Area News

A Soddy-Daisy man was killed Wednesday, August 21, in a “tragic accident” involving a hay baler, according to Bledsoe County Sheriff Jimmy Morris. The accident occurred off of Wooden Loop Road, just before Rigsby Gap Road.  Christopher Alex Mason, 30, was having trouble with the twine mechanism on his baler when he somehow got “hung…

The Bledsoe County Fair’s 100th annual event has come and gone after a successful year celebrating their Centennial Jubilee. The fair was a successful event this year, with over 7,500 people estimated visiting the fairgrounds throughout the weeklong events. Taking home the Fairest of the Fair crown was MaKenle Campbell, daughter of Michael Campbell and…

What started with a trip to the Erlanger Bledsoe Emergency Room for nine-year-old Audrey Smith on July 27 quickly turned into a fight for her life after she was transferred to Erlanger Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with two different strains of E. coli. For more see the August 22 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.

A blood drive held in honor of nine-year-old Audrey Smith, who has been hospitalized for weeks due to a dangerous E. Coli infection, was so successful that another one is scheduled for next week.  The next Blood Assurance donation drive will be on Monday, August 26, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at First Southern Baptist…

UPDATE: Nearly 200 dogs and cats have been rescued in Bledsoe County by the Humane Society of the United States. Authorities were still on the scene Friday afternoon, August 16, working to complete the rescue efforts.  Due to the large number of animals, they are being transported to multiple facilities, according to Sgt. George Hodge…

The Bledsoe County fairgrounds were buzzing with activity with the carnival being set up, exhibit entries being dropped off, and the Fair Board putting on their final touches in anticipation of the fair’s kick-off Monday afternoon, August 12. For more see the August 15 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.

Bledsoe County Middle School Principal Melissa Reel requested a transfer back to her high school English position just before the school year began, effectively resigning her recently appointed position as principal. Reel was announced as the principal on July 25. For more see the August 15 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.

Challenged to by Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. John Harmon has implemented a leadership program being done at Bledsoe County High School with the football team. Bledsoe is one of two schools in Tennessee chosen to take part of the program by Lt. Harmon as his answer to the challenge by Gov. Lee…

Projects to improve roads in various parts of the county are being funded by the state, according to Bledsoe County Road Supervisor Robby Roberson. The largest project is a resurfacing project for Summer City Road as part of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Industrial Access Program. The program provides funding and technical assistance for…

     The Bledsoe County Commission voted 8-4 in favor of raising property taxes 18-cents at a recessed meeting on Tuesday, August 6.      Commissioner Matt Colvard made the motion to accept the 18-cent tax increase, with an amendment that added back in money from previous 8-percent cuts in donations to charitable organizations such as Fire Departments and…