Jordan Public Schools math and reading proficiency dropped below state-wide performances in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, according to data recently released from the Minnesota Department of Education.

The Minnesota comprehensive Assessment - II test (MCA-II), which students took in April, measures student performance according to state academic standards in reading, mathematics, and science.

Last week in the the Eye of th Lion column, published in the Jordan Independent, Mary Oldenburg wrote about the scholarships given out by the Jordaness Lions Club:

"The best of luck and promise is extended to these scholarship recipients and all the Jordan graduates as they pursue their dreams and ambitions."

For more information, read the June 25 print edition of the JI.

Josh Chase reports:

Scott County Public Health offers Walk-In Immunization Clinics Monday afternoons from 1 to 5 PM at 792 Canterbury Road South, Suite A160, Shakopee. No clinics are held on legal holidays. The clinic office is located in the Workforce Development Center at the opposite end of the building of the WIC office.

An update by Tim Bischke, a member of the park and recreation commission:

Status of Jordan Trails (Summer ‘09)

Existing multi-use trails (less than 3 miles total):

- Lagoon Park—3/4 mile, 6-8’ wide; upgraded last fall?

- Timberline Subdivision—1/10 mile, 9’wide; at the northeastern edge for exit/entry

- 185th Ave & CR9—1/4 mile, 8’ wide; overgrown tree branches blocking trail

- Small sections on Hope Ave & CR66—1/4 mile; 9’ wide; dead-ends into chain link fence

About 60 Jordan kids got together to put on two showings of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" through the Prairie Fire Children's Theater Friday. See what it looked like by viewing the photos below:

Jessica Barnd Bauer paints storms.

During, before, or after a thunderstorm, she hikes out into the countryside behind the home where she grew up and studio where she works in Sand Creek Township to get photographs.

Bauer’s out shooting photos on top of the hill, “probably when I shouldn’t be,” she said.

Then, back at River Bottom Studio, she translates her photographs to canvas, by painting with a brush in each hand or sometimes just with her fingers.

After the Jordan School Board approved a list of budget cuts in January that included the reduction of a middle school music position from full to half time, it was up to administrators to figure out how to offer music education with less.

The solution was to stop offering fifth-grade band, effective the 2009-2010 school year.

"It's the lesser of all evils," middle school principal Lance Chambers said.

At this time of year, there are tragic stories of young people who either drown or become seriously injured in water accidents while attending graduation party festivities. Unfortunately, most accidents could have been prevented with adult guidance and supervision, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Tim Smalley, Minnesota DNR water safety specialist, noted some common scenarios when a dozen 17- and 18-year-olds go to one of their parents’ cabins up north.

The stage could be set for a tragedy if: