What’s on the Agenda?
Metro Council to discuss Atmos Energy agreement, data center moratorium, quarry rezoning, and budget amendment tied to Gateway lawsuit.
Why a Meet the Candidates forum?
Q&As still matter in rural counties, where local elections have immediate impact, and voters benefit from hearing directly from those on the ballot.
Metro Council to consider data center moratorium
The proposal would stop new approvals in Moore County through 2028 while local officials craft rules for future projects.
Judge to decide sale of Martha’s Vineyard home
Fawn Weaver and related parties fight to block or delay the Edgartown, Mass., home sale in the ongoing receivership battle.
Junior Chef challenge: Whip up a winning recipe
Open to Tennessee students in grades 6-12, winners earn invitations to the 2026 Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair.
Moses’ mayoral bid focused on spending, oversight
Retired FBI supervisor and former Council member says county must better protect taxpayers and improve communication.
MUD presses vendor over meter, billing concerns
Board members said more than 1,300 meters needed correction and demanded clearer answers from the Core & Main team.
Council to consider Atmos franchise agreement
Officials to review proposed agreement that would outline terms for natural gas infrastructure, renewals, and relocation requirements.
SCHRA Head Start now taking applications
Moore County families can now enroll eligible children ages 3 to 5 in the Head Start program for the 2026-27 school year.
School board reviews stronger budget outlook
A stronger funding outlook driven by enrollment growth highlighted Monday’s meeting, along with votes on tuition and the district’s strategic plan.
School board weighs security screening options
A possible school security screening system came up during Monday’s meeting, with leaders discussing cost, funding, and next year’s budget.
DREMC to host free Home Energy Workshops
Free workshops at five locations in April are geared to help residents cut energy use, lower utility bills, and learn about available rebates.
Farm Credit disputes Grant Sidney claims
Lender says new filings from Grant Sidney and other Uncle Nearest affiliates strengthen the case for expanding the receivership.
Moore County honors volunteer firefighters
Moore County is recognizing its Jakes during National Volunteer Firefighters Week while highlighting their training and the need for new recruits.
Receiver accuses Weaver of defying court warnings
Filings: Uncle Nearest CEO discussed the case despite an NDA, and related companies’ filings support expanding the receivership.
Data center moratorium sent to Metro Council
A two-year moratorium on new data centers and crypto-style data facilities is proposed, citing water, power-grid, and land-use impacts.
P&Z sends quarry proposal to Metro Council
Plans to reopen the former Tolleytown quarry moved forward to the Metro Council, where rezoning and karst-groundwater risks will be weighed.
Tiny-home project hits permitting snag
Officials say unclear R-3 wording on “structure” vs. heated square footage could force an ordinance rewrite for The Retreat at Whiskey Creek.
‘Concerned Citizens’ calls for continued input
Moore County Focus Group plans its next public meeting in June and is expanding its website with new data and community information.
2025-26 T2 Honor Rolls
Moore County High School has released the second trimester honor rolls for A and A-B students.
Uncle Nearest receivership fight widens
Farm Credit, court-appointed receiver ask judge to expand Uncle Nearest receivership, while founders press to end court control.
Statewide TACN system transforms county comms
The Tennessee Advanced Communications Network brings upgrades and long-term redundancy to Moore County first responders.
Goodwin seeks Metro Council, District 5 seat
Candidate Brady Goodwin emphasizes transparency, long-term planning, and economic development without sacrificing Moore County’s character.
Uncle Nearest Suit: Asset liquidation underway
Receiver seeking court approval to sell a $2.5M Martha’s Vineyard property, as separate foreclosure moves forward in Shelbyville.
TDEC files report from solar farm inspection
A Feb. 13 TDEC inspection of the 1,548-acre Moore County Solar project prompts corrective action and follow-up by state regulators.
Judge orders Hatfield certified, placed on August ballot
Chancellor J.B. Cox has set March deadlines for responses from the state, the election office, and fellow candidate William Raline.
