Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council turned their attention to projects with the state Transportation Department, Boys and Girls Club funding, and help for Butler County Girls Softball at Thursday night’s meeting.

The Butler County Fiscal Court held its regular monthly meeting for July on Monday night. All members were present.

First on the short agenda was the appointment of two members to four-year terms on the Butler County Library Board. The Library Board suggested Brenda Longhoffer and Judy Hughson, whose names were presented to the Court by Judge-Executive David Fields. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens moved to accept the nominations, with Third District Magistrate Chad Tyree seconding the motion. The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.

Butler County Coroner Gerald "Marty" Jones II, and the Butler County Child Fatility Team wants to share "Tips for Safety in and Around Water."
Water safety awareness is something everyone should be concerned about all year long.  It takes only inches of water for a small child to drown so taking extra safety steps at home and around pools, spas and all bodies of water can prevent drowning incidents.

Some facts about youn children and drowning:

The recent rain has cause to Green River to leave the banks.  We wanted to share some of Smokin Joe's pictures from Woodbury.

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.