Local News

The North Central Health District reported that preliminary tests indicate a common staph bacteria may have resulted in the 115 reported cases of illness from individuals who had eaten at Claudia Sanders restaurant Easter Sunday.

The district stressed the findings were not definitive. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly found on food and on the human body, was found in some samples provided by victims but not from all, the district said.

Louisville Clean Energy, a company that produces electricity, biodiesel, ethanol and natural gas - all without the use of fossil fuels - may locate in Shelby County.

On Thursday, the company received preliminary approval for tax credits from the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Association (KIPDA). The money comes through the Kentucky Energy Independence Act, which encourages the growth of alternative fuel companies.

Louisville Clean Energy President Bill Bivins said he expects to gain final approval from KIPDA for the funds.

The Shelby County Republican Party came under new leadership recently when a local caucus elected a man who has been a Republican for only eight years as their chair.

Steve Miller said after a week and a half as the party's chairman he is enjoying the job and the opportunity to serve Shelby County.

Miller, 58, won the county caucus on March 15 and replaces Charles Bates as head of the party.

He said his major focus as chair will be working to keep good candidates in office and having a good relationship with the local representatives.

There was farm equipment operating on Red Orchard Farm again Monday morning. But the workers were setting not tobacco but 5,000 native Kentucky trees.

"We put them out in rows to make them easier to maintain," said Ben Lyle, with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The division is partnering with Shelbyville/Shelby County Parks and Recreation to plant the seedlings.