Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court met in a called session on Monday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the 911 funding shortfall.  All magistrates were in attendance.  Don Sullivan, Mark Hood, Pat Daugherty, and Bill Sweatt, members of the Butler County Ambulance Board, were also in attendance.  County Attorney Dick Deye stated that he had spoken with the county attorney of Kenton County concerning 911 funding.  Kenton County, as well as many counties in Kentucky, are facing similar funding shortfalls.

The 4th Quarter numbers are in! The fourth quarter numbers continued to grow and Morgantown Bank & Trust is proud to announce a total donation of $6,720.74 bringing the 2015 program total to $23,976.24.   Since the program started in early 2013, donations have totaled over $49,000. 
These donations are made in partnership with our customers based on their use of their favorite school or program debit card.  This is 100% funded by the bank with the intention of creating a spirit of giving to help and assist our youth in our community.

An insurance premium tax wasn't the only item on the agenda at last week's Morgantown City Council meeting.  Council members heard reports from the city's fire and police departments, as well as hearing recognition for the maintenance department and the Housing Authority of Morgantown.

Mayor Billy Phelps praised city maintenance employees Brad Johnson (maintenance supervisor), Harold Deweese, and Donald Morris for their work during the recent winter storms.

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