Kentucky
How one small KY town put aside its differences to celebrate America | Exclusive
4th of July celebrations in Louisville begin early at Locust Grove
To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, organizers set out to acknowledge as many cultures and nationalities at Historic Locust Grove
CYNTHIANA, KY ― Pam Abnee voted for Donald Trump in 2024. Susan Bramel, her friend of 50 years, did not.
As the nation commemorated its 250th birthday this month amid a hyperpartisan election season, these politically opposed women sat next to each other on a bench outside the Harrison County Courthouse in Cynthiana on the Fourth of July.
Over the course of that week, the small town in Kentucky’s north central Bluegrass region hosted historical walking tours, a community mural painting, a day of prayer and a chance to sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, culminating in the county’s bicentennial time capsule unearthing on that special Saturday.
Abnee and Bramel made sure to find each other outside the courthouse. And they avoided talking about their biggest source of disagreement.
“I’m putting politics aside and I’m looking at the history of 250 years and all that we have gained in that 250 years,” Bramel, 69, said. “We agree on that.”
“That’s one thing we have in common,” Abnee, 73, added. “The history.”
Like most of rural Kentucky, Harrison County skews heavily conservative. More than 69% of the county voted Republican in the past three presidential elections, according to the Kentucky Board of Elections. But like other small county seats across the commonwealth, Cynthiana attracts enough liberals to create a palpable level of friction.
Every Monday, the Cynthiana Peaceful Resistance, a small progressive grassroots movement, gathers on the courthouse lawn to protest the Trump administration’s stance on abortion, immigration, war, LGBTQ+ rights, or the latest dust-up emerging from Washington, D.C.
“We’re very conservative here, so I would like to think the next generation is moving more toward the progressive side,” said Beth Tucker, 60, a retired teacher who runs a farm and sells mules. “I think there’s some hope with them. I think they’re going in that direction. The LGBTQ+ kids are feeling more at home here.”
Jaylou Lewis sees the division while driving through the city delivering DoorDash orders and turning onto streets with Trump and anti-Trump lawn signs crowded on the same block.
“It’s to the point today where it’s not even Democrat or Republican,” he said. “It’s either Trump or anti-Trump.”
Yet Lewis, who moved to Cynthiana in January with his wife, Shay Lewis, and their 2-year-old son, Rayshawn, recalled with amazement how people all over the city came together recently when a woman’s house burned down. Her daughter posted about the destruction on Facebook and people sent donations.
“Even though people are politically divided, as human beings, they united,” the 34-year-old said.
That unity was seen on July 4 as folks like Tucker, Bramel and Abnee flocked to the courthouse lawn to witness the capsule unearthing and celebrate the nation’s historic anniversary.
Surrounded by the thick July heat, Mayor Isaac Dailey delivered a speech before the digging commenced. The 28-year-old, who was born and raised in Cynthiana, implored residents to reflect on what future generations will recall of the legacy being carved out today.
“I hope they remember that we loved our neighbors, that we cared for one another in times of hardship, that we celebrated together in times of joy and that, despite our differences, we never forgot that community is built one relationship at a time,” he said.
Cynthiana natives Mary Ann Lee and John Allen Lee believe residents’ willingness to have conversations, share meals and open doors for each other, regardless of their political affiliations, is what sets their town apart from the animosity of larger cities.
“You don’t see the cancel culture here,” John, 85, said underneath the shade of a maple tree. “Just because they don’t see politics the same as I do, that doesn’t mean he isn’t my friend or she isn’t my friend.”
On the courthouse lawn, city officials, children, parents and seniors pushed shovels into the ground and — with the help of a John Deere backhoe — dug out the 75-gallon, flag-adorned, steel container that was buried on America’s 200th birthday.
They placed it on the ground, cracked it open and gingerly combed through church letters, newspapers, photos, a buckeye ring, a pair of Dr. Scholl’s sandals and a Playboy magazine.
Later that evening, residents migrated to Flat Run Veterans Park for fireworks and a performance by Kentucky native Sam L. Smith, a country singer who competed on “American Idol.”
But not all residents of Cynthiana felt the same sense of patriotism. Amid the squeals of children scampering through the splash pad, Zachary King recalled what it was like growing up gay in Cynthiana.
He experienced bullying at Harrison County High School, which led him to drop out during his sophomore year and complete his diploma online. Today, the 25-year-old is a personal care medical technician.
King didn’t attend the capsule unearthing because he was working, and he believes taxpayer money would be better spent expanding parking, housing and inclusive events for minorities sponsored by the city.
“I’m pretty sure we didn’t have nothing done in the month of June for LGBTQ people, other than some lights on the courthouse,” he said. “I think we’re bigger than the lights on the courthouse.”
Sitting beside him on a metal picnic table, Lewis, King’s brother-in-law, chimed in.
“There was no Juneteenth or nothing,” he said.
Lewis shares in many of the challenges faced by people throughout Cynthiana, Kentucky, and the country as a whole, including the mounting costs of gas, groceries and rent. But he also appreciates the moments of unity he sees in his community. Above all, he’s grateful to live somewhere where he can support his family, while giving his son a shot at a better future.
