June 23, 2026
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Chris Fletcher named Master Distiller of Year
J ack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher was named Master Distiller/ Master Blender of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2026 Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards America, held February 12 in Louisville, Ky. Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 1, which Fletcher crafted in his role overseeing production and innovation at the Jack Daniel Distillery, was also awarded World’s Best Tennessee Whiskey at the ceremony.
Moore County beats Santa Fe in regionals
T he Raiderettes punched their ticket to try second-ranked Richland for a third time Monday night with a 5033 win over Santa Fe in the first round of the girls’ regional tournament.
French speaks at Historical Society meeting March 8
T he Moore County Historical Society will meet March 8, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Lynchburg. The speaker will be Ryan French and the topic will be “The current situation of tourism in Tennessee and the nation”. . He will also discuss the Whiskey Trail Program. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome. For further information contact Michael Northcutt at mbncutt@yahoo.com or phone 931434-5797 or George Stone a georgestone@cafes.net or phone 931-581-2621.
Lt. Governor McNally won’t seek reelection
L t. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) has announced he will not seek re-election to the Tennessee State Senate in 2026, concluding a legislative career spanning nearly five decades.
Primary, General Election fields set
W ith the February 19 deadline to qualify for running for some county offices, there has been a flurry of activity right down to that deadline. For the offices of Sheriff, County Trustee, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Register of Deeds, and School Board Districts 1 and 3, petitions must be filed by the February 19 deadline. Due to the May primary, the qualifying deadline for these offices was earlier than the March 10 deadline.
Raider season ends against top ranked team
T he season came to an end for the Moore County Raiders as they were sent home by the number-one ranked 1A team in the state as Eagleville beat them in the first round of the regional tournament 75-32.
Wise inks with Culver-Stockton
Moore County Raider signal caller Gavin Wise has inked with Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. Wise missed most of his senior season with a knee injury but was prolific from the quarterback position during his time as starter for the Raiders.
Fred Hillis Jr, 70
Fred Hillis Jr, 70, of Cowan, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his residence. He was born in McMinnville on Dec. 29, 1955, to the late Fred and Shirley (Garner) Hillis. Before his retirement, Fred worked as a painter. He loved listening to country music, as well as line-dancing and karaoke. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Fred always enjoyed watching and cheering for his favorite team. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Fred is survived by his loving sister, Debbie Smith; uncles, Jerry Garner, George Garner, and Albert Garner; and aunts, Sheila Reeves and Connie Culbertson.
Billy Roy Murray, 83
Billy Roy Murray, of Shelbyville, passed this life on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at his home at the age of 83.
Legal precedent favors Hatfield
W hile Sheriff Tyler Hatfield does not know yet the final result of his lawsuit asking to be placed on the August General Election ballot, he explained the reason that Judge Cox responded so quickly to his petition. “There is precedent for this. He (Cox) was involved in the 2006 case of Parker v Bedford County.”