October 17, 2026
Roberta Nee Adams
Planning tightens data center moratorium
With one moratorium in place regarding data centers, and another in the works to address housing development in Moore County, the Planning Commission has begun the work of developing ordinances that will ensure smart growth in the county without burdening its residents.
Haithcote wins judgement against Hayes
In a recent lawsuit filed against Claude “Chip” Hayes, Spencer Haithcote alleged that Hayes failed to make payments to Haithcote’s retirement account and Roth IRA. Haithcote was employed by Hayes as site foreman for the Whiskey Creek development in Lynchburg. He was employed by Hayes from June 2025 until he resigned in July 2026.
Lawn Sessions return for fall
With all of the hustle and bustle of The Jack in town October 9 and 10, the perfect way to relax and recoup follows closely. The Lawn Sessions are back. Friday, October 16 the music starts off at 5:30 pm. The Huffer Brothers, Lynchburg’s favorite sons Andy and Lee, will be headlining the event. Kentucky singer/songwriter Hunter Flynn fills out the bill.
Free Income Tax service? Maybe
One of the services that the United Way of South Central Tennessee provides is titled VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. That program was available here in Moore County at one time, and did a land office business providing free tax service to Moore County residents – until COVID hit. After COVID, the program never restarted for lack of volunteers.
‘The Jack’ kicks off today
The trailers are getting set up at Wiseman Park. The teams are beginning their preparations. The excitement and anticipation are building. And this afternoon at 5:00 “The Jack” officially gets off to a rousing start with the Parade of Teams, led by the MCHS Marching Band.
Early voting begins October 14
E arly voting for the November 3 State and Federal General Election begins Wednesday, October 14, and runs through Thursday, October 29. There is a very important issue on the ballot for Moore County, that being the Sales and Use Tax Referendum. If voted for, it would raise the sales tax in Moore County from 9.50 to 9.75 percent, the same as every county surrounding Moore County. That increase amounts to 25 cents per 100 dollars spent.
Author holds event at Miss Mary Bobo’s
USA Today Bestselling author Tamera Alexander held a book signing event at Miss Mary Bobo’s recently, marking the official release of her newest novel, In These Hills. The novel is set in 1905 Lynchburg, and brings to life the town in that time. The distillery, Jack Daniel himself, and Miss Mary Bobo play prominently in the story.
MUD to enact developers’ policy, availability forms
The Metro Utility Department (MUD) voted to enact a new developers’ policy and a standardized water availability form at September’s board meeting. The moves will ensure that adequate water supply and water pressure will be available for new projects. Importantly, this will be done at the beginning of the project rather than later.
Walk for Alzheimer’s braves the heat
The temperature was already 86 degrees at the start time of the walk. Regardless, approximately 138 walkers lined up and began walking at 9:30 am, all for the cause of supporting Alzheimer’s research and resources. The steadfast commitment of those walkers made the Lynchburg-Tullahoma Walk to End Alzheimer’s a success.
Tunnel to Towers honors 25th anniversary of 9/11
The annual Tunnel to Towers 5k run/walk will take place here in Lynchburg on Saturday, September 12, beginning at 7:30 am. Those participating should pick up their race packets on Friday, September 11, between 5:00-7:00 pm at the Gazebo on the square.