Fletcher named Master Distiller of the Year
Chris Fletcher named Master Distiller of the Year, while Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 1 earned World’s Best Tennessee Whiskey.
Deadline dispute triggers Hatfield lawsuit
Did an incorrect election notice cost sitting sheriff a spot on the ballot? Tyler Hatfield asks court to order certification after disputed filing deadline.
Commercial pesticide applicator renewal open
The 2026 renewal period has a June 30 deadline. Here’s what applicators must do now to avoid a lapse in certification.
Moore County EMS earns statewide honor
Metro Moore County Ambulance Service has been named the 2026 TASA ALS Service of the Year, earning statewide recognition for its impact across the area.
Council hears plans for jail improvements
Sheriff Tyler Hatfield outlines needed jail upgrades as county prepares to issue bids for kitchen renovations, intake improvements, and structural repairs.
VFD awarded $47K for firefighter air packs
A $47K state grant will help Metro Moore’s volunteer firefighters upgrade their breathing apparatuses as part of a $20M state investment.
Officials outline burden of property tax freeze
A proposed property tax freeze in Moore County could require new staff and local funding, according to information presented to the Metro Council.
Silicon Ranch addresses TDEC inspection
A recent TDEC inspection of the local solar project is not expected to result in violations, and the Metro Council voted to reduce the speed limit in the construction areas,
Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines risks, priorities
EMA’s Jason Deal will present the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Metro Council on Monday, outlining long-term safety strategies.
‘Jackson Law’: landfill decisions in local hands
From rural counties to major cities, Tennessee’s Jackson Law requires local approval and public input before landfill development can proceed.
Council to review property tax freeze program
Tennessee’s Property Tax Freeze program includes eligibility rules, income limits, and how qualifying homeowners can lock in their tax bills.
Raline details agenda, goals, accountability
Sheriff candidate discusses servant-first approach, transparency, staffing, discipline and a decade-old controversy he says shaped his leadership.
CDBG funds eyed for Hurdlow water line
Moore County could target high water loss in the Hurdlow community, with a decision on the CDBG expected by year’s end.
Simple guide to property tax relief
Learn who qualifies, how much help homeowners can receive, and how Moore County Trustee Lynn Harrison can assist residents with applying.
MUD to keep residential sewer rates as-is
A proposed $2 rate cut narrowly failed after board members raised concerns about budget stability, rising treatment costs, and upcoming financial obligations.
Sherrill: how county taxes Airbnb properties
Moore County Property Assessor Shaun Sherrill highlighted challenges in identifying short-term rentals and ensuring fair rates.
Judge denies Gateway request for judgment
Chancellor J.B. Cox rejected a motion for judgment in a challenge to proposed Moore County zoning changes, keeping the future of local apartment development uncertain.
DREMC warns of phone scam
Duck River Electric warns about a scam that threatens immediate disconnection and urges residents to verify accounts only through official channels.
DISCUS: Spirits volume up as revenues fall
Distilled spirits remain the largest segment of the U.S. alcohol market, driven by rising volume, economic impact, and growth in ready-to-drink products.
Board of Education OKs $75K tutoring grant
The Moore County Board of Education approved a state tutoring grant for LES, along with policy updates and student travel plans during its Monday meeting.
2026 Moore County Elections
The 2026 Moore County ballot is shaping up with a competitive mix of local leaders and public servants vying for key offices.
Solar farm scrutiny grows at citizens meeting
During Thursday’s Concerned Citizens Focus Group meeting, residents questioned how the Silicon Ranch solar farm was approved and what the community gained.
Focus group highlights financial trends
Moore County’s Concerned Citizens Focus Group spotlights spending trends, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues across the community.
Weavers again seek to end Uncle Nearest receivership
Founders of whiskey brand are asking a federal judge to terminate the company’s receivership, arguing assets exceed debts and operations remain viable.
Receiver flags real estate in Uncle Nearest case
Real estate in Tennessee, Martha’s Vineyard, and Cognac at center of new Uncle Nearest court filings as insolvency, receivership questions intensify.
