Beech Tree News Network

On Saturday, July 6, 2013 at around 7:20 p.m. Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Deweese was dispatched to Leonard Oak Road.  A single-vehicle accident at approximately 6:45 p.m. resulted in an arrest.  Warren T. Hurst (DOB 9/18/69) of 302 North Warren Street, Morgantown, was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first offense.  According to the police report, Hurst stated that he had drunk a few beers.  He failed the field soberity test.  

The 33rd annual Green River Catfish Festival came to a close Saturday, July 6 at the Charles Black City Park. The brief closing ceremony was held just after 7 pm. During the ceremony, several prizes were awarded as a result of the annual GRCF $10,000 fishing tournament. No tagged fish were caught this year.

Twenty young ladies competed for the title of Miss Butler County Fair and Miss Catfish on Friday night as part of the Green River Catfish Festival.   Miss Sierra BreAnne Fields, 18, daughter of Greg and Michelle Fields of Morgantown was crowned Miss Catfish 2013.

Despite a last-minute change in venue due to soggy weather conditions, the 2013 Green River Catfish Festival Terrapin Race featured a record number of entries at 140.  The move from the Roger Gaskey Ball Field to the Eva J. Hawes building didn't hamper the enthusiasm of hardcore terrapin race enthusiasts and supportive family members.  

Despite a dreary weather forecast, the 2013 Green River Catfish Festival got underway on Wednesday, July 3, at the Charles Black City Park in Morgantown.  Opening ceremonies were held at 7:30 p.m. along with carnival rides and several vendors open for business.

Cassia Lodge #272 F&AM was selling its traditional catfish, Morgantown Community Church was selling pork burgers, and various other food vendors, including barbecue, pizza, lemonade, and pizza were all featured on the midway.  

UPDATE:  Officials with the City of Morgantown and the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Green River Catfish Festival Committee, have announced that Independence Day Fireworks planned for tonight, July 4, have been postponed until tomorrow night, Friday, July 5.  The fireworks display will take place tomorrow rain or shine.  The decision was made after persistent showers blanketed the Morgantown area and much of the state throughout the day.

Standing at the corner of Main and Porter streets, the Carson-Hammers house recently received a new coat of roof paint and some decorating in time for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Currently listed at the courthouse as belonging to the Hammers House Holding Trust, the house has been in the Hammers family since 1934 when Herman Hammers and his wife Mary bought it from J.N. Hilton. Neighbors listed on deeds throughout time were J.O. Carson to the south and J.R. Moore to the West.

The annual Green River Catfish Festival - 2013 editon - is set to officially begin this week on Wednesday, July 3.  However, festival-goers will have the opportunity to head to the Charles Black City Park on Tuesday night, July 2, to enjoy carnival rides on a night with no gate fee.  The gates will open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.  

On Wednesday night shortly before midnight fire engulfed a house located behind Aberdeen Grocery.  According to Eddie Neighbors, who lives across the street from the house, he was awaken by a loud noise, looked outside and the house was totally engulfed in flames.  Neighbors said nobody had lived in the house for years.

Morgantown, Fourth District and Fifth District Fire Departments responded.  Stay connected to Beech Tree News for updates.

Congratulations to the following Western Kentucky University Spring 2013 graduates: