MANSFIELD, Ohio - A soldier from Mansfield died in Iraq, becoming the 14th casualty from Ohio since the war began, the U.S. Department of Defense said Tuesday.

Army Pfc. Kenneth C. Souslin, 21, died Monday at Baghdad International Airport of noncombat injuries, the Defense Department said. His death is under investigation.

Souslin was assigned to the 440th Signal Company, 22nd Signal Brigade, V Corps in Darmstadt, Germany.

Judge orders woman to undergo treatment

LEBANON - A judge ordered a woman who told police she shot her ex-husband in the back in self-defense to undergo treatment at a state mental hospital before he decides whether she is competent to stand trial.

Rhonda Ricketts, 50, told a doctor hired by her lawyers that she sometimes thought the "devil" was within her.

Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson on Monday ordered Ricketts to receive treatment at the Summit Behavioral Center for six months to a year. Bronson must decide whether Ricketts is competent to stand trial on an aggravated murder charge in the slaying of ex-husband Steve Ricketts, 45.

Concealed-weapon supporters set to shop

VERMILION, Ohio - Supporters of a concealed weapons bill plan to holiday shop Saturday while wearing holstered guns.

Dan White, 29, of Lorain, is organizing the outing to bring attention to the legislation passed by the state Legislature last week. Gov. Bob Taft has indicated he intends to veto the bill.

Ky. Democratic Party seeking leadership

LOUISVILLE - A search is on for new leadership in the Kentucky Democratic Party, which finds itself out of power everywhere except the state House of Representatives.

Gone is the governorship and control of the Kentucky Senate; and the only congressional seat held by a Democrat will be vacated by the incumbent in a year.

The staff at state Democratic headquarters in Frankfort also is down to three people, and a financial audit is under way.

The party's interim chairman, Steven R. Gold of Henderson, said the party is conducting a search for an executive director.