BTC Fiber Connection November/December 2025

Rural Connections

By Shirley Bloomfield, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Professionally

Secure

NTCA members are committed to your safety

As we enter the holiday season, it is an opportunity to acknowledge a group of professionals you may not realize is working diligently behind the scenes to make this season—as well as every month of the year—enjoyable and safe.

Many of you stream movies, music, short videos or interactive games, and there’s always online shopping. NTCA members provide rural communities with the networks vital for all of this and so much more, from banking to education, telehealth and beyond.

Unfortunately, online risks do exist. Scammers may try to capture your personal information, or malicious websites might lead to insecure transactions. There are even attempts to disrupt the infrastructure itself.

Monitoring threats and vigilantly updating everything from software to security strategies is central to the day-today job of rural broadband providers. To help with this, NTCA created CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC, an information-sharing network that allows participating providers to collaborate and share critical information. Whether it’s learning about vulnerable equipment, software exploits, recent cyberattack attempts or mitigation strategies, this information sharing helps members proactively strengthen their defenses to keep you and your family safe online.

You play a role, too. When you’re shopping online, make smart choices, such as relying on websites with addresses that begin with https, shop on well-established sites and lean on strong, secure passwords. Together we can enjoy happy, safe holidays.

Use Caution With Cash Apps

While mobile payment apps like PayPal or Venmo make it easy to send and receive money online or through an app on a phone, scammers are also waiting to take advantage.

This service becomes an intermediary between your money and whoever is on the other end of a transaction, which can create an added layer of security.

But if a scammer tricks you into sending money, it’s hard to get it back. The Federal Trade Commission notes the risks and offers tips for staying safe.

• Don’t send a payment to claim a prize or collect sweepstakes winnings.

• Never give your account credentials to anyone who contacts you.

• Protect your account with multifactor authentication or a personal identification number.

• Before paying, double-check the recipient’s information to make sure you’re sending money to the right person.

• If you get an unexpected request for money from someone you do recognize, speak with that person directly to make sure the request really is valid, not a scam by a hacker who got access to their account.

If you find unauthorized payments or think you paid a scammer, immediately report the transaction to the service providing the payment app. Instructions should be available on the service’s website. Also, report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov. 

Outside the Box

Personalized presents extend gift-giving beyond holidays

Looking for that gift that keeps on giving long after they’ve tossed the wrapping paper and bows? With a little online exploration, a nontraditional gift is out there for just about everyone on your list.

GAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS

Just like movie and music services, game subscriptions offer unlimited access to huge catalogs of titles for players who would rather not put up the $70-$80 average price for each individual game. Paying a part of the most popular subscriptions—Xbox Game Pass at $9.99-$19.99 per month, PlayStation Plus at $17.99 or Apple Arcade at $6.99—is a great way to show your gamers some love.

WATCH ’EM PLAY

Video game streaming involves broadcasting live gameplay over the internet, allowing viewers to engage with and watch other players in real time. Like livestreaming on Facebook and TikTok, game streamers provide content for viewers worldwide, playing video games and offering commentary.

Twitch is by far the most popular service, with more than 240 million monthly subscribers who play, watch, create content and follow other gamers. Three subscription tiers with different levels of perks range from $4.99 to $24.99 per month. Steam is also huge. Discord, Kick, Caffeine and DLive are other popular choices for gifting your interactive gamers, just confirm the platform they prefer so you’re sure to get them a gift they can use.

‘OF THE MONTH’ CLUBS

With a quick internet search, you can set

up a monthly delivery of everything from pickles to pet chews to bath gels, bacon and beyond. Look at sites like Amazing Clubs or Month Club Store to find multiple choices in one spot.

A monthly themed box or crate can satisfy all ages, from educational toys at Crunchlabs and a monthly Lego set through Brick Loot to a spa-in-a-box from Therabox. Visit Cratejoy for a wide selection.

Consider a gift subscription to Dear Holmes, which mails weekly clues on fancy stationery for solving a Victorian-era crime. For $50, six months’ worth of mysteries will turn your person into a solo Sherlock or the leader of a team of Watsons who share stories on YouTube.

GIFT CARDS

You’ve no doubt noticed the columns of gift cards at your supermarket or drugstore. They look like colorful credit cards, and that’s exactly what they are. These pieces of plastic can be applied toward almost anything from cash to food delivery services. The easiest way to give something everyone wants and by far the simplest to ship, gift cards are expected to generate $447.1 billion in revenue this year.

