Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Conservation District hosted the Jim Claypool Art & Conservation Writing Contest awards reception at the Eva J. Hawes Community Building on Thursday afternoon. Soil Conservation District Chairman Shane Wells welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about the history of Soil Conservation District in the 1950's as a result of the Dust Bowl.
The main theme of the contest is conservation, but the focus changes annually, according to District Administrator Amanda Arnold: “ This year's theme was Backyard Adventures, Exploring The Trees In Your Hometown.”
Vice Chairman Darren Rice assisted in presenting cash awards, a tee-shirt, and certificate to each winner.
School winners include:
Morgantown Elementary Art

Kaleb Clark- 1st place
Landis Merrit, second place and Brazen Baker third place.( not pictured)

North Butler Elementary Art

Blake Bratcher- 1st place

Maeleigh Belcher- 2nd place
Jeffery Parrish- 3rd place ( not pictured)

Butler County Middle School- Writing

Delaney Daugherty- 1st place
Loryn Robins- 2nd place ( not pictured)

Jenna Phelps- 3rd place

District winners included:
Art- Blake Bratcher(NBE), Maeleigh Belcher(NBE), and Kaleb (MES)
Writing- (BCMS)Delaney Daugherty, Loryn Robins, and Jenna Phelps

Teachers of district winners Lexie Smith, of Butler County Middle School, and Susie Dorris of North Butler Elementary were also recognized.

The contest, which is sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, is held annually from September – December.

Each county in Kentucky is represented by a local conservation district, consisting of seven elected supervisors.  These conservation districts assist the landowners in each county with creating and implementing practices to protect the soil and water quality.