Beech Tree News Network

Smith Funeral Home was recently recognized by the Kentucky Funeral Directors Association as  being in service as a funeral home for 130 years. The recognition came during the 134th KFDA Annual Convention, held June 28-30 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
        Smith Funeral Home was founded in 1886 by B.F. Smith and is currently owned by Rachel and Josh Givens and Keith and Penni Lee. The business is the third-oldest business in Butler County and among the oldest funeral homes in the Commonwealth.

The City of Morgantown is in the process of applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in order to secure the funds to remodel Morgantown City Hall.  The project would include an addition of an elevator and handicap accessibility.   On Thursday, July 14, at 5 p.m. there was a public forum at the Eva J. Hawes Building at the Charles Black City Park. 

A new police chief will soon be on the job in Morgantown.  On Thursday night, Morgantown City Council hired Giles Taylor as the new Chief of Police on a unanimous 6-0 vote.   In 2003, Taylor graduated the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Program (The Kentucky Police Academy) becoming a certified Police Officer.  He remained in Morgantown until 2007, when he went to work for the Todd County Detention Center as a training officer. He has also worked as a commissioned Police Officer serving the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

The Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky celebrated their 134th Anniversary at the Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville on June 28-30, 2016.  During this three-day meeting, 50, 70, 75, and 130 year-old firms were honored; 50-year Kentucky licensed funeral directors were honored; and funeral directors received continuing education awards.  There were 82 exhibitors displaying their different businesses in the Exhibit Hall.  Several educational seminars/presentations were given.  The 2016-2017 leadership was elected as

The Ingram Group expands with the opening of Big Rigs, LLC, a commercial truck and trailer repair shop.

"Our intention is to provide heavy truck and equipment repair for our local area farmers, truckers, and industry," said Eric Ingram.

Big Rigs services include;

• Commercial truck preventative maintenance and services

• General repairs

• Wheel end repairs

• Tire shop

• General Engine repair

The Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday night, July 11th.

After a 15-minute closed session the Court voted 5-0 to accept the gift of the old Morgantown Mall from Elmer Day, the mall's owner. No plans for the mall were mentioned.

"Under the Big Top" was the theme for the Learning Congress held for all care partners of Signature Health's Morgantown Care & Rehab facility at Morgantown Community Church.

Triple C Pawn and Gun, LLC, opened for business in Morgantown on Thursday, June 23rd. The store is located on North Tyler Street in Morgantown, in the old Vincent Chiropractic building beside Advanced Auto. 

With a local option countywide "wet-dry" election now in the rear-view mirror, another one may be on the horizon soon in Butler County.  Josh Hampton, spokesperson for Citizens for a Better Butler County, officially submitted a local option petition to Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson earlier today - Friday, July 8.  The petition has 13 names.  According to Johnson, 19 people who live in the Woodbury city limits voted during the 2015 General Election.  As of May 12, Woodbury had a total of 66 registered voters - all of whom vote in the North Second precinct.  Meeting a 25 perce

A new grocery store catering to the growing Hispanic population in Morgantown and Butler County is now open.  Tienda Hispano officially opened its doors on Saturday, June 25, following prayer and a ribbon-cutting.  The store is located on G.L. Smith Street (U.S. 231) in Morgantown beside Friendly Furniture.