Moore County cattle farmers face another squeeze
Cheaper imported beef can help consumers while U.S. herd rebuilds. Cattle farmers not convinced both can happen at once.
New mRNA treatment clears major hurdle
A personalized mRNA melanoma treatment has succeeded in a Phase 3 trial. Here’s what the breakthrough could mean.
Amendment 2 would ban state property taxes
Tennessee has not collected a state property tax since 1949. Amendment 2 would constitutionally prohibit one in the future.
Humble Baron gets more time as bankruptcy questions mount
Humble Baron remains in Chapter 11 for now as questions continue over $100K+ in transfers, a $1.1M IRS claim, and unfiled taxes.
MCHS places No. 2 locally in U.S. News rankings
Moore County High School runner-up in the Tullahoma metro area and No. 199 in Tennessee in the 2026-27 rankings.
BZA leaves Whiskey Creek RV park unresolved
Road access, bridge concerns took center stage as proposed 45-space RV park stalled before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Council advances quarter-cent sales tax referendum
9.75% proposal heads to an Aug. 31 vote, council fills three boards, and begins search for District 1 school board member.
Gateway settlement heads to Aug. 31 legal briefing
Officials will meet with legal counsel after developer submitted proposed settlement agreement amid its townhome court challenge.
Northcutt challenges Tanyard Hill process
After an 11-2 rejection in July, the rezoning returned to discussion Monday with procedural criticism and council pushback.
Receiver urges Chapter 7 for Humble Baron
Humble Baron faces a bankruptcy hearing after failing to return $66,350 in unauthorized transfers by a court-ordered deadline.
Moore among TN’s lowest in OnlyFans spending
OnlyGuider estimates Moore County spent about $15,000 on OnlyFans in 2025 – roughly $1,250/month or $41/day.
What Moore County’s sales tax proposal means
From a $35 purchase to a $250 grocery bill, here’s what Moore County’s proposed sales tax increase would mean at the register.
MUD targets aging galvanized lines for replacement
Utility plans Chapman Acres and Majors Boulevard upgrades as board also weighs new development standards.
Sales tax referendum could return to ballot
A proposed sales tax increase, Tanyard Hill rezoning, jail funding, and Gateway litigation are on next week’s Metro Council agenda.
Campus Security: Motlow adds LPRs
Motlow State is using license plate readers at its Moore County campus entrances. Here’s how the technology works.
MCHS seniors can apply early for TN Direct Admissions
Students who complete the TN Promise application by Aug. 17 could receive offers, financial aid estimates in September.
Growth, security, goodbyes mark August BoE meeting
Enrollment growth, $309,521 in additional state funding, and two 12-year farewells shape the board’s meeting.
MUD shows nearly 9.8M gallons lost in July
Water loss topped one-third of MUD’s available July supply as utility board heads into its Tuesday meeting.
How Moore County Voted
Thursday’s returns track broader electorate at the top – but voters put their own stamp on the races behind the winners.
Stewart, Hatfield re-elected; six Council seats change
General Election: Six of nine regular Metro Council seats change hands; District 5 sends three new members to the table.
Bhegani licensing hearing postponed until Oct. 1
A full docket postponed a state A&E Examiners licensing hearing involving the Whiskey Creek bridge assessment.
P&Z defers Gateway review
Mayor Sloan Stewart urged commissioners to await legal guidance before revisiting developer’s proposed 42-home plan.
Tenn. GOP: Sheriff ballot violates state law
The Tennessee GOP says Moore County’s sheriff ballot is wrongly ordered and warns that legal action could follow.
Moore County early turnout ranks 10th in Tennessee
A total of 1,273 ballots were cast before Election Day, up 9.4% from 2022. General Election is Thursday, Aug. 6.
Uncle Nearest trial date set for October 2027
Farm Credit alleges more than $108M was owed when it sued Uncle Nearest, related companies, and founders.
Gateway challenges denial of townhome plan
Filing challenges Planning & Zoning’s reading of density, town lots, traffic requirements, definition of a townhouse.
Weavers’ bid to halt sale of MV property denied
U.S. District Judge Atchley: The property had already changed hands, leaving the court with nothing to pause.
Tax-free shopping returns July 31
State’s three-day sales tax holiday comes just before Moore County Schools’ Aug. 5 registration day.
Gateway, Moore County earn split decision with BZA
Proposed units meet Moore County’s townhouse definition, but Gateway’s site-plan appeal ended in a 2-2 tie.
