State rent relief online application portal now open for Moore County renters and landlords

Moore County renters and landlords may now apply for up to 12 months of cumulative rent and/or utility payments through its new COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. (**File Photo**)

STATE NEWS | Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, missed rent payments and mortgage payments have piled up across the State of Tennessee but thanks to federal emergency fund, Moore County renters and landlords may now apply for up to 12 months of cumulative rent and/or utility payments through its new COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) received $384 million in direct funding from the U.S. Treasury to administer the emergency rent relief program in 91 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Davidson, Knox, Rutherford and Shelby counties will administer their own rent relief programs. THDA will begin serving applicants under the COVID-19 Rent Relief program began on March 1 and will continue until all funds have been reserved or expended.

Renters in Moore County who have experienced economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and earn less than 80 percent of the area median income may be eligible for this assistance. For example, in Moore County, a four person household making less than $52,550 annually could qualify for this funding.

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program was developed to support renters who are, or have been, struggling to pay rent, utilities or other home energy costs due to loss of income resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of countless Tennesseans,” THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey said. “This program is designed to help people stay in their homes by covering eligible rent and/or utility costs they are unable to pay due to the challenges presented by COVID-19.”

To start the application process, a landlord or tenant should access the online portal or call the COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center at (844) 500-1112. Both landlords and tenants will be required to provide verification and documentation as proof of eligibility. Once approved, payments will be made directly to the landlord or utility company on behalf of the tenant. Individuals can monitor the status of their application and payment through the online portal.

More details on eligibility are available online at thda.org/covidrentrelief or individuals can call (844) 500-1112. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Raiderettes end season at Huntland in regional semi-final game

FRANKLIN COUNTY — On Monday night a little before 9 p.m., the Moore County Raiderettes ended their 2020-21 season with a 33-63 loss to District 8 rival, the Huntland Lady Hornets.

Moore County’s rematch with the Lady Hornets (14-4, 9-1) played out much like the first two regular season match ups. Huntland beat Moore County on January 15 in Lynchburg by a 63-44 margin and again on February 2, 56-51. The Lady Hornets led in District 8 all season suffering only one loss – a one point loss to Eagleville on January 12.

Moore County jumped out to an early 4-2 lead in the first period before the Lady Hornets, led by stand out Anna Stevenson, answered with a 10-2 run that end in a 12-6 first period lead. Stevenson put up eight of the Lady Hornets first period points. That momentum turned out to be a little more than the Raiderettes could overcome. Moore County put up just four second period points – two free throws by Robin Smedley and a jumper by Erica Clifton – to go into the locker room down 10-28. The Raiderettes came back to life in the third period, scoring double their first half points but continued to trail by 24. In the final stanza, the Huntland offense slowed down to use the clock against Moore County and preventing any comeback. At the final buzzer, Huntland earned the 63-33 victory.

Chloe Brazier and Charlotte Ray led for the Raiderettes with 10 points each. Other Raiderettes getting on the board were: Robin Smedley, 5; Erica Clifton and Madison Floyd, 4 pointes each; and Maecy Fletcher, 3. Anna Stevenson led for Huntland with 23 points.

The Raiderettes end their 2020-21 season with a 17-9 overall record and a 7-3 District 8 record. A relatively young team, Moore County will graduate just one lone senior, Robin Smedley, and return 11 players next season. •

Raiderette breeze past LEAD Academy, rematch with Huntland Monday at 7 p.m.

NASHVILLE — First there were 32 and now there are 16. That’s the way it goes in post season high school basketball play.

The Moore County Raiderette got a breezy 61-32 win over LEAD Academy on Friday night to set them up for a second round rematch with fellow District 8 foe Huntland. But it wasn’t really a fair fight. The Nashville magnet school boasted just eight players and managed only six games this season due to COVID restrictions. The 7 p.m. Friday tip off happened inside a nearly empty gym. Other than players, coaches, officials, and staff, there were just 27 fans in the stands, according to the Moore County Sports Network who broadcast the game live on the NFHS Network.

The Raiderette established a 18-6 first period lead and never looked back. By the halftime break, the Raiderette lead by 14. They padded the lead against the Lady Panthers, 42-34, in the third period and finished with nearly twice the points of their region quarterfinal opponent. At the final buzzer, Moore County beat LEAD Academy 61-32.

