Area News

Many years ago, a man in Idaho saw a need in his community. He saw where children had no bed to sleep in. He decided to do something about it and started the volunteer program: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) – No kid sleeps on the floor in my town. Local volunteers Renee and Bill…

After seven years of planning, applying, and acquiring, the City of Pikeville broke ground for its new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant on Monday, September 16. The $18.7 million project is expected to take two years to complete and will be among the best wastewater treatment plants around, announced Mayor Philip Cagle. For more see the…

The results are in — a total of 445 certificates were earned by inmates housed at the Bledsoe County Detention Center, logging almost 44,000 hours of programming so far, reports Rachel McCarthy, strategic account associate with Orijin. “These are incredibly impressive numbers!” she said. “We officially passed out 215 certificates to 42 of the 72…

Two young men were involved in a single vehicle accident in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 24 on Old Spencer Road (Old Mountain Road) in Bledsoe County, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol arrest reports. One of those men lost his life after being ejected from the truck, while the driver faces multiple charges.…

The mental health of children in Pikeville and Bledsoe County is being brought to the forefront as local officials have proclaimed September 8-14 as National Suicide Prevention Week. Pikeville Mayor Philip Cagle and Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley each signed a proclamation declaring the week as a time to raise awareness, share resources and spread…

Mary Virginia Panter Wheeler, also known as “Aunt Mary” was a mother of 10 who became a widow at 38, who made sure her children had a high school education, whose namesake – Mary V. Wheeler Elementary will celebrate its 60th year of educating the children of Bledsoe County on the Cumberland Plateau. Her legacy…

Bledsoe County Middle School’s Homecoming and Eighth Grade Night are being celebrated Thursday evening, August 29, on the James T. Warden Football Field inside the John A. Boynton Stadium in Pikeville. Prior to the 7:00 p.m. kickoff, all eighth grade football players, cheerleaders, and band members will be honored along with their parents or guardians.…

Suspect apprehended in standoff The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department was able to negotiate with a man who had barricaded himself inside a home near the intersection of Deweese Road and Park Road on Wednesday morning, August 28. Steven Nicholas (Nick) Smith, 33, had allegedly assaulted a woman who fled to the nearby Fall Creek…

A man’s legacy on the field, in the classroom, and in the community was honored Friday evening, August 23 when the stadium at Bledsoe County High School was officially named the John A. Boynton Stadium. Prior to Friday night’s opening game, a reception was held for Boynton. Not only were members of his family present,…

Bledsoe County to continue allowing biosolids spreading   Bledsoe County Commissioners heard some of the pros and cons of allowing biosolids to be spread on farmland during a special called meeting Monday, August 26. The purpose of the meeting, as stated on the agenda, was to take action authorizing the county attorney to file an…