Beech Tree News Network

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.

 As of yesterday, February 8, Chief of Police Charles Swiney tendered his resignation. We, at the City of Morgantown, thank Chief Swiney for his years of service to the City and to the community. We wish him luck in all of his future endeavors.

In his stead, Captain Paul Burden has been named as interim Chief of Police for the City of Morgantown.

Butler County Cancer Assistance hosted a Cancer Awareness Night during the Bears and Lady Bears final district game on Friday night. The player, coaches, fans, pep band, and cheerleaders supported the night by wearing tee shirts and a lot of pink.

 What: 2016 Kentucky Republican Presidential Caucus
 When: Saturday, March 5 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm local time)

 Where: Morgantown Elementary School, 210 W. Cemetery Street, Morgantown, KY 42261
 Who: All Kentucky Republicans (registered to vote by Dec. 31, 2015)