Ohio Supreme Court to decide standing of JobsOhio foes
Ohio's high court has agreed to settle a key legal question regarding the new private economic development entity created by Republican Gov. John Kasich.  The question is whether opponents of the JobsOhio initiative have grounds to sue.  So far, lower courts have rejected a legal challenge to JobsOhio brought by a liberal policy group and two Democratic state lawmakers.  They've stopped short of ruling on the constitutionality of the nonprofit jobs-creation board, instead saying the parties can't show harm and so don't have standing to sue.  The Ohio Supreme Court said today it would take the case and settle the question of standing.  ProgressOhio, the group spearheading the legal challenge, believes the court will find it has the right to sue so legal arguments over JobsOhio's constitutionality can proceed.

McDonald named new head of Cuyahoga County Board of Elections 
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has elevated its deputy director to the board’s top position.  Republican Pat McDonald takes over for             Jane Platten who left the director’s position to work for the new county prosecutor.  She is credited with turning around the once troubled election board.  McDonald has served as interim director since Platten left.  He was the unanimous choice of the two-Democrat and two-Republican member board. McDonald was selected from a list of twelve candidates.  Democratic Cleveland Congresswoman Marcia Fudge had expressed concern over McDonald ‘s Republican background.  He’s worked for many elected G-O-P officials, and was appointed to the Ohio Lottery Commission by former Republican Governor Bob Taft.  McDonald was re-appointed by Democrat Ted Strickland, and most recently by Republican John Kasich.  Fudge declined to comment further on her concerns, saying only that she will respect the election board’s decision.  The Congresswoman is listed as a reference for one of the other candidates, but she says that is not an endorsement. 

Snowmobile fatality in Ashtabula County
A man has been killed in a snowmobile accident in the snow belt of northeast Ohio.  The State Highway Patrol in Ashtabula dentified the victim in last night's accident as 48-year-old Steven Pawlowski of Rome, Ohio.  Authorities say the snowmobile ran off the right side of the road, striking a ditch and then a tree in rural Ashtabula County.  In last night’s single digit temperatures, police believe alcohol may have been a factor.

Browns introduce new offensive coordinator 
The Browns introduced new offensive coordinator Norv Turner today as the team continues to fill-out its coaching roster.  Head Coach Rob Chudzinski says Turner will call the plays while he will focus on special teams and defense.  Turner will also coach the quarterbacks, an area he says needs improving.