Rural residents across Scott County will gather this evening for their annual town meetings.

The meetings, which are run directly by the residents, decide routine business, such as what banks and newspapers to use for the coming year. Citizens also review last year's budget and approve the proposed budget and levy for next year, either at today's discussion or in a meeting continued to this fall.

There are also four townships holding elections today: Jackson, Cedar Lake, Credit River and New Market. The others have moved to fall elections.

Ten years ago, in Spring Lake Township, Donald Beuch was elected supervisor and Willard Brandt re-elected clerk.

Read more of Jordan's history in the Looking Back column published in the March 11 print edition of the Jordan Independent.

Lori Carlson of the Prior Lake American reports:

Concerned that Mediacom’s recent lawsuit against the city of Prior Lake could have implications for cable TV franchise agreements statewide, Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) is leading a charge in the Legislature to clarify the existing cable franchise law.

A press release from the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District:

The Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Jordan welcomes a new employee this month. Dan Miller of Minneapolis has been hired as the Water Resource Education Coordinator to provide educational services throughout Scott County regarding stormwater pollution prevention strategies.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture:

ST. PAUL -– Minnesota ranks in the top ten of states with the largest number of certified organic farms according to a new survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The 2008 Organic Production Survey also found that while organic farmers enjoy higher sales of their products, they also incur more expenses to raise them compared to U.S. farms overall.

DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: With discussions about the 2012 farm bill coming up soon, what are some of the issues the DNR is interested in seeing Congress tackle?

On Feb. 2, Minnesotans narrow the list of gubernatorial candidates during caucus meetings.

For more information about local caucuses or to find your caucus location, click on the PDF attached below.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce gave special awards to the Jordan Fire Department and ERA Sandey Real Estate, the Anna Sandey (businessperson of the year) award to Sharon Velishek, and the business of the year award to Insurance Brokers of Minnesota.

The 2010 chamber board includes Velishek, Troy Schuette, Cathy Isles, Howard Senske, Jason Hombach, Elizabeth Thelemann, Jo Erp, Allen Houdek, Amy Radermacher, Dave Holzer, Vicki Borowicz, and Dr. Jeff May.

See the videos from the event:

The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes next week.

So what is the south-of-the-river agenda? From the regional public safety training facility in Sand Creek Township to Scott County roads, find out what local officials are pushing for, in the PDF attached below.

Here's how to contact your Jordan area legislators.

See the PDF attached below.