The Ohio Supreme Court has cleared the path for Steven Kraus to run for the Ohio House — sidestepping difficult questions about the former state lawmaker’s comeback bid. Kraus was removed from office in 2015 after a felony theft conviction, but he has since gotten that case sealed by the court.

In Erie County, former state lawmaker Steven Kraus is challenging Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, for the GOP nomination in Ohio’s 89th House district. But an Ohio Supreme Court challenge is trying to kick Kraus off the ballot. He was convicted of felony theft in 2015 which is a disqualifying offense under state law. Kraus contends that because he got that conviction sealed, he should be allowed to hold public office.

Adam Bess, 35, was sentenced this month to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after earlier pleading guilty to a felony for depriving an inmate at the Erie County Jail of her constitutional rights by using excessive force.

The Supreme Court of Ohio Thursday approved the permit for construction of a 71-turbine wind farm that spans across portions of Huron and Erie counties.