Beech Tree News Network

“He was a teacher, he was a coach, he was a mentor and a volunteer,”  said Morgantown Mayor Linda Keown in part of her opening remarks as the city unveiled a new street sign for the drive leading up to the ball fields at the Charles T. Black Park Saturday afternoon. It was a time of remembrance, celebration, dedication and stories.

There were a lot of stories.

Butler County Solid Waste Coordinator and Enforcement Officer Mark Sorrels described the Commonwealth Cleanup Week held March 17-24 as a "huge success." Over 15 tons of garbage were collected and removed from the county during the week-long effort.

"The response from the county was tremendous," said Sorrels, "I really appreciate everyone coming out and doing what they can to help keep the county clean."

Butler County Schools and Butler County Emergency Management will conduct a safety drill involving Butler County Middle School students and staff of Thursday, April 12 beginning at 1:00 pm. During this emergency drill Butler County Middle School students and staff will be evacuated from school grounds and emergency vehicles and personnel will practice a live simulation of emergency procedures. This is only a practice drill involving Butler County Middle School on Thursday, April 12 at 1:00 pm.

An early morning fire on Provo Road has claimed the life of a Butler County man.  Alan Staples, 45, was found at his residence at 5977 Provo Road after a fire totally destroyed the home.  Dispatch received the call around 2:23 am Friday morning.

Staples' remains were discovered after the blaze was extinguished.  Dwayne McKinney assisted with debris removal at the scene to help recover the body.  The house was fully engulfed when firefighters from Morgantown, Rochester, and the Second District departments responded.  

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.childwelfare.govproclaims April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It states that this month is “ a time to recognize that we each can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in communities.”

Beech Tree News provides courthouse statistics on a regular basis. Courthouse information provided in this article is a matter of public record. The following records are from the Butler County County Clerk and Circuit Clerk’s offices and cover March 16 – March 31, 2012.

Civil Cases:
Don Jones vs. Tom Miller
Kentucky Farm Bureau vs. Christopher Douglas Bartley
Service One Credit Union vs. Shawn M. Webster
PBI Bank, Inc bs. Patricia A. Fields, et al

Family Court:

The members of the Butler County Fiscal Court had a special called meeting on Tuesday night. The meeting was held in the auxiliary court chambers behind the County Judge Executive’s office. The agenda for the session included employee insurance, the personnel policy, and an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget.

"We at the Mission would like to thank those who support the ministry here. We are blessed to be supported by the postal employees, various school classes and organizations, many Churches, giving individuals, and various community organizations. Many in Butler County would be very negatively affected without this help to keep us supplied with needed resources. Please keep in mind, we are NOT affiliated with government funding. We are 100% funded by Churches and the community," said Garry McKinney, Mission Director.

Tyrone Rife said he didn't even know that he had been selected as the March Beech Tree News Fan of the Month until he received calls and text messages from friends.

"I'm just real excited to be selected as the Fan of the Month," said Rife. "I'm surprised, but really appreciative to have won."

Rife describes himself as someone who likes to eat, especially Garcia's, so the choice was easy for him. Rife selected Garcia's Mexican Restaurant in Morgantown as the business where he wanted to spend his $50.

Budget Agreement, War against Drugs Top Work in Last Full Week of 2012 Session: The 2012 Legislation Session is down to the final days, and the good news from this week is for the first time in three sessions we will leave Frankfort with a budget agreement.