Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, December 10,  at the Butler County Courthouse with all magistrates in attendance: Stevie Givens, Johnny Tuck, Chad Tyree, David Whittinghill, and Bobby Moore.

Another small business in Morgantown is now open.  On Friday, December 14, Caterpillar Lane Childcare, LLC held a ribbon cutting to launch their new endeavor.

The Morgantown City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 13th at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  This was the last meeting for Councilmember Gary Southerland who chose not to run for reelection.  Southerland was presented with a framed Morgantown City Flag.  Mayor Billy Phelps thanked him for his service to the city and county.
Dionne Cannon Merritt will be replacing Southerland on the council.  The swearing-in ceremony will be held on December 27th at 5:00 p.m. at the Eva J. Hawes Building.

FRANKFORT - The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously struck down a controversial law that would have reduced retirement benefits for public employees, most notably by ending traditional pensions for school teachers hired after Jan. 1.

FRANKFORT—A Kentucky task force yesterday discussed recommendations that encourage the Kentucky General Assembly to phase out hundreds of state tax exemptions and credits by mid-2020.

 The Butler County Board of Education met on Tuesday, December 11, at 6:30 PM at the Butler County Education Complex. All members were present: Amy Hood, Delbert Johnson, Debbie Hammers, Aimee Sanders, and Ryan Daugherty.

 During the holiday season, many wishes come true.  Some wish for a meaningful family gathering while a child may wish for a favorite toy or game.  For 16-year-old Brayden Morris, his wish is for the Gift of Life.

 Brayden is from Muhlenberg County, Kentucky and has been awaiting a heart transplant for six months.   He has seen many friends at the Children’s hospital where he receives medical care receive a lifesaving organ transplant. Brayden’s holiday wish is that it is his turn now. (photo below)

While conducting hunting checks, Monday, December 10th, on Highway 231/Bowling Green Road officers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Kentucky State Police encountered two male subjects. They were illegally hunting deer with rifles during muzzleloader season and appeared to be under the influence of drugs.  Upon further investigation, methamphetamine and marijuana were located on both the male subjects.  The two, John Baptist Curcio and Jason Lee Dobbs, were arrested and lodged in the Butler County Jail. 

On December 10th at approximately 2:40 am officers of the Morgantown Police Department were dispatched to a domestic disturbance on Sawmill Rd. Officers made contact with Chase A. Swift age 19 of Morgantown KY. Swift was charged with Possession of Controlled substance 1st Deg, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine) and Drug Paraphernalia Buy/ Possess. Swift was lodged in the Butler County Jail.

Press release from Chief Giles Taylor