Breanna L. Carlson reports:

David and Melinda Morales' surname originates from the Spanish heritage, but much more culture lies behind the name. Hawaiian, Mexican, and Canadian cultures also make up the Morales family.

The couple has four children who are one-fourth Canadian, one-fourth Hawaiian and one-half Mexican: Hector, Melinda, Mark, and Michael. The Morales family has been living in Jordan for 13 years and embraces their culture by incorporating traditions from their heritage into their home.

At Heimatfest last Saturday, Miss Jordan 2008-2009 was crowned in front of a large crowd. See the video of the big moment:

Ten years ago, Brandon Deutsch, 7, found the Heimatfest medallion.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the Sept. 11 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

When the big moment came for 10 young women vying to become Miss Jordan 2008-2009, Lauren Mauk came out on top.

To be her successor, Sarah Will, Miss Jordan 2007-2008, crowned Mauk under the tent at Heimatfest on Saturday. Also crowned were: Sara Hanson, first princess; Morgan Mauk, Lauren's sister, second princess; and Marsha Wolf, Miss Congeniality.

Ten participants is the highest number the Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Jordan Ambassador Program has seen in several years.

And now a word from the outgoing Miss Jordan ambassadors:

The Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Jordan pageant took place yesterday at the OK Corral Restaurant & Saloon in St. Lawrence Township, near Jordan.

Ten candidates were asked to draw a question from a fishbowl, and master of ceremonies Wade Olson read it aloud. Here are the candidates' questions and answers:

The Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Jordan pageant took place yesterday at the OK Corral Restaurant & Saloon in St. Lawrence Township, near Jordan. Meet the candidates:

The Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Jordan pageant took place yesterday at the OK Corral Restaurant & Saloon in St. Lawrence Township, near Jordan.

In the first video below, candidates for 2008-2009 joined the 2007-2008 royalty in a group dance. (The first video is a little odd, but you'll get the idea.) Then, in the second video, flutist Shannon Wick provides some entertainment.

In 2007-2008, Sarah Will served as Miss Jordan, and her royal court included first princess Mikayla Robling, second princess Marsha Bartholomay, and Miss Congeniality Erin Wildberg. They made 27 appearances while representing Jordan through the Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Miss Jordan Ambassador Program. Here are selected shots from the end-of-the-year slideshow: