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

March 23, 1965

Members of St. Michael’s Altar and Rosary Society scheduled a Lenten Luncheon and Spring Style show for April 2 at the church hall. The style show was presented by Montgomery Ward. Luncheon tickets were sold for $1.25 each. Mrs. Margaret O’Keefe was chair of the event.

From the “Locals” column:
– Jerome Loftus of Mankato spent the weekend at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Loftus.
– Miss Teresa Ryan flew to New York City to spend the weekend with her friend, Miss Phyllis Logan.
– Mrs. John Grapper and Caroline, Mrs. Elizabeth Haferman, and Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Beaudette drove to St. Peter on Sunday to visit Mrs. Clara Havican.

Published 40 years ago

March 25, 1985

Warm weather created significant snow melt which forced a shut-down of three Minnesota River bridges, including the Bloomington Ferry Bridge, for a two-week period. The flooding of the land-locked twin ponds located on both sides of County Road 42, east of Highway 13, also caused minor traffic problems.

District 719’s Assistant Superintendent Les Sonnabend was chosen as one of three candidates being considered to fill the top administrative position for the Inver Grove Heights School District. The position was later filled by Dr. Kirby Lehman of Mount Zion, Ill.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 15 for the “River Bluffs of Prior Lake” commercial building planned for the southwest corner of the intersection at Highway 13 and County Road 42. The facility will house a branch of Prior Lake State Bank and medical clinic affiliated with Chaska Medical Center.

Published 20 years ago

March 26, 2005

Former Prior Lake High School student Lisa Marie Klein received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. U.S. Senator Mark Dayton nominated Klein for the appointment.

Two students at Prior Lake High School advanced in the American Mathematics Competition. Top scorers included Eric Pegors with 109 points and Kobina Taylor with 104 points.