Area News
Nippers honored for Century Farms and attend special event
Tommy and Linda Nipper have two Tennessee Century Farms in Bledsoe County – the Tollett-Nipper farm added in 2014 and the Allison-Nipper farm earned the recognition in March, 2026. Through these distinctions, the Nippers recently attended a book release reception in Nashville for Century Farm owners. Dr. Carroll Van West’s new book, Tennessee’s Frontier Century…
Read MoreDDA providing $5 million in grant funding to Senior Centers
The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) will be accepting applications for competitive grant funding for senior centers. This one-time grant funding is intended to support senior centers in providing older adults with access to resources, activities and social connections. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $5 million to be distributed to senior centers throughout…
Read MoreArts 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 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…
Read MoreShowers help rainfall totals, more needed
Usually, April is known as the month of rain showers that brings May flowers. However, this year, the rainfall waited to come in May. For the most part, the rainfall was slow and steady, just what was needed for the area crops, vegetable gardens and flower gardens. At times, there were brief heavy rains, but…
Read MoreBeware of cyclists on East Valley Road
This weekend, June 13-14, about 20 cyclists will be peddling on East Valley Road, from Sequatchie County to the head of the Sequatchie Valley in Bledsoe County. It is a 24-hour ultra endurance event known as Sequatchie 24. Motorists are asked to use caution and slow down on the entire stretch of East Valley Road…
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