Butler County Declared Local State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
PHOTO | Sarah Anne Morris
Staff Report
MORGANTOWN — Butler County Judge/Executive Tim Flener declared a local state of emergency last week ahead of a winter storm that brought hazardous weather conditions to the area beginning Saturday, Jan. 24.
The declaration, issued Friday, Jan. 23, followed forecasts calling for a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, ice, snow, and arctic temperatures. County officials said the anticipated conditions posed a risk to travel and had the potential to impact public infrastructure, utility systems, and private property.
Jane Wendt’s photo from Welch’s Creek earned the top number of likes in the Butler County Facebook photo contest, winning a one-year subscription. PHOTO | Submitted
The emergency declaration activated Butler County’s Emergency Operations Plan and directed the county’s Emergency Management Director to coordinate emergency services and response efforts using available local resources. County agencies were instructed to work in cooperation with Butler County Emergency Management throughout the event.
Under authority granted by Kentucky Revised Statutes 39A.100(2), the declaration allowed the judge/executive to waive certain standard procedures related to public works, contracting, temporary employment, use of volunteers, rental of equipment, and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds, if needed to address emergency conditions.
Submitted by Latisha Cardwell, this photo captures a winter scene along a hill leading to Indian Camp Creek Road in the Gilstrap/Dexterville area as she checked on cattle during Butler County’s winter weather.
County officials said the declaration was issued as a precautionary measure to protect public health, safety, and welfare as the storm system moved through the region.
The local state of emergency remains in effect until conditions fully improve and the declaration is formally terminated by a subsequent executive order.
