June 23, 2026
News
Tax freeze vs tax relief
County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) member Joe Griffin gave a presentation to the Metro Council at February’s meeting comparing Tennessee’s tax relief program with a county tax freeze. One major difference is that tax relief is administered by the state, and a tax freeze is administered by the county.
Arrests
The following individuals were arrested or being held in Metro Moore County March 1 - 8, 2026 Shawn Bulter, Fayetteville. Charged with shoplifting. Jason R Black, Lynchburg. Charged with DUI, resisting arrest and simple possession. Court 3/24/26 Robert W Frazier II, Lynchburg. Charged with failure to appear. Janna Sue Kiser, Fayetteville. Charged with DUI. Ivi G McGee, Shelbyville. Charged with DUI. Bond $1,500. March 3/10/26 Shannon Levo McGee, Lynchburg. Charged with driving on a revoked license. Bond $1,000. Court 4/14/26 Aden James Rebisz, Lewisburg. Charged with DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, and 11 counts of reckless endangerment. Court 3/17/26 The following individuals were arrested or being held in Metro Moore County February 24th - February 27th Marty Sean Bates, Shelbyville. Charged with a felon in possession of a firearm.
General Sessions
Metro Moore County General Sessions Court Judge Terry Gregory March 3, 2026 Luz B Beddingfield was found guilty of DUI, first offense. Given an 11/29 suspension but for 48 hours to serve. Paying $350 in fines and costs within 10 months and license was revoked for one year. Charges of assault and revisiting arrests were dismissed. Bond $5000. Officer Olivia Asaiah Bishop was charged with harassment. Continued 3.31.26 Bond $1000. Sandra Brown was charged with speeding. Found guilty. Officer Leverette Melody Carol Bowling was found guilty of seat belt violation. Officer Leverette Sandra Dee Bright was charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Continued to Grand Jury 3.27.26. Officer Thomas Misha Buckelew was found guilty of unlawful use of a phone while driving. Officer Leverette Kristine Jane Denham was charged and four guilty of speeding. Officer Keele Nathan W Farrar was charged with allowing a dog to run at large. Continued 4.28.26 Officer Silavong Donna Marie Fowler was charged with driving on an expired registration. Dismissed. Officer Keele Robert Wayne Frazier was found guilty of probation violation- sentenced to 6 months to serve in lieu of further probation. Charge of failure to appear was dismissed. Bond $2500.
Governor Lee visits Lynchburg for America 250
Governor Lee and his wife Maria visited Lynchburg briefly last Friday as part of his America 250 tour. Beginning last July and continuing until July of this year, the governor is touring all 95 Tennessee counties in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.
Primary confusion resolved, Sheriff Hatfield on ballot
Moore County’s first ever Republican Primary Election has caused confusion over filing deadlines. Deadlines for some offices were accelerated, whether those candidates would be running in the primary or not.
Planning and Zoning sends data center moratorium to council
The Planning and Zoning Commission once again addressed the issue of placing a moratorium on commercial data centers in Moore County. Chair Dexter Golden announced to the commission that County Attorney Bill Reider has drawn up the proposed verbiage for the moratorium.
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.
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.”
Moore County EMS recognized for excellence
M oore County EMS has been awarded the 2026 Tennessee Ambulance Service Association (TASA) Bob Thomas ALS Service of the Year Award. The award is given for professionalism and exceptional service during the preceding year. It was awarded at the recent state TASA Conference.
Jail renovations to go out for bid
S heriff Tyler Hatfield and engineer Tim Little of OLG Engineering spoke to the Metro Council at February’s council meeting regarding the proposed renovations at the Sheriff ’s Office and jail. The plans have been in the works for almost a year, and have been reviewed by both the Tennessee Corrections Institute and the State Fire Marshall’s office to assure compliance with state regulations.