“Obviously, we’re still struggling as a country, but it’s still a great country, you know?” Lewis said. “I wouldn’t want to live nowhere else.”
This article is part of a collaboration between The Courier Journal and Boyd’s Station, a Kentucky non-profit that provides emerging artists and student journalists a rural place to hone their craft. Nikole Valiente received the 2026 Mary Withers Rural Writing Fellowship grant at Boyd’s Station.
FRANKLIN, Ky. (WSMV) – The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a rental scam circulating TikTok.
“The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of fraudulent rental listings being shared on TikTok using photos of legitimate properties in Franklin and Simpson County,” SCSO said.
The scammers advertise homes for rent and advise those interested to text or call the same phone number, even though, the properties have different owners or real estate agencies, SCSO said.
SCSO said at least some of the posts have been found by investigators to be illegitimate.
SCSO shared these tips to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Never send a security deposit, application fee, or first month’s rent before verifying the listing.
- Always meet the property owner, landlord, or licensed property manager in person at the property before exchanging money.
- Verify that the person advertising the property has the legal authority to rent it.
- Be especially cautious if you are pressured to act quickly or asked to pay through cash apps, wire transfers, or other non-traditional payment methods.
“If you believe you have been the victim of a rental scam, please contact the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency immediately,” SCSO said.
Copyright 2026 WSMV. All rights reserved.
Day 1 of the MLB Draft saw two Kentucky Wildcats come off the board.
Tyler Bell was drafted 10th overall to the Colorado Rockies, becoming one of the highest-drafted players in Kentucky Baseball history. Jaxson Jelkin was drafted 135th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now, as the draft enters Day 2 with Rounds 5-20 today, things will get pretty interesting from Kentucky’s perspective.
A lot of eyes will be on Kentucky signee Grayson Willoughby. The Kentucky Mr. Baseball winner led Trinity to a second consecutive state championship and will hear his name called today. There was some belief that Willoughby could have been drafted yesterday, so don’t expect a ton of picks to come off the board before Willoughby is drafted today. From there, a decision will have to be made about his future. If Willoughby opts to go to Kentucky, he’d be eligible as a 21-year-old sophomore in 2028.
Another prospect a lot of eyes will be on is Matt Ponatoski. Ponatoski is signed to play both football and baseball at Kentucky, but there’s been speculation that Ponatoski could lean toward professional baseball instead. Will Ponatoski hearing his name called early on Day 2 be enough to push him toward the pros instead of Kentucky?
There’s also junior college star Jimmy Anderson, who is expected to take over the shortstop position next season, and Robert Omidi, the Canadian infielder who has shown a lot of promise with his ability at the plate.
Another Kentucky signee worth monitoring today is catcher Carson May. The Kansas native is expected to compete for the starting catcher job at Kentucky, so long as he doesn’t ink a deal today.
Day 2 of the MLB Draft gets underway at 11:30 this morning. You can follow the draft on MLB.com.
Hopefully Mark Pope’s connection with Jamal Crawford can be an x-factor in this recruitment.
A great accomplishment for the UK Shortstop.
Some praise for the new front office in Colorado.
Jelkin had a great season at Kentucky.
The son of the former 49ers linebacker is one of the top point guards in the 2027 class.
England is back in the World Cup semifinals.
FIFA said the ball didn’t hit the wire.
It would be a new record for an NFL franchise.
An impressive debut for the national champion wrestler.
A big win for the 21-year-old.
Where will LeBron end up signing?
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lucas Glover topped the ISCO Championship for the third straight day, shooting a 2-under 68 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Aaron Wise into the final round.
After opened 63-64 without a bogey, the 46-year-old Glover had an eagle, two birdies and two bogeys at Hurstbourne Country Club. He had a 15-under 195 total.
“Kind of a slow start, 1 over through six,” Glover said. “Just didn’t make anything today. I didn’t feel like I hit that many bad putts, I just didn’t make anything.”
Wise birdied the final two holes for a 66.
“I felt pretty solid every part of my game,” Wise said. ‘I liked what I did with my ball-striking between yesterday’s round and today, felt pretty comfortable out there with it.”
Stephan Jaeger (65), Steven Fisk (68) and Chan Kim (68) were 13 under. Zac Blair (64) and (65) were 12 under.
Played opposite the Scottish Open, the event is sanctioned by the PGA Tour and the European tour. The winner will get into the PGA Championship but not the Masters next year.
Glover, the only major champion in the field, has six PGA Tour victories, highlighted by the 2009 U.S. Open. He tied for third last week in the John Deere Classic.
“I’m very excited.” Glover said. “I love to compete. I love to compete. And everybody’s fighting for the same thing. I look forward to it. Struggled on the weekend a little bit last week, so kind of want to right that ship.”
Former Auburn star Jackson Koivun had a 66 to get to 9 under. He missed the cut last week in his professional debut.
NCAA champion Preston Stout was 7 under after a 68. The Oklahoma State senior tied for 15th in the John Deere.
The ISCO Championship reaches its conclusion in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday. Here’s when final round coverage begins on Golf Channel.
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