Fifty years ago, when Scott County went to 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week police and deputy dispatching by radio, Paul "Bucky" Beckman of Jordan was one of three dispatchers.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the July 10 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

Simon and Hans Peterson of Belle Plaine Township rode together on the
35-mile leg of the Jordan Valley Bike Tour, sponsored by the Jordan
Area Chamber of Commerce.

They stopped at Cedar Summit Dairy in Helena
Township, had their photo taken by reporter Patrick Fischer, and were
pictured on the front page of the June 26 issue of the New Prague Times.

Here's what's been going on in and around New Prague lately, according to the New Prague Times:

- Mayor W.A. "Wink" Bender of New Prague followed his own neighborly
advice. After advocating that city residents help out their neighbors
in need, Bender mowed the lawn of the vacant home next door to his own
home. Bender's photo on a riding lawnmower was printed on page 7B of
the June 19 issue of the Times.

- Joe Shuster of New Prague wrote the book "Beond Fossil Fools: The Roadmap to Energy Independence by 2040."

Seventy years ago, the Spring Lake Pavilion hosted the hottest Bohemian and German dance orchestra in the Northwest. 

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the July 10 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

The Jordan American Legion baseball team will play their regular season finale tonight at 6:30 p.m. when they face Holy Family in Victoria.

The Jordan Brewers play a crucial Section 3B game tonight at the Mini-Met.

Jordan plays Green Isle at 7:30 p.m. The Brewers hold a game and half lead over Green Isle in the Section 3B standings. 

Today, Tim Rud, the three-term mayor of Lonsdale, filed for office in Minnesota House of Representatives District 25B. He is a Republican.

He will run against state Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield, who filed for re-election on July 1. Bly, who has served one two-year term in office, represents a district that includes Helena Township.

Here's what's been going on in and around Belle Plaine lately, according to the Belle Plaine Herald:

- Belle Plaine issued four permits for new home during the first six months of the year. Ten years ago, the city saw the number more than double, increasing from 19 in 1997 to 46 in 1998.

- The Belle Plaine school board will dip into its budget reserves, despite receiving a surprise one-time increase in funding from the state.

- Three seats for the Belle Plaine City Council are open. Former Councilmember Cary Coop was the first to file.

Seventy years ago, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organized in Jordan with a post membership that consisted of 15 men.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the July 10 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

The Jordan Millers had little trouble with Prior Lake as they defeated the Mariners 8-1 on Monday night at the Mini Met.

With the win the Millers are now in first place in the league with a 5-2 record.

Troy Mahoney pitched all seven innings giving up only one hit and striking out eight.