Our Staff

Sandy Dodson is the Publisher and Owner of Valley Publishing Company, Inc., which publishes The Bledsonian-Banner and The Dunlap Tribune. She has been an integral part of the company since 1983, when Valley Publishing began with the launch of the Sequatchie Valley Shopper.

Sandy began her career at the South Pittsburg Hustler doing newspaper layout and ad design. When she joined Valley Publishing she sold advertising and designed the Shopper. Over the years her role expanded to include advertising sales, newspaper and advertisement design, writing, and photography. Her dedication to community journalism and creative excellence has earned her recognition as an award-winning publisher, journalist, photographer, and newspaper advertising designer. Her most prestigious award was as an Edward J. Meeman Award recipient in public service.

Deeply committed to serving the Sequatchie Valley, Sandy has a hands-on role in every aspect of the publications, helping tell the stories of the people and businesses in the communities they serve.

Sandy is married to Wade Dodson, a former editor of the newspapers and co-owner. Together, they have two daughters who are married. They have four amazing, adventurous grandsons. Outside of the office, Sandy enjoys being on the family farm and in the woods, traveling and experiencing different cultures with her family.

 

Becky Barger is a graphic designer and sportswriter with Valley Publishing Company, Inc, where she has worked with The Bledsonian-Banner and The Dunlap Tribune since February 2010. A 2008 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she covers Pikeville and Bledsoe County, with community-focused sports coverage, and strong visual design for both newspapers.

Becky received her first Tennessee State Press Award in 2012 and has continued to deliver award-winning advertising for a wide range of local businesses and clients.

A Bledsoe County native, Becky is married to Jason and is a mom of two boys, bringing a strong personal connection to the community she serves.

When not in the office, Becky enjoys coaching PTO basketball, genealogy, and going on trips to the beach.