U.S. Rep. John Kline’s office has announced a lottery for constituents who would like tickets to attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Residents of Minnesota’s Second Congressional District who wish to be entered into the ticket lottery should call Kline’s Burnsville office at (952) 808-1213 or his Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2271 no later than noon Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Rita Norling, 68, of Prior Lake, passed away at her home on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 4-8 p.m. at Ballard–Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. at the Church of St.

By Lori Carlson, Editor 

Lyaman McPherson likes “old stuff,” and he’s hoping to bring some of the past back to Prior Lake.

On Monday, McPherson presented his plan to operate a 1940s-era railroad car diner in the downtown area.

A liquor store that sparked a local debate and resulted in a court fight is likely to open later this week, a spokesperson said Monday.

MGM Wine and Spirits will open at 14173 Commerce Ave., likely by the end of the week, said Franchise Coordinator Jackie Jorgensen.

A local resident will present his plan for a downtown railroad car-style diner during tonight’s Prior Lake City Council meeting.

Lyaman McPherson will talk to council members about how the diner could fit into the city’s plans for downtown redevelopment. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 4646 Dakota St.

Hazel C. (Mrs. John S.) Evans

Hazel C. Evans, 66, of Faribault, died on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at her daughter’s home in Prior Lake.

Services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Faribault, with the Rev. Allan Nelson officiating.

(See criminal complaint below)

By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer

Murder charges were filed Friday morning against the 43-year-old husband of Shakopee Valley News reporter Ruth Anne Maddox.

Dear Readers:

We at the Prior Lake American and Southwest Newspapers can't begin to thank you for the notes and words of kindness we've received regarding the tragic death of our dear friend and colleague, Ruth Anne Maddox. We are devasted by her loss and your outpouring of sympathy helps us cope and makes us realize how special Ruth Anne was to her readers and friends and acquaintences.

A power outage across parts of Savage and Prior Lake this morning was caused by an electrical line that was struck by construction workers near Egan Drive and O'Connell Road.

Savage firefighters were called to a call of a gas line that was struck with flames coming from it at 8:11 a.m., but when firefighters' arrived it was determined that a construction company actually struck a power line and it ignited.

The fire was out on arrival, so firefighters stood-by until Minnesota Valley Electric arrived.

There were no injuries reported.