Happy Holidays! Spread a little seasonal cheer here.

(For those of you who prefer to say "Merry Christmas," your forum is http://jordannews.com/community/forums/todays-topic/merry-christmas.)

Merry Christmas! Spread a little Christmas season cheer here.

(For those of you who prefer to say "Happy Holidays," you're forum is http://jordannews.com/community/forums/todays-topic/happy-holidays.)

Jan Saarela of Spring Lake Township, flanked by fellow election judge Garry Larson of Savage, counts ballots from Jackson Township on Monday morning. The gubernatorial recount in that township, which had no challenges, matched election night returns.
The county is also recounting ballots in Belle Plaine and three townships for House District 25B, which has a 30-vote separation.

(Staff photo by Shannon Fiecke)

Luverne Bethwars was 87 years young when she passed away early on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 25, 2010 at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.

Visitation was Sunday, Nov. 28, from 4-8 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan, and one hour prior to the service on Monday, Nov. 29.

Funeral Service is Monday 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jordan.

Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Homes, Jordan. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

Nancy Huddleston of the Savage Pacer reports:

SAVAGE -- The city of Savage has asked the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) if a ramp weaving movement associated with the proposed design change for the intersection of Highway 13 and County Road 101 can be fixed even though bids came in over budget.

But according to MnDOT, the weave can’t be unraveled given the budget constraints.

read more

Shawn Hogendorf of the Prior Lake American reports:

A simple traffic stop for running a stop sign landed a 25-year-old Apple Valley man in jail and facing four felony charges – including possession of methamphetamine and more than $3,000 in stolen copper wire.

David Montana Morse was charged by the Scott County Attorney’s Office Nov. 4 with felony theft, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and possession of meth.

According to the criminal complaint:

read more

Thirty years ago, Dave Hentges, Gregg Pekarna, Scott Buesgens, and Tom Hanson were named to the all-conference football team.

To learn more about Jordan's history, read the Looking Back column in
the Dec. 2 print edition of the Jordan Independent or go to jordannews.com/news/looking-back.

Lori Carlson of the Prior Lake American reports:

How do you free a 10-point buck tangled in a fence? Apparently it takes a sharp-eyed driver with a soft spot for wildlife, two helpful veterinary staffers and a pair of wire clippers.

At about 8:50 a.m. Nov. 11, Nancy Nelson was driving to her job at an insurance office in Savage, going north on Highway 13. As the New Prague woman approached the intersection of Highway 13 and 160th Street, near Lakefront Park, she saw a large deer “trotting along the road, heading north, like he was on a mission.”

read more

A press release from Support Our Troops:

‘Tis the Season! And this is a national call to all good Americans to show their love and support this holiday season for our deployed troops. Join us in our mission to ship Christmas Care Boxes to our soldiers overseas, and help us send a little bit of home and comfort their way.

SupportOurTroops.Org makes this call on behalf of the 60+ troop support groups across America who send care packages to the troops.

read more

Ten years ago, Scott ranked as the nation's 32nd-wealthiest county.

To learn more about Jordan's history, read the Looking Back column in the Dec. 2 print edition of the Jordan Independent or go to jordannews.com/news/looking-back.

A press release from the Minnesota Trucking Association:

Minnesota Trucking Association Partners with Over 20 Charities to Sponsor Holiday Toy Drive Members of the Minnesota Trucking Association are collecting toys across the state until December 4.

read more

A press release from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:

While today’s economy continues to put extra stress on most Americans’ wallets, those preparing to welcome a new child into the family experience the added pressure of a whole new set of expenses.

From diapers to baby furniture and daycare, the costs for new parents mount quickly. For some, the reality of these expenses is daunting. For others, they are completely unaware of how the joy of a new child will impact their financial situation.

read more

A column by Dan Miller:

Where does sidewalk salt go after it melts the ice and snow on our driveways and sidewalks? This salty water flows into our storm ponds, wetlands, rivers and lakes. And high concentrations of sidewalk salt (sodium chloride) in our water negatively affect wildlife habitat and water quality, including the water we drink.

This winter, we can protect our water resources by trying these snow season tips:

- Use shovels, snow blowers and ice scrapers to remove snow and ice.

• Government Observers

read more

Attached is the latest edition of the CapX Quarterly, an e-newsletter highlighting CapX2020 project status and milestones.

• Government Observers

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

Minnesotans will be able to see quality measures for clinics and hospitals across the state in a new report published by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on Nov. 18. The report, a part of Minnesota’s 2008 health reform law, is a significant building block toward value-based health care in the state.

• Government Observers

read more

Mark Olson of the Chaska Herald reports:

The latest Chaska Police Department's 411 newsletter reported this news of the weird.

"During a routine driver’s license check, an officer learned a male had numerous active arrest warrants.

"The male denied his identity and gave a false name to the officer. However, the officer did not believe him due to one simple fact. The male had his name tattooed on his arm, which was visible to the officer.

read more

As the holidays approach, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reminds the public to use caution when making online purchases, as cyber criminals continue to create ways to steal money and personal information.

read more

What are your favorite holiday memories?

Ten years ago, the Scott County Fair Board recognized Lawrence Jabs for his work to improve the fair.

To learn more about Jordan's history, read the Looking Back column in the Dec. 2 print edition of the Jordan Independent or go to jordannews.com/news/looking-back.

There is snow on the ground and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere, so I think that means it's wintertime, or at least time for cold weather.

So what do you like to do to stay warm? Is there a special food or drink that makes the season a little bit warmer?