GOP TO HONOR HEMMERT DESPITE DRUG CHARGES

SPRINGBORO - Three weeks after being sentenced in two cocaine
possession cases, former Springboro City Councilman Michael W. Hemmert
will accept a Republican Congressional Medal of Distinction during a
two-day celebration in the nation's Capitol culminating in a dinner
honoring President George W. Bush.

"I will be attending my second President's Dinner on Wed., June 18,
2008. This is considered the 'Event in Washington, DC' each year,"
Hemmert said in an e-mail press release.

On May 27, Hemmert, 53, of Springboro, was granted treatment in lieu
of conviction on two sets of charges of possession of cocaine and
marijuana and a single count of possession of drug paraphernalia
during a hearing in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

Judge James Heath ordered Hemmert to abstain from alcohol and drugs,
submit to random drug tests and follow other restrictions while on
probation for three years.

Provided Hemmert notifies his probation officer before leaving, "he
shouldn't have any problem traveling," Scott McVey, administrator of
the Warren County Common Pleas Court, said on Tuesday, June 3.

The events are planned by the National Republican Congressional
Committee.

"My invitation is extended to me for my work with the National
Republican Congressional Committee that I have been a part of for
three years," Hemmert said. "I will receive the Congressional Medal of
Distinction and be a guest at a reception held by Congressman Tom Cole."

Medal recipients also tour the Capitol and take a cruise on the
Potomac River "aboard the luxury ship Odyssey III," according to the
itinerary. Two years ago, Hemmert said he got within 15 feet of
President Bush.

He said brought back tips for local small business owners through the
contacts he made through networking and discussions with other
business leaders.

He resigned his council seat Feb. 14 after the Greater Warren County
Drug Task Force seized cocaine, marijuana and two cars during the
first of two searches of his home. Hemmert was arrested after a second
search on March 13 netted more cocaine and marijuana, and a special
prosecutor was appointed. Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel
acknowledged Hemmert had helped her raise campaign funds.

Hemmert is eligible for a seat at The President's Dinner and the medal
based "commitment and annual support to the Republican Party,"
National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Julie Shutley
said.

Shutley declined to comment if Hemmert's drug cases affected his
qualification for the honor.

Hemmert's only contribution reflected in federal election records is
$2,500 on May 16, 2006, to the National Republican Congressional
Committee, according to federal election records. He declined to say
how much he contributed during the current election cycle.

"I'm bringing a friend. It's a little bit more of a contribution,"
Hemmert said Wednesday, after meeting with his probation officer.