5 Things to Do This Weekend

A regional art show and a fall festival in Cowan, a guided day hike at Walls of Jericho, a benefit barn dance in Lynchburg, and live music at Bean’s Creek Winery … yeah there’s a lot to do this weekend from an appropriate social distance. {Photos Provided}

We get it. Everyone grows weary of being stuck inside. As fall approaches, there are lots of outdoor or small venue events happening in southern, middle Tennessee that present an opportunity to safely get out. So mask up, grab the hand sanitizer, stay six feet apart, wash your hands, and enjoy a little socially-distanced fun.

Regional Art Show in Cowan— It’s a real bummer. Due to increasing concerns about COVID-19, the Franklin County Arts Guild made the difficult decision to cancel its annual Arts & Ales fundraisers. No worries though, you can still support local artists with at their Regional Arts Show at the Artisan Depot. The show will run September 17-20 from 12-5 p.m. each day and will feature painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, jewelry, and more for southern, middle Tennessee artists. For more information, click here.

Fall Heritage Festival in Cowan — Each third weekend in September folks gather in the charming hamlet of Cowan to celebrate life at the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau. It combines the history of the area with live music, and art for a fun kick off to the fall season. This year will feature fireworks, food trucks, art and crafts, arts demonstrations, a composting workshop, live music, and more. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there won’t be a kid’s zone, beauty pageant, cruise-in, or living history events this year. For more information, vist their website by clicking here.

Hike at Walls of Jericho in Franklin County — Located around 12 miles from Winchester, the Walls of Jericho sits just along the Tennessee Alabama state line. The “walls” refer to the impressive geological feature that forms a large bowl-shaped amphitheater with steep 200-foot sheer rock. Water drains through the wall creating a unique water feature. On Saturday, Alpha Expeditions will lead hikers through this iconic landscape on a day hike begging at 8 a.m. It’s a seven mile hike through some difficult terrain but worth the effort. To reserve your spot, click here.

Barn Dance to Benefit HorsePlay — Looking to a fun, small town night out for a good cause with plenty of social distancing measure baked into the event. Come check out the Swing and Sway for Hors Play Barn Dance in Wiseman Park in Lynchburg on September 19 at 6 p.m. Tullahoma’s South Jackson Street Band will play live music. The event will also feature a live auction, door prize drawing, and concessions. According to event organizers, the dance will practice social distancing protocols and follow CDC guidelines throughout the event. To read out full coverage, click here.

Live Music at Bean’s Creek Winery — Grab your quaranteam and some lawn chairs and enjoy the End of Summer Party at Bean’s Creek Winery in Manchester. Utopia will provide the rump-shaking live music and there will be food trucks. No outside alcohol is allowed but they will service wine slushees and Old She’d beer. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for more 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.}

Unemployment work search requirement resumes

job searching — Tennessee will resume its work search requirement for those receiving unemployment benefits beginning the last week of September. {File Photo}

STATE NEWS | According to the latest numbers available from the Tennessee Department of workforce and development, the unemployment rate in Moore County is 6.4 % – as compared to 9.5% for the state. That’s down from the 7.5% rate from June but up from the 3.9% unemployment rate for the same time period last year.

Unemployed citizens collecting unemployment benefits will need to once again complete weekly work searches beginning Sunday, October 4, according to a state press release.

Claimants who choose to continue receiving unemployment benefits will start work search activities during the week of Sunday, Sept. 27. They will then document those searches during their weekly certification for Sunday, Oct. 4, and each week after that date.

Furloughed or temporarily laid off claimants who currently have a definitive return to work date do not need to complete this requirement. Self employed individuals currently receiving benefits will be required to call on clients, submit bids or proposals, apply for contract or gig work, and / or attend training. Claimants who are out of work due to one of the COVID-19 reasons listed in the CARES Act may be exempt from performing job searches if they self-certify that they are unable to look for work due to one of the designations and are otherwise able and available, according to the state.

