Volunteers Begin Mapping "Lost" Family Cemeteries This Morning

Canada, KY · June 3, 2026

The mist is still hugging the banks of Pond Creek this morning, but the humidity is staying low enough for a comfortable start. If you are heading toward Belfry, you will likely see the first of the summer mowing crews out on the shoulders of US-119, so keep an eye out for the yellow flashing lights.

📰 The Lead

The "Friends of Pond Creek" volunteer group is kicking off a month-long initiative today to document and clear brush from the smaller family cemeteries tucked away on the hillsides around Canada. Many of these sites, some dating back to the mid-1800s, have become nearly inaccessible due to rapid spring growth and fallen timber.

The group is asking residents to share locations of any "lost" plots they might know of behind their properties or up the hollows. By mapping these sites digitally, the volunteers hope to preserve the genealogy of the valley for future generations who may no longer live in the area. It is a muddy, hands-on way to connect with the families who first settled this rugged stretch of Pike County. The first team departs from the community center at 9:00 AM.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • KY-199 Shoulder Mowing — State contractors are clearing the right-of-way today; please give the tractors plenty of room on the narrow curves.

  • Belfry High Weight Room — The school gym is open for community hours starting at 5:00 PM for those looking to get a workout in before the evening.

☀️ Today's Outlook

  • High 79°F · Low 53°F — Clear
    • It is a perfect day to keep the windows down while driving through the valley.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • Belfry: Teen Game Tournament — Belfry Public Library, 2:00 PM Local students can compete in Mario Kart and board games for prizes.

  • Pikeville: Farmers Market Mid-Week Session — Pikeville City Park, 4:30–7:00 PM Fresh local honey and early summer greens are the stars of the stalls today.

  • Williamson: Community Yoga — The Mountaineer Hotel, 5:30 PM A short drive across the river for a relaxing, donation-based flow in the ballroom.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Hardy-Belfry Bridge
    • The steel structure spanning the Tug Fork replaced the old ferry system that once charged a nickel per crossing. It turned a day-long supply trip into a five-minute drive, forever changing how residents access the shops and services in Williamson.

Canada Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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