A press release from the Office of the Governor of Minnesota:

Governor Tim Pawlenty today issued Executive Order 10-04 declaring a State of Emergency in Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Clay, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Kittson, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lyon, Marshall, Nicollet, Norman, Polk, Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Scott, Sibley, Swift, Traverse, Washington, Wilkin, Wright, and Yellow Medicine to protect property and infrastructure from damage due to flooding.

A press release from the Minnesota Farm Bureau:

Governor Tim Pawlenty was presented Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture award during the annual Council of County Presidents on February 24 in St. Paul.

The Distinguished Service to Agriculture award is presented annually to outstanding leaders of agriculture in the state of Minnesota. The award is one of the most prestigious awards given by Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

Recently, I've been getting some e-mails from U.S. Rep. John Kline's office related to his YouTube page.

There is some interesting stuff on here: http://www.youtube.com/user/repjohnkline.

Just thought you might be interested, seeing as he's Jordan's representative in the U.S. House. Take a look.

If you like what your local newspaper does for you, please buy an ad or a subscription.

The Jordan Independent's advertising representative, Nancy Etzel, is hard at work preparing ads for the very finest of businesses in the Jordan area. We appreciate your support. 

We receive a large chunk of our revenue through your subscription payments. We appreciate your support.

It's important for a small town like Jordan to have all of the advantages of larger towns. A newspaper that cares about you is one aspect of Jordan that I think is especially beneficial.

A press release from the Office of the Governor of Minnesota:

ST. PAUL -– Governor Tim Pawlenty today released his supplemental budget recommendations, eliminating the state’s projected $1.2 billion deficit and providing tax cuts to spur job growth.

The Governor’s budget maintains funding for priority areas including military and veterans, core public safety, and K-12 education classrooms. Many other programs would be reduced including Local Government Aid, welfare and social services, and state government agencies.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

Winter in Minnesota is the peak time of year for norovirus, an illness that should be as easy to prevent as one, two three, say health officials: Wash your hands properly, prepare and handle food properly, and if you are ill, stay home and don't prepare food for others.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture:

ST. PAUL -– Minnesotans looking for the freshest food available from local growers will want to sign-up now with a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm for the 2010 season.

A press release from Lutheran Social Service:

Nothing spoils Valentine’s Day like an argument over money. Considering today’s economy and high unemployment and foreclosure rates, there’s a lot of stress surrounding money at home.

Money problems can start even before the “I do’s” are pronounced. During the courtship phase of a relationship, the sky’s the limit. As things progress, so does the price-tag, culminating with an engagement ring, elaborate wedding ceremony, and an exotic honeymoon. Budget and debt pressures soon set in.

Can you hardly believe it that two Minnesota Timberwolves were named to the U.S. national basketball team!?

Kevin Love and Al Jefferson will get a chance to make an Olympic basketball team this offseason, joining the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and many of the other biggest names in the NBA. So what is it like for these members of the local losing team to be in the presence of greatness? Do you think they will learn from the best?

Love and Jefferson made the 27-man cut for the national team. Only 12 players will make the Olympics.