Fight waged over Monroe’s name

The use of bluegrass legend Bill Monroe’s name and likeness to promote an Ohio County bluegrass festival is at the center of a lawsuit between the festival’s organizer and the county government.  Ohio County and its industrial foundation purchased the rights to Monroe’s name and image from the musician’s son 13 years ago.  The dispute is over whether the county gave the Jerusalem Ridge Foundation, which hosts the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Festival, permission to use them.  Festival organizer Campbell Mercer says they were given the rights and thinks they can win the case.  The Ohio County Industrial Foundation did not respond to requests for comment.  Mercer and the county are set to present arguments to the Kentucky Court of Appeals November 9th.