You can grab gift cards toward recurring subscriptions, like a movie or music streaming service. You’re sure to earn points by gifting a part of the monthly Netflix or Hulu charges. Or find a Spotify, Apple Music or SiriusXM gift card and keep the happy tunes flowing all year. 

GIFT CARD SMARTS

Stick to stores you know and trust. Avoid buying online where shady sellers may promote fake or stolen gift cards.

Avoid cards with signs of tampering.

Pay with a credit card if possible. If you run into problems and have to file a chargeback, your credit card company will investigate.

Consider using the gift card quickly to avoid potential inactivity fees or issues like business closure.

Keep copies. If the gift card doesn’t work, the number on the card and store receipt will help you file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Happy Holidays!

Let’s thrive and celebrate together

The holiday season is a time to give thanks. Thanks for the veterans who protect and serve our country. Thanks for family around the table. Thanks for the blessings of Christmas. Thanks for the clean slate of a new year.

CHARLIE BORING CEO

I always enjoy this time of year, when shared values and community spirit tie us together. At BTC Fiber, we’re happy to play our part, too.

We proudly support the local businesses that make our economy strong. Generosity and gift-giving fuel much of that success for businesses of all sizes.

By providing quality communications services, we strive to help retailers and other businesses. A study last year supported in part by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association found rural economies with strong broadband usage grew at a rate 200% higher than similar areas with low broadband usage.

At BTC Fiber, though, we don’t need national studies to tell us how we’re doing. We talk to local business owners. If they have questions, we have friendly, dependable local customer support staff who can answer them. And we know our fast, reliable internet network is essential infrastructure for many employers looking for a location.

But shopping and income are only two parts of the equation.

As we become a more mobile society, families no longer live in the same town, or even state or country. Not everyone can be together at the holidays. We provide broadband services that can bring people together through video chats. An aunt may not be able to hand her niece her present, but she can have the joy of watching her open it.

Though many people do find plenty of enjoyment in shopping, many families will turn to their broadband connection to unlock a treasure trove of digital experiences.

Music, movies, gaming, social media and far more are a few clicks away. You’ll even find an article in this magazine noting several possible digital gifts.

As we give thanks, however, it’s important to remember more than fun and opportunity. That’s the other side of our mission. Yes, we focus on providing essential services, but we also believe in giving back, both as a company and as individuals.

If you can help, consider contributing money to a charity, finding time to volunteer or donating food or other goods.

Visit area shops. Check out a local artist. Find a one-of-a-kind gift from an equally unique business. And if you’re able, help as you can. Together, we make this community a wonderful home where we can all thrive.

Thank you for letting BTC Fiber serve you. Have a happy Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas. 

Connection is a bimonthly magazine published by BTC Fiber, ©2025. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the company.

is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Bledsoe and Sequatchie counties and portions of Van Buren, Rhea, Cumberland and Hamilton counties.

BTC Fiber P.O. Box 609 Pikeville, TN 37367

423-447-2121

423-949-2121

Email: customerservice@bledsoe.net btcfiber.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Lee Downey, President

James Condra, Vice President

Sandy Burnett, Secretary/Treasurer

Billy Joe Brown

Lamar Johnson

Marvin Price

Brian Reece

Produced for BTC Fiber by:

On the Cover:

The historic Bledsoe County Jail, which held prisoners from the 1890s until 2011, is being renovated into an event space with rooms for overnight guests.

See story Page 12.

CPNI: UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS

Important notice to subscribers regarding your Customer Proprietary Network Information:

BTC Fiber wants you to understand your rights to restrict the use of, disclosure of and access to your Customer Proprietary Network Information, or CPNI. You have a right, and BTC Fiber has a duty, under federal law, to protect the confidentiality of your CPNI..

WHAT IS CPNI?

It is the information that BTC Fiber obtains that relates to the quantity, technical configuration, type, destination, location and amount of use of the telecommunications service you subscribe to from BTC Fiber. It includes the information that is found in your bills, but it does not include subscriber list information (name, address and telephone number). Examples of CPNI would be the telephone numbers that you call, the times you call them, the duration of your calls or the amount of your bill.