Tanyard Hill subdivision rezoning fails
Members voted 11-2 against the request as questions surfaced about smaller lots, road safety, and the planning process.
Jail financing, four rezonings await Metro Council
Officials will weigh a $983,498, 4.01% financing proposal for jail renovation and zoning changes affecting more than 32 acres.
Rezoning request for Tanyard subdivision advanced
Metro Council will have its first reading Monday amid questions over the rezoning process and driveway sight distance.
Barrel maker serving Jack to shutter Ala. facility
Independent Stave to close Trinity, Ala., cooperage Sept. 14, eliminating 71 jobs at facility that supplies barrels for Jack Daniel’s.
Farm Credit rejects claim it ignored warning signs
Lender argues Uncle Nearest waived the claim and cannot shift responsibility for alleged internal fraud.
Receiver: MV sale order final, asks judge to deny stay
Young says delays in the Uncle Nearest case could cost the estate its current buyer for the Martha’s Vineyard property.
Early voting opens for Aug. 6 election
Moore County early voting begins ahead of an election featuring county races, partisan primaries, judicial retention questions.
Oosting centers District 3 campaign on growth
First-time candidate says residential development must not outpace the county’s roads, schools, and utilities.
Ivey seeks second term as Moore County clerk
Incumbent says four years as clerk have strengthened her understanding of the office and connection with residents.
Metro Council to weigh jail financing
Jail renovation, four property rezonings, and possible return of Lewis McGee Road to private ownership lead Monday’s agenda.
Harrison points to experience in campaign
From The Iron Kettle to Farm Bureau, candidate says serving the public has prepared her for County Clerk’s office.
MUD board advances Hwy. 82 water project
Board authorizes state submission, reviews financing, water loss, billing changes, and contractor deposits.
Brown-Forman CEO Whiting to retire
Jack Daniel’s parent company searching for a new leader as CEO stepping down after nearly 30 years with the company.
Sunset Bluff homeowners file $5M counterclaim
Whiskey Creek developer facing suit over disputed HOA control, unpaid taxes, unfinished amenities, contested rental income.
Moore County begins purchase of new school bus
School leaders name Hatfield to legislative network, update governance while keeping meals at same price.
Moore County launches Pre-K enrollment push
Families may qualify for free Voluntary Pre-K even if they believe their income is too high. Here is what parents need to know.
School board to review public-comment rights
Meeting also includes meal prices, the school board attorney, personnel updates, and the district’s annual agenda.
Uncle Nearest: What federal subpoenas could mean
Receiver confirms probes by U.S. Attorney’s Office and SEC, raising questions about investors, ownership, company finances.
‘The People’s CEO’ no more
Receiver terminated Fawn and Keith Weaver’s involvement with Uncle Nearest as he prepares the whiskey brand for sale.
Receiver weighs bankruptcy for Uncle Nearest
“Prepackaged” Chapter 11 would allow receiver to negotiate much of proposed sale, while leaving final approval to a judge.
Uncle Nearest running on borrowed money, time
Receiver report: Formal sale notice could be filed within 30 to 60 days as investigations, litigation, and cash pressure continue.
Ross: Moore County must prepare for growth
District 5 candidate Whitney Ross says the county must protect what residents value while preparing for what comes next.
Uncle Nearest Receiver: Farm Credit ignored red flags
Farm Credit accused of allowing whiskey company’s former CFO to draw nearly $67 million without meaningful oversight.
Drainage, development drive P&Z meeting
Planning and Zoning weighed drainage, road access, and legal questions as several development items moved forward.
The Price of Staying Ready
Moore County’s 911 board approves $22,000 TACN-centric radio project while weighing larger funding questions.
Solar, rezonings lead P&Z agenda
Tuesday’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting also includes Moore County’s 20-year infrastructure plan.
Appeals Court denies Weavers’ emergency stay
Sixth Circuit refused to pause receiver’s authority to investigate Grant Sidney in the Uncle Nearest case.
Weavers fight to halt Martha’s Vineyard sale
Latest filings argues that the receiver should preserve disputed assets until the Farm Credit lawsuit is decided.
Metro Council passes FY2026-27 budget
Spending plan OK’d 12-2 after a process marked by failed votes, a corrected tax rate, questions over financial oversight.
Candidates field voter questions at forum
Mayor, sheriff, county clerk, and Metro Council candidates answered voter questions ahead of July 17 early voting.
