LOCAL NEWS — Earlier in the week, Jack Daniel’s announced that along with closing the distillery to public tours as well as the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store and Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant that they’d be postponing the annual spring Wyooter Hunt – a private event for Tennessee Squires.
It all started way back in May 1865. That’s when the first Wyooter – a large hairy beast that’s one part Big Foot and one part Boogie Man – was first spotted in the hills of Lynchburg near the cave spring at Jack. Facts are scarce and legends aplenty when it comes to the Wyooter. Some say he’s a ghost … others a Sasquatch.
Either way, let all raise a glass to “social distancing” and enjoy a Wyooter Hooter. That’s one part local product, four parts ginger ale, and a splash of grenadine for the uninitiated. And be on the lookout for migrating varmints in your neck of the woods. •
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
The Mulberry Lavender Farm and B&B is located just off the Mulberry Creek. They’ll host a drive-thru Baby Lavender Plant Sale this Sunday. {Photo Provided}
MULBERRY — The baby lavender plant sale must go on. That’s the attitude of the folks at the Mulberry Lavender Farm and B&B as they push forward with plans for their annual event this Sunday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. … but with a twist. To protect everyone from potential COVID-19 exposure, they’ll set up on Highway 50 in Mulberry right in front of Southern Ironworks as a drive thru plant show … how clever.
It will be a great way to support a local small business and enjoy a rural road trip. They’ll sell baby lavender plants plus all organic lavender soap, essential oils, raw honey, farm eggs, and other fun items. Lavender is a natural stress reliever that improves sleep and reduces blood pressure. We all could use a little more of that.
Lavender plants are best planted in the spring and like full sun. You can get yours this Sunday at the Mulberry Farm Drive Thru Baby Plant Sale. {Photo Provided}
The Mulberry Lavender Farm B&B is located in a 1860s era historic farm house that once belonged to Jack Daniel’s older brother, Wiley. In fact, Wiley’s buried nearby in the Mulberry Cemetery. It now serves as the home to lots of Navajo Churro wool-producing sheep, horses, and Earl the Rooster. It’s an all organic, bio integrated family farm.
For more information, check out their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them at 928-308-8725. •
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
MONTEAGLE — The 17th Annual Trails and Trilliums festival and related Wild Azalea Gala fundraiser are both being postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Friends of South Cumberland State Park (FSC), which offers both events to help raise awareness and funding for its work on behalf of the park, will announce rescheduling plans for both events once the current health crisis has subsided, according to FSC Board President John Hille.
The events, both of which were scheduled for April 17-19, included group gatherings that had potential for facilitating virus spread. FSC Treasurer Rich Wyckoff said the Friends will be refunding fees to guests who have already pre-registered.
“Given the current guidance from the federal government, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, we felt it was in everyone’s best interest that we do our part to prevent community spread of the Covid-19 virus,” Hille said. “We are also in the process of contacting our sponsors and suppliers to explain our decision and discuss options going forward.”
Margaret Matens, FSC’s Trails and Trilliums Chair, said that Tennessee State Parks remain open, and are a welcoming place for people to get out and enjoy nature in wide-open spaces.
“Our park is especially beautiful in the springtime, when the waterfalls and wildflowers are spectacular. We invite everyone to come visit the park, enjoy the fresh air, and take a break from the stress and disruptions of the current situation.”
For more information about planning a socially-distanced visit to the park, visit FriendsOfSouthCumberland.org/plan-your-visit.•
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
Crowds gather last year at the Lynchburg Music Fest in Wiseman Park. The 2020 event will take place at a still yet to be announced new venue. {Photo Provided}
LOCAL NEWS — It seems to be a complete misunderstanding.
On Monday night, Metro Council member Wayne Hawkins appeared before the Metro Council on behalf of the Whiskey Runners Car Club, the organization behind Lynchurg’s fall car show, Cruisin’ in the Hollow. Why? The organizers were concerned that their event, which traditionally happens on the first weekend in October, would conflict with the Lynchburg Music Fest’s new date, October 2-3. Both Hawkins and Whiskey Runners Car Club member Wayne Cook, who also appeared before the Metro Council, were both working from the assumption that the Lynchburg Music Fest intends to hold it’s 2020 event in Wiseman Park.
