Kris Bentley and Don Rigsby surprise ‘Idol’ during homecoming

PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOWMANSVILLE – Lawrence County unveiled the newest change to US-23 on May 17 around 6 p.m. as part of Noah Thompson’s “American Idol” homecoming celebration. As a surprise to the ”Idol” finalist, a sign commemorating his accomplishments was added at the Johnson-Lawrence county line on Tuesday.

The bottom of the Lawrence County sign in Lowmansville has been adorned by Kentucky’s Department of Transportation with an additional marker that reads ”Home of Country Music’s Noah Thompson.”

The new sign is right next to the US-23 Country Music Highway sign, which features a list of country music legends from Lawrence County along with Keith Whitley and Don Rigsby who are technically from Elliot county, which does not touch US-23, the Country Music Highway.

Larry Cordle, Ricky Skaggs, Don Rigsby, Keith Whitley, and Tyler Childers are currently listed on the Lawrence County Country Music Highway sign.

Noah was not expecting the sign and was surprised by a welcoming crew that included Kristofer Lee Bentley of Sundy Best and legendary bluegrass artist Don Rigsby.

The new sign was unveiled as part of Noah’s homecoming celebration, a welcoming party put on by Noah’s team, the city of Louisa and collaborating business sponsors.

Mitch Castle, head of Noah’s hometown team in charge of organizing Noah’s homecoming, contacted governor Andy Beshear’s office to gain approval and funds for the erection of Thompson’s sign.

According to Rigsby, this sign is just a placeholder until legislation in Kentucky’s state legislature officially places Thompson’s name on both Country Music Highway signs (one at each county line on US-23), which is expected to happen in June.

Earlier in the day, Noah appeared at Lawrence County High School and spoke with the school’s graduating seniors. While there, he played several songs for the students and asked them to sing along with his single ”One Day Tonight.”

Thompson gave the LCHS seniors tickets to the VIP section at the evening’s concert at the LCHS football field.