Where in the world did you ever come up with the name of beechtreenews.com for an online newspaper? Thats a question weve been asked often and were more than happy to share the story behind our rather unorthodox name.

For thirty years our parents Wendell and Shirley Embry ran a grocery store and bait shop on Aberdeen hill. As was the case with most country grocery stores, it gradually became a community-gathering place for many folks. What sorts of things were discussed there? Actually a better question would be what wasnt? Fox hunting and politics (local, state, national and all things Republican) were the staples thanks in large part because those were our Dads favorite activities. But there were plenty of other topics covered in many a sessions of porch settin hunting of all types, fishing, gardening, farming, sports, the weather, religion, and just your basic run-of-the-mill gossip. Or, community news some would say.

As time went on and business grew, Mom and Dad decided to expand and build on to the original store building. But, there was a small problem on one side where the addition needed to go, there was a huge beech tree. Dad always loved trees and the thought of cutting it down wasnt too pleasing to him. So, he decided to build around it. Thats right build the new addition around the beech tree. Oh sure, some folks thought he was crazy especially Mom but that wasnt the first time that thought had crossed her mind (like when he decided to build the bait shop!) But Dad could be persistent and Mom ultimately relented. Miles Tomes, a local carpenter/construction expert (also a good friend of Dads and a fox hunting buddy) was assigned the task, which included, among other things, a rubber boot where the tree went through the roof to allow some movement and a little rain to wet the bark. Once the new addition was finished, we moved the talkin table back there and the beech tree room was born. Around that table near the beech tree where tall tales were often told became the focal point of the store. The structural oddity became the talk of the community and was the subject of a feature story in an area newspaper.

But, things change, nothing ever stays the same. Mom and Dad eventually sold the store and retired. A few years later Mom and Dad got the store property back and Dad once again reopened the bait shop.

Of course, over time (several years) the tree deteriorated and had to be removed. However, with the reopening of the bait shop, the spirit of the beech tree returned and a steady batch of loafers once again frequented the hill and with them came the same stories and gossip, although by now raising chickens and a garden, as well as politics (still the GOP), were the cornerstones as Dad had given up fox hunting (he hated fox pens and there was no good places to hunt on the outside, he would say). Dad passed away in the fall of 2008 but his presence still lingers on Aberdeen hill.

As with the grocery store down through the years, the newspaper business, which weve been a part of for the last decade, is changing. The way many folks are getting their news yes, even here in Butler County is changing. More and more folks are now turning to online sources for their news. It is the goal of beechtreenews.com to meet this need at the local level by providing online news, sports and opinion, as well as many other features in the future. Also, there will be no subscription fee its FREE- so we encourage readers to visit the site often.

Our story is steeped in Butler County history and our roots are here always striving to be part of the community in which we live. We look forward to reporting on important events in Butler County through beechtreenews.com and we encourage readers to help us along the way by Getting Connected to Butler Countys Online News Source beechtreenews.com!

Beechtreenews.com has everything you love about Butler County. Local news, sports, community events, opinions, and obituaries will all be accessible online. Unlike a weekly print paper, beechtreenews.com will let you keep an eye on Butler County from wherever you may be, allowing you to easily share articles with friends and family around the world. The best part is its FREE! No subscription fee.

Without a printing schedule to follow, well be able to give you the most up-to-date information available, posting breaking news and sports results as they happen. We have big plans for beechtreenews.com, including interactive features that allow readers to comment on stories, classified advertising, an events button, and more!

For advertisers, beechtreenews.com provides a cost-effective way to get your message out to an unlimited audience 24/7 with a variety of advertising packages that are cheaper than most print publications. We can also increase traffic to your website with a link. Your ad will also be featured on our Facebook page with over 4,300 fans.

Do you have an issue that youre passionate about? Did you read a news article that you really agreed with or one that drove you crazy? If so, then this is a great time for you to become a BTN Contributor to our Opinion section. Our requirements are simple just write an article about an issue important to you, send us a photo of yourself, and a short biography to go at the end of the article and well take care of the rest. Best-read posts are usually around 400 words. Be sure to keep it focused on issues and avoid personal attacks. We welcome opinion posts from everyone regardless of your political beliefs. Our goal is to bring a diversity of opinion to the BTN Opinion section. As always, posts submitted for publication are subject to the editing process.

Another way readers can express their opinions about issues important to them is by submiting letters to the editor. Just send your letter info@beechtreenews.com, along with your name and contact information. All letters are subject to editing for content, which is at the discretiong of the editor.

You may also become a BTN Contributor by submitting news items of local interest. Obviously, we cant be everywhere and cover everything. So, if you are at an event, and were not, wed love for you to write it up, snap a photo, and e-mail it to us. Well gladly give you credit as the contributor or will post it anonymously whichever you prefer. All submissions are subject to the editing process.

Finally, you can also become a contributor by sending us news tips about events youd like to see us cover or about important things good and bad happening in the community. You can do this anonymously or give us your name and well protect your identity as a confidential news source. Unfortunately, controversial things happen in all communities that need to be reported. But, for various reasons, readers may be hesitant to go on the record. Thats understandable. Give us the information and you can be an off the record confidential source. Your identity will not be revealed.