Wanna own a piece of the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree? Benefit auction starts Dec. 1.

The Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree is up in Lynchburg and cities across the U.S. and you can own the top barrel. (*Photo Credit: Jack Daniel’s Distillery)*

Each year, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Trees pops up in Lynchburg as well as cities around the globe. It’s a fun, holiday tradition that supports a great cause, Operation Ride Home, which helps help junior-enlisted service members and families travel home.

The first barrel tree went up in 2011. It was 26 feet tall and made from 140 American white oak whiskey barrels. After all, since no barrel is ever filled with Jack Daniel’s twice, we’ve got plenty of them around. All the barrels used to made the famed Jack Daniel’s Barrel Trees were once entrusted to mature the famed Tennessee Whiskey.

It brought folks from all around Tennessee, the U.S., an the globe to tiny Lynchburg. Today, replicas also go up in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Dallas, Boston, Las Vegas, Tampa, Cleveland, and Nashville.

As part of its “Operation Ride Home” program, the famed distillery and partner, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), will auction off the top barrel of each tree with proceeds helping junior-enlisted service members and families travel home from their place of military service. Due to the current pandemic, travel for these heroes is on hold due to Department of Defense restrictions but will commence as soon as they are lifted. Since the program began in 2011, ORH has helped send a total of 8,583 individual junior-enlisted service members and their families home while raising $1.8 million in donations. Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to all 50 states.

“The Jack Daniel Distillery barrel tree has always brought people together to celebrate the spirit of the season and remind us of the sacrifice of so many heroes and their loved ones” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “We hope our friends will stop by and join us to reflect on this special time of year. After all, we all need some extra cheer this holiday season.”

The barrel tree auction kicked off on December 1 and if you ‘d like to learn more about taking home one of the the barrels from this year’s trees, click here. •

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.}

Motlow adds thermal temp scanners to Moore County campus

Motlow’s Moore County campus recently added no-contact, thermal temperature scanners at the Marcum Technology Center, Simon Hall, Nisbett Center, and Ingram Administration buildings. (*Photo Credit: Motlow College*)

LOCAL NEWS — As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Middle Tennessee, Motlow College is stepping up their safety precautions by placing new, no-contact temperature scanners at building entrances.

Each thermal scanner provides a non-contact fever inspection kiosk that provides detection of temperature, with or without a mask, in less than one second. The thermal scanners are now provided as a supplemental aid to Motlow’s existing on-campus requirements. Students, staff, and visitors are still required to submit a self-assessment health screening form before coming to any Motlow campus. Scanners were added at the Marcum Technology Center, Simon Hall, Nisbett Center, and Ingram Administration on the Moore County campus.

The scanners are simple to use. Walk towards the scanner and it will detect your presence. It will display your temperature on the screen and tell you if you are cleared to enter the building. If your temperature is 100.4 or above, you are not cleared to enter the building and you should leave campus immediately.

To learn more about Motlow College’s on-campus COVID safety requirements, click here. •

{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.}

Virtual Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree lighting happens Saturday

Local folks and those from around the globe can join together on Saturday for a virtual Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Lighting event. *(Photo Credit: Jack Daniel’s Distillery)*

LOCAL NEWS — For years, the lighting of the Jack Daniel Barrel Tree each year has been a big deal. Locals, residents of neighboring counties, folks from across the United States, and even those from abroad gather each year in Lynchburg to kick off the holiday season. This year due to COVID-19 things will need to be a little different.

“We won’t be able to celebrate in person this year, but we don’t see why that should stop us from enjoying each other’s company,” the company said.

In that spirit there will be a virtual Holiday Kick Off and Barrel Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. If you’d like to attend simply click here. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be sent an invitation to the event.

Kevin ‘the Barrel Man’ Sanders will be on hand sharing some history about the Barrel Tree and the barrels that were used to craft it. Lynchburg Mayor Bonnie Lewis will update folks about Lynchburg, and the folks at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House will offer some holiday entertaining advice. There might even be a bit of holiday music. •

MUD reminds customers of holiday schedule and lock offs

The MUD offices will be closed on November 26-27 for Thanksgiving. To avoid lock off, customers should make past due payments prior to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. *(File Graphic)*

LOCAL NEWS — The Metro Utilities Department (MUD) reminds customers that their offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. This means that water customers with a past due bill will need to make a payment no later than 4 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving in order to avoid a water lock off. Lock offs will not take place until after the holiday on Monday, November 30.