2-cent tax increase up for final vote
Special-called meeting to address FY 2026-27 budget, tax levy, nonprofit funding, and year-end budget amendments.
Benson seeks District 3 council seat
First-time candidate Chris Benson says residents deserve clearer answers before votes are taken, not after.
New Tennessee laws take effect on July 1
Changes will affect classrooms, hemp retailers, alcohol-serving businesses, sheriff’s offices, and public benefit checks.
Hargett: Moore County needs poll workers
Residents can apply to serve during early voting and on Election Day for Aug. 6 primary, general election.
Jail bid notice leaves public record gap
The $983,498 renovation moved forward with one bid after a third legal notice reset the project deadline.
Concerned Citizens group seeks public input
June 23 meeting will focus on county finances, budget planning, growth, transparency, and taxpayer impact.
Gateway asks for paper trail in housing fight
Records request adds another layer to dispute over Gateway’s proposed housing development in Lynchburg.
Council sets $983,498 jail renovation amount
Sheriff Hatfield explained the one-bid process as funding moved forward in the 2026-27 budget.
Metro Council advances county budget
2026–27 budget passes on first reading, then members retake the vote after conflict-disclosure question.
Judge OK’s sale of Uncle Nearest’s MV property
The court cleared the sale but ruled proceeds cannot go to Farm Credit while the case remains pending.
Weather camera arrives as El Niño begins to build
Southern TN Weather’s new Lynchburg camera gives emergency managers, farmers, residents real-time data.
Metro Council to revisit 2026-27 budget Monday
Moore County officials will consider the budget, tax levy, and proposed jail renovation during Monday’s meeting.
Blackburn plea: to ‘save my daddy and sister’
Peggy Sue Blackburn pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty tied to a cattle investigation that began Dec. 16.
Bhegani: Engineering story ‘unequivocally false’
Firm says article got key facts wrong, Whiskey Creek bridge review supervised by a licensed Tennessee professional engineer.
Moore County voters face July 7 registration deadline
Early voting begins July 17; absentee ballot requests are due July 27 for the General Election on Aug. 6.
Blackburn in court Friday for animal cruelty case
District 4 council member denies neglect, believes charge stems from politics, misunderstanding of family’s cattle operation.
Engineers flag MUD’s next pressure point
Board also returned to a thorny rate question: who belongs in residential, and who belongs in commercial?
Schools’ fund balance picture improves
Board also approved a Hoops Club request to pursue a retractable gym flag in memory of Frank Fletcher.
Tennessee tightens animal import rules
Emergency order targets New World screwworm, a parasite that threatens livestock, pets, other warm-blooded animals.
Whiskey Creek: A test of Moore County’s own process
The Retreat remains unfinished after years of disputes over utilities, bridge access, zoning, and county requirements.
Blackberry lifts Jack Daniel’s whiskey sales
Brown-Forman whiskey portfolio grew during a difficult fiscal year, even as sales of flagship Old No. 7 declined.
P&Z denies Gateway’s 42-townhouse plan
Proposal denied on 3-1 vote as developer and county remain divided over what can be built behind the Co-Op.
Sale hearing puts Nearest Green appeal on the clock
Judge Atchley refuses fast-track review of dismissed bankruptcy; Weavers seek to stop MV sale, expanded receivership.
Nearest Green receiver inks nonbinding agreement to sell
Uncle Nearest could be headed toward a sale after its receiver signed a letter of intent with an unnamed investment firm.
Still Waiting on a Place to Call Home
Gateway development was meant to meet a local need. Instead, it has become a dispute over Moore County’s growth.
Weavers appeal order expanding receivership
Latest filing moves the dispute to the Sixth Circuit Court but does not automatically pause Uncle Nearest receivership.
Receiver hires firm to respond to federal probe
Latest one-page filing in Nearest Green case does not identify the agency, target, or scope of investigation.
Uncle Nearest stays under court control
Judge denies Weavers’ request to end Uncle Nearest receivership – and expands it to include Grant Sidney.
What it means to ‘grow’ the penny
Moore County’s property tax rate is worth more – but growth still has to be measured with spending discipline.
Runner returns to thank Moore County EMS
Lynn Collyar addressed the Metro Council to thank those who helped save his life after collapsing during the OBH.
Budget stalls after two failed votes
After proposed 2-cent property tax increase rejected, county faces a tighter timeline before fiscal year begins July 1.
Proposed budget gets first reading Monday
Moore County’s proposed 2026-27 budget projects a 2-cent property tax increase and use of county reserves on the table.
Four teachers earn tenure; school board OKs budget
Board of Education advanced a proposed budget that includes no property tax increase requested by the school system.
Preschool employee charged: assault involving child
Sheriff’s office says investigation remains active; Little Raiders Preschool says staff members were removed from duty.
Brown-Forman rejects reported $15B Sazerac offer
Jack Daniel Distillery remains under family control, with the next public test coming in its June 4 earnings report.
Savings track set for rural water expansion projects
Turkey Creek, Highway 82, County Line public water projects’ cost to be captured outside regular operating budget.
MUD agrees to buy land for new water plant
Purchase from Cumberland Springs Land Company COO Alex Richman would secure land for proposed expansion.
MUD: Unknown water loss may be 29.8%
New meter data is helping explain where finished water is going, but high water loss remains a financial concern.
MUD cuts sewer rate $2 beginning July 1
After months of budget debate, this marks the second consecutive year with a reduction for Lynchburg customers.
Proposed budget includes 2-cent property tax increase
The Metro Council will consider a proposed 2026-27 budget on Monday that raises the property tax rate to $1.7612.
Orange signs signal Highway 55 project
TDOT project will resurface from Main Street to the Coffee County line; bridge repairs, weekday lane closures expected.
Election chief admits ballot error
Administrator of Elections Jim Sanders says he felt “bullied” to open sealed ballot boxes before certification.
Uncle Nearest says time is hurting brand
Company says it is losing visitors, shelf space, customers as court weighs who had power to seek bankruptcy protection.
MCHS Class of 2026 Scholarships Awards
Seniors took their turn in the spotlight Thursday as the Class of 2026 was celebrated during Senior Awards Night.
Light turnout marks Moore County’s first primary
Unofficial results show 120 ballots cast out of 5,531 registered voters; General Election set for Aug. 6.
Gateway plan stalls over townhome definition
Housing proposal in limbo after officials questioned whether the project is truly townhomes or apartments by another name.
Moore County to lose $90K for 911 after Lee veto
Governor’s veto of a 36-cent monthly 911 surcharge increase shifts more pressure onto local public safety budgets
Lender, receiver push back on bankruptcy appeal
Filings argue emergency motion recycles months-old complaints in the ongoing fight over control of Uncle Nearest.
Long graduates Basic Firefighter School
Carson Long completed 10 weeks of classroom, skills, and live-fire training at the Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy.
Jack rolls out $600 McLaren-inspired whiskey
Jack Daniel’s has released Halo MK1 – the most premium global release in the Lynchburg distillery’s history.
New EMS truck request heads to Metro Council
Budget Committee advances request for 4×4 pickup after 2010 Ford Explorer pulled from service over safety concerns.
Brown-Forman: No merger with Pernod Ricard
Jack Daniel’s parent company said it could not reach terms with the French heavyweight.
Atmos gifts $10K for swimming pool motor
Mayor Sloan Stewart said the offer came after the Metro Council voted 9-2 to approve capital project funds.
Jack Daniel’s releases limited barrel-proof rye
Small Batch Rye release with five high-proof batches available only at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop in Lynchburg.
Moratorium passes as Council revisits trouble spots
Metro Council dives deeper into cease-and-desist authority, the Retreat at Whiskey Creek, jail bids, and water loss.
Weaver, lawyers: Sanctions request misses mark
Latest filings ask a federal judge to reject sanctions, arguing the real fight is over bankruptcy authority and free speech.
Hoffman withdrawing from District 2 race
Hampton Hoffman has ended his District 2 council campaign, citing out-of-state family obligations.
Pernod finds some lift as deal picture tightens
Pernod Ricard still cut its full-year outlook as Brown-Forman talks continue and Sazerac enters the picture.
Report: Sazerac offers $15B for Brown-Forman
Sazerac’s reported bid for Brown-Forman adds a new twist to the future of Jack Daniel’s parent company.
Appraisers appointed for Martha’s Vineyard property
Federal Judge Atchley moved the Uncle Nearest receivership one step closer to selling its Edgartown, Mass., property.
Data centers, landfills top Metro Council agenda
On Monday, officials will revisit two major land-use questions regarding guardrails for high-impact development.
Rain chances are back – modest, but back
Y’all remember rain – that long-forgotten phenomenon when gravity finally wins an argument with a cloud …
‘The numbers are just not connecting’
MUD officials spent much of Tuesday’s meeting trying to determine why 45% of the system’s water is still unaccounted for.
