"This is the death penalty. This is life or death for Wes Coonrod," defense attorney Jerry McHenry said to potential jurors Tuesday.
 Attorneys for the defense and the prosecution questioned potential jurors in Highland County Common Pleas Court on their general feelings on the death penalty, whether or not they would be able to weigh mitigating and aggravating factors during a potential sentencing phase; and, if it fell in the parameters of the law, if they felt they would be able to sentence someone to death.

Ohio's 18-seat U.S. House delegation is likely to be reduced to 16, following results of the 2010 census, according to a study by Election Data Services.

Air Force Reserve Airman Cale M. Garman of Greenfield graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Jury selection began Monday in Highland County Common Pleas Court in the capital murder trial of Wesley Coonrod.
 Of the 400 jury notices sent out, just under 320 potential jurors are left after dozens were dismissed in the weeks leading up to the proceedings. Jurors 1-50 met Monday morning in the courtroom, with another 50 scheduled to report after the noon hour. Jurors must each complete a questionnaire that is 18 pages long with an estimated 99 questions.

Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election begins Tuesday, Sept. 28, as Ohio opens a 35-day voting period.

A poll by Ohio's eight largest newspapers and the University of Cincinnati shows that the race for governor is getting tighter, The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. The newspaper said the poll shows Republican John Kasich has an apparent lead of 49-45 over Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

The Hillsboro Police Department and Hillsboro Fire and Rescue are currently investigating a house fire in the 100 block of East Pleasant Street that may have been the result of a meth lab.
 The fire department was dispatched at approximately 7:37 p.m. after a 911 call reported the fire in the two-story structure.
 According to Officer Larry Barker of the HPD, the fire may have been the result of a meth lab, but he could not say what led them to believe that. He declined to comment as to whether or not items relating to a meth lab were found at the scene.

The Hillsboro Police Department and Hillsboro Fire and Rescue are currently investigating a house fire in the 100 block of East Pleasant Street that may have been the result of a meth lab.
 The fire department was dispatched at approximately 7:37 p.m. after a 911 call reported the fire in the two-story structure.
 According to Officer Larry Barker of the HPD, the fire may have been the result of a meth lab, but he could not say what led them to believe that. He declined to comment as to whether or not items relating to a meth lab were found at the scene.