Jesse Levon Mercer III
Jesse Levon Mercer III Jesse Levon Mercer III, 56, of Pikeville, Tennessee, was born on December 16, 1969 in Dayton, Ohio. He left this world on February 26, 2026. He graduated from Bledsoe County High School Class of 1988 and continued to reside in Bledsoe County thereafter. He became a businessman in 2009 when he…
Read MoreWarriors win, play March 3 in Regional Semifinals
WARRIORS ADVANCE TO REGIONAL SEMIFINAL ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3 The Bledsoe County High School Warriors tamed the Monterey Wildacts Saturday night, February 28, before the Warriors’ hometown crowd. They defeated Monterey 84-39 to advance to the Regional Semifinals happening Tuesday evening, March 3 at Monterey High School with a 6:00 p.m. tipoff. The Warriors will…
Read MoreRussell Edmund Thurman
Russell Edmund Thurman Russell Edmund Thurman, 70, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Emmitt Thurman and Martha Sue Thurman, along with multiple beloved siblings. Russell is survived and deeply loved by his two sons, Chris (Tisha) LeDonne and David (Melissa) Thurman. He leaves behind cherished…
Read MoreUPDATE: Case not viable for prosecution – Investigation of STARS, Inc. questions $359,931 in expenditures
UPDATE: Assistant District Attorney Steve Strain with the 12th Judicial District said Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, the Comptroller’s Office investigation has been reviewed and “this was not a viable case for prosecution.” Fabricated invoices and unauthorized payments discovered An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has revealed questionable financial activity involving the executive…
Read MoreLydia K. Bice McDaniel
Lydia K. Bice McDaniel Lydia K. Bice McDaniel, 62 of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at Bledsoe County Nursing Home. She loved her family and was of the Church of God Faith. Lydia enjoyed adult coloring, working word puzzles, and playing Bingo. She loved watching wrestling and some good old westerns. Preceding…
Read MoreCoffee oasis: Creekside Cafe
by Kamerin Keener, BCHS Journalism Many people start their mornings with a cup of coffee; some people use it to help wake themselves, others to have a sweet treat, and some just do it as a habit. The Creekside Cafe, then, should be a spot frequented by many people due to their wide variety of…
Read MoreWarriors win district title, players and coach honored
The 2025-56 Warrior Basketball Team closed out its regular season with a 6-0 District 5AA record, and 19-5 overall record. On Saturday evening, February 28, their teamwork continues as they host the first round of the region playoffs. Tip off is at 7:00 p.m. To secure the District 5AA Championship, the Warriors defeated the Grundy…
Read MoreBledsoe County Fair: Recognition and auction moved to lunchtime
On Saturday, February 28, the Bledsoe County Fair Association had its annual recognition and auction dinner planned for that evening. However, the Bledsoe County High School Warriors are going to be hosting the first round of the boys’ regional playoffs. Due to the conflict, the Fair Association has moved its event to earlier in the…
Read MoreFin-tastic art of critically endangered Laurel Dace coming to two local schools
After rising to national attention through a harrowing rescue by Tennessee Aquarium scientists in 2024, one of North America’s most-endangered fishes, the Laurel Dace, has been immortalized in a statue currently touring locations near its last remaining native streams. Cecil B. Rigsby Elementary and Pikeville Elementary have been selected as touring locations for the Laurel…
Read MoreWillie Ray Johnson
Willie Ray Johnson Willie Ray Johnson, a devoted family man, proud veteran, and skilled craftsman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 19, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on April 26, 1935, to the late Nevan and Ina Johnson, Willie grew up with a foundation of hard work and integrity.…
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