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 15, 1965
Drive-in and Dairy Store opens: The new Prior Lake Drive-in and Dairy Store, owned and operated by C.M. Clemens of Prior Lake, opened for business last week. Located on Highway 13 north of the Village, the establishment advertised that it would feature 19-cent hamburgers and a complete line of dairy store products. The drive-in opened daily at 11 a.m. and a grand opening was scheduled for the future.
More than 100 students in summer kindergarten: Principal Norbert Maertens announced 111 students were registered for summer kindergarten that would run through July 16. Of the 111 students, 36 were attending St. Michael’s School in the fall. Instructors for the program were Mrs. Hazel Holmes, Mrs. Eunice Washa, Mrs. Kathleen Hoff and Miss Videl Beattie.
Band camp scholarships awarded: Parents awarded five scholarships to student members of the band at the annual Spring Pop Concert. Recipients were Tiiu Lukk, Lonna Gormley, Dave Humbert, Andrea Carpenter and Darcy McMullen. Alternates elected were Dean Martin and Verna Monson.
Published 40 years ago
June 17, 1985
City explores resort and conference center: The Prior Lake City Council approved sending a questionnaire to local residents about whether bringing a major resort/conference hotel on the north side of Prior Lake was a good idea. A consulting firm had been hired by the city which had studied the hotel development option, along with redevelopment of the downtown area, establishing a small business development center and creation of an office and warehouse corporate center.
Teachers recognized: Prior Lake teachers Kathy Jensen and Karen Dolby were honored as recipients of the 1985 Teacher of Excellence Award. Other individuals recognized for serving the district for 20 or more years included: Olga Ramberg, district office secretary; Ken Ziemann, music director and director of the senior high school band; Sheryl Hennen, third grade; Audrey Justin, sixth grade; and Gale Mord, art instructor.
Busselman named top coach: For the second straight year, Darwin Busselman was name the Missota Conference “Baseball Coach of the Year.” His Lakers’ team captured the conference title with a 12-2 record and went 16-5 overall for the season.
Published 20 years ago
June 18, 2005
New residential development approved: Final plat plans for the Stemmer Ridge development located off of County Road 12 were approved by the Prior Lake City Council. The development encompassed 83 acres divided into 79 lots for single family homes and eight outlots consisting of wetlands, bluffs and excess land to be deeded to the city, as well as a common area to be managed by a homeowners’ association. A 5.88-acre park is planned on the west side of the development.
New city hall, police station progressing: The city became one step closer to building a new city hall and police station with the purchase of several properties previously owned by Mary and Marty Gores. The city previously obtained two other properties located along Dakota Street.
Middle schools to partner on some programs: Hidden Oaks Middle School and the new middle school located across the street and formerly used as Prior Lake High School, will exist as partner schools, based on the proposal made to the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board. The school’s planning committee supported a partnership concept as opposed to having one middle school campus or two completely separate schools. While the schools would operate separately for most programs, some programs could be combined or offered at one location or the other, depending on need.