Major concerns rise on Majors Cemetery Road
Residents raise safety concerns over blind spots and road width as a five-home concept on Majors Cemetery Road moves slowly through county review.
Citizens group to unveil tax, spending analysis
Citizens group to unveil Moore County tax and spending analysis Thursday, citing costs rising faster than inflation and calling for greater transparency.
Dance backs push for dedicated wildlife funding
Legendary angler Bill Dance joins Gov. Bill Lee in urging lawmakers to secure long-term funding for Tennessee’s fish, wildlife, and public lands.
Grow: solar farm not in compliance; county’s hands tied
Environmentalist Tony Grow said the solar project is not meeting stormwater requirements, prompting discussions of enforcement and ordinance changes.
Jennings explains conservation easements
As development pressure grows in Moore County, Todd Jennings explains how conservation easements can preserve farms and reduce future land-use conflicts.
Uncle Nearest owes FCMA more than $120M
Loan payoff statements filed in federal court show Uncle Nearest carrying over $120 million in debt across four major Farm Credit loans.
Weaver pushes back in message to investors
Late-night email challenges Receiver, with Uncle Nearest’s founder laying out bank records, board approvals, and a detailed defense of her integrity.
Uncle Nearest receiver warns of insolvency
Young: Uncle Nearest’s finances cannot be reconciled without expanding the receivership, citing extensive commingling, missing bank records, mounting debt.
Uncle Nearest dispute to be public record
Judge rejects attempt by Uncle Nearest-affiliated companies to delay key hearing, and refuses to seal filings, keeping financial and legal records open to the public.
Receivership fight escalates over timing, transparency
A federal judge is being asked to intervene in dispute over whether affiliated businesses should be pulled into the Uncle Nearest receivership.
Uncle Nearest draws bidder with SEC history
Uncle Nearest receivership continues with no approved sale or refinancing, even as a potential buyer with a past SEC judgment draws scrutiny.
DREMC crews push into hardest-hit areas
Extensive ice damage, downed lines, and blocked access routes are slowing final repairs as crews work to fully restore service across the region.
Ice drives outages as DREMC crews respond
Heavy ice from Winter Storm Fern has left thousands without power. Duck River Electric urges residents to stay away from downed lines and to use generators with caution.
DREMC preps as winter storm brings ice threat
Duck River Electric has nearly 200 workers on standby as Winter Storm Fern brings ice, freezing rain, and the potential for power outages across service area.
Feb. 9 hearing in Uncle Nearest receivership case
A federal judge will hear arguments on whether receivership should continue and whether additional affiliated businesses could be placed under court control.
LES janitor fired; parents question school’s silence
A former LES employee has been charged with misdemeanor assault. Parents are questioning the school’s decision not to publicly announce the termination.
Selling the Exit Before It Existed
Uncle Nearest’s early fundraising highlighted a clear exit strategy. Later documents raise questions about balancing marketing with securities law.
Uncle Nearest: Receivership eroding value
An emergency motion argues that the court-ordered receivership of Uncle Nearest is driving sales declines, damaging brand value, and risking long-term losses.
New judge sought in Blackburn case
General Sessions Judge Terry Gregory has recused himself from an animal cruelty case involving Metro Council member Peggy Sue Blackburn.
Carson urges long-term budget planning
The Metro Council discussed long-term budgeting, ongoing problems tied to the solar farm, and whether Moore County should move to restrict AI data centers.
‘Concerned Citizens Focus Group’
Group will share findings and outline goals at a Feb. 5 public meeting to dissect county finances, engage voters, and encourage more sustainable budgeting.
Uncle Nearest Debt Crisis
Uncle Nearest’s financial troubles go beyond the $108M Farm Credit lawsuit. Records obtained by the Observer shed new light on the receivership and financial strain.