For one-on-one assistance, career specialists at Tennessee’s more than 80 American Job Centers can work with job seekers at no cost to provide customized job searches, job fairs, re-employment services, and eligibility assessment (RESEA) appointments, and help them determine if job training assistance is available. Centers are located regionally in Decherd, Fayetteville, Winchester, and Tullahoma. Click here for contact information.

Traditional job search methods also satisfy the requirement to remain eligible to receive benefits. If a claimant fails to complete their work searches, they will be denied benefits for the week they did not meet eligibility requirements. •

MCHS plans PSAT on Oct. 14

Moore County High School freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can sign up for the PSAT to be given at the high school on October 14. {File Photo}

EDUCATION NEWS | Staff invites Moore County High School (MCHS) freshmen, sophomores, and junior to register to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 14. The cost is $20 per student.

The PSAT – also known as the Preliminary SAT – gives students a practice run at the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) used by many universities and colleges to determine aptitude for college classes.

Students can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is two hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520, according to their website.

MCHS juniors who take the test will compete for the National Merit Scholarship program. Freshmen and sophomores can still take the test and use it as a practice test to assess strengths and weaknesses in advance of the their junior year PSAT.

The number of tests available is limited, according to MCHS officials, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Test fees should be delivered to Amy Cashion at MCHS. •

Friday Night Lights: #5 Raiders take on #6 Fayetteville on Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — It will be a battle of TSSAA ranked teams on Friday as the number five Moore County Raiders (4-0, 1-0) travel to face off with the Fayetteville Tigers (3-1, 2-0) in Lincoln County. The Raiders defeated the Forrest Rockets 35-14 last Friday in Chapel Hill while the Tigers beat Mount Pleasant 56-20 at home.

This battle of ranked team should be great game. In fact it’s gotten the attention of Tennessee High School Football Live, which will live stream the game. Click here for that link.

Moore County will need to correct needless penalties and sloppy play to bring their A game to the Tigers. Against the Rockets, Moore County had several key first downs and a touchdown called back for penalties. The Raider offense will also need to establish a ground game. Against Forrest, Moore County put up 248 yards through the air and just 98 on the ground.

Defensively, the Raiders look daunting. Moore County defenders fly to the ball, tackle smart, and hit hard. Many Moore County defenders are first year football players but seasoned athletes. What they lack in experience, they make up for in instinct and athletic ability … especially senior Ryder Morey and junior Will Harder, who combined for 10 tackles against the Rockets.

Moore County will also need to capitalize on any Fayetteville mistakes. The Rockets turned the ball over seven time against Moore County but the Raiders only converted two of those opportunities into points.

Patient Tiger QB and solid offensive line

On the Fayetteville side of the ball, Raider fans will want to keep an eye on junior running back #7 Graham Pace who has rushed for three touchdowns through four games for the Tigers. He leads Fayettevile with 20 total points. Receivers junior #11 Corian Cash and #9 sophomore Isaiah Thomison are the Tigers best hands. Freshman #3 KJ Jackson leads the Tigers in all purpose yards. Tiger QB sophomore #16 Sam Holdmeyer is 24 of 45 for 195 total yards so far this year and his offense line gives him time to find receivers.

On defense, there are several key players including junior #6 Cam Sheridan, sophomore #24 Braxton Wilson, junior #72 Antonio Ibarra, and senior #2 Jayson Pullen. They’ve combined for nearly 100 tackles through four games. Freshman #27 Calvin Hughes is quick off the ball with eight QB sacks this year.

The game will kick off in Fayetteville at 7 p.m. For those who plan to travel, the GPS address is 1800 Wilson Parkway, Fayetteville, TN 37334. If you can’t travel to the game, it will be broadcast live on Raider Country 105.1 and 95.5 FM, on the NFHS Network, or The Lynchburg Times will post live score updates on our Facebook page. •

Region 5 teams Mt. Pleasant, Cornersville game postponed due to COVID

high school football news — Fellow Region 5 opponents Mount Pleasant have cancelled practice and two games due to a COVID-19 exposure by at least on player. {Lynchburg Times Graphic}

MOUNT PLEASANT — We knew it was only a matter of time until an area high school football team was affected by COVID-19. On Monday, fellow Region 5A team Mount Pleasant announced they were cancelling practice and two regular season games due to a COVID-19 exposure.

