What Shaped
Moore County
in 2025 ...
A year of change, challenge, and community. Explore what shaped Moore County in 2025, from headline-making moments to the quieter forces that mattered most.
In 2025, Moore County saw a dynamic year marked by impactful local news, standout athletic achievements, and inspiring community moments. From major government decisions and legal developments that shaped the county’s future to Moore County Raiders and Raiderettes earning postseason success and individual athletes excelling at state competitions, the year delivered compelling sports narratives. Alongside the headlines, feel‑good stories – from community support for families facing health challenges to hometown celebrations and cultural events – showcased the resilience, spirit, and solidarity that define our community.
Top News Stories
Nearest Green Lawsuit
High-stakes legal battle engulfs Nearest Green Distillery as lender sues over $108M in alleged loan defaults. Nearest Green and its flagship Uncle Nearest brand face a federal breach-of-contract suit from Farm Credit Mid-America, prompting a court-ordered receivership and sparking a contentious dispute between the distillery’s founders and the appointed receiver over control and financial disclosures.
Cow Feeder Program
Jack Daniel’s historic Cow Feeder Program is coming to an end as Brown-Forman winds down its stillage distribution, phasing out free cattle feed by March 31, 2026. The shift to an anaerobic digester partnership with 3 Rivers Energy will redirect distillery byproducts into renewable energy and fertilizer, leaving Moore County livestock farmers scrambling for affordable feed and facing an uncertain future.
State-Mandated Pay Raises
Moore County School Board approves revised 2025-26 budget that boosts teacher salaries to a state-mandated minimum of $50,000 and extends raises across the pay schedule, offering a major win for local educators while support staff also see a 3% increase.
Fire chief steps down
Longtime Metro Moore Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Neal abruptly steps down from the helm of Lynchburg’s fire department. Mayor Sloan Stewart confirms Neal is out as chief after more than 50 years of emergency service.
Richards quits Metro Council
Metro Council approves the FY 2025-26 budget amid tension. Still, District 1 Council member Darrel Richards resigns at the end of the June meeting, saying, “I wish you all well; I’m done.”
Council approves retirement resolution
Metro Council approves a resolution to extend Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) benefits to eligible county employees – including part-time workers with set schedules – to improve recruitment and retention, even as funding concerns and tax implications are debated.
Bill Dance Bridge Dedication
Lynchburg honors its native son as the Mulberry Creek bridge on Highway 55 is officially dedicated to legendary angler and TV host Bill Dance, with a ceremony and community reception on Oct. 1 celebrating his lasting impact on outdoor culture and Tennessee’s fishing legacy.
MUD Service Expansions
Metro Moore Utility Department approves new water line extensions to six homes on Turkey Creek Loop and advances a broader Highway 82 water line project – bringing expanded public water access to rural residents while addressing long-term infrastructure needs and cost-sharing policies.
Gateway sues Moore County
Gateway at Lynchburg, LP sues Moore County officials in Chancery Court, alleging that controversial zoning changes unlawfully blocked its planned 42-unit affordable housing project on Main Street – claiming procedural lapses in public notice and hearings violated state law and halted development despite housing need and prior approvals.
Board sets five-year solar moratorium
Metro Moore Council unanimously approves a five‑year moratorium on new large‑scale solar farm developments to study the long‑term impacts after the county’s approved Silicon Ranch project, slowing future renewable energy growth while preserving farmland and shaping local land‑use planning.
3 Rivers: Redefining whiskey waste
A new anaerobic digester in Lynchburg converts Jack Daniel’s whiskey stillage into renewable natural gas and nutrient‑rich fertilizer, redefining local waste management while supporting energy needs and agricultural use—but the startup has drawn community attention over odors and operational impacts.
‘They haven’t started digging yet’
After four years of planning, site work is finally set to begin on the 79-unit Retreat at Whiskey Creek tiny home community in Lynchburg, with utility lines and infrastructure preparations moving forward as developers aim to bring new housing options and growth near the Square.