Jan. 20: Sealed-filings hearing in Uncle Nearest lawsuit
Magistrate Judge Christopher H. Steger has scheduled a videoconference as court weighs confidentiality tied to receivership, motion for reconsideration.
Water meter replacement project nears completion
MUD board discussed system performance, leak detection, billing delays, and possible upgrades as the department works toward full implementation by the end of January.
MUD considers lowering residential sewer rates
Metro Moore Utility Department board debated a proposed cut to residential sewer rates, weighing short-term relief and the risk of future rate increases.
Uncle Nearest receiver seeks to seal court filing
Phillip G. Young Jr., the court-appointed receiver overseeing Uncle Nearest Inc., warns that public disclosure could jeopardize refinancing, potential asset sales, and company value.
Atchley at the center of high-stakes litigation
Charles E. Atchley Jr.’s history of handling major corruption, civil rights, and national security cases continues to shape how consequential litigation unfolds.
Small county, big costs for Moore County parents
The 2025 State of the Child in Tennessee report shows Moore County families are feeling the squeeze as wages lag, while child care bills top $8,000 a year.
Judge takes zoning challenge under advisement
Chancellor J.B. Cox is weighing whether a 2025 zoning amendment is legally valid after Gateway argued Moore County failed to follow required procedures.
Zoning lawsuit could shape county development
Gateway is suing Moore County over zoning changes that could block a 42-unit apartment project. Here are the key events that led to Monday’s court hearing.
Blackburn issued criminal summons
A Moore County council member and two relatives have been charged with animal cruelty. Peggy Sue Blackburn denies neglect and disputes the allegations.
Gatekeeping fight intensifies in Uncle Nearest receivership
Weaver-linked entities slam the receiver over “commingling” claims while a mystery investor’s court filing draws sharp pushback from the receivership team.
Group interested in acquiring Uncle Nearest assets
An investor group has formally notified a federal judge of its interest in acquiring Uncle Nearest’s assets and resolving more than $108M in debt.
Young wants Weaver-linked companies in receivership
Receiver: Millions in transfers, commingled finances and a surprise fraud lawsuit justifies pulling more Fawn Weaver-linked companies under court control.
Data Center vs. AI Data Center
Data centers are a familiar sight – but AI data centers are a different animal altogether. There are differences, and here’s why it matters for local communities.
Moore County weighs data center moratorium
The Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday took the county’s first formal step toward regulating data center land use and AI-related development.
3 Rivers Energy shares odor control updates
The company acknowledged recent odor complaints at the Planning & Zoning meeting and outlined steps taken to prevent recurrence.
Uncle Nearest receiver seeks to seal key report
Filings: concerns over Nearest Green’s refinancing, reporting deadlines, and pressure from related entities seeking clarity on whether they are part of the receivership.
AI Centers and the Environment
Planning and Zoning will address artificial intelligence at its Tuesday meeting, weighing the potential impacts of data centers and AI facilities on Moore County.
Investors allege fiduciary failures
A group of Uncle Nearest shareholders has growing concerns, alleging a failure of due diligence as the company’s financial condition deteriorated.
Weavers file suit against former CFO
Uncle Nearest’s founder alleges misconduct caused financial and reputational harm and fueled a false narrative that founders were responsible for debt.
What changes in Tennessee on Jan. 1, 2026?
Several new Tennessee laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026, reshaping hemp sales, driver licensing, DUI enforcement, and public safety training. Here’s what you need to know.
Gateway seeks Motion for Judgment
Builder has asked a Chancery Court judge to overturn recent zoning changes that it claims were quickly passed to stop a 42-unit affordable apartment complex.
Weavers seek end to receivership
Uncle Nearest founders ask federal judge to dissolve court-ordered receivership, arguing that the company is solvent and now losing sales under court oversight.
Sip Happens: Jim Beam pauses distillery
Jim Beam pushes pause – could Jack Daniel’s be next? Discover how tariffs, oversupply, and slowing demand are reshaping the whiskey industry and what it means.