Every Raiderette got valuable playing time as everyone came of the bench to play. Robin Smedley led with 16 points. Chloe Brazier (15) and Macey Fletcher (10) followed. Other Raiderettes getting on the board were: Hayley Horton (5), Breanna Burks (5), Charlotte Ray (3), Paisley Logan (3), Erica Clifton (2), and Madison Floyd (2). Aisha Starling was the top scoring Lady Panther with 21.

Rematch with the Huntland Lady Hornets

The Raiderette now move on to a rematch with the Huntland Lady Hornets (14-4, 9-1) tonight in Huntland. The District 8 rivals are no strangers. Huntland beat Moore County on January 15 in Lynchburg by a 63-44 margin and again on February 2, 56-51.

Tip off will happen at 7 p.m. Local fans can watch via the NFHS Network thank to the MCHS Sport Network student broadcasting crew. Click here for that link. •

Postponed Metro Council meeting happens tonight

MOORE COUNTY – Due to a Winter Weather Advisory and dangerous road conditions, Metro Mayor Bonnie Lewis postponed Monday night’s regular session Metro Council meeting until March 1. According to Mayor Lewis, the meeting was postponed rather than cancelled because there is a time sensitive zoning issue on the agenda. Zoning resolutions require three readings and a public hearing.

That zoning request involves .76 acres of land in the Hasty Hollow community belonging to Hobbs family. They are requesting that it be rezoned from A-1 agricultural to residential. The Metro Planning Commission reviewed and recommended the change.

In other new business, the Metro Highway Department will present their 2021 Roads Report. They plan to pave Ridgeville Road in 2021. The Metro Policy and Procedures Committee will also present updates to the Metro Employee Manual.

All Metro Council meetings are open to the general public. The March 1 meeting will be held at the Lynchburg Legion Building off Highway 129. If you have questions, contact your district’s council member or Mayor Lewis’s office. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Raiders fall to Cascade 47-56 in district consolation game

As the TSSAA District 8 Tournament concluded this week several MCHS players earned honors. (Andrew Copeland, Riley Holman, and Brayden Cashion earned All Season recognition. (Photos courtesy of Jeff Reed Photography)

BEDFORD COUNTY — Second effort points by Cascade and low fourth period scoring from the Raiders told the story Thursday night as Moore County lost to Cascade 47-56 in the District 8 consolation game.

The Raiders went into the fourth quarter down by just four points with a clear path to the W but missed shots and Cascade’s second efforts scores sealed the game. The Raiders shot just 5-19 from the floor and 7-17 from the three point line against the Champions.

The two teams traded losses in the regular district season. Cascade beat the Raiders in Lynchburg on January 19 by a final of 56-65. Moore County returned the favor on February 5 at Cascade by beating the Champions, 55-51. Cascade (1) and Moore County (2) came into the District Tournament ranked in the top spots but lost to Fayetteville and Eagleville respectively to match up in the consolation game. With the win, Cascade earned a three seed match up against two seed Merrol Hyde in the Regional Quarterfinals. The Raiders will now face number one seed LEAD Academy on Saturday.

Moore County dominated the first period. They gained the lead at the 2:50 mark thanks to a pair of free throw shots by Dylan Scruggs to go up 7-6. Cascade’s Alex Allison answered with a lay up. Three point shots by Riley Holman and Colton Bateman helped the Raiders end the period with a 12-10 lead.

The Raiders maintained their lead at halftime thanks in part to outstanding defense play by Andrew Copeland who managed five blocked shots in eight minutes. Cascade also wandered into early foul trouble sending Raider shooters to the line eight times in the first half of play. Copeland shot a perfect 4-4 from the line and Dylan Scruggs shot 7-8. A trey by Brayden Cashion and a jumper by Will Harder in the last two minutes helped the Raiders manage a 21-19 lead at the half.

The Raiders needed to keep Cascade high scorer Alex Allison out of the paint in the second half in order to be successful. That’s exactly what didn’t happen. Allison managed his way to the goal and through Raider players for nine second half points. Many of those points were second effort scores from Allison snagging his own rebound. Despite being outscored by Cascade in the third, three point shots by Andrew Copeland and Will Harder helped the Raiders only trail by two, 35-37, at the break.