MUD officials say that they have made attempts to contact everyone that is currently on the lock off list. Payments can be made via U.S. mail, at the MUD offices, or 24/7 online.

There is a $100 reconnection fee. MUD officials say that if you make your payment in the night drop off box after 4 p.m. on November 25, it should include the additional $100 plus the balance due.

If you have questions, call the MUD offices at 931-759-4297 or visit their website by clicking here. •

Area state parks plan Day After Thanksgiving Hikes

Four area state parks — Old Stone Fort, Henry Horton, Cumberland Trail, and South Cumberland — will offer Day After Thanksgiving Hikes on November 27. *(Photos Provided)*

Mark your calendar for November 27, skip the Black Friday shopping, and work off a few of those turkey calories with these four Day After Thanksgiving Hike at Middle Tennessee state parks.

MANCHESTER — Join Park Ranger Keith Wimberley for a guided hike around Old Stone Fort State Park. Hikers will walk a leisurely 1.25 mile path that follows along the Little Duck and Duck Rivers while discussing the pre-history, history, and geology of the area. The event is free (though donations are welcome) and will be limited to 50 people. Registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

MONTEAGLE — South Cumberland State Park in Grundy County and Ranger Jessie plan a guided hike through the picturesque Grundy Forest Natural Area to discuss the native plants and animals that inhabit the area. This two mile hike is rated as moderate due to rocky terrain, exposed roots, and some minor elevation change. The hike is free (though donations are welcome) but registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

CHAPEL HILL — Rangers at Henry Horton State Park in nearby Chapel Hill plan an organized hike through the Hickory Ridge and River Trails. It’s a easy, 3.5 mile hike that’s suitable for all ages and hiking abilities. Ranger Julia and Park Manager Ryan will stop along the way to point out various natural and historical features along the way. The hike is free (though donations are welcome) but registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

CROSSVILLE — Exchange Black Friday for Black Mountain at this Cumberland Trail State Park Guided Hike. Ranger Mike Croley will guide hikers across the northern rim of the Sequatchie Valley to the stunning boulder formations. It’s a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike that should take around two hours. The hike is free (though donations are welcome) but registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot.

All hikers should wear good walking shoes (no sandals), and bring their own drinking water. Daytime highs that day will be around 63 degree, so dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, visit the Tennessee State Parks website. •

Motlow names U.S. Navy veteran Dwyer first Chancellor’s Commendation winner

Motlow State President Dr. Michael Torrence, left, awards Motlow freshman and U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Dwyer a special challenge coin, representing the inaugural TBR Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans. Dwyer was nominated by Torrence for the award. Challenge coins are a rich tradition in all military branches and signify special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect, and esprit de corps. (*Photo Credit: Motlow College*)

LOCAL NEWS — The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) recently established a new award honoring the service, bravery, and sacrifices of military veterans. The Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans will honor a military veteran attending one of the state’s community and technical colleges. Recipients of the new Chancellor’s Commendation were nominated by the college presidents and include students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

That award winner from Motlow College will be Zachary Dwyer of Smyrna. Zachary is a freshman attending Motlow’s Smyrna campus. He is majoring in general studies and plans to transfer to MTSU to study Geoscience. He graduated from Lancaster Christian Academy in 2010 and joined the Navy in 2011, serving aboard the USS Fitzgerald and USS Bonhomme Richard during his eight years of service.

“Courage, commitment, and honor are the core values of the U.S. Navy, and Zachary Dwyer embodies these core values,” said Motloe President Dr. Michael Torrence. “In an unprecedented year, Zach’s core values are his anchor and compass as he begins a new journey as an adult learner in a time of uncertainty. He brings as much to the classroom as he receives, and he enjoys the learning experiences and environment of Motlow.”

