Area News

Anna Moon, a Nashville-based singer and songwriter with a slew of connections to Pikeville, had her first number one song on the Billboard County Charts this month as a songwriter for a song called “Good Time” she co-wrote with her husband, Niko Moon. His performance of the song has gone Platinum, a first for him…

Pikeville Mayor Philip Cagle is concerned over a festival being advertised throughout the region that he claims hasn’t been approved to be held in the first place. The Testicle Festival, which is being advertised by Scenic City Veterinary Service, is tentatively planned for April 24 at the Bledsoe County Fairgrounds. The website for the event…

Due to the serious weather threat today, March 25, Bledsoe County Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Local residents are encouraged to remain aware of the storms approaching. Everyone is encouraged to have some way to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service today and tonight. Heavy rain is expected off and on all…

Beginning immediately, all individuals 16 and older in the 10-county Tennessee Department of Health Southeast Region are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Southeast Regional Director Glenn Czarnecki.  Local health departments offer the vaccine by appointment only. To book your appointment, visit vaccinate.tn.gov and click the blue “Proceed to COVID-19 questionnaire” button at the bottom of…

Lola Belle Smith joins the 100-year-old Bledsoe County residents club this Friday, March 26. Smith was born in 1921 in Cumberland County to Monroe C. and Nancy Abigail Bickford, one of ten children. For more see the March 25 issue of The Bledsonian Banner.

Bledsoe County Schools officials received notice last week from the American Humanist Association (AHA) “of looming legal action over constitutional violations occurring at Bledsoe County High School” revolving around prayer at graduation ceremonies. The AHA’s demand letter, addressed to Director of Schools James Ellis and BCHS Principal Mark Mosley, claims BCHS endorses official school prayers…

Bledsoe County High School senior Julie Pell has signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Bryan College. BCHS Soccer Coach Julie Dimick-DeGenaro said she recruited Pell to her team from her Physical Education class. She noticed a competitiveness and tenacity in Pell and said once she convinced her to play she was able…

Bledsoe County Commissioner Brent Griffith [District 3A] officially resigned his position on the county commission effective March 15, 2021.  “This is in regard to the time and effort that I must dedicate to a new job opportunity and my family,” Griffith said in his resignation letter. “I do not believe that I will have the…

On February 25, 2020, Elzada Smith Rains turned 85 years young. Just days before, she celebrated the milestone alongside 100-plus of her closest family and friends. If you never had the pleasure of meeting Elzada, better known as Aunt Tatie, the fact so many people showed up to her birthday party should tell you how…

Gospelgrass, a band local to Pikeville, finished their second studio album at Schultz Recording Studios in Pikeville. The Christian band Gospelgrass was formed in 2012 and has performed at many of the area bluegrass festivals and local churches. In 2019, they performed at the Palace Theater in Crossville where they plan to play in the…