That’s not true, according to Igniter Productions Jonny Hill, who The Lynchburg Times spoke with on Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m very aware of the Whiskey Runner’s car show,” Hill said. “In fact, I’ve attended it many times and even entered my 51 GMC a couple of times. By no means would we every step on the toes of an existing event.”
At Monday nights meeting, Cook seemed confident.
“They are advertising right now on The Duck,” Cook exclaimed to Mayor Lewis as she tried to set his mind at ease by explaining that no one from Igniter had appeared before her to ask permission to use the park for this year’s event. “They are saying it right now on the radio,” Cook argued. “You can buy tickets. You can look it up on your phone.”
While it is true that tickets are now on sale for the October event, and they are indeed advertising on 93.9 The Duck, the verbiage on all of the above does not list Wiseman Park as the location of the 2020 event. The carefully-crafted wording stops short of naming the park the 2020 venue and simply talks about the park as the location of the inaugural event.
“The inaugural Lynchburg Music Fest, was a two-day music and camping festival featuring dozens of country and bluegrass bands on three stages in beautiful Wiseman Park in historic Lynchburg,” the LMF website and Facebook page states.
Igniter announced Kip Moore as Friday night’s headliner last Tuesday. In a press release, they stated that the “second annual Lynchburg Music Fest will take place on October 2 and 3, in a new venue in Lynchburg.”
Hill says that they are still working on details and contracts and for that reason his organization isn’t prepared to announce the new venue just yet but he hopes to make the announcement sometime in April.
For more information about the festival, visit their website or Facebook page. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering 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.}
Updated on March 17: Organizers have cancelled this year’s Daffodil Days scheduled for this Saturday due to COVID-19 public health concerns.
REGIONAL NEW | Bell Buckle — Each spring the rolling back roads leading into tiny Bell Buckle, Tennessee transform into a sea of bright yellow daffodils. Their history dates back to the 1800s, when Webb School founder Sawney Webb took a grim view of students absentmindedly snatching leaves off local plants. To teach them a lesson, Sawney assigned them to bulb planting duty all along the roads that converge into historic downtown Bell Buckle an up towards the school.
The daffodil trail as it’s called by the locals still exists today and many locals have added to it by planting thousands of their own bulbs. Each spring as the original bulbs and the newly planted ones, burst open in the warmer temperature, the town hosts one of the first spring events, Daffodil Day.
Here are three “must dos” the we picked for this year’s event:
1| Beekeeping Seminar – If you’re interested in apiculture or beekeeping as it’s commonly called, you won’t want to miss the Honey and Beekeeping Seminar with Dr. Ed Perryman. An avid local bee enthusiast and member of the Duck River Beekeeper’s Association, Perryman bursts with knowledge about all stages of beekeeping from hive construction to carrying your hive through its first winter. If you’ve ever considered starting your own hive, don’t miss this free seminar.
2| Local Author Book Signings – We’re a big supporter of the #buylocal movement and this includes local authors. The Bell Buckle Coffee Shop and Book Swap will feature three regional authors during Daffodil Day: John T. Wayne, Cabot Barton, and Lathan Hudson. Wayne is the grandson of the legendary John Wayne and a western fiction writer. Barton’s opened for artists like Emmylou Harris and the Georgia Satellites. He writes fiction based on his real world experiences. Lathan Hudson’s authored a memoir about his years in Nashville as a singer, songwriter called Once Upon a Time … There Was a Tavern, Volume 1.
3 | Free Tree Seedlings – Bell Buckle in officially the smallest town in Tennessee to earn the Tree City USA designation. Each spring the city celebrates Arbor Day during the festival and offers free tree seedlings to anyone in attendance. It’s just like taking a piece of Bell Buckle home with you.
Daffodil Day takes place in and around the historic downtown area on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information check out the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce website. Or for up-to-the-minute events updates, visit their Facebook page.•
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering 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.}
Due to Distillery closings and COVID-19 concerns, the Mach Tenn Running Club will postpone the annual Oak Barrel Half Marathon until October 24. {Photo Provided}
LOCAL NEWS — Monday night, the Metro Council approved moving the date of the 2020 Oak Barrel Half Marathon from April 4 to October 24.
