Health agency investigating vaccine-associated infections

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky health officials say they are investigating after vaccines administered at workplaces in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio caused infections.

According to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, the company that provided the vaccines is Mount Sterling-based Location Vaccination. Most vaccinations were administered in central Kentucky after Sept. 1.

The agency says the vaccines may not only have caused infections, but also may have been ineffective in preventing illness. The agency is encouraging individuals with vaccination-associated infections to consider getting another round to ensure full immunization.

Dr. Jeff Howard, public health commissioner, says the negative side effects are likely linked to improper storage and handling of the vaccine and not the supply of the vaccines.

Symptoms of the vaccines include redness, pain, swelling and hard lumps at the injection site.

Funeral set for 12-year-old who died in fire with his dog

SCIENCE HILL, Ky. (AP) — A funeral has been set for a 12-year-old boy who died in a Kentucky house fire that also killed his dog named Pugley.

News outlets report the funeral for Hunter Ray Denney-Wesley is set for Thursday, just over a week after he was killed in the Science Hill fire. The Lexington Herald-Leader cites an obituary as saying the boy and his pug “went to be with Jesus together.”

The fire broke out early Wednesday, and the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office says Hunter’s parents and 5-year-old sister were able to escape.

WLEX-TV reports the sixth-grader went back inside the fire for his dog and couldn’t get out. The state fire marshal is investigating.

More than 700 soldiers returning to Fort Campbell this month

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) — Fort Campbell is expecting more than 700 soldiers to return this month to the Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee state line.

The post says 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division soldiers are coming back from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. The “Task Force Destiny” soldiers have been there providing aviation support to U.S., coalition and Afghan forces.

The soldiers exceeded 50,000 flight hours, transporting more than 7 million pounds of cargo and 91,000 passengers, and conducting 1,700 security missions and 256 air assault operations. Five soldiers received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and valor.

One of the groups will be met with a welcome home ceremony on Monday.

Bar accused of over-serving driver in fatal DUI crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Lexington officials are accusing a bar of over-serving a customer who was involved in a fatal DUI crash last month.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Horseshoes Kentucky Grill & Saloon was issued a show cause order Thursday by the Lexington Alcoholic Beverage Control Office. Investigators say the bar in January overserved 41-year-old Joey Lee Bailey, who had also been drinking at another bar that night.

Bailey then drove south in a northbound lane on Interstate 75. He collided with another vehicle, killing himself and a family of five from Michigan.

Bailey had a .306 blood alcohol limit at the time of the crash. That is nearly four times the legal limit.

A Horseshoes representative said in a statement that they are cooperating with the investigation but declined to comment further.

Struggling Papa John’s names Starboard chief as new chairman

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The head of the investment firm Starboard Value is being named board chairman at Papa John’s, and it will invest $200 million in the troubled pizza chain.

The Louisville, Kentucky, company has struggled since the messy departure of its founder John Schnatter in late 2017.

In its most recent quarter, Papa John’s International Inc. reported losses of $13 million and revenue tumbled 16 percent. On Monday, it said it now expects its annual profit will be at the low-end of its prior forecast.

But the board changes sent company shares up 6 percent before the opening bell.

In addition to Starboard CEO Steve Ritchie, Anthony Sanfilippo, former chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., will join the board.

Starboard can make an additional $50 million investment through March 29.