USE OF YOUR CPNI

CPNI may be used by BTC Fiber to market services that are related to the package of services to which you currently subscribe, when providing inside wiring installation, maintenance and repair services and when marketing “adjunct to basic” services, such as call blocking, call waiting and caller ID. CPNI may also be used for the provision of customer premises equipment (CPE) and services like call answering and voicemail or messaging, and to protect company property and prevent fraud. A carrier may use CPNI to bill and collect for the services you receive from BTC Fiber. BTC Fiber offers additional communications-related services. We seek your approval to access your CPNI so that BTC Fiber can provide you with information on new services and products that are tailored to meet your needs or may save you money.

IF YOU APPROVE OF OUR USE OF YOUR CPNI AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, NO ACTION IS NECESSARY ON

YOUR PART

You have the right to disapprove this use of your CPNI by contacting us in writing at P.O. Box 609, Pikeville, TN 37367, or by telephone at 423-447-2121, within thirty-three (33) days after this notice is sent to you. If you disapprove of our use of your CPNI, you may not receive notice of new services or promotions, but your existing services will not be affected. If you do not notify us of your objection within thirty-three (33) days, we will assume you do not object and will use your CPNI for these purposes. You have the right to notify us at any time to object to the use of this information. Your choice will remain valid until you notify us otherwise.

HONORING ALL WHO SERVED

HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURES

To allow our employees to celebrate the holidays with their families, BTC Fiber offices will be closed on the following dates:

Thanksgiving—Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28

Christmas— Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25

New Year’s Day—Thursday, Jan. 1

BTC Fiber thanks everyone who has served our country. Your efforts and sacrifices protect our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. Take a moment this Veterans Day to thank a veteran in your life.

In honor of the holiday, our office will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Speedway In Lights

Bristol gears up for Christmas festivities

by KATHY DENES

Ready to take a lap around the “The World’s Fastest HalfMile” illuminated by 3 million Christmas lights? For the 29th year, Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway is inviting the public to come celebrate the season.

The route of the 4-mile-long Food City Speedway In Lights powered by TVA starts at Bristol Dragway, entered off Highway 394. About midway through, drivers enter the iconic “Last Great Colosseum” and circle its half-mile concrete oval. After taking that memorable lap, guests can park inside the track and treat the family to the Christmas Village, presented by HSN.

The Christmas Village, adorned in holiday decor, includes Santa’s Hut, where kids get the chance to meet the jolliest old elf. There are also carnival rides, vendors offering Christmas crafts and treats, a tubing slide and a snow maze.

After enjoying all the village has to offer, guests will get back in their vehicles and continue the drive, which concludes at the Dragway entrance.

ICE, ICE, BABY!

Finishing the drive doesn’t have to mean it’s time to leave the speedway, though. Adding to the holiday sparkle is the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol

Motor Speedway, presented by Stateline Services and touted as the region’s best and longest-standing ice rink Visitors can enjoy skating daily from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 Admission is $12 for guests who bring their own skates or $15 for those who need to rent them.

The 120-by-60-foot ice rink is covered by a tent at the speedway’s North Entrance. Promotional nights and special events are offered, such as College Nights at the Ice Rink. On Tuesdays, students who present their valid college IDs at the ticket booth will get a free skate rental.

A LIGHT FOR CHILDREN

Proceeds from the Speedway In Lights and affiliated events benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities, which funds agencies that have helped thousands of children. The charity was founded in 1996 when Bristol Speedway became part of Speedway Motorsports, which has a Speedway Children’s Charities chapter at each of its 11 racing venues.

quickly got the green light from track owner Bruton Smith. To date, thanks to the Christmas event and others throughout the year, the charity has distributed nearly $20 million.

“Speedway In Lights is not only the flagship fundraiser for Speedway Children’s Charities but a tradition for so many in the Tri-Cities region,” says Betsy Holleman, the charity’s senior manager for development and events. “The event has accounted for a third of our annual budget for over 25 years. It’s an opportunity to bring family out for an evening of Christmas fun, while supporting kids in our area.”

FAST FACTS

Speedway In Lights begins on Friday, Nov. 21, and continues daily from 6-10 p.m. into the new year, concluding on Saturday, Jan. 3

Claudia Byrd, the executive director of the Bristol chapter, was charged with coming up with a signature fundraising event. Inspired by her family’s tradition of enjoying holiday light displays in her hometown, Claudia suggested the speedway present a Christmas lights show. It

Prices for cars range between $25-$35. Vans are $85, and buses are $150. Visitors can take advantage of Fast Lane presented by Citi, a speedy $75 option that provides a shorter wait time on select nights when traffic lines get long.

