No Change In Property Tax

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Department of Revenue has announced Kentuckians will continue to pay taxes of 12.2 cents on each $100 worth of property they own over the next year. Kentucky's property tax rate has remained the same since 2008.

Beshear Lifts Restrictions On Utility Trucks

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...To help restore electricity in areas hit by severe weekend storms, Governor Steve Beshear has lifted some restrictions on utility trucks making their way into or through Kentucky. Beshear says the hot temperatures make this a terrible time to be without electricity, and that's why he felt it important to remove the bureaucratic red tape that might delay restoration of power. Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock issued the emergency declaration Monday, allowing utility crews to bypass weigh stations in their trucks.

Conway Announces GlaxoSmithKline Settlement

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Attorney General Jack Conway has announced Kentucky will recover more than $28 million from a legal settlement resolving a dispute with prescription drug maker GlaxoSmithKline. Kentucky was one of 44 states involved in the case that resulted in a $3 billion settlement to resolve a case alleging the drug company engaged in various illegal schemes in marketing and pricing the drugs it manufactures. The settlement calls for GlaxoSmithKline to pay the states and the federal government $2 billion. Additionally, the company has agreed to pay a $1 billion criminal fine. Of Kentucky's share, nearly $20 million will be turned over to the federal government, and $8.5 million will go the state Medicaid program.

Ethics Charge Filed Against Former Social Worker

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Executive Branch Ethics Commission has issued an ethics charge against 61 year old Margaret "Geri" Murphy, a former social worker who pleaded guilty earlier to tampering with public records when she was investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect for the state. The commission says it found probable cause during a preliminary investigation that Murphy failed to fulfill her state job duties while receiving wages and benefits. Murphy pleaded guilty May 22nd in Anderson County Circuit Court. She is to be sentenced July 24th.

Ethics Commission Fines Former Tourism Commissioner

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Executive Branch Ethics Commission has fined former Tourism Commissioner Mike Cooper $2,000. Cooper resigned in February after being accused of misusing state resources for his own financial gain. Cooper, who was publicly reprimanded Monday, waived his right to appeal. Cooper acknowledged that he had traveled to England and participated in events organized by GOSH PR, a firm that had a contract with the Kentucky Department of Tourism. The firm paid for Cooper's meals and taxi rides. Cooper, who said the trip was personal, later approved an invoice for the Department of Tourism to reimburse GOSH PR for his expenses. The panel also found Cooper charged personal items to a state-issued credit card and conducted personal business while on approved state travel.

Keselowski Wins Quaker State 400

{Sparta, Kentucky}...A new $11 million traffic strategy gave fans at Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta a much smoother experience compared to last year's inaugural race. The infrastructure improvements included widening roads near the track and adding 220 acres of gravel-covered parking lots, a pedestrian tunnel and a shuttle system. Fans arrived early and without delay. Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, milked his fuel mileage to the fullest over the final 56 laps to capture the second running of the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. Keselowski was the only driver to compete in all three NASCAR races this weekend, finishing second in Thursday's Camping World Truck Series outing and seventh in the Nationwide Series test Friday evening.

Man Robbed...Cited For Soliciting Prostitution

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Charity Sands, 21, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery Saturday night, while her boyfriend, 21 year old Andrew Penn, 21, was charged with possession of narcotics and arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. Police say a man who went to the Catalina Motel in Lexington on Saturday night to solicit the woman for prostitution was robbed of his cell phone and money. Sands ran, but she was later caught behind the motel. The victim was cited for soliciting prostitution but was not taken into custody.