Beech Tree News Network

Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Board of Directors met today with U.S. Senate candidates Mitch McConnell and Alison Lundergan Grimes to discuss positions on issues affecting the state’s agriculture industry, farm families and rural communities.

Senate Republican Leader McConnell (R) and Secretary of State Grimes (D) fielded questions from the KFB leaders and explained their positions during the 90-minute meeting at the farm organization’s state office. It marked the first time the two have appeared jointly at an issues forum during the general election campaign.

Congressman Brett Guthrie (R), who represents Kentucky’s 2nd Congressional District which includes Butler County, was in Morgantown on Thursday, as a part of his tour of county seats in his district. Guthrie spoke with constituents for over an hour at the Butler County Extension Service and covered a variety of topics.

On Friday, August 15, 2014, Chief Charles Swiney responded to the Eastside Church of Christ regarding a burglary complaint.  Bob McPherson responded as a representative of the Church.  Upon further investigation, it was discovered nothing was taken.  Entry was gained by someone prying open the back door.  The burglary ocurred sometime between Sunday, August 9, 2014 and Friday, August 15, 2014.  There are no suspects at this time.

The Butler County Board of Education met in special session on Thursday, August 14th, 2014 at the Butler County Education Complex. Chairperson Karen Evans called the meeting to order with Delbert Johnson, Charles Price, and Debbie Hammers in attendance.  Amy Hood participated by phone.  The board engaged in a lengthy discussion concerning the 2015 School Tax Rates.  According to Superintendent Scott Howard the current tax rate is 37.7

The Morgantown City Council heard complaints from citizens at their regular meeting Thursday about a man openly carrying a weapon in the city park.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fraud case involving a local victim.

According to Chief Deputy Heath West the victim was contacted by a person or persons claiming to represent Secret Shopper. Secret Shopper is a legitimate consumer agency that contracts with private individuals to rate customer service or products.

To The Citizens of Morgantown:
My name is Billy Phelps and I am honored to be a candidate for mayor of Morgantown.  I am a 1984 graduate of Butler County High School and I am the son of the late J.C. and Dorothy Phelps.
I have been married for over 20 years to Dana Phelps (daughter of Pat Lawrence, granddaughter of Hilery “Jim Bat” Johnson).  I have two sons-Jorden and Dakota- both of whom are in college.
I proudly enlisted and served four years in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a military police officer and as a nuclear security specialist.

If you are interested in Kentucky history, like to read historical fiction or enjoy hearing an entertaining speaker, then mark your calendars for a special event on Monday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m.  Eddie Price, author of Widder’s Landing:  Life and Love on the Kentucky Frontier, is coming to Butler County Public Library to speak about his book.  Set during the years 1811-1815, the book tells the tale of Craig Ridgeway, a 21 year-old gunsmith from Pennsylvania who rides a flatboat down the Ohio River and settles in Breckinridge County, Kentucky to try his hand at farming.  Overcoming inexperi

The field of candidates for the November 4, 2014 general election has been set.  As of Tuesday, August 12th the following individuals have placed their name on the ballot:

County Judge Executive:
David Fields- Republican
Joey Franzell- Independent

Mayor of Morgantown:
Billy J.  Phelps
C Josh Givens
Terrell House

Morgantown City Council:
Dionne Cannon Merritt

Harold Todd Meredith

Gary Southerland

Sharon Johnson

Allen L. Meredith

Russell Givens

The Kentuckiana District of the U.S. Postal Service will welcome its newest Village Post Office (VPO) on Monday, August 18, 2014 in Aberdeen.
The latest VPO is located at Aberdeen Grocery, 40 Caneyville Road, Aberdeen, KY 42261, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m.