Federal judge affirms receiver’s control
Two decisive orders in the Uncle Nearest lawsuit – including striking filings by company directors – set the stage for the long-running dispute to move forward.
Odors, Oversight, and the 3 Rivers Digester
A fact-based breakdown: anaerobic digester oversight, what air and water rules apply, how complaints are handled, and what the science says about health risks.
Moore County files answer to Gateway suit
Reply denies that local officials broke the law when they rezoned apartments out of a residential district and blocked a proposed 42‑unit affordable housing complex.
Solar Farm: Mud, crashes, and creek concerns
Metro Council gets update on solar farm construction, stormwater controls, sediment concerns, and a rise in crashes linked to muddy road conditions near the site.
Silicon Ranch to address Metro Council
On Monday night, the Metro Council will receive an update from the solar farm representatives, with other construction topics likely to be raised.
Council to address employee retirement plan
Metro Council eyes changes to the employee 401(k) plan, updating matching contributions, vesting rules, and eligibility beginning in 2026.
USDA OKs Tennessee’s SNAP junk-food ban
Tennessee SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use benefits to buy candy or sugary drinks starting July 2026, following a two-year nutrition-focused waiver.
Moore County ACT results surge in 2025
Moore County posted one of the largest ACT gains in Tennessee this year, with the share of students meeting the college-readiness benchmark jumping to 50%.
MUD advances Highway 82 water line extension
The project moves forward with necessary easements, while the board caps the number of taps allowed and adds a surcharge on customers along the route.
Missed deadline, litigation halts apartments discussion
The Gateway Companies asked why its site plan, submitted six weeks earlier, was not included on the agenda. P&Z Chairman Dexter Golden cited advice from the county attorney.
Rising Tide of Area’s Sex Offender List
The number of registered sex offenders in Tennessee has nearly tripled over the past 20 years, and area counties now track hundreds of offenders under state law.
Who Pays for Moore County?
In this look at the future, Moore County faces a choice it can’t postpone: raise property taxes, ask tourists to shoulder more cost, or accept leaner public services.
Aerial search locates missing Moore County man
After an overnight multi-agency search, missing Moore County resident Clyde Farless was found alive on a steep hillside near Petty Hollow Road.
Weavers’ legal action challenged by receiver
Phillip G. Young Jr. filed a sharply worded response opposing Uncle Nearest founders’ emergency motion, outlining why new lawsuits could be “fatal” to the brand.
Judge: Dec. 2 deadline for Uncle Nearest motion
Farm Credit, Uncle Nearest set to respond by Dec. 2 to an emergency motion asking judge to ease receivership stay so defendants can file their defenses.
Designed Growth: From Mulberry to Tims Ford
Moore County adopted a 2009–2029 land use plan that could reshape Lynchburg with greenways, new parks, and smarter growth rules. It’s not too late to use it …
55-and-Older: Is It Time for a New Community?
Could Moore County benefit from a 55-and-over community? With a growing senior population, age-focused housing could shape the economy, services, and community life.
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.
U.S. distilled spirits exports plummet
U.S. distilled spirits exports experienced a significant decline in the second quarter of 2025, falling by 9% compared to the same period in 2024,
Receiver: Uncle Nearest asset sales likely
Court filing outlines plans to sell French vineyards and château, Martha’s Vineyard, and Bedford County holdings while keeping the whiskey business intact.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail unveils 12-barrel blend
Tennessee Collective, a one-of-a-kind whiskey release, marks the first collective bottling in the history of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
Uncle Nearest-linked firms ordered to respond
Federal judge orders 10 business entities tied to Uncle Nearest to respond in a Farm Credit Mid-America lawsuit that could expand the whiskey maker’s receivership.
Farm Credit seeks to expand receivership
Farm Credit argues that without explicit authority to bring additional entities under receivership, creditors risk losing access to assets that have been co-mingled.
Jack, McLaren extend winning partnership
The dynamic partnership between Jack Daniel’s and the McLaren Formula 1 Team is hitting the gas, with the brands announcing a multi-year extension of their global collaboration.