For details about Fast Lane presented by Citi and all other Speedway In Lights event and pricing updates, go to bristolmotorspeedway.com. 

Meet Your BTC Fiber Team

Engineering Department and Central Office Staff

BTC Fiber employees love serving our members. Many say their co-workers are like family, and that’s the way we like it. We want our members to learn more about our staff, so we’re highlighting our departments.

The engineering department took on an especially important role when BTC Fiber began expanding our fiber optic network across the entire service area.

Engineering staffers handle the design, grant writing and project management tasks necessary to reach that goal. The department also processes new orders, designs new lines and obtains permits.

MATT BOYNTON

Chief of Operations

Matt began at BTC Fiber in 2005 as a summer engineering intern. He worked full time in 2006 before going on to get some more experience to earn his license. After teaching and attending graduate school, he returned in 2014.

“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments BTC has made over the past 10 years,” Matt says.

“In 2016, we began the goal to overbuild our 804-square-mile service area with fiber optics. As of this year, BTC’s service area has complete fiber optic coverage. In addition, BTC has created a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier allowing us to expand services to our neighbors in Rhea, Hamilton and Cumberland counties.”

Matt’s wife, Ashley Boynton, teaches first grade and is the assistant principal at Mary V. Wheeler Elementary School. They have three children, Margo, 9, Oscar, 6, and Miriam, 4.

“Outside of work, I stay busy keeping up with my family,” Matt says. He also enjoys helping coach youth softball and baseball, traveling and camping.

BRYANT MYERS

Engineering Coordinator

In his 31 years at BTC, Bryant has seen a lot of changes.

He has two sons, Drayton and Griffin, and enjoys horseback riding and working on the farm.

TREY COLVARD Engineer

Trey has worked at BTC Fiber for six years and enjoys helping and getting to meet new people.

He and his wife, Candace, have three children, Cooper, Carsyn and Crew.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, sports such as golf, baseball, football and basketball, coaching and hunting deer, turkey, ducks and elk.

CHELSEA WHITZELL

Project Analyst

An eight-year BTC Fiber employee, Chelsea’s favorite part of the job has been completing the fiber optic buildout. “When I started, we were barely

30% covered with fiber optic, and now we are 100% and expanding to other areas,” she says.

She and her husband, Colby, have been married 10 years. “We have two beautiful daughters, Rylee and Lainey,” she says.

JEFF MOFFITT

Drafter

Jeff has been with BTC Fiber for 26 years. He stakes service drops to the customers’ homes and says he likes the challenge of a new job every day.

He and his wife, Regina, have been married for 31 years and share a son, Garrett.

In his spare time, he likes to build and enjoy antique cars.

CHASITY BROWN

Drafter

Chasity has been with BTC Fiber for six years. “I do love my position and the type of work I do,” she says. “However, my favorite part about my job is the people I work with. They’re like my second family.”

She and Chase, her husband of nine years, have two little girls, Saylor and Blaise.

“We spend a lot of time at the ballfields, watching our girls do what they love,” Chasity says. “When we’re not there, you can find us outside.”

Managing BTC Fiber’s network operations keeps the central office team busy.

MICHAEL THOMAS

Network Operations Manager

Michael, an eight-year employee, says he enjoys learning about new technologies and helping BTC Fiber’s communities.

He and his wife, Jayme, have three children, Clark, Oliver and Zelda.

Outside of work, he likes to spend time with family and watch basketball.

BRIAN FANN

Key Systems Technician

With 25 years at BTC under his belt, Brian has experienced it all.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the communities that were such a big part of my life growing up in the Sequatchie Valley,” he says. “I feel like here at BTC Fiber, we help local government agencies, schools and businesses succeed and stay connected to the outside world.”

Brian’s wife, Teresa, is a second-grade teacher at Griffith Elementary and owner of Ms. Teresa’s Gymnastics. She also coaches the Diamond Elite competitive cheer team. He’s the proud parent of four children, Amanda Morgan, 28, Alivia Jade, 26, Rian Scott, 22, and Ella Arie, 15.

In Brian’s spare time he likes to cook, listen to Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney music and keep up with University of Tennessee athletics and Yankees baseball.