School fund balance takes $56,000 hit
Account dropped after a tax error, while school board members also reviewed staffing changes and OK’d a support position.
Applications open for Pre-K 619 Program
Parents’ handbook details peer-model tuition, enrollment requirements, daily routines, and behavior standards.
Receiver says Uncle Nearest is insolvent
Uncle Nearest could cease operations within 30 days without continued support, according to a new quarterly report.
Receiver targets public comments in Uncle Nearest case
Phillip G. Young Jr. says Fawn Weaver used social media and public remarks to fight the case in public.
Report: Sazerac eyes Brown-Forman
Interest adds another layer to talks surrounding parent company of Jack Daniel’s, highlights Sazerac’s Tennessee whiskey push.
Bill could affect dual service on Metro Council
A bill moving through the Tennessee General Assembly could reshape who can serve on local governing bodies.
Silicon Ranch faces more questions from P&Z
Board presses for answers on buffer distances, unapproved access points, road conditions, and stormwater repairs.
P&Z keeps Retreat Phase 2 on hold
Phase 2 of Whiskey Creek remains under scrutiny as the board presses questions about access, infrastructure, and compliance.
Jack and Coke launch zero-sugar variety pack
New zero-sugar Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola variety six-pack adds cherry and vanilla flavors to the ready-to-drink line.
Deal moving from MCHS to admin office
A former baseball coach at MCHS, Josh Deal was named assistant principal in 2020 before becoming principal in 2023.
Lewis, 24, drowns on Tims Ford Lake
Blake Lewis was the fourth boating-related fatality on Tennessee waterways – and second on Tims Ford Lake – this year.
Arrest at heart of federal lawsuit
A $160 dispute at a repair shop evolved into a federal civil rights suit involving Moore County sheriff candidate William Raline.
‘The Court’s Orders are not suggestions’
Receiver in the Uncle Nearest case ordered to produce evidence by April 9 in a growing sanctions fight involving Fawn Weaver.
Sheriff candidate named in federal suit
William Raline, a candidate in the 2026 Moore County sheriff’s race, is named in a federal civil rights lawsuit in Monteagle.
Jack Daniel’s parent in reported talks
Reports: Brown-Forman had preliminary talks with Pernod Ricard about a possible deal, though the discussions remain uncertain.
Jack Daniel’s unveils new Aged Series releases
New 14-, 12-, and 10-year-old Aged Series whiskeys released – with a White Rabbit Bottle Shop sweepstakes.
Receiver seeks sanctions against Weaver
Receiver: She had no authority to place entities into Chapter 11; separate filing: property appraisal slowed by small pool of appraisers.
Tiny-Home Project Could Pay Off
The 79-home project is drawing attention for its potential tax benefits, tourism upside, and limited public-side risk in Moore County.
Uncle Nearest appeals Chapter 11 dismissal
Fast-moving legal fight over who controls the whiskey company continues while court-appointed receiver remains in charge.
Legislature passes hunter education bill
Schools to offer hunter education to students in grades 5-12, with Gov. Bill Lee now set to sign the bill into law.
Judge dismisses Uncle Nearest bankruptcy filing
Federal bankruptcy judge dismisses filings, ruling founder Fawn Weaver lacked authority while the company was in receivership.
BZA backs Whiskey Creek appeal
A 4-1 vote by the Board of Zoning Appeals clarified that disputed porch space should not be counted as heated square footage.
Receiver seeks sanctions after bankruptcy filings
The legal fight over Uncle Nearest deepened as a receiver asked a federal judge to sanction CEO Fawn Weaver over Chapter 11 filings.
When a Company in Receivership Files Chapter 11
Nearest Green’s filing does not end the legal fight. Here’s why the first battles over control, cash, and authority matter most.
Weaver: Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed
Uncle Nearest has entered Chapter 11 and filed a lawsuit against Farm Credit Mid-America, according to founder Fawn Weaver.
Metro Council approves Gateway legal fees
Also, a proposed two-year data center moratorium and the quarry proposal were among the top items on Monday night.
Council OKs formal letter demanding compliance
Officials warned of possible action after hearing solar farm construction traffic has damaged roads and created safety concerns.
Judge pauses proposed Martha’s Vineyard sale
Property in the Uncle Nearest receivership case is on hold after federal judge rules required appraisals, notice, and hearing must come first.
