Are you a very last-minute shopper?

There's still time to buy a subscription to your local newspaper, the Jordan Independent. 

The office, 109 Rice St. S., is open until 3:30 p.m. today and from 8:30 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Christmas Eve. 

Feel free to stop down and get a little something extra for the one you love.

The conversation on the Web site for your local newspaper continually entertains and edifies me. 

A tidbit that I should've told you a while ago:

Shakopee-based Southwest Newspapers Friday night honored Stan Rolfsrud, its president and the publisher of the Shakopee Valley News who is retiring, and posthumously honored Valley News staff writer Ruth Anne Maddox as the company’s journalist of the year. The program took place at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres during the company’s annual holiday party.

Maddox, 45, was found dead in her Prior Lake home Nov. 11. Police said she died of blunt-force injuries and her husband has been charged with her murder.

Boy, wowee, and holy mackerels!

There are only two newspaper jobs open in the state of Minnesota, according to today's issue of the Minnesota Newspaper Association Bulletin newsletter.

I'm glad I have a job.

Normally, I look at the job listings for the MNA -- not because I'm looking to leave the lovely berg of Jordan, but because I have many friends in the industry and have mentored several interns and college students who might like a good job. I tend to tip them off when there's an opening.

Today's journalism job climate isn't so great, it seems. 

Coaches, athletes, parents, fans, and other readers of the Jordan Independent sports coverage, your local newspaper is interested in your opinions about how to improve sports coverage in print and online.

Please take this short survey and become eligible for a drawing in which two, two-person passes to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (dinner and a show): Click here.

Here's a great deal on sportswear: www.saverfreak.com.

Every Friday, there's a new deal on something cool from one of Southwest Newspapers' advertisers. Check it out. 

If you haven't been to www.jordannews.com, you might be the only one on your block.

More than 12,000 unique visitors a month head to the Web site for your local newspaper, according to the latest numbers tallied by the Jordan Independent's newspaper group, Shakopee-based Southwest Newspapers. Even the newspaper staff is impressed by that number, which represents real people who care about Jordan and want news or conversation about the town.

The Jordan Independent gained an enthusiastic intern this week.

fishyfotos.com--everyone really needs to check this out!

Did you see the first annual Pet Bragger special section that ran in Southwest Saturday-Jordan/Belle Plaine last weekend?

The section featured more than 50 photographs of pets -- dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, and even a calf -- that were submitted by pet owners in the Southwest Metro area. In addition, nearly 20 businesses that provide products and services for pet owners in the Southwest Metro were presented.