Belfry Alumnus Named to National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Canada, KY · November 11, 2026
Flags are catching a light breeze along the creek banks this morning as neighbors pause for Veterans Day. You will find a quiet, unhurried pace across the hollows before afternoon routines pick up.
The Lead
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that Belfry High School alumnus Jim Matney will posthumously receive the prestigious Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. Matney, who graduated from Belfry in 1977 as a three-sport standout before becoming an alternate for the 1984 U.S. Olympic wrestling team, devoted nearly four decades to coaching mountain athletes.
After launching his coaching career at Sheldon Clark, where his squads captured back-to-back state wrestling titles in 1994 and 1995, he led Johnson Central to multiple dual-meet and football state crowns. Matney’s tireless push to prove eastern Kentucky youth could compete at the highest level transformed regional athletics. The national hall will formally honor his family and career during its honors banquet next year.
Local Pulse
County Offices Close Today for Veterans Day Community Pike County administrative offices and courts pause services today, resuming standard operating schedules Thursday morning.
Free Adult Education Expands at Belfry Branch Schools Drop-in tutoring and GED preparation sessions welcome area learners every Wednesday morning with no advance registration needed.
Today's Outlook
- High 69°F · Low 46°F — Overcast (27% chance of precipitation)
- Keep a light jacket handy under gray skies, though afternoon air stays fairly mild.
What's On Around Town
Today
Adult Education & GED Class Belfry Public Library (24371 US 119), Belfry, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · Free Drop-in study time and foundational skills support for adult learners.
KAPOS Cheer Competition Appalachian Wireless Arena (126 Main St), Pikeville, 6:00 PM · Paid High-energy student squads compete under the arena spotlights.
Tomorrow
- Belfry Story Time Belfry Public Library (24371 US 119), Belfry, 2:00–2:30 PM · Free
Friday
- Mo Pitney Live in Concert Mountain Arts Center (50 Hal Rogers Dr), Prestonsburg, 7:00 PM · Paid
- The Princess Bride Interactive Screening Appalachian Center for the Arts (218 2nd St), Pikeville, 7:30–10:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- Hefner's Jewelers
- Founded in 1921, this three-generation family business has anchored Pike County retail for over a century. Longtime bench jeweler David Hefner and his staff keep heirlooms ticking, replacing tiny mechanical watch gears and resetting stones with hands-on workbench care.
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