Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Grand Jury returned indictments on February 9, 2016. Charges drugs, alcohol, theft, burglary, sexual abuse and perjury. Arraignment is set for March, 8, 2016.
Name:  Richard Anderson
Address:212 Deerwood Drive, Hopkinsville, KY
DOB: 4/18/85
Charges: Theft by unlawful taking-auto under $10,000 and persistent felony offender, second degree
Bail: $10,000
Witness: Captain Paul Burden, MPD

Much ado is being made over a sweeping education bill filed in the Kentucky Senate this session, with some saying the wide-ranging bill contains "fundamental changes" to education assessment and accountability in the Bluegrass State.

Talk outside of education circles has focused mainly around the idea that the education bill, or Senate Bill 1, would "repeal" Common Core, but a read through the 88-page legislation shows a number of other major proposed changes.

A bill making its way through this year’s General Assembly aims to outline broader religious rights for students in Kentucky’s public schools. Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Al Robinson, R-London, says the intent of it is to reiterate Constitutional freedoms already in place by "clearly stating students' rights in statute."

Franklin County Public Schools Superintendent Chrissy Jones says the district’s existing guidelines already strive to maintain the “separation of church and state” as outlined by the Constitution, while not encroaching on religious freedoms.

The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) has announced the regional award recipients of the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards whose award winning works will be on exhibit in the SKyPAC Main Gallery and Wedge Children’s Gallery now through March 25, 2016 with an award ceremony and reception honoring the students on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 crews will be wrapping up snow & ice operation by this evening. All routes have been plowed and are in good shape. There is a lot of water on the roadway so motorists need to be cautious while traveling.

There are some great KYTC resources and tools available to keep folks informed about road conditions. The District 3 Facebook and Twitter account will be updated regularly with the most up-to-date information. The links to some resources are listed below.

KYTC Safe Patrol

It was one of the last items on the agenda but arguably the most significant as the Morgantown City Council, last night (Thursday, February 11), unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would set across-the-board tax rates on insurance premiums.  According to city officials, the issue of an insurance premium tax hasn't been addressed since 1985.  Council member Allen Meredith made the motion to approve the proposed ordinance and council member Ronald Givens provided the second.

Beech Tree News provides courthouse statistics on a regular basis.  Courthouse information provided in this article is a matter of public record.  The following records are from the Butler County Clerk and Circuit Clerk’s offices and cover January 24- February 9.
Civil Cases:
Great Lakes Reinsurance PLC vs. Myria Quibilan
Muni V, LLC vs. Brad Johnson
Dwayne Ausbrooks vs. Steve Hunt
NNPL Trust Series 2015-1vs. Jeff Decker
Wallace Joiner vs. Kenneth Joiner
Discover Bank vs. Brian A. Grise

After much thought and consideration, effective close of business, Monday, February 8, 2016, I tendered my resignation to Mayor Billy Phelps.  It was a very difficult decision to make, but one I felt was necessary.  I have decided to take my career in another direction and I felt now was the time to make the change.

Nearly $729,913 energy savings since 2004
Butler County Schools has achieved ENERGY STAR status for each of its four schools in 2015.  In 2011, Butler County Schools became the first district in Kentucky to achieve the ENERGY STAR award for each school in the district.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) prestigious ENERGY STAR is the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.  This signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.

The Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday night, February 8th. All members and several visitors were at the meeting.