BRIAN POWELL

Key Systems Technician

Brian, who has been with BTC Fiber for 14 years, enjoys his job. He says not having to travel for work is a blessing, and working directly with the company is also a benefit.

Brian and his wife, Deedra, have two children, Cailyn and Kaiden. The Powell kids are very involved in sports, including softball, baseball, basketball and football.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family,” Brian says. “I like to go to the gym, but you can normally find us at a sporting event with one of the kids.”

BRIAN BARTON

Network Technician

Brian has worked with BTC Fiber for five years and enjoys building the BTC floats.

BRADLEY HANKINS

Network Technician

With BTC Fiber for five years, Bradley likes being able to give back to the community as part of his job.

He and his wife, Michayla, have two children, Anna and Grant.

Bradley enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with family and friends. “I also like watching Tennessee football, and my kids play football on Saturdays,” he says.

MARISSA BLEVINS

Business Solutions Specialist

Marissa has been with BTC for four and a half years. “I am proud to work for a company that is so active in our communities,” she says. “You can always count on BTC!”

She and her husband, Derek, have two children, Benton and Beckett.

Outside of work Marissa enjoys spending time with family and friends and cheering on the UT Vols. 

WANT TO HELP?

Pets for Vets is a four-star rated, not-for-profit organization that relies on donations to provide free services to veterans. There are several ways to donate.

Donate online: Visit petsforvets.com/donate to make a secure online donation.

Donate by mail: Pets for Vets Inc., P.O. Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404.

Healing Bonds

Pets for Vets makes the perfect match

Story by JEN CALHOUN

When Clarissa Black first took Bear, her huskymalamute, to visit patients at a Veterans Administration medical center, she had no idea he was about to change hundreds of lives.

Of course, she knew Bear was special. He had a way about him. When someone needed quiet company, Bear could lie perfectly still for hours. If someone was working on mobility, Bear would position himself at the perfect distance, paws up, as if to offer encouragement. And when people looked into the dog’s eyes and spoke to him, he’d cock his head and let out one of his husky “woos” right on cue.

“People really felt like he was talking to them,” says Clarissa, whose background in animal science and anthrozoology gave her a deeper insight into the interactions.

“They felt seen, and they felt heard.”

Clarissa’s experience with Bear at the VA hospital sparked the idea for Pets for Vets, a nonprofit organization that matches veterans with specially trained companion animals. Since she founded it more than 15 years ago, the organization has matched more than 800 animals with veterans.

Other ways to give: The organization also accepts cryptocurrency and vehicle donations that include cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles.

Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer form at petsforvets.com to offer your time and expertise.

For more information about the program, or to apply for a companion animal, visit petsforvets.com or send an email to contactus@petsforvets.com.

SECOND CHANCES

After Leif Mesinger returned home from Iraq, the world felt different. It was harder to navigate and harder to understand. The Army infantryman and gunner suffered a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device blast, and it changed everything.

“My mind was racing, and I struggled to communicate,” Leif says in a Pets for Vets testimonial video. “I felt disconnected from everything I used to know.”

But help arrived in the form of a tiny, hairless waif of a dog named Spyder. Clarissa Black, founder of Pets for Vets, discovered the dog after meeting with Leif and finding out what he needed in a companion animal.

Spyder’s superpower was that he loved to jump into people’s laps and lick them. It was a trait Clarissa intentionally honed in Spyder before presenting him to Leif. She knew that kind of gentle, rhythmic contact could ground a person dealing with anxiety.

In time, Spyder’s constant presence gave Leif a growing sense of purpose and a deepening bond. Thanks to his more than 15 years with Spyder, Leif’s communication with others has improved and his life is more fulfilling than ever. “Spyder was kind of like that saving grace that centered me again and brought me back,” he says.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED

The program generally serves veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, but the organization is open to helping any vet who could benefit from a deep connection with a pet. And while the service is completely free to the veterans, it relies on donations from the public and a network of more than 100 volunteer animal trainers across the country.

It’s important to note that Pets for Vets animals aren’t service dogs that have been highly trained to assist people with disabilities. Still, the organization works hard to meet the veterans’ needs as well as the animals’.

“We’re not just asking what the dog gives the veteran,” Clarissa says. “We want to know what the veteran gives the dog.

LEFT: Spyder’s tendency to jump in laps and lick faces helped calm and center Leif Mesinger when he became frustrated.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Clarissa Black, founder and executive director of Pets for Vets, with her late dog, Bear, who sparked the idea for the not-for-profit organization.

