The grand complex that was in the 1890s known as Mudbaden Sulphur Springs is being transformed into a regional training facility for police, fire, even military personnel. Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency opened the site earlier this month in Sand Creek Township. (Photos by Mathias Baden)

Ten years ago, the Jordan Commercial Club chose retiring police chief Alvin Erickson to be the honored guest at the organization's annual meeting.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the May 15 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

Seventy years ago, the Hilgers family sold the historic Merchants Hotel to a St. Paul woman and her aunt from Mankato.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the May 15 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

Fifty years ago, a new organization called the Jordan Veterans Honor Guard formed with the purpose of serving at military funerals and participating in Memorial Day exercises.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the May 8 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

Seventy years ago, post office workers in Jordan used a postmark depicting the city's location within an outline of the United States. The postmark was used for one week -- National Air Mail Week.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the May 8 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

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

- A proposal for the final plat and an 8-foot-by-12-foot addition to the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague passed with city council approval, despite opposition from city staff. 

- The New Prague school district's proposed budget shows just shy of $30 million in expenditures.

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

- Scott County Commissioner Jon Ulrich of Savage and the rest of the
county board unanimously directed staff to look into ways of opening
Cedar Lake Farms regional park in 2009. The land, which is owned by the
county, is located along Cedar Lake in Helena Township.

Fifty years ago, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission headquartered its Scott County division in Jordan. Ernest J. Wermerskirchen of Jordan was one of the commission members.

For more information, read the Looking Back column in the May 1 issue of the Jordan Independent. Read it online in the Print Edition section, or subscribe by going to www.jordannews.com/subscribe.

Brandon Otte reports:

Three Jordan area residents are probably smiling a little wider than usual this week.

The Jordan Commercial Club and the Jordan Jaycees held their annual distinguished service award banquet last Saturday and honored three lucky Jordan residents for being outstanding at what they do.

Tim Sonnek was recognized with the outstanding agriculturist award, presented by Jim Terwedo.
Sarah Langsweirdt Flynn was recognized as an outstanding young Jordanite, presented by Jerry Langsweirdt.