Melissa Miller with the Mach Tenn Running Club, the event’s sponsor, appeared before the Council. She stated that there were no conflicts of interest for that date. Metro Mayor confirmed that no other group had asked permission to hold a public event that weekend.
“It’s the old Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Barbecue date,” Miller said. “They’ve moved their event up and we decided we liked that date.”
The request came following Brown-Forman announcement last week that they plan to close the Distillery tours temporarily as well as the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store and Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant due to COVID-19 concerns.
“After consulting with our local officials (mayor, sheriff, and EMS), we have decided that it is in the best interest of our runners and community to postpone the 2020 Oak Barrel Half. [We] understand how very frustrating this is for our runners that have been planning and training for months to join us in Lynchburg – and [we] apologize for that,” they stated on their Facebook page.
Based on the Center for Disease Control recommendations, most communities in the United States are currently exercising, “social distancing,” which means that community are executing conscious efforts to reduce close contact between individuals that could spread COVID-19. This means people should avoid gathering in public places and especially large crowds. The Oak Barrel Half Marathon draws a large number of runners and visitors to the Lynchburg area each spring.
“In addition to the concern about gathering 1700 people on the square in Lynchburg amidst the concerns for the COVID-19 virus situation, the weekend would not be quite the same without Jack Daniel’s involved and open to welcome all the runners,” organizers stated on their Facebook page on Saturday.
The Metro Council unanimously approved the date.
Previously registered runners now have several options. One, they can leave their registration in place for the new date. Two, runners could run the 2020 Oak Barrel Half Marathon as a virtual race. Runners would complete the 13.1 miles on their own and organizers will ship their “swag” to a home address. Or three, runners could request a full registration fee refund.
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
Walk a shelter dog, go fishing at Tims Ford, or barbecue … social distancing doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside. {File Photo}
Distillery tours are shut down, Moore County schools are closed … now what? On March 15, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new guidance for stopping the spread of COVID-19 related illness. According to the CDC website, they “recommend that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States.”
It’s called “social distancing” and it refers to a specific set of recommended actions taken by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious virus like COVID-19. It includes avoiding things like meeting in large groups as well as closing buildings, and cancelling events. But it doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside your home. There are lots of things you can do in the Lynchburg area.
1 | Explore Tims Ford State Park – It’s made up of 1,321 glorious, picturesque acres and there’s plenty of room for locals to explore without being on top of each other. It includes four hiking trails, three mountain bike trails, as well as three paved multi-use paths. It also happens to offer some of the best bass fishing in the South plus the Bear Trace Golf Course.
2 | Order take out from a local restaurant – Sure, we’re supposed to be avoiding dining in restaurants but that doesn’t mean you can’t order out. You can’t survive on snack food forever. Place a to go order at a local Lynchburg restaurant. We bet they’ll even offer curbside delivery if you ask.
3| Drop off a care package – We’re all in this together and now is the time to step up and take care of the less fortunate or vulnerable in our community. That includes that new mom, the elderly couple down the street, or the neighbor living with asthma. Pick some wildflowers, bake some homemade cookies, heck, be extravagant and give them a roll of toilet paper.
4| Shop local – Easter is right around the corner … so is Mother’s Day. The charming shops located in Lynchburg offer so many homemade, handmade, creative, original gift ideas. The Distillery tours are shut down for two weeks, so we’ve got the place all to our selves. If every person reading this just spent an extra $20 each week during the coronavirus response, it would make a huge difference.
5| Go fishing – Lynchburg’s blessed with several, amazing local waterbodies. Tims Ford Lake offers first class bass fishing. The Elk River is world-renown for its trout fishing. Fishing legend and Lynchburg native Bill Dance learned to hook em’ in the Mulberry Creek. Grab a pole and head out to a nice, secluded watering hole. And don’t forget your Tennessee fishing license.
