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

September 7, 1965

Exchange student welcomed: Jose Antonio Henrique’s, a 17-year-old from Caracas, Venezuela, was welcomed to Prior Lake High School as its first American Field Service exchange student. Totono, the name he preferred, stayed with the Gayle Carpenter family. He arrived Aug. 30 and brought a gift from his country for each member of the Carpenter family.

Largest enrollment to date: A record enrollment of 927 students in Prior Lake Public Schools was announced at the start of the school year, which was up 140 students from the previous September and represented an increase of nearly 18%, according to Superintendent John Schmidt. Enrollment since 1961 had increased 83% in the elementary school, with the high school showing a gain of 49%.

Minnetonka Clippers in town: The Minnesota Clippers Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets was scheduled to hold a meeting in the Prior Lake Village Hall on Sept. 13. Local residents Bill Lipka, Richard Geren, Al White, Bill Thompson and Lee Carlson were members of the chapter and recruited to help with refreshments and entertainment that evening.

Published 40 years ago

September 9, 1985

4-H ribbon winners: Two Prior Lake boys won ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. Troy Heald earned a red ribbon for his model airplane presentation, while Mike Neus took home a purple ribbon for his project in the self-determination category. Both boys participated in the local 4-H program.

A win in season opener: The Laker football team edged Benilde-St. Margaret 7-2 in the season opener. Paul Carney played a key role in the Lakers’ defensive effort. The junior safety picked off two passes, one with less than three minutes left in the game that stopped the Red Knights’ last scoring opportunity.

Council, mayor seats open: Filings opened for two city council positions and the mayor’s seat. The terms filled by council members Ted Schweich and Keith Thorkelson were to expire at the end of the year, along with that being held by Mayor Gary Johnson.

Published 20 years ago

September 10, 2005

Lots of lightning: A severe storm that produced lightning strikes for nearly 12 hours caused three house fires in Prior Lake. Homes located on Highview Court, Century Lane and Prairie Hills Lane all sustained damage, two of which had significant loss. The lightning also impacted the county’s communication system after the main towers had also been struck by lightning.

Grand opening of high school stadium: Dan Patch Stadium at Prior Lake High School was officially dedicated on Sept. 2 with a musical production by the PLHS band and raising of the colors by members of the Dan Patch American Legion. Will Williams of the Dan Patch Historical Society spoke about its namesake, the world record-holding pacer that ran a 1:55 mile at the 1906 Minnesota State Fair.

Helping after hurricane: Prior Lake resident Brock Dombrovski, 26, packed up his truck and 16-foot boat and headed to Louisiana, in an effort to help those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He joined several military personnel and members of the Army Corps of Engineers in locating people in need, looking for survivors and handing out food and water. Upon returning to Minnesota, he shared his experience hoping to inspire others to help.