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
April 13, 1965
The 1965 March of Dimes drive was completed. The residential areas of Prior Lake donated a total $65.25. Chairman for the Prior Lake drive was Karl Mickus. The committee expressed its sincere appreciation to the people of Prior Lake for their fine cooperation in making the drive a success.
All traffic from Shakopee and Jordan was detoured through Prior Lake when the Minnesota River flooded area highways. Sunday afternoon the junction at Highways 101 and 13 west of Savage was under five feet of water. High school students, boy scouts and other volunteers from Prior Lake assisted with sandbagging in Savage.
Published 40 years ago
April 15, 1985
Officials from St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake began discussion on construction of a new worship center. The city’s building inspector had in earlier months indicated the structure used for decades was in poor condition and should no longer host worship services. Masses were then moved to the school’s gymnasium, which at times, also proved to be too small for the congregation’s membership that was estimated at 5,000. A new and much larger structure is planned for the other side of Pleasant Street at a cost of $1.75 million.
The Prior Lake City Council approved the purchase of 1.2 acres of private property that will be added to Sand Pointe Beach Park. Cost of the property was $177,800, of which the city was responsible for $96,050. The remaining amount came from grant monies and $31,750 covered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
City officials discussed possibilities for future development of a teen activity center. Bill Mangan, Prior Lake Park and Recreation Director, suggested the city consider putting the issue to a referendum vote to finance such a facility.
Published 20 years ago
April 16, 2005
Animal Control Officer Bob McCallister retired from his contracted position with the City of Prior Lake, after serving in that role for 40 years.
The softball field near Prior Lake High School was named “Daggit Field,” after women’s athletic pioneer Kathy Daggit. Hers was the only name submitted for consideration, following her 25 years of coaching the sport.
The Prior Lake Rotary Club will host its 15th annual DARE Bike-a-thon on May 7. The fundraiser supports drug and violence resistance programs in local elementary schools.