Beech Tree News Network

The WLBQ 1570 AM Listener of the Month for December has been announced and Debi Phelps is the lucky winner.  Phelps chose Drakes’ Farm Store to spend her $50 local gift certificate.  Isabella Faye Embry presented Phelps with her certificate. 

“My grandsons plan to buy some camo from Drakes,” said Phelps.  "We listen to WLBQ every morning as I drive them to school and try to win.”

Butler County Coroner Gerald "Marty" Jones II
Deputy Coroners Brian McKinney and Terry Hunt

In 2012 there were 35 coroner calls made by the Butler County Coroner's Office and 10 provisional of death reports signed for cremation to be performed.

Of the 45 Calls Made:
23 were ruled as natural deaths
1 ruled drowning
4 ruled suicide
10 provisional of deaths signed for cremation
 5 ruled accidental overdoses
1 fire death in family dwelling
1 vehicle fatality

Survey will help plan strategy for improved system.  In 2035, what will be our transportation needs for Kentucky? Will our focus be on maintaining and improving existing roadways, constructing new roads, or issues concerning other modes of transportation? Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials are asking these questions as they update the Kentucky Long Range Transportation Plan.

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward released the 2012 Annual Report for the Butler County Sheriff’s Department. Part time Deputies Travis McIntosh and Charlie Tomes joined the department while Bobbie Hooten left in 2012. The Sheriff's Department also took over the School Resource Officer position at Butler County High and Middle School. Deputies rotate the position.

Calls for Service:   4,728

Total Citations:    1,217

  DUI Arrests:   56

  Seatbelts:   48

  Speeding:  171

  Drug Arrest:  129

   Total Arrest:  821

The city of Morgantown's Board of Adjustments met Thursday night, January 3, before a crowd of mostly Chickasaw Drive residents.  The Board held a hearing to consider an application by Gilbert Hack for a Conditional Use Permit for a modular home to use as a warehouse on 356 Chickasaw Drive, just of KY 70 West (Rochester Road).

Morgantown Chief of Police J.R. Wilkins released the following information for the Morgantown Police Department. The police department saw several changes during 2012. 

Star Tek Recycling, the premiere recycling business serving Butler County has been in the process of expanding its service and location over the last year by constructing an enormous building on the former Dewayne Johnson lot.

Members of Richland Baptist Church broke ground on Sunday, December 2. The ground breaking took place behind the current church building, signifying the church’s commitment to build a new facility to better serve God and following God’s vision for their church. Richland Baptist Church has envisioned constructing a new building for many years, beginning during the pastorate of the late Bro. Larry Craig.
Bro. Jim McDaniel and the Richland Baptist congregation welcome everyone to worship with them.

Commonwealth Attorney Timothy R. Coleman and Butler County Circuit Clerk Melissa Cardwell were sworn in on Wednesday by Judge Ron Dortch at the Butler County Courthouse.  Dortch praised the work of both Coleman and Cardwell. 
“They both do an outstanding job for the people of Butler County,” said Dortch. 

Cool Springs General Baptist Church in Morgantown has recently launched a new website and branding campaign. Having recognized the recent need for an improved online presence, the church formed a committee to oversee the web and branding project. Kathern Jennings, church member and committee chair, said it was important to the church that they be well represented online because their is so much interaction now on the web. View the site here. www.coolspringschurch.net