College presidents presented recipients of the commendation a special Challenge Coin on behalf of the chancellor. Challenge coins are a rich tradition in all military branches and signify special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect, and esprit de corps.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, 3,436 students in the College System of Tennessee self-reported as veterans and active duty military personnel on their admission materials. Since such reporting is not required, there are likely more student veterans – and they are in addition to the many veterans in the faculty, staff, and alumni ranks. •

Raiders seek a little revenge in playoff rematch against Fayetteville Tigers

Senior Dylan Scruggs, who helped tie the regular season game late in the fourth quarter against Fayetteville, will be one of the Raider seniors looking to exact a little revenge this Friday in the playoff rematch. (*Photo Credit: Riley Corder for the Moore County Sports Network*)

LINCOLN COUNTY — This Friday night, the Moore County Raiders will get a long anticipated opportunity: a rematch with the Fayetteville Tigers. The fellow Region 5A team exists as Moore County’s only loss of the 2020 season. That 28-22 defeat in Lincoln County on September 18 left a bad taste in the Moore County squad’s mouth.

It was an ugly affair.

The Raiders – in an uncharacteristic mistake-riddled first half – suffered nearly 15 first half penalties and lethargic play. Despite the fact that they tied the game late in the fourth quarter with a clutch Kyler Parker to Dylan Scruggs 55 yard touchdown pass, the Tigers faked a punt and scored the go ahead TD with 50 seconds remaining in the game. (To read our complete coverage of that game, click here.) An opportunity to right that wrong’s been circling in the Raiders players heads ever since.

“After that game, the coaching staff focused the team on just getting better each game, but the kids definitely want another shot at them,” Raider Head Coach Kris White said.

The 12-1 Raiders, haven’t loss a game since Fayetteville City, and now boast a Mr. Football finalist, another Mr. Football semi-finalist, an offense that’s as dangerous through the air as on the ground, and a defense that swarms the ball.

Led by Raider quarterback Kyler Parker and senior running back Tyler Smith, the Moore County offense has pieced together 2,345 rushing yards so far this season. The option QB and elusive running back have proven hard to stop.

In receiving, there are playmakers all over the field. Moore County’s balanced their running attack with 1,972 receiving yards led by freshman Dawson White (535), senior Kaden White (509), senior Brayden Cashion (327), and senior Dylan Scruggs (263), who missed several games late in the season due to a knee injury.

On defense, fellow Mr. Football semi-finalist Kaden White leads in tackles with 136 and he’s followed closely by teammates Donavin Pearson (133), Dawson White (121), and Tyler Smith (108).

By comparison, the 10-2 Tigers prefer to run the football. They’ve earned 2,105 yards on the ground and another 912 through the air. The Raider D will need to key in on freshman running back #3 KJ Jackson, who’s amassed 1,257 of the Tiger’s rushing yards this year. Junior Corian Cash (#11) is the Tiger leading receiver with 393 yards.

On the Moore County Sports Network’s Coach’s Corner on Saturday senior Brayden Cashion said it’s just an opportunity to mark another one off the list. Cornersville, Eaglevile, Chapel Hill, Huntingdon … for this year’s Raider seniors the 2020 season has been opportunity to beat those teams that presented obstacles to their collective success in previous seasons.

Despite that mission, senior center and nose guard Zac Carawan said that the Raiders remained level headed going into the game and planned to play with not only a lot of emotion but also a lot of discipline.

“Basically, it’s an opportunity to get revenge, but we also treat it just like any other game,” he said.

Fayetteville’s football stadium is a quick 30 minute trip down Highway 50 and Raiders Nation will likely show up in large numbers. Tickets will not be sold at the gate and are only available through the TSSAA website or the Go Fan app. MCHS Athletic Director Josh Deal told The Times that the Raiders were allocated 800 tickets and we’ve currently sold 501 of those tickets. If you can’t attend the game, it will be broadcast live on Raider Country 105.1 and 95.5 FM with Joe Abraham and the Moore County Sports Network, on the NFHS Network, or The Lynchburg Times will post live score updates on our Facebook page. •

Popular Jack Daniel’s Countdown Calendar returns

The oh-so-popular Holidays Countdown Calendar is back for 2020 and can be purchased locally at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop. *(Photo Credit: Jack Daniel Distillery)*

LYNCHBURG — Everybody’s looking for an opportunity to buy local this holiday season and living in Lynchburg – home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery – comes with some perks. You can share the holiday spirit and a taste of Lynchburg with the 2020 Holiday Countdown Calendar. The annual calendar, which first launched in 2018, is available for purchase at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop inside the Jack Daniel’s Visitor’s Center. It’s only available in select U.S. and global markets.

