Hoping that the proposed trail project along Aberdeen Avenue (County Road 61) would receive money from the federal economic stimulus package, the city of Jordan held off on doing the work.

Recent changes to the state’s application requirements have geared the funds for larger cities than Jordan that “provide access to transit facilities,” City Engineer Carol Caron said, according to city council minutes. “Therefore, the city’s chance of receiving stimulus funds is very slim.”

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that a Twin Cities area child who was infected with the H1N1 novel influenza virus has died. The child, who had underlying medical conditions, was briefly hospitalized and died late last week. Laboratory tests subsequently determined that the child had the H1N1 novel influenza.

A press release from the office of U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn.:

WASHINGTON – Minnesota Congressman John Kline this week introduced the “Auto Dealers Pension Fairness Act,” legislation that would protect auto dealers who are being shut down as part of the reorganization of Chrysler and GM. Congressman Kline’s bill would shield affected auto dealers from being forced to pay any “withdrawal liability” pension payments until Congress has a better understanding of the federal government’s role and responsibility for those restructurings.

Emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. Its grub-like larvae destroy trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree's nutrients. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer.

A column by U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn.:

Throughout the year, we often have opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women throughout history who have served our great nation. On Memorial Day, we pause to honor a select few: those who gave their lives to defend our freedom. This is a day to celebrate their ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

A guest commentary by Dr. Terry Benson:

If you haven’t heard by now about the pandemic outbreak of the 2009 swine flu or the H1N1 flu, you must be living in a cave. Breaking news for you cave dwellers: All flu or respiratory diseases are bad.

A press release from the office of U.S. Rep. John Kline:

BURNSVILLE –- U.S. Rep. John Kline is inviting members of Minnesota’s agriculture community who are residents of the Second Congressional District to consider applying to his Agriculture Advisory Board.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

Tests on 957 community water supply systems during the past year have again shown little evidence of contamination problems in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Test results for calendar year 2008 are summarized in the newly released edition of the department's report on the state of Minnesota's drinking water. MDH has published the report annually since 1995.

First-half property taxes are due by Friday, May 15. Several options are available to make payments.

- Pay in person at Customer Service, located in the Scott County Government Center, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays or 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Government Center is located at 200 Fourth Ave. W. in Shakopee.

- Mail. Letters must be postmarked on or before May 15. (Postage increases from 42 cents to 44 cents starting May 11.)