Copeland‘s defensive efforts showed up in fouls. He started the fourth period on the bench with four. The Raiders trails by as many as eight points before Riley Hollman got them back within six with a jumper. Cascade fouled Dylan Scruggs on two consecutive plays and his 3-4 from the line got the Raiders back within three, 43-46. Allison and Jackson Davis then went back to work in the paint to get Cascade ahead 47-53 with less than a minute remaining. Moore County fouled Allison with thirty second to play. He made both giving Cascade an eight point lead that essentially put it out of reach. At the final buzzer, it was Raiders 47, Champions 56.

Riley Holman led for the Raiders with 10 points. Will Harder and Andrew Copeland followed with nine each. Dylan Scruggs and Brayden Cashion scored seven point each and Colton Bateman added five. Alex Allison led for Cascade with 17.

The Raiders now move on to Class A East Region action and will face District 7 number one seed LEAD Academy in Nashville on Saturday, February 27 at 7 p.m. To view a full bracket, click here. LEAD Academy only allows two tickets per player but local fans can watch via the NFHS Network thank to the MCHS Sport Network student broadcasting crew. Click here for that link. •

Raiderettes edge Tigers for three seed in Regional tournament

Charlotte Ray and Chloe Brazier are all smile Wednesday night after helping defeat the Fayetteville Tigers for the fourth time this season. Brazier led the Raiderettes with 16 points and Ray lead scoring in the second half and finished with 13 total points. (**Photo Credit:** Jeff Reed Photography)

MOORE COUNTY — It’s hard to beat a team four times in the same season, but the Moore County girls basketball team did just that on Wednesday with 64-54 victory over District 8 rival the Fayetteville Tigers.

Moore County placed their Colombia blue foot on the gas pedal and never let up until the final buzzer. They edged the Tigers last night in Lynchburg in a District 8 game to earn a three seed at the Class A East Regional Quarterfinals. They mounted a 14 point lead in the first half thanks in part to the lights out play of sophomore Maecy Fletcher and junior Chloe Brazier. The two Raiderette starters combined for 19 of Moore County’s 35 first quarter points.

Strong, steady Raiderette first half

Moore County came out of the gate swinging with back-to-back three point shots by Robin Smedley and Charlotte Ray. The sluggish Tigers, on the other hand, took seven shots before finally landing a point – a free throw by Amaria Thomison at the four minute mark. Fletcher found much of her first half success at the bonus line as Tiger defenders continuously swatted at her on her way to the basket. She shot 7-8 from the line in the first half of play. Chloe Brazier got hot in the second period with three baskets and a trey. The Raiderettes led at the break, 35-21.

Tigers attempt a second half comeback

Following the break, the Tigers found their footing. They outscored the Raiderettes by eight in the third period thanks in part to a pair of three point shots by Shaneka Nance. Treys by Moore County’s Charlotte Ray and Hayley Horton helped the Raiderettes keep pace and they ended the third stanza still ahead by six, 47-41.

Vance continued to mount a single-handed come back in the fourth period putting up another seven for a total of 15 second half points but the Raiderette defense never panicked. In fact, they took an aggressive, man stance to block shots, make steals, and force turnovers. Charlotte Ray, in particular, played strong down the stretch with smart defense and seven fourth period points.

Chloe Brazier led the Raiderettes with 16 total points followed by Charlotte Ray and Maecy Fletcher with 13 each. Other Moore County scoring totals were: Robin Smedley, 7; Hayley Horton, 6; Erica Clifton, 5; Madison Floyd and Paisley Logan, 2 points each.

The Raiderettes now move on to Class A East Region action and will face District 7 number two seed LEAD Academy in Nashville on Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m. Fayettevile will move on to play Merro Hyde. To view a full bracket, click here. LEAD Academy only allows two tickets per player but local fans can watch via the NFHS Network thank to the MCHS Sport Network student broadcasting crew. Click here for that link. •

State will lift nursing home visitation restrictions on February 28

STATE NEWS | The Tennessee Department of Health announced on Wednesday that they would be lifting visitation restrictions for long-term care facilities effective Sunday, February 28, according to a press release.

TDH officials stated that they are making the move now that a sufficient number of nursing home residents and staff have received COVID-19 vaccinations. According to state, 100 percent of Tennessee’s nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities have completed both doses of COVID-19 vaccinations, and Tennessee’s assisted care living facilities and residential homes for the aged are projected to be completed this week.

