By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Friday, June 23, 2023 — In a special-called meeting Friday morning, Nelson Fiscal Court approved first reading of zoning regulations regarding the placement and construction of distilled spirits warehouses in Nelson County. The changes remove what is often referred to as “the 2015 100-acre rule” that added […]
By TIM HUTCHINSNelson County Judge-Executive Saturday, May 27, 2023 — It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through 2023. My first five months as your Nelson County Judge-Executive has been busy, enlightening, gratifying, challenging, and sometimes aggravating. With my previous experience as a magistrate, I was aware of many aspects of this […]
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT Thursday, May 25, 2023 — Nelson County Judge-Executive Tim Hutchins was the studio guest on WBRT’s “Bradford & Brooks” radio show on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Hutchins discussed many of the changes he’s made in county government to improve employee pay, retain employees and reduce waste. Tim also talked […]
By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Saturday, May 6, 2023 — Nelson Fiscal Court gave its initial approval of a 30-day moratorium, or “pause” for all zoning applications related to new bourbon warehouse projects in Nelson County. The approval came at a special-called meeting last Thursday afternoon. After meeting a week earlier with […]
To the editor, Historically, Jim Brooks and I have agreed on most subjects. However, I do not agree with some of his opinions posted in the Gazette on May 1st. Because of a technical error in the April 14th meeting, the Magistrates felt that the first reading of the Zoning Moratorium should have been rescinded […]
By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette Monday, May 1, 2023 –– After hearing from representatives of our local bourbon industry — all of whom expressed alarm at the public statements and the perception of an anti-bourbon attitude of county government — Nelson Fiscal Court unanimously voted at its last meeting to delay taking any action on […]
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT Wednesday, April 26, 2023 — Former Judge-Executive Dean Watts was the studio guest on WBRT’s “Bradford & Brooks” radio show Wednesday morning, April 26th. Dean took time to talk about the ongoing discussion in Nelson Fiscal Court regarding a 90-day moratorium on the zoning for all bourbon industry-related projects. […]
To the Editor and the Citizens of Nelson County: The fiscal court meeting on Tuesday evening revealed a significant disconnect between our community and the bourbon industry. As Judge-Executive, I campaigned on the belief that our role is to be the voice of the people who elected us and to be transparent with county residents. […]
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT Thursday, April 20, 2023 — Nelson Fiscal Court held its second night meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The meeting featured input from bourbon industry leaders in regard to the proposed 90-day zoning moratorium on all bourbon-related projects. The court rescinded their first reading on the moratorium from the […]
By JIM BROOKSNelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio Tuesday, April 18, 2023 — Following feedback from members of the Nelson County bourbon industry, Nelson Fiscal Court voted Tuesday night to rescind the court’s first reading of a 90-day moratorium blocking all zoning approvals on bourbon industry-related projects. The court gave the first approval of the […]
