in, Whiskey Creek remains unfinished
79-lot tiny-home development remains unfinished as developer, Moore County work through access, bridge, zoning issues.
Who controls the Retreats? Model is under pressure
Lawsuits at Water’s Edge, Sunset Bluff testing HOA control, rental restrictions, finances, behind Chip Hayes’ communities.
Sunday Supper: Cheesecake Dip
Want an easy no-bake dessert? This creamy dip is ready in 10 minutes and works for lunchboxes, potlucks, and parties.
September is going to the dogs – and cats
Three upcoming events will support Friends of Animals, with stops in Lynchburg, Bell Buckle, and Mulberry.
Who’s in The Jack?
Ninety-nine teams from 41 states and 22 countries will descend on Lynchburg Oct. 9-11 for ‘cue’s biggest weekend.
The Big Yellow Pause
Moore County Schools carries 478 bus riders across 12 routes as students and motorists prepare for the first morning pickup.
Coy Hill heat shapes Jack’s newest limited whiskey
Selection #17 captures what remained after 10 years of heat and evaporation on the top floor of Barrelhouse 1-13.
Teen drivers, college life can change family’s insurance
Before a teen starts driving or a college student leaves home, check for insurance gaps that could lead to costly surprises.
Sunday Supper: Lasagna
Classic five-cheese lasagna for Sunday dinner, or try a hearty one-pot lasagna soup for a busy weeknight.
The little piece of chicken that learned to fly
A day to ‘wing’ it celebrates the unlikely rise of a scrap – from a disputed origin story to a Frontier Days victory.
The Roof That Talks Back
Thinking about a metal roof? The sound may stir up old memories, but there is more to it than rainy-night music.
Sunday Supper: Back-to-School Lunch Box Ideas
Make school mornings easier with practical lunch box ideas, thermos meals, kid-friendly sides, and simple preparation tips.
Father Time vs. Mother Nature
Supplements may look harmless, but weak evidence, drug interactions, liver risks can hide behind “natural.”
From a Moore County kitchen to the State Fair
Canners, young cooks, speakers, sewers, and poultry exhibitors have opportunities to compete in Lebanon.
Gateway president: ‘We don’t show up to quit’
Josh Mandell discusses the ongoing zoning saga and plans for the proposed affordable housing development in Lynchburg.
From southern Middle Tennessee to the moon
AEDC tested critical Apollo systems, while UTSI helped build the aerospace community that supported the work.
Sunday Supper: Blueberries
Make the most of blueberry season: picking and storage tips, freezer advice, and a classic coffee cake recipe.
A Head-Turning Invader
Found a hammerhead worm in your yard? Here’s what to know about the predator and the safest way to remove it.
Cyclosporiasis cases rising: What to know
Parasite can cause watery diarrhea that lasts for weeks. Find out how it reaches food and when to call a doctor.
Sunday Supper: Hot Dogs
Whether grilled, pan-fried, boiled, or steamed, the hot dog remains a summer staple on Moore County tables.
VFD, Project Graduation Horse Show
Riders and spectators will gather in Wiseman Park for the annual SSHBEA Horse Show, featuring 38 classes.
The Summer Breakdown You Can Prevent
Simple checks can catch trouble before the temp gauge climbs to one of summer’s most common breakdowns.
Sunday Supper: Tomato Sandwiches
A ripe tomato, soft bread, and real mayonnaise are all it takes for one of summer’s best Southern sandwiches.
From Lynchburg to England, With Love and Tea
A 1986 MCHS pen pal assignment led Sara Hope and a woman from England into a friendship that has lasted nearly 40 years.
250 Moments in America
One year at a time, the American story runs through frontier roads, wars, pop culture, science, and small-town Tennessee.
The Surprising Story Behind an American Icon
Before Uncle Sam pointed from a WW I poster, he may have started as a joke on barrels of beef during the War of 1812.
Bluegrass, barbecue, and a good cause
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage performance at The Butt Ranch will benefit area shelters, including Friends of Animals.
Sunday Supper: Corn on the Cob
A summer staple, a porch pile of husks, and a Fourth of July corn sale for Moore County’s volunteer firefighters.
