Beech Tree News Network

The home of Chad and Carmen Flener on Al Embry Road was destroyed by fire this afternoon.  The Fleners had left their home and had been gone for about 15 minutes when Chad Flener's father, Jimmy Flener, spotted the fire from his home shortly after 3 p.m. Flener called 911 and firemen from multiple volunteer units in the county responded.  The home was engulfed in flames and was described by one family member as a "total loss."  The cause of the fire has not been officially determined.   

The Butler County Fiscal Court held a special called meeting on Thursday night at 6 to close out some routine business before the end of the fiscal year. The court also had to hire a replacement for departing Occupational Tax Officer Harold McKee.

Three vehicles made contact Tuesday night and a Butler County man was transported to the hospital in an accident directly in front of Aberdeen Grocery.  The wreck, which took place at approximately 5:30 p.m., was caused in part by unfamiliarity with the road and poor visibility.  

“We drove the Alaska highway four times before we ever homesteaded,” declared Stella Mefford months ago from her room at Morgantown Care and Rehab. She was all smiles as she prepared to tell of her travels. She had been recommended by Shirley Allen, director of volunteer services, as part of their oral history effort.

Originally from Huntsville here in Butler County, Stella has many stories to tell and she proved it that day. Also, what could be more heart warming around Christmas than stories of trial in the frigid interior of Alaska.

A three vehicle accident on Natcher Parkway leaves Morgantown woman dead. Kathenia Williams,61 was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 3:40 pm by Deputy Coroner John White with Warren County Coroners office. She was a passenger in the a vehicle driven by Lanny Williams.

Jonell Fields had her eye on a nice lamp for Christmas and her $50 gift certificate from Beech Tree Media helped make that a reality.  As the BTN Facebook Fan of the Month for November, Fields chose the Aberdeen Trading Post to spend the $50 she received as the monthly winner.

"I love reading Beech Tree and am excited about being the monthly winner," said Fields.  

A stolen vehicle missing for three weeks has been recovered in Bowling Green.
According to Chief Billy Phelps of the Morgantown Police Department a white, 2004 Chevy Pickup stolen from Coleman Brothers Motors in Morgantown in November was found in Bowling Green late last week. The truck was abandoned undamaged in the parking lot of AFNI, near the Great Escape Greenwood Cinema in Bowling Green.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Citizen Foster Care Review Boards for Breckinridge, Butler and Muhlenberg counties are seeking volunteers to make a difference in the lives of local children in foster care. Volunteers are needed to review cases of children placed in foster care because of abuse, dependency and neglect to ensure these children are placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Volunteers are not required to reside in the county where a board meets.

The Main Street economy of downtown Morgantown got a boost recently with the opening of a new furniture store.  Brad and Tina Smart, residents of the Leonard Oak community, opened A Texas Feeling Rustic Furniture on Black Friday, November 25. 

Smith Funeral Home held a fundraiser  on Sunday, December 4th, with all proceeds going to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  For a $25.00 donation participants could have Christmas themed photos made by Simply U Photography or have the name of a loved one placed on the Smith Funeral Home Wall of Hope, while others just made donations wanting nothing in return except the satisfaction of knowing they were helping children.
Penni Lee who organized the event says she was very pleased with the results.