Top Sports Stories
Morey deemed cancer-freee
Moore County High School head baseball coach Randy Morey has been deemed cancer-free. Word came May 14, after the Raiders earned a split in the Sectional doubleheader at McKenzie. Morey had been battling Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the squamous cells, which are flat, scale-like cells that line the surface of the skin and other tissues like the lining of the mouth, throat, and lungs. It's the second most common type of skin cancer.
MCMS: Road to the ’Ship
Moore County Middle School baseball team wins the Duck River Valley Tournament in dramatic fashion – climbing through the losers’ bracket and capturing the championship in extra innings.
Fletcher eclipses 1,000 points
Raiderettes senior Katy Fletcher eclipses 1,000 career points on Senior Night, leading Moore County to a dominant 61-23 win over Fayetteville City and clinching the Class 1A Region 5-District 9 regular-season title
Bryan qualifies for State
Moore County wrestler Shilo Bryan earns statewide recognition for her 2025 season, highlighted by a runner‑up finish at Sectionals in February that qualified her for the Tennessee State Championship at the Franklin AG Center.
Childress/Trussell: State-bound
Moore County High School tennis duo Neal Childress and Logan Trussell advance to the semifinals of the Class 1A State Tournament in Murfreesboro with a quarterfinal win before falling in straight sets, marking a standout performance in one of the most successful eras in Raider tennis history.
Raiderettes advance to State
Moore County Raiderettes dominate McEwen 57‑37, led by a balanced scoring attack from Ellie Graham, Anna Harder, and Emma Dye as the squad earns a spot in the TSSAA Elite Eight.
Sanders runs to State berth
Sophomore Jenny Sanders proudly represents Moore County at the 2025 TSSAA Division I Class A State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 6, finishing 32nd out of 114 competitors. She completed the Girls 5,000‑Meter Run Finals with a time of 23:13.10.
Top Feel-Good Stories
Jana’s strength, determination
In October, 12‑year‑old Jana Douglas prepares for her 20th surgery in a lifelong fight against cleidocranial dysplasia and severe scoliosis, demonstrating remarkable strength and community support as she faces spinal reconstruction in hopes of a lasting breakthrough.
A 60-year Mason
Cecil Moses honored with a 60‑year Masonic certificate at Farris Creek Lodge, celebrating decades of dedication, service and enduring commitment to the traditions and brotherhood of Freemasonry in Moore County.
Bright Lights, Big Ballers
Lynchburg hosts its first Buddy Ball game as Moore County and Tullahoma players take the field in an inclusive baseball event filled with community spirit, teamwork and joy for athletes of all abilities at the MCHS softball field.
Heart of the matter
Teenager Ryan Vaughn faces a life‑changing heart transplant after years battling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and Moore County rallies around the Vaughn family with community support, fundraisers, and heartfelt solidarity as he prepares for surgery
Live music in Lynchburg
Lynchburg launches The Lawn Sessions, a new open‑air concert series on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery lawn featuring live music from The Huffer Brothers, Hippies & Cowboys, HunterGirl, and more – bringing community, music, and scenic summer nights to Moore County.
News from the Hollow
A Toast to Service
Jack Daniel’s releases its 2025 Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey chosen by U.S. Army veteran brothers J.B. and L.B. McGowan, honoring military service with a bold, collectible expression
Jack Daniel's Headlines
• Jack Daniel's barrel house 2-15 collapses
• Jack Daniel releases 14-Year-Old whiskey
• Jack, McLaren unveil limited edition whiskey
• Jack Daniel’s launches Tennessee Blackberry
• Jack’s Heritage Barrel now permanent offering
• Jack unveils new Distillery Series release
• 2025 Results: The Jack
• Jack Daniel’s unveils Tanyard Hill Rye
• New Rye Release: Jack taps syrup barrels
In Case You Missed It ...
• Chris Fletcher’s ‘pinch yourself’ moment
• Tribute to Southern Hospitality
• Mural honors ‘Crafting Whiskey’ heritage
• Jack launches new global campaign
• Lynne Tolley: A Taste of Lynchburg
• Goose Baxter: Jack of all tales, master of laughs
• Banking on Community: CEO Case leads JDECU