Editor’s note: The weekly “Prior Lake in the Past” column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during the same week 60, 40 and 20 years ago. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those who are mentioned from years past, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
July 20, 1965
Body of drowning victim recovered: The body of LeRoy Theis, 21, of Shakopee, was recovered from Fish Lake by members of the Prior Lake Fire Department rescue unit, 30 hours after he fell from a boat and drowned. The Scott County Sheriff’s office, along with the fire departments from Prior Lake, Jordan and Shakopee, were called in to assist. His body was discovered in about 40 feet of water. Leroy was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Theis of Shakopee. He graduated from Shakopee High School and was employed at Thermo King in Bloomington.
Circus comes to town: The circus came to Prior Lake on July 21, at the Village Hall grounds and featured wild animals, side shows, 10 acts and free kiddie rides, all in one big tent. Tickets were available at various business places in Prior Lake. This event was sponsored by the Prior Lake Business and Professional Club.
New Village Hall dedicated: Mayor Melvin Borchardt and other Village officials extended a sincere thank you to the community for making the dedication of the new Village Hall a success. Appreciation was extended to the Business and Professional Club, VFW, Prior Lake High School band, Prior Lake Scouts, and all the women of the Spic and Span Cleaning Service who prepared the Hall for the dedication.
Published 40 years ago
July 22, 1985
Church demolished: The corner of Duluth Avenue and Pleasant Street looked different once the old St. Michael’s Church was demolished the previous week. The stone cross that adorned the top of the church, the stone carving of the church name, and the statue that overlooked its main entrance were preserved with the intent of them being used in the new church that was to be constructed across the street.
City hires new assistant administrator: Dave Unmacht, 26, city administrator for the City of Belle Plaine, was hired as Prior Lake’s economic development director/assistant city administrator. His starting salary was $26,000.
PL resident honored by Scouts: Don Schrope, scoutmaster of Troop 339 in Prior Lake, was one of three scoutmasters recently recognized with the Boy Scout Award of Merit for dedicated service to the scouting program.
Published 20 years ago
July 23, 2005
Looking back: City officials were anxiously anticipating the opening of a 64-year-old time capsule buried in the city hall building on Dakota Street that served as the current city hall, and used as a grade school for many years. Carole (Monnens) Mertens said at that time those who opened the capsule would likely find pennies emblazoned with the year 1941, the year the school was built. The building was being demolished to make way for the new city hall and police campus.
School leader moves on: Barb Brown, communications director for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, submitted her resignation following acceptance of a similar position with the South Washington County School District.
Candidates file for open seats: Four candidates filed for the open seats in the fall school board election. They included Lee Shimek, Michael Murray, Tom Anderson and Natalie Latska-Woldstad. Dan White, whose term was also up, indicated he would not seek re-election.
