Kentucky News Now – May 14th 2014

KENTUCKY-HEMP

Comer seeks release of hemp seeds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer has urged federal officials to release a batch of imported hemp seeds meant to gauge the crop's potential as a moneymaker for farmers.

Comer's chief of staff, Holly Harris VonLuehrte, says state agriculture officials had discussions with federal Justice Department and drug enforcement officials on Tuesday. She says drug enforcement officials eventually agreed to expedite the process to release the seeds to Kentucky.

Comer's office is threatening to go to court to obtain the 250-pound shipment of seeds from Italy unless federal customs officials release it.

The new federal farm bill allows a limited comeback of hemp. It allows state agriculture departments to designate hemp pilot projects for research in states such as Kentucky that allow the growing of hemp.

Eight pilot projects are planned in Kentucky.

ARMY INSPECTOR-ID THEFT

Ex-Army inspector stole soldiers' IDs for money

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former Army post inspector whose job it was to investigate misconduct has pleaded guilty to stealing the identities of other officers to obtain bank loans and trying to blame his crimes on a deceased officer.

James Robert Jones was an assistant inspector general at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. In U.S. District Court in Nashville on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to using his position to obtain personal identifying information of active duty officers.

According to the plea agreement, Jones used the information to open bank accounts in the soldiers' names and apply for $72,000 in loans.

After he was indicted last year, Jones told The Associated Press in an email that he was innocent and called the allegations "shocking."

Sentencing is set for August 11.

PYRAMID SCHEME

Ky. company to return $7.75 million to consumers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky-based company has been ordered to return $7.75 million in assets to more than 350,000 people who were caught up in what officials say was one of the country's largest pyramid schemes.

The Federal Trade Commission along with attorneys general in Kentucky, Illinois and North Carolina announced the settlement Tuesday with Lexington-based Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. Officials said the company would charge people $249 for the rights to sell products like satellite TV service and home security systems. Officials said more than 98 percent of the people who paid the fee lost money.

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway called it a classic pyramid scheme. An attorney for Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing did not immediately return a call seeking comment. The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for returning the money to consumers.

FRONTIER AIRLINES-CINCINNATI

Cincinnati airport gets new service to Washington

HEBRON, Ky. (AP) — Frontier Airlines will add nonstop service from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to the nation's capital beginning this fall.

Cincinnati airport officials say the service to Dulles International Airport near Washington will be offered four times a week beginning Sept. 8.

The Cincinnati airport's CEO says Washington is a top destination for business and leisure passengers. The airport is across the river from Cincinnati in Hebron, Kentucky.

Denver-based Frontier already offers nonstop service from the Cincinnati airport to Denver and to Trenton, New Jersey.

The new service will operate with 168-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Frontier will offer the flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

VACATION WATCH

Harlan police to watch vacationers' homes

(Information in the following story is from: WYMT-TV, http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews)

HARLAN, Ky. (AP) — Harlan County police are trying to help residents enjoy their summer vacations by giving them a little extra peace of mind.

WYMT-TV reports the police department has started offering a service in which officers will keep an eye on homes while residents are vacationing.

Sgt. Matt Cope says all people have to do to sign up for the service is fill out a form. Officers will also be able to give out security tips.

Cope says with the service, all officers will know who is out of town so they'll be able to keep a closer watch on empty homes.

He says he hopes the service will cut down on the number of items stolen over the summer.

KENTUCKY-ROHRSSEN

Barry Rohrssen introduced as Kentucky assistant

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Barry Rohrssen calls his new job as a Kentucky assistant coach a "dream come true."

The Wildcats believe they have the right man to help fulfill their vision of a ninth national championship.

Rohrssen was introduced Tuesday, two weeks after being hired for a program coming off a runner-up finish to Connecticut in the NCAA title game. The 53-year-old spent last season at Pittsburgh and has more than 19 years of college experience, including five as Manhattan College's head coach. He has also worked for the NBA Portland Trail Blazers' developmental league affiliate.

Though Rohrssen isn't sure what his bench role will be under Kentucky coach and longtime friend John Calipari, his strong recruiting background fits perfectly with the Wildcats, who have landed five straight No. 1 classes.