The limited-edition calendar features 24 windows designed to reveal a special Jack Daniel’s item on each day leading up the December holidays, making it a perfect gift for whiskey lovers or the centerpiece of a new seasonal tradition. “Surprise” products featured in this year’s calendar include four 50ml bottles each of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, three bottles each of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, and two bottles each of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select. The calendar will also contain premium items, including four shot glasses with various logos from the Jack Daniel’s family of brands.

“We launched our Holiday Countdown Calendar three years ago to give friends of Jack Daniel’s a fun way to come together and celebrate the season,” said Jack Daniel’s Global Brand Director Matt Blevin. “We’re excited to feature a brand new selection of bottles and gift items this year, making it our best and most exclusive calendar yet.” •

Lynchburg Elementary to get security upgrades

Soon Lynchburg Elementary and the Department of Education Building will get security upgrades like a buzz in bell at the front entrance that requires individuals to identify themselves on camera before being allowed in the building. (File Photo)

LOCAL NEWS — According to Moore County Director of Schools Chad Moorehead, Lynchburg Elementary School (LES) and the Department of Education (DOE) Building located on the LES campus will be getting significant security upgrades in the coming year.

At LES, school officials plan to install a door access control system on the LES front entrance similar to the one that already exists at the high school. Visitors will be required to ring a door bell equipped with a camera. The receptionist or principal then has the option to buzz that individual in for a second level of screening.

Once inside the building, guests will be ushered to a receptionists desk with a bank teller style window. Visitors to the building would not be allowed to enter if their business can be transacted through the teller window at the receptionists office.

A similar system will be installed at the Department of Education Building. Additionally, for security purpose, school officials will add tint to all the DOE windows.

Director Moorehead says the project would be funded by both a $20,000 State School Safety Grant as well as budgeted capitol projects funds. The Metro School Board approved the project unanimously last week. •

Motlow selects Coffey as student advocate award nominee

Motlow College recently nominated Assistant Professor of Geography Charle Coffey for the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award. (*Photo Credit: Motlow State*)

LOCAL NEWS — Each year college presidents from around the U.S. nominate one educator to the National Resource Center for Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award. In 2020, Motlow State has selected Assistant Professor of Geography Charle Coffey.

Coffey leads Motlow’s First-Year Experience success as a component of the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Critical Thinking in the First-Year Experience is a QEP that reaches a significant number of Motlow students through the MSCC 1300 course designed to empower students to reach their educational and career goals.

“Having a profound understanding of community college students, barriers, and challenges, Charle transformed the Motlow First-Year Experience curriculum into a living, dynamic, interactive, and meaningful class that is practical, portable, and profitable for students as well as the faculty,” said Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence. “She developed a curriculum and syllabi that integrates core skills: critical thinking, writing, reading growth, resilience, intelligence, and tenacity. The class is offered both on-ground and virtually to support varied schedules.”

Coffey has worked at Motlow since 1983 in multiple capacities and roles, including Director of Admissions, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Director of Academic Services, and Director of the Education Department. Coffey earned her associate degree from Walters State, a B.B.A. and M.Ed. from MTSU, and is a Certified Covey Facilitator.

“I believe in our students and in providing resources to enable them to be successful,” said Coffey. “FYE is definitely that type of resource. This program provides foundational information and skill-building activities to help students hone critical thinking skills that will follow them through college courses and into life beyond college. I believe in the validity of this program, and I am honored to be nominated for this award.”

Two winners from two year colleges will be chosen by a selection committee composed of members and former members of the National Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates, and other leaders in American higher education. •