Gregory “Red” Rains
Gregory “Red” Rains, 62, of the Lusk community, died Monday, July 29, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Bethel Church of Christ and Lusk Volunteer Fire Department. He was retired from Herman Grant Company. He loved to hunt, fish and the outdoors. He was a kind, considerate, compassionate person who will…
Read MoreJerry Hoyt Lewis
Jerry Hoyt Lewis, 77, of Pikeville, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord Thursday, August 1, 2024. He passed at home peacefully. Jerry was a loving husband, father, Pa, and friend. He spent his life working hard to support his family; always showing unconditional love and support. Jerry owned and operated his construction company…
Read MoreRonald Wayne Blankenship
Ronald Wayne Blankenship, 75, departed this life on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. He was a brick and block mason and farmed all his life. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Sampson Freewill Baptist Church. He loved to fish, farm, and being with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light…
Read MoreFinal Election Results for Bledsoe County
Bledsoe County Unofficial Election Results Incumbent Assessor of Property, Zach Olendorf [D], has retained his post despite an outpouring of support for Republican candidate Shelley Bridges. According to the unofficial election results Thursday evening, August 1, Olendorf received 973 votes, while Bridges received 918. Independent candidate and retired schoolteacher, Steve Perry, defeated Ben Farmer [R]…
Read MoreWorld’s Longest Yard Sale in full swing
The World’s Longest Yard Sale has returned for 2024. The multi-state event draws visitors from around the country and in some cases, around the world, looking for bargains or that special unique item. The yard sale officially runs Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 4. For more see the August 1 issue of The Bledsonian…
Read MoreAARP Livable Communities grant awarded City of Pikeville for mural
The City of Pikeville is excited to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the AARP Livable Communities Grant award in the amount of $12,000. These funds will be used to create a Trail of Tears mural on the wall beside the Main Street Stage, opposite the “Welcome to Pikeville” mural. For more…
Read MoreStudents get ready for 2024-25 school year with free supplies
An estimated 450 Bledsoe County children, from Pre-K to high school, received free school supplies, haircuts, health screenings, and information at the Give a Child a Chance Day held July 26, reports Michelle Rains, Bledsoe County Schools Health Coordinator. For more see the August 1 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.
Read MoreThe Bledsonian-Banner receives Meeman Foundation award
For the first time since the Tennessee Press Association (TPA) and University of Tennessee partnered in 1940 to honor newspaper publishers, editors, writers and designers – The Bledsonian-Banner has won UT’s Edward J. Meeman Foundation award for public service. The series of articles, written and published by Sandy Dodson, about the IRT for Healthy Tennesseans…
Read MoreParsons crowned 2024 Bledsoe County Fairest of the Fair
Over 60 contestants, dressed in their finest, competed in the 2024 Bledsoe County Fairest of the Fair Pageant and Spectacular held Saturday, July 20 at the high School. Alissa Parsons was crowned the 2024 Fairest of the Fair and represent Bledsoe County at the state pageant in Nashville early next year. “This is such a…
Read MoreBetty Mae Sweatt
Betty Mae Sweatt, 93, of Pikeville, Tennessee died Tuesday, July 16, 2024. She was a member of Stephens Chapel United Methodist Church. She played the piano there for many years. She had over 50 years of perfect attendance. She worked with the youth of the church, as well as the youth of the community through…
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