“Today was a special day for the people of Ohio; when one of our own was handed the speaker’s gavel and took the reins of the U.S. House of Representatives. With this honor, comes the duty to take action on the tasks at hand – creating jobs for Ohioans and ending the culture of reckless spending in Washington. These are issues which transcend party lines, and I look forward to working alongside Speaker Boehner and the rest of the Ohio delegation on behalf of the American people.” – Rep. Mike Turner

Matt Carle will serve as director of legislative affairs where he will help develop the governor’s policy agenda and secure its support in the General Assembly. Carle also will work with Cabinet directors on legislative issues in state agencies.

Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, 40, remains in critical condition Sunday after being shot at point-blank range outside a Tucson grocery store Saturday, Jan. 8, while meeting with constituents. Six people were killed and at least 12 others were wounded, according to reports. Jared Lee Loughner, 22, is the alleged gunman and is in custody.

Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, 40, remains in critical condition Sunday after being shot at point-blank range outside a Tucson grocery store Saturday, Jan. 8, while meeting with constituents. Six people were killed and at least 12 others were wounded, according to reports. Jared Lee Loughner, 22, is the alleged gunman and is in custody.

Wilma J. Egbert, 76, of Hillsboro, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 at the Salyer Group Home.

Barbara Ruth Seeley, 75, of Greenfield, died Jan. 6, 2011 at Adena Regional Medical Center, Chillicothe, surrounded by family.

Lillie Laree Miley, 47, of Greenfield, died Jan. 7, 2011 at Adena Greenfield Medical Center.

Robert E. “Bob” Norris, 66, of New Vienna, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2011 in New Vienna.

With a new Republicans majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, one of the early legislative proposals is a repeal of the new federal health care law passed last year.