Pike Central Marching Hawks Earn Historic Regional Podium Finish
Canada, KY · October 20, 2026
Bright autumn sunshine is burning the morning chill off the hillside today. There is plenty of good news echoing down the valley once you step outside.
The Lead
The Pike County Central High School Marching Hawks made school history this weekend by capturing third place in Class 1A at the Bands of America East Tennessee Regional in Johnson City. Competing in the prestigious national circuit for the first time, the 45-member ensemble took the field against elite programs from across several states.
Directed by Jason Johnson, the Hawks performed their autumn production, titled "Reach," featuring original compositions by Eastern Kentucky pianist Kory Caudill paired with the driving brass arrangements of Trombone Shorty. The podium finish follows consecutive Grand Championship sweeps at invitationals in West Virginia and Virginia earlier this season, demonstrating that smaller mountain programs can match anyone in precision and musicianship. Band members return to the rehearsal field tomorrow afternoon to sharpen their drill formations before their next competition.
Local Pulse
- Addiction Recovery Care Announces Corporate Transition Health The network is transitioning operations under the Unison Behavioral Healthcare banner across its Eastern Kentucky treatment facilities.
Today's Outlook
- High 65°F · Low 43°F — Clear
- Grab a light coat for the brisk morning before clear skies warm up the afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
BINGOcize Pike County Cooperative Extension Office (148 Trivette Dr), Pikeville, 1:00 PM · Free Gentle exercises and friendly games aimed at keeping older adults active.
Kids Cooking Class: Hot Chocolate and S'mores Pike County Public Library (126 Lee Ave), Pikeville, 5:00–6:00 PM · Free Hands-on kitchen workshop crafting sweet autumn campfire favorites for young chefs.
Pike County Teen Council Pike County Cooperative Extension Office (148 Trivette Dr), Pikeville, 5:00–6:30 PM · Free Youth gathering to plan local community service and county leadership projects.
Tomorrow
- Story Time Belfry Public Library (24371 U.S. 119), Belfry, 2:00–3:00 PM · Free
- Adult Guitar Class 2 Pike County Public Library (126 Lee Ave), Pikeville, 2:00–3:00 PM · Free
Thursday
- Story Time Pike County Public Library (126 Lee Ave), Pikeville, 11:00 AM–Noon · Free
- Cooking Through The Calendar Pike County Cooperative Extension Office (148 Trivette Dr), Pikeville, Noon–1:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Edna Fugate A Pike County native who began her career at the county public library, she now directs library services and special collections at UPIKE. After training at the Library of Congress, she has spent over a decade cataloging and preserving rare Big Sandy historical documents.
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