Candidates qualify for the Bledsoe County Primary
The qualifying deadline for the May 5 Bledsoe County Primary was Thursday, February 19, 2026 with the following candidates approved: MAYOR Leland Burks [R] Kris Frady [R] Amanda Holland Pack [R] SHERIFF Jimmy Morris [R], incumbent James Clint Holloway [I] COUNTY CLERK Genese Angel Sapp [R], incumbent Dawn Singleton [R] Robin Tabor Terry [R] ROAD…
Read MoreBest of Preps adds two BCHS Warriors
Bledsoe County High School had two of its 2025 football players named to the Best of Preps of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, announced Coach Dewayne Tabor at the team’s football banquet (see related article on page 4). Earning the honor are seniors Stonewall Farmer and Dallas Bridges. Farmer earned recognition as a linebacker. He…
Read MoreFire departments awarded grants
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) proudly announce 412 Tennessee volunteer fire departments will receive grants totaling $20 million in 2026 through the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. Among them in Bledsoe County are Pikeville, Brayton, Rigsby, and Nine Mile volunteer fire departments.…
Read MoreGovernor Bill and Maria Lee stop in Pikeville on their 250 Tour of Tennessee
On Wednesday, February 11, as Governor Bill and Maria Lee make their way across Tennessee on their 250 Tour, they made a stop in Pikeville at the Bledsoe County Courthouse. From there, they visited with a small crowd at Sells Building Supply, then went to Miller’s Bread for lunch. Ten years ago, Bill Lee was…
Read More$1.5 million funded for Cecil B. Rigsby Elementary facility improvements
U. S. Congressman Scott DesJarlais has secured $1.5 million for facility upgrades at Cecil B. Rigsby Elementary School, announced Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley who applied for the funding. The school has stood as a cornerstone for the community for the past 60 years. “We are extremely grateful to Mayor Ridley and Congressman Scott DesJarlais…
Read MoreRalph D. McClain, Jr.
Ralph D. McClain, Jr. was born October 12, 1946. He was the first born to the union of Ralph D. McClain Sr. and Addie Leola McClain. Ralph passed away, February 11, 2026. Ralph was a 1965 graduate of Bledsoe County High School and attended Tennessee State A & I University. He moved to Ohio and…
Read MoreClayton Garner Fields
Clayton Garner Fields, 86, of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at home. Clayton graduated from Bledsoe County High School in 1957. He really didn’t know what to do so he worked in several occupations and then on October 11, 1961 he was called to serve his country in the United States Army.…
Read MoreRalph Gordon Brock
McMinnville, Tennessee resident and Bledsoe County, Tennessee native Ralph Gordon Brock, 83, was born February 3, 1943 and died February 12, 2026 at his residence following an extended illness. A retired truck driver and a member of Smyrna Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Maxie Odell and Emma Edna Dolberry Brock.…
Read MoreSingleton seeks County Clerk office
Dawn Singleton announces her candidacy for the office of Bledsoe County Clerk in the 2026 Republican Primary in May. “I have worked at La-Z-Boy in the Human Resources Department for 27 years,” said Singleton. “I believe my years of working with our employees and dealing with day-to-day business and challenges has helped me to realize…
Read MoreGov. Bill and Maria Lee’s 250 Tour comes to Bledsoe County
Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee’s First Lady Maria Lee visited Bledsoe County Wednesday, February 11. While in Pikeville, they addressed a crowd gathered at the Bledsoe County Courthouse, visited Sells Building Supply, and enjoyed lunch from Miller’s Bread. For more on the Lees’ visit to Pikeville see the February 19 issue of The Bledsonian-Banner.
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