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
May 25, 1965
School Board election has record turnout: A record-high vote total was recorded in the recent School Board election, with 1,022 votes cast. Thomas Battis was elected to serve a one-year term; Wallace Langhorst and Bob Peterson were elected for three-year terms.
Bookmobile summer schedule announced: The summer schedule for the Dakota-Scott Regional Library serving Prior Lake and the surrounding area will start on June 1 and run through Oct. 2. The Bookmobile will stop every Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. at the parking lot near the depot. Other stops will continue at Highway 13: Country Court from 2:30 to 3 p.m.; Shady Beach Road, 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.; Stepka Addition 3 to 3:30 p.m.; and Fish Point Road at Bluedorn’s home from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Gustavus Adolphus graduate: Larry Carpenter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gayle Carpenter of Prior Lake, graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter with a major in biology.
Published 40 years ago
May 27, 1985
Boaters oppose new speed limits on Prior: Proposed speed limits of 40 miles-per-hour during the day and 15 miles-per-hour at night on Prior Lake were met with disapproval from a number of boating enthusiasts during a city council meeting. The majority of those who spoke against the proposed ordinance said current common-sense methods of policing the local waters were adequate, and designating maximum speeds would create more problems and be harder to enforce. The proposed ordinance was being reviewed by the council even though the county patrols the lake.
New principal named: Prior Lake resident Paula Tetzloff was named the new Prior Lake Junior High School principal, following the retirement of John Kalton. She previously served as the assistant principal in the New Prague School District.
1985 prom a big hit with students: A total of 170 couples attended Prior Lake High School’s 1985 prom. The theme for the year was “A Night on Broadway,” and according to newspaper reports, “spectators were given quite a show of elegant outfits that usually included tuxedos for young men and beautiful gowns with large, full skirts, ruffles and lace for the young women.” High School Principal Fred Blaisdell said the number of students attending was the highest ever — up by 80 over the previous year, adding that the event was held at the high school for safety reasons and to keep ticket prices down.
Published 20 years ago
May 28, 2005
New elementary school gets name: With little discussion, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board unanimously approved the name Jeffers Pond Elementary School for the district’s newest building. Board members said it was the logical choice, given the pond site located at county roads 42 and 21. Other names considered included: Jeffers View, Jeffers, PL-Jeffers and Sheila Wellstone.
Brandeland breaks record in girls’ track: Led by standout Megan Brandeland, the Prior Lake girls track team won its third straight Missota Conference title in Northfield. Brandeland won two events, including a Prior Lake record in the 3,200 meter relay race with a time of 11 minutes, 21.6 seconds. The previous school record stood for 16 years.
Nash to head school’s business department: The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board hired Margo Nash to be the new director of the business affairs starting with the new school year on July 1. She replaced Jere Phillips who was retiring on June 2.