According to Mount Pleasant Athletic Director Eric Hughes, the Mount Pleasant versus Cornersville game scheduled for September 18 is being postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test by at least one player. The Tigers also cancelled their game against Wayne County on September 25. The team isn’t currently practicing so that their facilities can be deep cleaned.

According to Hughes, he’s working with both teams to get those games rescheduled.

Moore County is scheduled to play Mount Pleasant as the final regular season game on October 30. The Raiders beat Cornersville 33-23 on September 4. •

Metro School Board meets Thursday

The Metro Board of Education will meet in a regular session on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lynchburg Elementary School (LES) Cafeteria. {Lynchburg Times Graphic}

The Metro Board of Education will meet in regular session on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lynchburg Elementary School (LES) Cafeteria.

In new business, the board will consider several personnel issues. It will consider tenure for two teachers: Belinda Smith and Amber Neal and also be informed of the immediate resignation of two teachers: Special Education Teacher Eric M. Davis and LES Art Teacher Whitney Ferris.

The LES Library will present a list of materials for “weeding out” … or items currently in library inventory that will be re-allocated to classrooms. The list includes books, science equipment, anatomical models, CDs, and other items. LES Librarian Sarah Gammon submitted the list.

Other new business items include a proposal to create a MCHS Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program at the high school as well as removing several early release dates (9/24, 10/8, 11/19, and 12/10) from the school calendar.

The board will also consider the appointment of five members to the Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority: Wendy Hart, Danny Mooney, Jacqueline Cates, Monica Hardin, and Penny Smith.

Director Moorehead will also discuss several budget issues including a transfer from the ESP Fund Balance, and an MCHS Construction Project Budget Amendment.

To see the complete meeting agenda, click here. •

Raiders move up in AP prep poll

We’re a moving on up … no seriously, after another road win Friday night against Forrest in Chapel Hill, the Moore County High School Raiders are ranked number five in the Associated Press Tennessee High School football statewide poll after week four.

Tennessee AP-member sportswriters and broadcasters select the top ten teams playing TSSAA football in the state.

The list, which was released on Monday, show the top 10 Class 1A teams as: 1. South Pittsburg 2. Lake County 3. Huntingdon 4. Copper Basin 5. Moore County 6. Fayetteville, 7. Coalfield. 8. Cornersville 9. Greenfield and 10. Monterey.

Other area teams earning ranks this week were Tullahoma (number three Class 4A) and Giles County (number eight Class 3A).

Moore County moved up one spot from number six to number five. Cornersville, who Moore County defeated on September 4 by a score of 33-23, held steady at number eight.

On a Division 1 Class A poll on the popular prep football site Coach T, the Raiders are ranked number two right behind South Pittsburg. Click here to see that poll.

On Friday, it will be number five versus number six (or number two versus number seven … depending on which poll you put more stock in) as MCHS heads to Fayetteville to take on the Tigers. •

Raiders get a sloppy, scary win over Forrest

Senior wide receiver Kaden White racked up 102 receiving yards against Forrest and a touchdown. {Photo Credit: Emily Black for the Moore County Sports Network}

CHAPEL HILL — The Moore County Raiders walked away with a 35-14 win over the Forrest Rockets Friday night in Chapel Hill but at the end of four quarters the Raiders were less concerned with their win and more concerned for players from both teams after a scary hit.

With less than four minutes to play in the third quarter, the Raider recovered a fumble. On the next play, Raider quarterback Kyler Parker threw to Joshua Parks and he took a big, head-leading hit from Rocket defender Micah McClendon. After the play, McClendon remained on the ground unmoving and paramedics eventually transported him from the field and into an awaiting ambulance.

It was a scary several minutes for both Forrest and Moore County players, coaches, cheerleaders, parents, and fans who could only stand by hoping for the best.

According to his mother Laura McClendon’s social media posts, Micah underwent surgery Saturday for a injury to his spine and is recovering. Raider Joshua Parks also went to the hospital and luckily only suffered muscular injuries.

