Gateway plan stalls over townhome definition
Housing proposal in limbo after officials questioned whether the project is truly townhomes or apartments by another name.
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.
Moore County Meetings
Official dates, times, and meeting schedules for monthly Moore County government meetings, including commission sessions and other public boards.
Gateway files suit against Moore County
The Gateway Companies is suing Moore County, claiming officials broke the law by blocking a 42-unit apartment project with rushed zoning changes.
Council OKs textbook debt obligation
Metro Council also approved Christmas in Lynchburg street closures and a redesigned parade route — here’s what local drivers and parade-goers need to know.
Room to Grow – But How?
Apartments? 55-and-older housing community? Explore how these projects could affect taxes, infrastructure, and Moore County’s future.
P&Z explores balancing growth, preservation
Planning and Zoning Commission says location-based zoning could guide growth, protect farmland, and ensure residents have a stronger voice in shaping the county’s future.
Location-based zoning for Moore County?
From solar farms to farmland, Moore County is rethinking how – and where – growth happens. Here’s what location-based zoning could mean for you.
Resource Center calls for distribution volunteers
As the federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits, the Moore County Resource Center is stepping up with its largest-ever food distribution on Nov. 11.
SNAP: 400 Moore Countians could be affected
Hundreds of low-income Moore County residents face uncertainty as lawmakers remain deadlocked over spending cuts, healthcare subsidies, and social programs.
Pros and Cons of Property Taxes
Counties say property taxes are the backbone of local life – funding schools, safety, and services. Homeowners call them a never-ending bill for something they already own.
Shutdown may affect food distribution
The Tennessee Department of Human Services says SNAP benefits for November may be unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Food trucks highlight lack of regulations
The Planning and Zoning board addressed concerns about two food trucks – Danny T’s and Cattle Call – operating within the Lynchburg historic district.
P&Z reviews rezoning request for Retreat
“What we’re trying to do here is just take the original part down in the front back to commercial,” Rance Frye told the board.
P&Z addresses concerns at solar farm
Environmental consultant Tony Grow reported that state regulators have found the work to be in compliance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) rules.
Mandatory firearm safety lessons to begin
The law, TCA § 49-6-1016, passed in 2024, aims to provide students with practical, age-appropriate safety skills without engaging in political debates over gun rights or restrictions.
Grand Jury Public Notice
A grand jury public notice is a formal announcement informing citizens who have evidence or knowledge of a crime that they can apply to appear before the grand jury.
Moore County to receive DDA grant
The grants, which range from $10,000 to $50,000 per center, are designed to ensure older adults maintain access to health and wellness resources.
Council discusses Halloween traffic plans
Metro Council members discussed logistics for the community-wide celebration, scheduled for 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, on the Square.
State parks install more colorblind viewfinders
Twelve state parks now offer colorblind viewfinders, with new installations at T.O. Fuller State Park and Roan Mountain State Park.
Phase 2 of Retreat remains a ‘briar patch’
Highway Department Superintendent Shannon Cauble pressed for a designated construction entrance, stressing the dangers of using the current access point.
Moore tourism growth outpaces neighbors
Tourism also played a significant role in supporting local employment and tax revenue. Moore County recorded 100 tourism-related jobs in 2024.
Report: Moore visitors spent $15.6M in ’24
Data shows tourism saves every household in Moore County $517 a year in taxes, underscoring the fact that tourism is not just part of the economy, it is the economy.
Council OKs Moorehead, textbooks, TCRS
The Metro Council tackled a wide-ranging agenda, including a new District 1 member, resolving textbook funding, and adopting new retirement benefits for county employees.
Six cited for selling alcohol to a minor
Sheriff’s Investigator Brandon Thomas reported that a compliance operation on July 2 tested whether clerks and servers would verify the buyer’s age before making a sale.
School Board mulls policy changes
District enrollment stands at 922 students – 397 at the high school and 525 at the elementary school – an increase of about 65 from last year.
Emergency Management Awareness Month
The goal of National Emergency Management Awareness Month is to help the public understand what emergency managers do and why their work matters.
P&Z pumps brakes on Whiskey Creek expansion
Oakstone Land & Capital’s Phase Two proposal – a 14-lot expansion – would extend the private, HOA-maintained subdivision deeper into the property.
A justified tax for a justified cause
District 2 Council member Robert Bracewell contends a fair, temporary wheel tax – applied equally – could help Moore County dig out without digging in deeper.
Neal out as fire chief
Mayor Sloan Stewart said Tuesday that Mark Neal is out as Chief of the Metro Moore Volunteer Fire Department
Schools’ window film under scrutiny
The district installed a two-layer film to achieve a thickness of 33 mil. However, many windows show defects, prompting the contractor to return under warranty.
School lunch prices increase for ’25-26
With rising food and labor costs outpacing current meal prices, Moore County Schools will raise prices for student and staff meals for the first time in eight years.
MUD board to keep tap fees steady
The cost of a three-quarter-inch meter, including labor and materials, is $1,550 – a narrow margin that has raised concerns among members.
Water system improvements paying off
LJA Engineering’s Matt Williamson presented a comprehensive update on ongoing MUD infrastructure projects and preliminary results from system upgrades.