Frontier Days 2026
Two days of family fun, including exhibits, helicopter rides, hot air balloon rides, and fireworks on the Square.
Where the Stakes Hit the Grill
SCA Cookoff winner is eligible for a Golden Ticket to the 2026 World Food Championships in Indianapolis.
Moon Pies Take the Gazebo
Tennessee roots and working-class charm make it a natural fit for one of Frontier Days’ most lighthearted traditions.
Old iron rolling into Frontier Days
Moore County FFA Tractor Show will include vintage tractors on parade, tractor games, and kids’ pedal pulls.
Sunday Supper: Whiskey Chocolate Cake
A grown-up cake built for the dad at the table, with whiskey in the batter, ganache on top, and no apologies.
12 weird Southeast vacations worth the detour
Skip the matching-luggage vacation. These offbeat destinations offer caves, castles, folk art, and a few good stories.
Soap Box Derby dream comes full circle
Benton Hartline is headed to Akron, Ohio, after winning his local gravity prix and extending a family racing story.
Gray earns UT Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship
Moore County student-athlete earned one of UT’s county-level scholarships for incoming Volunteers.
Weather camera arrives as El Niño begins to build
Southern TN Weather’s new Lynchburg camera gives emergency managers, farmers, residents real-time data.
Extension Office gives kids a place in Frontier Days
Moore County kids can enter more than 60 cultural arts categories and a homemade apple pie contest.
A Weekend Pour in Gatlinburg
Ole Smoky anchors a three-day trek with whiskey, mountain air, women’s basketball history, and Irish pub comfort food.
Sunday Supper: Peach Cobbler
This cast-iron peach cobbler makes the most of the season with fresh fruit, flaky crust, and a proper summer finish.
A Dream Decades in the Making
Word of mouth is spreading quickly as Kenda and Steve Parks open a new tanning, spray-tanning, and red-light therapy studio.
Music, Mud, and Middle Tennessee
The Farm wakes up June 11-14 with music, late nights, and enough curiosity to send festival-goers to Lynchburg.
Sunday Supper: Squash Casserole
A Southern summer staple built from garden squash, sharp cheddar, and a cracker crust.
Cody Cozz, T. Eian headline Frontier Days
Two-day celebration will feature live music, steak and wing competitions, hot air balloon rides, kids’ activities, fireworks.
Frontier Days calls on donors, sponsors, vendors
Organizers accepting vendor applications by June 9 and auction donations by June 10 for the annual Lynchburg festival.
Five Tips for Gardening with Kids
It may get messy, but a few simple choices can turn seeds, soil, and sunshine into a memory worth growing.
Don’t Lose Your Cool
If your vehicle’s A/C is losing its chill, it’s time for an inspection. Catch recharge or repair needs before summer temps peak.
A Weekend Pour in Woodbury
Two great-great-grandsons have revived the spirit of J.B. Kirk with a bourbon rooted in the family record.
Sunday Supper: Apple Pie Ice Cream
Easy freezer dessert brings together creamy sweetness, soft apples, and warm spice for a taste that feels like home.
June in Moore County
From Tims Ford afternoons to candy shops and sweet tea, Lynchburg has plenty to enjoy and remember
Stubblefield keen to give back
Family collecting donations before Aidan’s Aug. 6 checkup at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Gentleman Jack tees up golf culture play
Jack Daniel’s brand partners with MANORS Golf on apparel, content, events built around etiquette, style, image.
From Lynchburg Ride to Statewide Fundraiser
Tennessee Widow’s Sons State Rally will bring riders to Shelbyville to raise money for several charitable causes.
The Holiday that Began in Grief
Memorial Day is often treated as summer’s opening weekend, but its purpose remains narrower, heavier, more sacred.
A Weekend Pour in Chattanooga
The trick is knowing what to leave out – and this trip gives you just enough whiskey, baseball, and slow-road charm.
Sunday Supper: Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Celebrating Southern slow-cooked green beans, from ham hocks and bacon to pot likker, cornbread, and leather britches
If Tennessee Distilleries Were People at the Party
For International Tennessee Whiskey Day, we gave each Tennessee Whiskey Trail stop a playful personality …
TN Whiskey: Smooth by Tradition
While Tennessee whiskey is technically a type of straight whiskey, it’s defined not just by geography but by a crucial extra step.