Hooves, Heart, and Soil
Discover how cattle farmers are using the regenerative grazing technique to boost soil health, increase profitability, and create a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Jack unveils new Distillery Series release
Distillery Series Selection #15: Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey is a limited-edition expression aged nearly nine years in Tract 2 barrelhouses.
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.
Slop program puts spotlight on grazing, costs
Without distillery slop, many farmers are turning back to the land itself – weighing the costs and benefits of different grazing systems.
Brown-Forman winding down stillage program
Farmers’ allotments of slop will be reduced starting Oct. 1. A second round of reductions will follow on Jan. 1, 2026, and the program will officially end March 31.
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.
Uncle Nearest receivership battle intensifies
Uncle Nearest may be headed toward bankruptcy as a federal receivership battle widens over what assets can be tapped to repay creditors.
Duck River announces 2.5% residential rate increase
Starting Oct. 1, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation will adjust rates – about $4.17 more per month – for only the third time since 2018.
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.
Canadian tourism plummet hits home
After years of leading the U.S. inbound market, Canadian travelers are voting with their wallets and passports, and we’re no longer the default destination of choice.
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.
Young appointed Uncle Nearest receiver
Phillip G. Young Jr. will oversee all assets, including the Nearest Green Distillery, real estate holdings, intellectual property, affiliated ventures, and related entities.
Jack’s Heritage Barrel now permanent offering
The move follows the success of limited Heritage Barrel bottlings in 2018 and 2019, which earned praise for their unique flavor profile.
Judge denies Uncle Nearest’s bid for mediation
Judge Atchley ruled that the court will finalize a receivership and admonished Fawn Weaver for publicly discussing the case despite restrictions.
Farm Credit, Uncle Nearest offer receiver choices
The dispute between Farm Credit and Uncle Nearest over control of the brand’s finances intensified as both sides submitted receiver candidates.
Aug. 23: Free Hunting Day
The date coincides with the opening day of squirrel season, one of the state’s oldest and most cherished outdoor traditions.
Farm Credit contends mediation is unnecessary
If the court ultimately orders mediation despite its objections, Farm Credit has suggested a list of potential mediators.
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.
Bill Dance Bridge dedication Oct. 1
The town that raised Bill Dance will honor him the best way it knows how – with a bridge that will carry his name long into the future.
Uncle Nearest seeks court-ordered mediation
The defendants, who also include Fawn Weaver and Keith Weaver, are seeking to mediate a resolution before the court formally appoints a receiver.
Judge grants receivership of Uncle Nearest
U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley Jr. ruled that “a receivership is necessary” to protect Farm Credit’s interests as it seeks to recover more than $108 million in outstanding loans.
Court issues gag order, halts barrel sales
Uncle Nearest may continue normal business operations, but any transaction that might impact Farm Credit’s collateral or violate loan agreements is off-limits.
Nearest Green lawsuit exposes investor rift
Several investors say that they have been “openly questioning” the distillery’s practices and leadership, citing a lack of transparency in financial reporting.
The drive for Moore tourism growth
By driving overnight stays, Oakstone Land & Capital’s Chip Hayes believes The Retreat at Whiskey Creek will increase visitor spending on food, retail, and experiences.
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.
Jack Daniel’s launches Tennessee Blackberry
Jack Daniel’s is serving up something sweet this summer with the nationwide release of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, a new addition to its flavored whiskey lineup.
Embattled distillery points finger at ex CFO
Uncle Nearest is battling a $100 million lawsuit from lender Farm Credit, blaming a now-terminated CFO for inflating whiskey inventory to secure millions in extra credit.
More legal woes for Nearest Green Distillery
The Farm Credit Mid-America lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court is not the only legal issue confronting 2025’s Tennessee Whiskey Distillery of the Year.
Nearest Green Distillery faces $100M lawsuit
A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding in federal court that could shake the foundations of one of Tennessee’s most celebrated whiskey stories.