Residents solicit for MUD water access
Residents of Turkey Creek Loop who are interested in participating should contact the MUD office before the Aug. 12 meeting with their name and address.
3 Rivers’ updated site plan OK’d
Planning and Zoning OK’d 3 Rivers’ updated site plan, which includes a berm as a safety measure following a tank rupture at the anaerobic digester on Sept. 10, 2024.
TVA proposes revisions to Tims Ford Land Plan
TVA has released a Draft Environmental Assessment that examines four possible alternatives for future land use around the reservoir.
Bracewell: Conflicts, Taxes, and Accountability
I am sickened by what occurred last Monday, but that was just the same result I have witnessed since I really began paying attention to our local politics in 2020.
Council approves FY 2025-26 budget
No surprise: 10-5 vote was the same as the first reading, but Council member Darrel Richards abruptly resigning was the mic-drop moment.
Carson: We can’t keep kicking the can
I’m reaching out to address the recent property tax increase and to highlight the absence of long-term planning in county government.
VFD ‘backs in’ new firetruck
Tagged “Rescue 400,” this is the sixth engine in the county. The “400” is in honor of former Capt. Tommy Womble; it was his department number.
MUD opts to bid-out tube settlers
Tube settlers are used in water and wastewater treatment plants to remove suspended solids (like dirt, sand, and debris) from water.
School board approves revised budget
The proposed budget is essentially the same as what the board OK’d in May, except for a few tweaks – pulling out planned purchases for textbooks and a new school bus.
Wells: Mobile home ordinance ‘wide open’
Resident contends most mobile home developments are being pursued as rental income opportunities – not affordable housing solutions.
Rezoning sought for boat/RV storage facility
Rodney Ervin and Brett Fanning want to have a 2.34-acre lot near Jiffy Mart along Highway 55 rezoned for proposed commercial use.
Durm seeks historic property line adjustment
The structure in question – built in 1890 – was later sold to Mary Bobo, who converted it into a residence for her daughter in 1933.
Norman raises construction traffic concerns
The Retreat at Whiskey Creek tiny home construction project has begun utilizing a private shared driveway as an access point for vehicles.
Poston: In defense of public schools
If there is anything holy in what we do in Moore County, it’s this: we keep showing up – for every child, every day.
Bracewell: Even a need for public school?
The narrative of the poor, underpaid, overworked public school teacher – at least in this county – is a lie.
Sheriff warns jail decertification looms
The Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) failed the facility during an inspection due to an inoperable fire suppression hood.
Council OKs budget cut, keeps teacher raises
The Metro Council approved the first reading of the 2025-26 budget, carving out $200K from the school budget and agreeing on a $1.7412 tax levy.
MUD OK’s $2 sewer rate cut
MUD board member Glen Thomas moved to reduce the rates, citing increased revenue and customer concerns over high rates.
Hargett honors MCHS for voter registration
Moore County High School is one of 41 schools statewide to receive the Gold Award: MCHS earned the Silver Award in 2021 and ’23.
School budget includes teacher pay hike
The new scale aligns teacher salaries with the state-mandated minimum of $50,000 a year ahead of the required 2026-27 deadline.
Planning & Zoning tables codes discussion
After the county budget process is completed, Planning and Zoning will offer further recommendations for the Metro Council.
EMS adds state-funded cardiac monitors
Units will be installed in ambulances over the coming weeks, replacing equipment that has been in service for more than a decade.
Council discusses Building Inspector role
District 3 Council member and Planning and Zoning Chair Dexter Golden has received several phone calls expressing various opinions.
Metro Council moves to manage growth
Rezoning apartments to Commercial, expanding lot requirements an effort to manage growth, water infrastructure.
BOE: Personnel moves, fencing top topics
Five school system instructors – three retirements and two resignations – will not return for the 2025-26 school year.
Building codes, inspections on the horizon?
The Metro Council ultimately voted to allow Planning and Zoning to explore a tailored building code framework for Moore County.
Introduction to Robert Bracewell
I have been asked to write a monthly article for the Observer addressing issues that come before the Metro Council.
Board OK’s five-year solar moratorium
Metro Moore Attorney Bill Rieder said the abeyance will allow the county to study the long-term effects of the Silicon Ranch solar farm.
Sheriff: Jail roof, kitchen need upgrades
Sheriff Tyler Hatfield addressed the Metro Moore Council to shed light on repairs and potential improvements for the jail.
Article 8 defines county’s role in education
While its smallness makes it seem less complex, the school system takes much hard work to ensure our kids get a top-notch education.
Outlining minimum reqs for county services
Law enforcement, fire department, and public works among the departments governed by Article 4 of the Lynchburg charter.
Metro Council OK’s solar farm deal
On Monday night, the 12 attending Metro Council members unanimously approved the agreement with Nashville-based Silicon Ranch.
How do the ‘charter’ pieces fit together?
Local government rests within the heart of Lynchburg. However, few are privy to what makes our government so unique.
Metro Moore: What Does it Mean?
The predominant feature that made a charter form so appealing was its protection of Moore County’s borders, preventing annexation from neighboring counties.