A Weekend Pour in Memphis
A three-day Memphis road trip from Lynchburg, with must-see stops, offbeat places, cool hotels, and a southern return route.
Sunday Supper: Watermelon
Cold watermelon needs no recipe, but a good one still deserves a little respect – from the field spot to the salt debate.
A Weekend Pour in Lynnville
This getaway heads west from Lynchburg for a distillery tour, a burger stop, and a log cabin with history in its walls.
Sunday Supper: Fried Okra
The art of fried okra: from choosing the right pods to finding the almost-burnt crust that makes it unforgettable.
United in Spirits returns to BBQ Hill
June 13 fundraiser will support United Way programs and nonprofit partners across South Central Tennessee.
A Weekend Pour in East Tennessee
Friday-to-Saturday road trip to Hartford, with scenic stops, local food, rafting, and Smoky Mountain views.
Sunday Supper: Southern Pie Crust
For something worth remembering, start with cold fat, a light hand, and the patience to let old kitchen wisdom do its work.
Jack Daniel’s Shadow Life
A St. Louis warehouse became part of the infamous Prohibition-era whiskey milking case and Lem Motlow’s 1924 murder trial.
Don’t Let Car Trouble Ride Shotgun
Check fluids, brakes, tires, and belts before summer travel season cranks up – and there’s a 10% off incentive.
Moore County’s Solar Farm Timeline
How did we get here on the Silicon Ranch solar farm? From Jack Daniel Distillery’s TVA Green Invest deal to current concerns.
Jack Daniel’s Salutes Those Who Serve
Firefighters and first responders can receive tour and restaurant discounts as Jack Daniel’s honors its historic Fire Brigade.
From borrowed bows to national champions
Taylors Archery has become a place where beginners and competitors learn focus, patience, and how to handle pressure.
Sunday Supper: Spring Clean Your Pantry
Now is the perfect time to clean out the pantry, restock for spring, and donate to community organizations.
Chili, color, and hometown treasure hunting
Spring in the Hollow marks its 30th year with shopping, music, chili contests, fundraisers, and limited-edition event swag.
Ready, set, quack
Lucky Duck Race returns to Mulberry Creek on Saturday, mixing fun with a fundraiser that helps students’ basic needs.
Little Houses, Big Welcome
Before Saturday’s Spring in the Hollow birdhouse auction, take a look at the history of birdhouses and why they matter.
What Solar Farms Really Change
Do solar farms change the weather? Arrays can reshape microclimates, but the case for broader changes is far less settled.
Sunday Supper: Strawberry Shortcake
Biscuit, sponge, or pound cake? Here’s how to build a better strawberry shortcake with the best flavors of spring.
Spring in the Hollow: A Reason to Linger
Spring arrives with shopping, food, chili, auctions, and a chance to support local businesses around the Square.
The Real Fight Over Solar Farms
Solar farms are spreading fast in Tennessee. Here’s why long-term accountability matters as much as the panels themselves.
The Road Trip that Built Its Own Myth
Thinking about summer vacation? Here’s why Route 66 still offers one of the best road trips – from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Gravity, Grit, and a Downhill Thrill
Tullahoma’s Soap Box Derby returns with 40-plus entries, three classes, and the tradition of Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
Sunday Supper: Strawberry Preserves
Strawberry season is short, so be sure to make homemade preserves that capture peak berry flavor before it is gone.
The Views Come After the Climb
The 29-mile Lynchburg Loop gives cyclists an official Bike Tennessee scenic route to explore Moore County.
A Spring Saturday Done Right
Spring in the Hollow celebrates 30 years on April 25 with plenty of reasons to spend the day downtown.
An Unauthorized Pour-Choice
Revisiting the unapproved stop on the Oak Barrel Half Marathon course with apologies, puns, and hard-earned embarrassment.
Six fairs, six kinds of glory
From truck pulls and ugly chickens to Tennessee’s last harness races, these six still know how to put a county on display.
Middle TN Festival Calendar
Find the region’s best seasonal events, from the Slawburger and Banana Pudding festivals to a Dickens of a Christmas.