We’re looking for that reciprocal match where both are getting exactly what they want.”

MAKING A MATCH

Once the group approves a veteran’s application for a companion animal, the search gets underway. Clarissa’s experience as a marine mammal trainer taught her the most powerful relationships happen when both parties get exactly what they need. The process isn’t about finding a good dog. It’s about finding exactly the right dog.

The matching process is not only thorough, it’s personal. Veterans work closely with trainers to identify their needs and prepare for pet ownership. “We spend a lot of time getting to know our veterans, finding out what it is they need, what they’re looking for and what would be a good fit for them,” she says.

Meanwhile, trainers visit shelters and rescue groups to conduct one-on-one “interviews” with potential animal companions, which can include cats, rabbits and other species, as well. If a veteran enjoys outdoor activities, for example, the trainer might look for a more active dog that loves to fetch and hike. On

the other hand, a more sedentary vet might need a peaceful pooch or calm cat.

From there, each animal undergoes foundation training customized for its future human. During this time, which often takes place in a foster situation, trainers enhance what Clarissa calls the animal’s “superpowers,” or the natural behaviors that made them perfect for their veteran in the first place.

“We’re really trying to make this connection where both are getting exactly what they want,” she says. “Ultimately, that connection is what’s going to fulfill them and maybe even heal them. There’s some research out there that suggests that it’s not just any dog, it’s the right dog––the dog that people feel connected to––that can help mitigate anxiety and depression.” 

BIG CHANGES Coming to the BIG HOUSE Historic Bledsoe County Jail gets new lease on life

Story by MELANIE JONES

Ametallic clang of a jail cell door slamming shut is a sound that ordinarily sparks a sense of dread. But the folks behind the renovation of the historic Bledsoe County Jail in Pikeville are hoping people will soon be willing to pay for the experience.

Jeannie Copeland is overseeing the renovation as the project and asset manager for Steve and Gale McKibbon, who own the property. The McKibbons have a history of investing in the community and are actively involved in the renovation of the old jail. The couple also owns the

Main Street building that houses The Lazy Buzzard, an art supply store and gallery.

PRESERVING THE PAST

Plans call for the former jail to be repurposed as an event venue with rooms to accommodate up to 12 overnight guests.

Because the building is included on the National Register of Historic Places, the renovation project must keep the original appearance and materials of the jail—both inside and outside.

The new construction won’t be as rugged as the original brick structure was when it was built in the mid-1800s, but rather, will be completed with the look and materials used in a 1937 renovation of the building.

“We had to replace things like rotten

windows or doors that no longer worked, but we’re replacing them in kind,” Jeannie says. “We thought, ‘What if we can replace it to look like it did in the 1930s or 1890s?’ The renovation is a fully custom historical restoration that will meticulously replicate the original 1937 appearance, using the same materials and techniques while discreetly adding modern comforts like a full kitchen and bathrooms.”

Contractors are taking on the painstaking work of restoring the original mortar and sandstone. “They clad it in the beautiful local Tennessee stone that you see now, so we’re preserving all of that,” Jeannie says. “We’re going to great distances to make sure it’s restored to the original as best we can.”

Crews are documenting every step of the project. “We’re photographing all the historical pieces that maybe won’t be there when we’re finished,” Jeannie says.

A BRIGHT NEW FUTURE

McKibbon Development is working with Ben Farmer, president of Farmer Morgan Architecture in Pikeville, to do the work. Ben’s grandfather, Wade Farmer, was the county commissioner representing Pikeville during the jail’s 1937 renovation. “He’s doing all the planning and overseeing the general contracting of the project where his grandfather’s name is on the building,” Jeannie says. “I love that tie to the community.”

Jeannie says the goal is to have the jail

LOOKING BACK

project completed by August 2026, but she acknowledges that can change. The people of Bledsoe County have enthusiastically welcomed the transformation. “I get messages all the time through our Facebook page of memories and stories that people share about their family members who worked there,” she says.

The building’s future is nothing like its past. “This building is going to be so interesting,” Jeannie says. The owners plan to use it as an event space available for everything from business lunches to major life milestones. “We’re going to have meeting space indoors and outdoors, and we’re going to make a beautiful outdoor area,” Jeannie says. “It will be a unique place for a wedding.”

