Ty Blakely

Remembering Michael Bailey

Submitted by Kathy Chesney on Tue, 01/05/2021 - 16:12

“I get phone calls from people all the time calling in scores, story ideas or just wanting to talk ball. This is one of my regulars. I’ve always known him as ‘Michael from Union County’ but had not met in person until tonight (10-11-2019). Had to get the selfie.“ Marshall Hughes - former WATE Sports Director

I can’t say for sure when I first met “Mayor” Michael Bailey, but I believe it might have been at one of WMRD’s Saturday night singings.
Michael was a unique person, with an unquenchable desire to sing, praise God, and socialize within our community. He always had a smile on his face, a joke to tell, and a song on his heart.

Friendly, with an eye on the future

Submitted by Kathy Chesney on Thu, 11/12/2020 - 01:15

Mayor Ty Blakely with son Bo and wife Jessica

Maynardville Mayor Ty Blakely can be described as the city’s website describes the town: friendly, with an eye on the future.
He had an unusual habit for a small boy — he enjoyed reading the daily newspaper! As a child, he looked up to his grandfather who was a math teacher and coach at Powell High School. He wanted to be like his grandfather and expected to follow in his footsteps in the teaching profession, but life presented other opportunities.