Sunday Supper: Deviled Eggs
From boil-or-steam to the Duke’s-vs.-Hellmann’s question: How to make deviled eggs that look right, disappear fast.
Spring Starts Here
Lynchburg’s 2026 event season is off and running, building through a year of races, music, food, service, and tradition.
Buddy-Ball to shape Opening Day
On Opening Day in Tullahoma on April 11, Buddy-Ball will define the day by giving more children a chance to take the field.
Artemis II: Huntsville Muscle, Moore County Pride
NASA’s Artemis II launches Wednesday, sending astronauts – and a Moore County connection – around the Moon again.
What to know about the OBH
The 17th Oak Barrel Half Marathon – featuring the famously punishing Whiskey Hill – returns to Lynchburg on Saturday.
Hunter Neal: Taking His Shot
Moore County’s Hunter Neal has been named to USPRA’s Team USA. Reminisce with our interview from April 2, 2025.
A Bowl for Jackie
Farris Creek Masonic Lodge’s chili pre-qualifier sent Jacob Clark on to Spring in the Hollow while supporting the Byrom family.
Brown-Forman merger talks say what?
A Brown-Forman-Pernod Ricard deal would reshape the global spirits market in terms of distribution, retail leverage, and competition.
Stitched with History
Aurelia Swann won first place in a state DAR competition, and her hand-stitched wall quilt now advances to nationals.
Food Fight: 9th and Passyunk
Pat’s and Geno’s have turned a South Philadelphia intersection into one of America’s most famous food rivalries.
The part nobody caught on video
Katie Evans recounts the unforgettable moment Rileigh Brē Cole’s senior trip Segway tour went wildly off course.
Inside the Smithsonian
From the Star-Spangled Banner to the Wright Flyer, the Smithsonian’s museums house objects that make America unforgettable.
Sunday Supper: Biscuits
As Southern cooks know, cold butter, soft flour, hot cast iron, and careful handling turn good biscuits into great ones.
Known But to God
America’s most solemn military shrine, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, has had a round-the-clock vigil since 1937.
Sláinte Around the World
Green rivers, grand parades, and good craic: These 10 cities have made St. Patrick’s Day into a signature celebration.
Sunday Supper: Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is a Tennessee staple – and here’s why it must be sweetened hot, and what it still says about Southern culture today.
‘Safer than your bathroom’
TN Tornado Shelters helps families prepare before severe weather strikes with in-ground, in-floor, and safe-room shelter solutions.
Pi, pie and the rise of a modern tradition
Pi Day is here, which means it is a fine time to talk numbers, nonsense – and whether your slice ought to be baked or boxed.
Watergate salad’s strange, stubborn staying power
It has turned up on Southern dessert lines for generations, but the name behind the green dessert dish remains a mystery.
Inside Lynchburg Leadership
Program brings together residents from across Moore County to study how the community works and how they can help lead it.
Sunday Supper: Banana Puddin’
Scratch banana pudding is the Southern classic worth doing right – with the overnight rest that turns a good dessert into one to remember.
4-H summer lineup: fun, food, and exploration
Ziplining, cooking, science, shooting sports, and even a trip to Savannah are all on the schedule for Moore County 4-H in 2026.
Tennessee’s original frontier hero gets his week
Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed March 2-6 as David Crockett Week in Tennessee. Crockett had a homestead in what is now Moore County.
The Night the Horizon Disappeared
Patsy Cline’s plane crash on March 5, 1963: Here’s what happened, why investigators cited VFR into IMC, and why the pattern still repeats.
Help stop the spread of spotted lanternflies
Outdoor-stored materials are a top pathway for spread. Here’s how to spot egg masses and destroy them so they can’t hatch.
When lenders, receivers, and shareholders collide
Can Uncle Nearest’s equity investors sue? Yes. Could the SEC step in? Yes. But will anyone be behind bars with three-hots-and-a-cot?
Jack, McLaren toast ’26 with limited-edition bottle
A new Jack Daniel’s x McLaren limited-edition bottle drops this month – a nod to McLaren’s 1,000th F1 Grand Prix and 160 years in Lynchburg.