“The health and safety of vulnerable Tennesseans, especially our long-term care residents, remains our top priority, and our comprehensive and persistent efforts to protect this population from COVID-19 have saved lives,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Now that vaccinations at all long-term care facilities are nearing completion, we are ready to transition to a more sustainable approach of following these best practices for safe operation of long-term care facilities in Tennessee.”

Moving forward, the state says that facilities should use the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance for safe operation and visitation with limited visitation restrictions no longer in place at the state level.

Those guidelines state that nursing homes may allow indoor visitation when there has been no new onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days and the facility is not currently conducting outbreak testing. According to the state’s reporting website, officials at Lynchburg Nursing Center have not reported a new COVID-19 case since January 26 – more than 24 days ago.

If you have questions about potential visitation at Lynchburg Nursing Center, call them at 931-759-6000. •

Raiderettes fall in district semifinals

By Jeff Neal | Lynchburg Times Contributing Writer

EAGLEVILLE — The Moore County Raiderettes found life on the road tough as they dropped a 43-30 decision to Eagleville in the district tourney semifinals Tuesday night.

“The more aggressive team that gets to the free throw line usually wins the game. They are a good team. We were frustrated because we did not shoot well,” Moore County Head Coach Herb Horton said.

The Eagleville’s 2-3 zone defense affected Moore County early. They went over six minutes before finally getting on the board. The difference maker was Eagleville freshman post player Cadence Chapman. She rebounded the ball, altered and blocked shots, and scored four points as well as managing several rebounds against Chloe Brazier down low.

Eagleville built up a 20-11 halftime lead as foul problems became an issue for the Raiderettes. Charlotte Ray and Maecy Fletcher each picked up a pair of fouls in the first quarter. In the ball game, refs called 37 total fouls and 23 were whistled against Moore County. Eagleville had 32 free throw attempts to the Raiderettes 10. Eagleville only outscored Moore County by 10, 15-5 at the stripe.

In the second half, Eagleville went over six minutes without a point and the Raiderettes responded by cutting the lead to 26-21. It was the closest they would come. The Eagles scored nine straight points going up by 14 at 35-21. Late in the game, Ray eventually fouled out and several players continued to play with three or four fouls.

Robin Smedley led the Raiderettes with 7 points. Charlotte Ray and Olivia Richards followed with 6 each. Erica Clifton managed 4 points. Madison Floyd scored 3 points. Chloe Brazier and Jayden Lee swished a basket each. Haylee Ferguson led the Eagles with 11 points.

The Raiderettes play Fayetteville City at home on Wednesday, February 24 in an attempt to earn the three seed for the upcoming region tournament. Tip off is at 7 p.m. •

Raiders battle but fall to Eagles 50-54 in District Tournament

Tournament officials named three MCHS Raiders to the All District Team following Tuesday night’s game: Brayden Cashion, Riley Holman, and Andrew Copeland. (**Photo Credit:** *Jeff Reed Photography*)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | It was a basketball game that felt a bit like a tennis match with lots of second half lead changes and swinging momentum.

The Raiders battled back from a 14 point third period deficit to get not one but two shots at a tie ballgame with less than a minute to play in Lynchburg. At the final buzzer, they fell to Eagleville 50-54 in the second round of the TSSAA District 8 Tournament. Brayden Cashion was the high scoring Raider with 18 points followed by Will Harder with 12.

The 12-10 Raiders and the 10-13 Eagles split their regular season match ups. The Raiders got the 59-54 win in Rutherford County on January 8 and the Eagles got pay back on January 26 — besting the Raiders in front of the home crowd in Lynchburg 61-50. In tournament action, Cascade and Moore County earned a bye week by coming in first and second in District 8. Eagleville beat Cornersville on February 22 to move on to second round play.

Fast first period and sluggish second

The Raider seemed relaxed and ready to go in warm ups and brought that same energy into the first period. They outscored the Eagles 13-6 in the first stanza thanks in part to the hot hands of Riley Holman who snagged seven points. Moore County gained the advantage by also playing aggressive defense — keeping the Eagle shooters safely on the perimeter.

The Eagles battled back in the second period. After getting on the board first in the second stanza with an Andrew Copeland jumper, the two District 8 teams traded baskets until the Eagles finally got hot at the three point line swishing one from the outside at 2:59 mark to pull them ahead by one: Raiders 19 – Eagles 20. Thirty second later the Eagles rebounded and threw another three point shot to give them a 19-23 advantage. They roared into half time with the momentum. At the end of the first two periods the score was Raiders 19, Eagles 25.

