LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- A newspaper investigation has found that executives at the Kentucky Association of Counties have spent nearly $600,000 in travel, entertainment and other expenses over the last two years.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Sunday the spending and salaries for the officials increased while the organization raised fees on its insurance and financing programs for counties.

The president of the board, Christian County Attorney Mike Foster, started an approval policy for travel expenses in March after the newspaper filed a request for records under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

The officials purchased thousands of dollars worth of sports tickets and gifts and paid 50 restaurant tabs of more than $1,000 each. A March 2008 trip to Washington, D.C., included two dinners totaling $4,277 and a $10,000 cancellation fee for hotel rooms that weren't used.