Hanson 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…
Read MoreShirley Ann Reed Fann
Shirley Ann Reed Fann, 77, of Pikeville, died Friday, June 12, 2026. She was a member of Pikeville Church of God and served as the clerk at Bledsoe County Health Department until her retirement. She loved the arts and enjoyed creating, painting and crafting. She was also an animal lover. Preceding her in death were…
Read MoreMargie Deweese
Margie Deweese, 89, was called home on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Born and raised on Cagle Mountain, Margie and her husband lived briefly on Signal Mountain and Chattanooga before settling in Dunlap. An avid gardener, Margie enjoyed growing flowers, particularly day lilies and roses that brought her great joy. Birdwatching, especially blue birds, was a…
Read MoreSwafford runs for State House
Farmer, small business owner, Bledsoe County commissioner, and community leader Andy Swafford is announcing his candidacy for Tennessee House of Representatives in District 31. He is running in the Republican primary election August 6, with the general election scheduled for November 3. A lifelong resident of Bledsoe County, Swafford was raised on his family’s farm…
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