Truck plummets off bluff, killing driver
A dump truck filled with hot asphalt for paving a driveway, plummeted over 98-feet off a bluff, claiming the life of the driver, according to Pikeville Volunteer Fire Chief Paul Swafford. The heat from the asphalt, coupled with the extreme heat index on Tuesday, June 27 caused three rescue personnel to fall out while working…
Read More69,179 meals served with Summer Feeding program
School doesn’t end in May for the lunch ladies in Bledsoe County. “It hasn’t for many years now,” said Nutrition Director Dianne Campbell for Bledsoe County Schools. “Our Summer Feeding Supervisor Kristy Owens has worked hard to make sure this county has got to participate in Summer Feeding for as many years as its been…
Read MoreOld State Highway 28 bridge closed
The Tennessee Department of Transportation ordered the Bledsoe County Highway Department to close the Old State Highway 28 bridge over Swafford Branch, indefinitely, reports Road Superintendent Tobe Smith. For more see the July 6 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.
Read MoreBernard Mears
Bernard Mears Bernard Mears, 73, of Pikeville, Tennessee, died Thursday, June 29, 2023. He was of the Church of God faith, enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses, and farming. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Virgie Mears; and brother, James E. Mears, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 55 years,…
Read MoreJesse Earl “JE” Swafford
Jesse Earl “JE” Swafford Jesse Earl “JE” Swafford, 83 of Pikeville, Tennessee passed away, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. JE enjoyed farming and fishing. He worked at Taft Youth Center in the Maintenance Department for over twenty years and at Rubber Plant for several years. He attended Lusk Church of God of Prophecy. Preceding JE…
Read MoreClara Jo Marsh
Clara Jo Marsh Clara Jo Marsh, 84, of Pikeville, Tennessee, died Sunday, June 25, 2023. She was a member of Red Hill Church of Christ. She retired from Citizen’s Tri-County Bank. She served as the treasurer of the Bledsoe County High School Alumni Association. She enjoyed knitting, gardening and canning. She loved spending time with…
Read MoreDion Greer Swafford
Dion Greer Swafford, 77, of Pikeville, Tennessee, died Monday, June 26, 2023. He attended Swafford’s Chapel and Cold Springs Baptist Church. He retired from Bledsoe County Regional Correctional Facility and as a former supervisor at Vendell Manufacturing in Crossville. He was an avid turkey and dove hunter, loved watching westerns, and talking with people. He…
Read MoreLight up the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks from the Rescue Squad
The Bledsoe County Rescue Squad is holding its annual Fireworks Sale, its major fund raiser for the year. They have the Squad building, on the U.S. Highway 127 Bypass, filled with a huge assortment of fireworks for you to browse, and purchase for your July 4th celebration. For times and dates the Squad is selling…
Read MoreCounty property tax rate increases 19¢
Bledsoe County Commissioners approved a property tax increase of 19¢ per $100 of assessed value during their special called session Tuesday, June 20. The increase is estimated to generate an additional $494,000 in revenue for the county’s $8.1 million budget. The county’s property tax rate is increasing from $1.873 per $100 of assessed value in…
Read MoreJohn Leslie “JL” Kirby
John Leslie “JL” Kirby John Leslie “JL” Kirby, age 76, of Spencer, Tennessee, died Friday, June 23, 2023. He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed golfing and mowing and loved word search puzzles. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren. He retired from Tansi after 51 years as a landscaper. He is preceded in…
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