Area News

Firefighters worked in frigid temperatures to fight a large fire at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex on Horse Head Road. They were called to the scene at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 21, with the temperature being -5°F, according to reports from Mt. Crest Volunteer Fire Department. For more see the January 25 issue of…

Austin Peay State University’s Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter recently earned an Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS National Office, a designation given to less than 10% of the SPS chapters at colleges and universities across the globe. William Keener, from Pikeville, is a member of the nationally recognized team. This marks the sixth…

Due to circumstances beyond our control, The Bledsonian-Banner will not be delivered to local grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores until Thursday, January 18. Subscribers should receive their copy a day later than usual. We are sorry for this inconvenience, said Publisher Sandy Dodson.

If you looked up the definition of an humble, service-minded individual, you would find Paul Swafford’s name. At the age of 23, he began as a firefighter with the Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department and now, 47 years later, he is stepping out of his role with the department. For the past 26 years, Paul has…

Professional photographers John Hargis and Tom Wood will be signing copies of the recently released book ­— Cruising Tennessee’s Great Valley: A Photographic Journey Through the Sequatchie Valley at the Bledsoe County Library on Friday, January 26, announced Librarian Carolyne Knight. The book features over 200 pages of landscape and wildlife photographs from the Sequatchie…

The Sequatchie Valley Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter joined in the Wreaths Across America project in December. They placed a fresh green wreath at the Bledsoe County Veterans Memorial Park, next to the courthouse, in remembrance of fallen soldiers and in honor of those who serve, to teach the next generation the value…

On Wednesday, December 13, Dr. Fred Lee was recognized as the Regional Health Council Member of the Year during the Bledsoe County Health Council meeting. He was presented the award by Southeast Regional Director Glenn Czarnecki. It was explained the award was started in 2019 to recognize outstanding contributions by a health council member over…

It’s here! The long awaited pictorial book, Cruising Tennessee’s Great Valley: A Photographic Journey Through the Sequatchie Valley, is now available for purchase. This 200+ page book is filled with landscape and wildlife photographs taken in the Sequatchie Valley  is a wonderful keepsake for visitors and residents of the valley. For more see the December…

by Doyle Ashburn Mr. Ashburn began his career at a filling station in his early twenties. In World War II he was a mechanic, worked on 6×6’s, equipment of all types. Mr. Ashburn laughed as he told about uncovering a front wheel drive, air cooled, VI engine from under a haystack and was amazed to…

A manger scene cast on a screen, reindeer frolicking in the yard, a fireplace on the front porch, snowmen, Whoville Christmas trees and more delighted the eyes and hearts of the judges in the 43rd annual Christmas Decorating Contest sponsored by The Bledsonian-Banner. Michelle Pendergrass’ home at 2732 Main Street received top honors for her…