Riley Holman led the first half Raider scoring with 7 followed by Andrew Copeland with 4. Brayden Cashion and Dylan Scruggs added 3 point each and Colton Bateman scored 2.

Two shots at a time ballgame

The Eagles brought their second period momentum into the second half. They put together a 16 point run while holding Moore County to a single basket. Finally at around the 2:41 mark, Andrew Copeland broke the spell with a jumper in the paint. At the time out, Moore County trailed 23-36. Following the time out, Colton Bateman snagged another two points to get the Raiders back within 10.

The Eagles then found a Raider weakness that they exploited down the stretch as they used the screen to create a wide open lane for easy layups. At the end of the third period, Eagleville managed a 14 point lead and the Raiders trailed 26-40.

As if sensing time and opportunities were running out, the Raiders came back to life in the final stanza. Will Harder swished an impressive four from the three point line including three in a row to get the Raiders back within four. On his third, the Raider home crowd erupted and Moore County called for a quick timeout.

Following the break Brayden Cashion scored a quick two points to pull the Raiders within two, 45-47, with 2:53 left to play.

In the bonus, the Eagles then made four consecutive foul shots to build their cushion to 47-51 before Brayden Cashion drained a three to make it 48-51 with 1:03 left to play. On the next Eagle possession, the Raiders sent them back to the foul line but the Eagle shooter missed both. Cashion then muscled for another two points to get the Raiders within a single point, 50-51.

The hot hands that got them back in the game cooled for the Raiders as the seconds ticked down. With 1.2 seconds remaining, the Eagles went back to the line and made the bucket that put the game out of reach, 50-54.

The Raiders put together 50 points: Cashion, 18; Harder,12; Holman,7; Copeland,6; Bateman,4; and Dylan Scruggs,3. Kaden Snitzer was the top Eagleville scorer with 16 followed by Watson and Shingley with 13 each.

The Raiders will move onto a consolation game with Cascade in Bedford County on Thursday, February 25 to determine who they will play first in the Region 4 Tournament. District 8 leader Cascade lost to Fayetteville 53-61 on Tuesday. Tickets will be available at the Go Fans app or you can watch the Moore County Sports Network’s student broadcasting team on the NFHS Network. Click here for that link. •

State, South Cumberland State Park seeking public input

South Cumberland State Park in Grundy County is an area gem. Managers of the South Cumberland State Park are seeking public input on a state plan that will outline recreation, parks and conservation priorities for the next 10 years. (Photo Provided)

GRUNDY COUNTY — State parks are important. That became obvious in 2020. Now a Grundy County parks is looking for your feedback on what its priorities should be moving forward. Managers of the South Cumberland State Park, together with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), are seeking public input on a state plan that will outline recreation, parks and conservation priorities for the next 10 years.

“Planning is an integral part of what we do, and we want to hear from Tennesseans about their thoughts for parks and conservation long term,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “While we are working hard on the plan, we need the input of Tennesseans across the state. The people’s feedback and participation are important for us to succeed.”

The plan, formally known as TN 2030: Tennessee State Recreation Plan, will be a roadmap for the future of public recreation in the state. It will address activity in urban and rural neighborhoods, as well as each region in the state.

The plan is in the formative stage, and TDEC officials ask Tennesseans for their opinions on draft themes and priorities already being discussed. The project will include short-term action items, which would be completed within five years, and long-term initiatives for the 10-year period. TDEC is accepting public comment on its initial priorities. Specific questions from an online form ask Tennesseans to name important priorities to focus on and if there are important recreation and conservation priorities not covered in the draft goals listed. The deadline for submissions is 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 25. Input can be provided by clicking here.

Draft initiatives cover advocacy and education; collaboration and partnerships for economic success; conservation and outdoor recreation; and inclusivity, diversity, equity, access, and affordability. The draft initiatives can be found by clicking here.

Each state must prepare a strategy known as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years to remain eligible for dollars from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through the U.S. Department of the Interior. The project also includes needs, interests, and priorities for indoor recreation since the state-run Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) gives grants to cities and counties for indoor and outdoor recreation projects. The 10-year outline will follow and build upon the TN 2020 plan as well as the TN 2020 Update.

More information on the recreation plan can be found by clicking here. •