6| Clean out your closets (and donate your stuff to Moore County Operation Spay/Neuter – You’ve got some time on your hands and spring is only a few days away. Why not get a head start on that spring cleaning? And before you throw anything away or sent it to Goodwill consider donating any “gently used” items to Moore County Operation Spay/Neuter and let them sell it on their online auction site. All proceeds fund spaying and neutering the community animals of Lynchburg. Click here to learn more.
7| Throw something on the grill – Woodard’s Market here in Lynchburg boasts one of the best fresh meat departments in the state. They offer a wide selection and if you don’t see what you want, just ask and they’ll cut it for you. Since we’re cooped up inside, why not barbecue … and maybe even share with a neighbor.
8| Check out the local e-library – The lobby of our local public library is closed to walk in traffic but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still check out materials. The Moore County Public Library offers tons of digital check out options including the Libby app that you can download to your smart device. Click here for all those options.
9 | Walk or foster a Moore County Friends of Animals pet – There’s nothing that soothes a bit of cabin fever like a wet nose or a furry tail. You’re going to be stuck at home a lot, so why spend that time with a local shelter dog … even if it temporary. Contact the Moore County Friends of Animals at 931-434-7508 to inquire about walking or fostering a shelter dog.
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
It could be our imagination, but it looks like Kip Moore’s holding up a bottle of our local product to the crowd at a recent performance in Canada. He’ll headline Friday night at the Lynchburg Music Fest’s 2020 event, which takes place October 2-3. {Photo Provided}
He landed early on the Bro Country scene singing songs about trucks, beers, and small town Friday nights. So, it’s fitting that he’ll headline the most famous small town in America on Friday, October 2. He’s the first Lynchburg Music Fest headliner announced by Igniter Productions for their second annual music festival, which takes place the first weekend in October.
Born in Tifton, Georgia, Moore began his music career during his college days a Wallace State Community College before moving to Nashville in 2004 where he met songwriter and producer Brett James. James – who wrote Carrie Underwood’s famous Jesus Take the Wheel – took an interest in Moore and helped him sign a publishing deal.
Moore’s well know for his chart-topping single, Something Bout a Truck, which hit number one on the Billboard country charts. He followed that song with success like Hey Pretty Girl and Beer Money. Last August, he released an anticipated single, She’s Mine, the first song from a much anticipated upcoming album. To hear it and watch the video, click here.
His Lynchburg Music Fest performance will come just in time to maybe hear a few more songs from the new album along with those radio favorites he first became famous for.
Tickets for the 2020 Lynchburg Music Fest are available now. Early bird pricing for a General Admission Weekend Pass is just $75. VIP tickets are also available. Click here for more details. •
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, 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.}
The INTUITIVE Planetarium in Huntsville is the only one of its kind in the Southeast and you can go for free on March 8. {Photo Provided}
HUNTSVILLE — It’s the only one of its kind in the Southeast and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center will give you free admission March 8 to celebrate International Day of Planetariums.
The INTUITIVE Planetarium boasts 248 seats and 8k digital planetarium in a dome setting. It uses five Christie laser projectors to deliver synchronized, state of the art projection on a nano seam dome screen with update sound system. Together they give you the experience of being among the stars and planets.
Examples of daily shows includes Destination Solar System, Our Place in Space, Winter Skies, and Explore. And for one day only, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center will offer free admission all day with the purchase of a museum ticket. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is located at 1 Tranquility Base in Huntsville. For more information, check out the Center’s website by clicking here. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering 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.}
LOCAL NEWS — Tims Ford State Park needs your help and students can earn Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Achieves volunteer hours for lending a hand.
On Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tims Ford State Park will work to remove invasive species like Bradford Pear and Chinese Privet during the annual Weed Wrangle. Invasive species exists as plants or animals that are not native to Tennessee. If left to spread, these species can disrupt habitats, damage the environment, and even cause economic loses and health issues.
Volunteers should wear close toed shoes and long pants and bring their own sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, and snacks. Volunteers will meet at the park office located at 570 Tims Ford Drive. For more information or for question, contact Park Ranger Dalton Smith at 931.434.6032 or dalton.smith@tn.gov. Click here for additional details. •
{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering 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.}