Sloppy first half with multiple turnovers

Things got off to a bumpy start for the Rockets from the very first play from the line of scrimmage. On first and ten, Forrest fumbled and Raider Hayden Carter recovered. Over the next three minutes, the Raiders worked an 11 play series that ended with Raider quarterback Kyler Parker running the QB draw into the end zone for six points. Chase Bradford’s PAT sailed through the uprights and the Raiders took an early 7-0 lead with less than eight minutes to play in the first quarter.

On the very next Forrest series, the ball popped out again to the waiting Carter. However, the Raiders couldn’t move the ball in four downs and handed the ball back to the Rockets on downs.

On their third possession of the game, the Forrest Rockets got their third turnover when Raider ball hawking safety Dawson White snagged an interception on third and nine. On first down, QB Parker threw a 48 yard bomb to Kaden White for six more Raider points. Bradford’s PAT was good and with 3:26 left in the first quarter, the Raiders led Forrest 14-0.

As the first quarter expired, the two teams exchanged punts. Then, on the next Rocket series Forrest running back Chris Davis rushed for six points. Rocket kicker Gavin Grissom’s PAT was good and with 10:47 to play in the second, Forrest pulled within seven — Moore County 14, Forrest 7.

Moore County answered. A Brayden Cashion return to the 45 yard line set up Moore County first and ten. Parker then completed quick passes to K. White and Dylan Scruggs and a handoff to Tyler Smith to get within striking distance. At the 15 yard line, Parker ran into the end zone for six more. Bradford’s PAT was good and the Moore County led 21-7.

Three series later, the Rockets suffered their fourth turnover of the first half when Donavin Pearson snagged an interception on a Forrest first down pass. But the Raiders could not convert the turnover into points.

On the next Rocket series, Carter recovered another Forrest fumble. And again the Raider failed to convert the turnover into Moore County points. Despite multiple opportunities, the Raiders settled for a 21-7 lead headed into the halftime locker room.

Long injury time out results in flat play

Moore County found success mostly through the air in the first half. In the second stanza, fans wondered if Coach White would work to establish the ground game. The answer was sort off.

Set to receive first in the third quarter, the Raider QB Parker meticulously mixed passes and hand offs for a 14 play series that clicked nearly five minutes off the clock and resulted in another quarterback draw for six points. Bradford’s PAT was good to give the Raiders a 28-7 lead with 8:39 remaining in the third.

On the next Rocket series, Forrest failed to move the ball and turned it over on downs to Moore County at their 33.

Things started to get chippy and sloppy at this point. Forrest and Moore County exchanged turnovers before the Parker to Parks pass that resulted in the game-stopping injury. After a long injury time out, both teams (and their fan bases) seemed flat with their minds more on the injured McClendon than the task at hand.

On the next Rider series D. White and Parker pieced together first downs before D. White got a clutch play on a tipped screen pass for six more Raider points. Bradford nailed another PAT to give Moore County a 35-7 lead with 18 seconds left on the third quarter clock.

In the fourth quarter, Forrest managed one more score by Rocket running back Davis. Forrest kicker Grissom’s kick was good to make the score 35-14 with less than a minute to go in the game. In the end, Moore County remained undefeated with a 4-0 record while Forrest moved to 2-2.

Offensively, QB Parker threw for two touchdown and rushed for two more. Tyler Smith ran 43 yards and score one touchdown. Kaden White caught 102 receiving yards and a touchdown and his brother Dawson White added another 80 yards and a score. Raider kicker Chase Bradford was five for five on the night.

Defensively junior Hayden Carter had a stand out night with two fumble recoveries, an interception, six tackles including three solo tackles. Dawson White led the defense with 12 tackles including 10 solo tackles. Kaden White and Tyler Smith managed 10 tackles each. Donavin Pearson had nine.

Next Friday, Moore County will travel for their third consecutive away game to Fayetteville to take on the 3-1 Tigers.

