Beech Tree News Network

It was a busy Saturday night for the Butler County Sheriff's Department as they set up roadblocks in the county as a part of Operation B.L.U.E. Lights. 5 people were arrested, 3 for DUI, and 14 citations were issued for infractions during the night.

Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Heath West said that the campaign is to "ensure that people are being safe and aren't driving impaired."

West wants to remind people that the current campaign will run through October 1st; during this time road checks will be set up sporadically across the county.

Shirley E.Givens, Butler County Clerk, pursuant to KRS 424.130, releases the 2011 Delinquent Property Tax Bills (Certificates of Delinquency). The list is also available for public inspection during the hours of 8-4 Monday-Friday, and 9-12 on Saturday at the County Clerk’s office at the Butler County Courthouse.

The list may also be inspected on the county’s website:

On Saturday evening just prior to 8:00pm a natural gas leak occurred on Highway 231 in Morgantown. The road was briefly closed and Sonic was shut down.  According to Randall Gaskey, Superintendent of Morgantown Utilities, Chad Johnson ruptured a 2” gas line on his property.

Saturday, July 21, got off to a busy start for local firemen, emergency personnel, and law enforcement officers as fires, a wreck, and one meth arrest were reported.

A domestic dispute over a truck has resulted in the discovery of a stolen 10' trailer and two Henry rifles at a Butler County residence. Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Reneer located the stolen trailer last night at 10366 Bowling Green Road while investigating a stolen truck.

Strong storms with high winds, heavy rain, and powerful lightning swept through Butler County and much of the surrounding region yesterday afternoon causing widespread damage.  The first thunderstorm watches and warnings were issued for Butler County shortly after 5 p.m. as what started as sporadic pop-up storms quickly turned severe and more concentrated.  There were also reports of damaging hail and winds in excess of 40 miles per hour associated with these storms, according to Beech Tree Meterologist Landon Hampton.    

Vandals struck Fairview Community Health Center, better known as Dr. Douglas', in the overnight hours. According to police, two windows were broken when two objects were thrown at the windows. The clinic has boarded up the windows until repairs can be made. Police have no leads at this time.

Morgantown City Police Officer Denny Deweese responded to the call and will be leading the investigation. Sergeant Andy Gidcumb will be assisting Deweese in the investigation.

Stay connected to Beech Tree News and WLBQ 1570 AM for more information as it becomes available.

Butler County Board of Education met in a special session Tuesday night.  In the Superintendent’s Report, Scott Howard praised the Site Based Decision Making Council’s from North Butler Elementary and Butler County Middle School on their hard work in selecting new principals.  Howard explained to the board that this was the first year that they were able to apply the new law in which the Superintendent could serve on the committee to select a principal.  Howard went on to say “the new procedure was met with great success and I enjoyed working with both councils. I’ll tell Mr.

One man has been taken to the Butler County Jail after numerous reckless driver complaints were made against him. Dispatch first received complaints just after 1:30 pm against Steven T. Meredith, 53, of Hodgensville, Kentucky, while he was traveling south on the William Natcher Parkway toward Morgantown. Callers advised that the gold minivan driven by Meredith had exited the Natcher at exit 29 (KY 70 - Rochester Road) and was traveling into Morgantown. Meredith left the roadway and struck a light pole in front of King Drug and Home Care at 255 West G.L. Smith Street.

The burn ban that has been in effect for Butler County since June has been lifted.

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Original post: 6/27/12

Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields has signed an Executive Order declaring a ban on open burning in Butler County, effective immediately. No person shall light or maintain an open fire at any location in Butler County while this ban is in effect. Any person violating this ban shall be subject to fines and penalties. This ban shall remain in effect until further notice. According to Judge Fields, fireworks are not banned as of this time.