Local News

Next Monday, the nation will once again take time out to honor its veterans, a tradition that America has observed for 140 years.

Memorial Day ceremonies will take place at Grove Hill Cemetery at 11 a.m., beginning with a welcome by Col. Roger C. Green Jr., Army (ret.), post commander of VFW Post 1179.

After Jim Morris of Post 1179 delivers the invocation, the speaker will be Col. Ron Turner, an Iraqi war veteran and currently the chief of staff of the Kentucky National Guard.

The placing of the wreath will follow his speech.

Nearly all of the prairie settlers found on their way across North America is now gone. But if efforts at Red Orchard Park pan out, visitors can get an idea what those early settlers may have seen when the crossed the country in their covered wagons. And they may hear the increasingly rare call of the bobwhite quail to boot.

On Tuesday, Shelbyville/Shelby County Parks workers planted 15 acres in Red Orchard Park to a mix of grasses that mimic those found in the short grass prairies of bygone days. Kentucky originally had hundreds of thousands of acres of prairie lands.

Physical therapy usually isn't the most enjoyable part of a senior's day.

As old age causes the body to become weaker and prone to aches, the prospect of physical exercise can be less than appealing.

But this does not always have to be the case

Jackie Waits, activities director at the Masonic Home of Shelbyville, said when seniors are given the proper motivation, it is amazing to see what they can do.

About a month ago, Waits started using a Wii video game system as an option for physical activities for residents.

The excitement is mounting among skateboarders who are eagerly anticipating Saturday's opening of the new Shelby County Skate Park.

Dee Maynard, a volunteer who spearheaded the project to get a skatepark in the county, said much of the credit goes to the eight young people who helped raise the money for park.