Local blood supplies are critically low

Low blood supplies are low due to multiple recent traumas. Several area mobile blood drives are planned. {File Photo}

Multiple traumas in southern, middle Tennessee over the past several days have nearly exhausted local blood supplies and local blood banks are asking for donations … especially from O-positive, A-positive, A-negative, O-negative, and platelets donors.

“Multiple traumas used over 100 blood products a few nights ago and have exacerbated the already struggling blood supply,” Blood Assurance officials stated.

Regionally, local blood banks plan several area blood drives:

SUNDAY – Mobile blood drive at First United Methodist Church located at 100 South Jefferson Street in Winchester from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

THURSDAY – Mobile drive at Walmart located 1224 Huntsville Highway in Fayetteville from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

THURSDAY – Mobile drive at Advantage Realty Partners located 861 McArthur Street in Manchester from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition, the Blood Assurance Donor Center is located at 604 North Jackson Street and they schedule donation Monday through Friday and each third Saturday (September 19) and third Sunday (September 20) of the month. For more information visit their website or call them at 931-461-5773.•

Virtual talent competition seeks video auditions

Country hit maker and Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan will share his music industry insights and experiences with the 2020 Path to Fame Virtual Talent Competition grand champion. {Photo Credit: Nate Griffin}

You’ve heard of talent competition shows like The Voice, American Idol, and America’s Got Talent right? What if we told you that the folks at Pigeon Forge did their very own version, Path to Fame, and that auditions will be coming to two towns less than an hour’s drive from Lynchburg?

Path to Fame 2020 will be the third consecutive year for the Tennessee-based talent scout … and this year due to COVID-19, there will be a virtual twist. In previous years, Path To Fame traveled with a team of talent scouts to various markets in the Southeast. To accommodate restrictions and venue closings due to COVID-19, the talent competition has been re-engineered to accommodate video auditions.

“We know that performers were affected by the economic shutdown and operating restrictions necessary to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey. “Pigeon Forge’s theater community would like to help those performers, along with other talented folks, by bringing the Path To Fame Virtual Talent Competition online for 2020. We hope easy access to the competition will encourage performers to make a video and take advantage of this great career-building opportunity.”

The grand champion will claim a prize package that includes tools to help launch the winner’s own path to fame, including a virtual career consultation with country star Craig Morgan.

Anyone over the age of 18 who fits the search criteria can audition but officials have designated four hometown markets for this year’s auditions: Asheville, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Huntsville, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Contestants may showcase their talent in one of four categories: vocalist, instrumentalist, comedian and specialty act. Individuals and groups of five or fewer can may compete. All contestants must register and submit an audition video following the contest rules and regulations to be eligible to win.

Judges will select four finalists to represent each of the hometown markets. The 16 finalists will compete for the grand champion title and the prize package that includes 12 monthly consultations with a Nashville-based talent executive and a virtual meeting with Broken Bow Records country music star Craig Morgan.

Morgan possess strong ties to Pigeon Forge. The Tennessee native and Grand Old Opry member served as master of ceremonies at the award-winning Country Tonite show before finding success with country hits like That’s What I Love About Sunday, Almost Home, and Redneck Yacht Club. Morgan will share his music industry insights and experiences with the 2020 Path to Fame Virtual Talent Competition grand champion.

“We’re thrilled to work with Craig Morgan this year in part because he also began his own ‘path to fame’ in Pigeon Forge,” said Downey added. “Given the success of Path to Fame Talent Competition over the past two years, we’re eager to discover more talent this year, and we hope the virtual nature of this year’s contest will encourage even more people to audition.”

The grand champion prize package is comprised of career-building tools, including a one-year mentorship with Nashville-based talent executive John Alexander who discovered Kelsea Ballerini and spent more than a decade at Great American Country television network. Alexander will assist in establishing consultations and industry meetings for the grand champion. Additionally, the winner will perform in Pigeon Forge during a complimentary return trip and receive assets and experiences to advance his or her career.

Pigeon Forge helped launch the careers of Janelle Arthur, Carly Pearce, and Mandy Barnett. For more information and details to enter are available PFFame.com. •