Guests will also be able to stay overnight. “If you have a large group maybe from out of town and you want to have a unique lodging experience, you can stay overnight in the jail cells,” Jeannie says. The cells will be modernized with running water and comfortable beds, and the building will have high-speed internet from BTC Fiber.

The owners also plan to open the space for videographers, photographers and historians. “We want to plug in with all the small towns, even to Chattanooga and Knoxville,” she says. “Ultimately, the community will drive what it’s used for. We want to give it back to the community. That’s really the goal. However people need it to be, we’ll make it into what the community needs.” 

As the historic Bledsoe County Jail undergoes renovation work to begin its new life as an events venue and inn, here’s a look back at the building’s long history.

• Bledsoe County built the 20-by-40-foot brick structure in 1851. The original building had two jail cells and could hold five inmates.

• In the 1890s, the county expanded the jail and added a small room with a kitchen.

• In 1937, an extensive renovation expanded the jail, adding new rooms and a second story, modernizing the building to the standards of the time.

• The building remained the location of the county jail until 2011. At the time, the National Register of Historic Places determined it was the oldest jail still operating in the United States.

Share a Pizza Share Your Heart

Start a new holiday meal tradition

Turkey, ham, lamb—tradition gives them all a place on the holiday table. But gather the family together for a pizza party, and you can roll out a whole new tradition. Make your own pizza dough with just a handful of ingredients, and you’ll know that there are no preservatives and other unhealthy additives. For a family affair and fun for the kids, create a bar with pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, cheese and the like—and let them make their own.

A preheated pizza stone will crisp the crust, but a cookie sheet also works.

A pizza salad with Italian herbs and a creamy vinaigrette dressing is the perfect pairing.

A dessert pizza with fresh berries and other fruits available year-round delivers a refreshing finish. Make the crust the day before and layer on the cream cheese spread. But wait until shortly before serving to add the fruits so they will stay colorful and fresh.

Food Editor Anne P. Braly is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

FAMILY NIGHT PIZZA

1 cup warm water (105 F)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 500 F. Put a pizza stone or cookie sheet in the oven while it preheats, and let it warm for at least 10 minutes.

MAKE THE DOUGH

In a large mixing bowl, stir water, yeast and sugar to combine. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy and bubbles form. Gently stir in olive oil. Add 2 cups of flour and salt and mix with a spatula until a ball begins to form. The

dough will still be slightly sticky. Add more flour as needed to form a dough ball.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead into a smooth dough, adding up to 1/2 cup extra flour if needed.

Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel, and let it rise for 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.

ASSEMBLE THE PIZZA

Roll the dough into your desired shape and put it on a piece of parchment paper. Add pizza sauce, cheese and toppings of choice. Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottom of the crust is golden brown. Remove the pizza from the oven, and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

PIZZA NIGHT SALAD

1 head iceberg lettuce

1 medium red onion

6-8 pepperoncini peppers

Chopped tomatoes to taste

8 slices provolone cheese

1 bunch fresh chives or green onions

1 1/3 cup favorite vinaigrette

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon or more dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper, to taste

Wash and air dry the lettuce and cut or tear into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion and add to the lettuce, along with the pepperoncini and a little of the juice from the jar.

Toss the tomatoes over the salad. Dice the provolone cheese and add to the salad.

Sprinkle the salad with the chives.

Mix the salad dressing and the mayonnaise until creamy. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and season the salad with the dried Italian herbs, salt and pepper.

FRUITY PIZZA

FOR THE CRUST

1 1/3 cups unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs, room temperature

2 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature

4 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

FOR THE FROSTING

2 7-ounce jars marshmallow creme

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS

Kiwi, sliced

Blueberries

Raspberries

Pears, cored and sliced

Mango, peeled and cubed

Strawberries, sliced

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, then blend this into the butter mixture. Divide the dough into two disks and lightly flatten each disk between two sheets of parchment paper. If baking one large pizza, do not divide the dough. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes.

Roll each dough half into an 11-inch round, then transfer to pizza pans. Or, press the dough into a large sheet cake pan.

Bake until the cookie dough is cooked and golden brown, but not overly crisp, 15-18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

For the frosting: In a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip together the marshmallow creme and cream cheese until light in texture. Spread onto each cooled crust.

To decorate: Top the pizza with prepared sliced fruit, as desired. Slice into squares or wedges and serve. 