Why we Read Across America this week
What began as a one-day national read-in in 1998 – anchored to March 2 – has grown into a celebrated tradition.
The Very American Story of Peanut Butter
From an 1884 patent to the 1904 World’s Fair and the science that stopped the dreaded oil separation, here’s how America’s favorite spread became inevitable.
Rare ‘Blood Moon’ will paint the sky on March 3
A rare total lunar eclipse will turn Tuesday’s “Worm Moon” into a dramatic Blood Moon – and it is the only total lunar eclipse of 2026.
Getting a Handle on Blood Sugar
Nearly 30% of Moore County adults rate their health as poor or fair. Small daily habits can significantly lower blood sugar and disease risk.
Tractor Day ’26
Horsepower and hometown pride in one unforgettable showcase. Watch the video and browse the photo gallery for highlights.
FFA Week celebrates ag education legacy
FFA Week rekindles emotions and memories for many in Moore County, including those who learned under long-time advisor Tommy Beavers.
Sunday Supper: Cornbread
A staple of Southern tables, all it needs is a hot skillet, some good fat, and a cook with a heart for the bread that built the South: cornbread.
Smith’s mission: Rebuild local Harley community
Daniel Smith is working to revive the Squires Harley Owners Group chapter, growing membership and reviving the riding community one vroom at a time.
Tractor Day returns to MCHS
As part of National FFA Week, Tractor Day is a rural tradition that celebrates agricultural heritage, student leadership, and community pride.
Severe weather isn’t seasonal – it’s certain
Emergency preparedness saves lives, and the most significant storm threats in Moore County can be addressed before severe weather strikes.
RSV still threatens older adults
Late-winter respiratory illness isn’t over. Health experts explain why RSV is dangerous for older adults and how to stay protected.
Sunday Supper: Fried Chicken
From buttermilk brine to golden cast-iron crust, this guide reveals why real fried chicken isn’t fast food – it’s a timeless Southern tradition.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
EMA urges planning during Severe Weather Awareness Week, emphasizing storm safety, warning awareness, and protection for vulnerable rural areas.
Pasture Recovery, Market Reality
Will Thomas weighs in on how to rebuild feeding sites, what herd numbers mean for beef prices, imports, and the pace of future herd expansion.
Sunday Supper: Art of the Sunday Roast
A guide to mastering the classic Sunday roast – from choosing the right cut of meat to timing sides, gravy, and rest time so everything hits the table hot.
Cold Weather: Work doesn’t stop – just gets harder
From frozen water troughs to rising heating costs, this deep freeze exposes the fragile balance rural families must maintain just to get through winter.
When the lights go out, fire risk goes up
Space heaters, candles, fireplaces, and generators are responsible for most winter storm fires. Here’s what to know before the next cold snap.
A Tradition Older Than the Forecast
Every winter storm triggers the same grocery rush. Here’s why milk, bread, and eggs disappear first – and what it says about how we prepare for bad weather.
From Cold Nights to Crib Sheets
Late summer is the busiest season for births, but the real story starts in the winter, when colder weather and downtime quietly boost conception rates.
How brine, salt help protect Moore County roads
Moore County crews are already working to treat local roads. Here’s why timing and temperature matter, and why we can still encounter icy conditions on “treated” pavement.
Keeping pets warm, safe in winter
Freezing temperatures, ice, and power outages are serious risks for dogs and cats. Keep them warm, healthy, and safe when winter weather hits.
Why alcohol is a risk during winter outages
From hot toddies to nightcaps, whiskey is a winter staple – but alcohol can increase cold-weather danger when moderation matters most.
What to do before ice and snow hit
From slick bridges and shaded back roads to the risk of power outages in rural areas, local officials say preparation is just as important as road treatment.
Surviving the Cold Without Power
Winter power outages aren’t just inconvenient – they can be life-threatening. Learn how to stay warm, avoid common dangers, and prepare ahead.
Why winter weather hits Moore County hard
Wind, ice, and even light snow can bring Moore County to a standstill. Here’s how you can prepare before the next system moves in.
Sweet Potato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Fuel your morning with a quick, nutritious breakfast rich in complex carbs, protein, antioxidants, and fiber – ideal for lasting energy and immune support.
