Arts Commission Grant recipients named
City of Pikeville receives $17,200 grant Five Tennessee Arts Commission grant recipients have been announced by State Representative Ron Travis in the 31st District. The City of Pikeville received $17,200; Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Park received $17,000, Valley Fest, Inc in Dunlap received $11,200, Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation received $16,000, and the Tennessee…
Read MoreOne-time payment will provide direct food assistance to families in need
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) will provide a $120 one-time payment directly to families in need across 13 counties through the Summer Nutrition Initiative starting Friday, June 12, 2026. The initiative first launched in 2025 as a state-funded effort to provide additional nutrition assistance to serve families in underserved counties. “This initiative reflects…
Read MoreJones runs for US Representative
United States Air Force veteran Harold “Rocky” Jones [R] officially announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District. Running as a mission-driven challenger, Jones is launching a grassroots campaign focused on protecting local communities, lowering the cost of living, and bringing accountability back to Washington. As a…
Read MoreHanson is AQHA Achieve Champion
Savannah Hanson of Bledsoe County was recognized for having the highest overall score and was named American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Achieve Champion. AQHA Achieve is a three-phase virtual contest designed for youth who want to put their equine knowledge to the test. Open to participants worldwide, Achieve provides an accessible opportunity to compete, learn,…
Read MoreGround broken for new EMS building
For years, the Bledsoe County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been housed in the former Health Department building. Come May of 2027, the construction of a $1,189,900 facility will be completed adjacent to the existing building on Old State Highway 28 in Pikeville. The building is partially funded with a Community Development Block Grant, with…
Read MoreMitchell Lynn Weir
Mitchell Lynn Weir, 73, of Dayton, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee and attended Cleveland High School where he played football alongside his brother, Ronnie. Mitchell worked as a painter for TVA for many years and served as the business agent for the Chattanooga Painters Local…
Read MoreWanda Sue Swafford
Wanda Sue Swafford, 85, of Hixson, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026 peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Wanda was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She loved gardening and took great joy in growing beautiful plants and flowers. Her devotion to her family and her faith in God were evident in everything…
Read MoreMelvin Beecher Smith Jr.
Melvin Beecher Smith Jr., 79, of Pikeville, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Wheeler Hill, and a 1965 graduate of Bledsoe County High School. Melvin was a grader operator for over 40 years and was the union steward of Local 917B. …
Read MoreOpal McPherson
Opal McPherson, 86, of Pikeville, died Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was of the Baptist faith. She loved collecting antiques from the Depression era. She loved to read and she loved to see the ocean and smell the salt air. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her…
Read MoreJudson Lawrence “Larry” Lewis
Judson Lawrence “Larry” Lewis, 86, of Pikeville, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Hospice Care Center. He was a faithful Christian man. He was a member of the United Steel Workers of America 3967, he served in the U.S. Army, was a member of American Legion Post 66, and also VFW Post 5772. After…
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