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
June 8, 1965
Break-in at Hilltop House Cafe: Culprits in need of cigarettes, candy, snack items and a few pieces of serving equipment broke into the Hilltop House Cafe sometime during the early hours of Wednesday. Mrs. Clarence Kes reported that when she arrived at work that morning, the rear door and window were broken in to gain entry. Investigating the crime scene was Officer Earl Killian of Prior Lake.
Newspaper on stage: A skit that portrayed the newspaper staff members of the Hoot ‘n Holler Tribune was put on by Mrs. Edward Keckeissen’s Cub Scout Den 5 members during a recent pack meeting. Actors included: reporter, Rob Engel; proofreader, Gary Keckeissen; cub reporter, Wayne Kohout; editor, John Mesenbrink; copy boy, David Latham; office boy, Michael Biever; and columnist, John Keckeissen. A good time was had by all.
Region 4 track meet results: A record was established by Laker Richard Theis who placed first in the high jump and hitting 6 feet, 2 inches. He will participate in the state meet later this week. Other Lakers who earned a spot at regions were Wayne Borchardt who placed fifth in the low hurdles. Les Carpenter placed fifth in the mile event with a time of 4:34.7 and set a new school record. Events were held at the University of Minnesota.
Published 40 years ago
June 10, 1985
Pagers needed?: The debate continued within the Prior Lake Volunteer Fire Department about the need for pagers to be carried by responders in addition to members being notified through their personal telephone line or listen for the emergency siren. In one instance that occurred in December of 1983, only one rescue volunteer responded to an emergency call. The reality of so few volunteers living in Prior Lake but working outside of the community was a major consideration. Fire Chief Bob Mertens said the department may have to consider actively recruiting staff members to cover daytime hours.
Lakefront Days to feature fun activities: Plans were well underway for the 1985 Lakefront Days celebration. Events were to include a bicycle ride, 10-K run, sailboarding race, water ski show, a celebrity softball game featuring talent from KSTP-TV, fireworks and a fishing contest.
Local student chosen for scholar program: Robert Simon from Prior Lake High School was selected as one of 85 high school juniors taking part in the Minnesota Governor’s Scholar program.
Published 20 years ago
June 11, 2005
Synchronized swimming pair earns first place: Laker synchronized swimmers Paige Mika and Annie Mickelson capped off a brilliant senior campaign by capturing first place in the long duets division of the state synchronized swimming meet. It was just Prior Lake’s second title in 20 years of the program, according to head coach Kathy Bohnsack.
Future of Kop farm debated: City leaders faced questions about preserving local history and ensuring the safety of residents as they debated the future of the Kop farmstead and buildings, now known as Lakefront Park. The council had approved the purchase of the 15.18-acre farmstead in March 1999 from John and Meda Kopp who held lifetime estate rights of the property. Meda Kop died in January, while her husband passed several years earlier. The council requested feedback from the community which would be considered at a future meeting.
Police investigate tire slashings: The Prior Lake Police Department received five separate reports of tire slashings that occurred in the downtown area. Tires were punctured at numerous homes located on Pleasant, Dakota and Colorado streets on Friday, June 3.
