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
July 13, 1965
Truck / train accident kills one: Leander Borka, 38, of rural Prior Lake, was killed at 4:55 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, when his 1963 Chevrolet pickup truck was struck by a westbound Milwaukee diesel freight train. The truck, a complete loss, was pushed 327 feet. Borka was a World War II Navy veteran. He was survived by his wife, Genevieve, and his two young daughters, Kathy and Linda. Internment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Advertisement for private swimming lessons: Children or adults, by Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. $1 per hour. Register at Sunset Beach, Spring Lake. Afternoon sessions begin July 19.
Newspaper is serving the community: (Public Notice) The Prior Lake American, soon in its sixth year of publishing, is Prior Lake’s own community newspaper, exclusively serving Prior Lake. The American has no other community interest and does not have to play second fiddle to another community before boosting and promoting Prior Lake. The American is the only newspaper maintaining an office in the village of Prior Lake, staffed by local personnel who hold membership in local organizations and take an active part in the community. — Signed by Keith M. Thaves, Publisher, and Betty Jones, Managing Editor
Published 40 years ago
July 13, 1985
Crime numbers up: The city’s crime rate for the month of June was 150 incidents higher than the figure reported for the same month in the previous year. Prior Lake Police Chief Dick Powell said the number of calls for the year to date was also 357 higher than the same period in 1984. He said he didn’t see any trends in types of crime being reported. He attributed to the fact the city was “just growing.”
Large sewer/water project gets okay from city: The controversial $2.6 million North Shore Trunk Sewer and Water Project received preliminary approval from the Prior Lake City Council. The project would involve obtaining easements for certain areas of the project to accommodate the 9,600 foot sanitary sewer line and 6,800 foot water main.
No, it’s not for sale: Someone who lived on Brooks Circle reported that an ad was placed in the Prior Lake American stating they were selling a motorcycle. In fact, they said, they were not, and the ad was thought to be continuing harassment by another party.
Published 20 years ago
July 16, 2005
Medal of Valor recipients: Two Prior Lake men, Tony Voight, 26, and Andy Wolfram, 28, were honored for their rescue efforts in a Minnesota River boating accident in which three Bloomington residents died. Both were awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest civilian honor, in a recognition ceremony held by the Bloomington Police Department.
Faricy family reunion attendees come from near and far: Descendants of the three Faricy brothers who helped settle Credit River Township were scheduled to converge upon Cleary Lake Regional Park on July 23 to remember Patrick, Robert and James Faricy who came to the area from County Cork, Ireland, in 1855. The event was expected to draw hundreds of family members from all over the United States and throughout the world.
Vandals hit two neighborhoods: Acts of vandalism and theft in two adjacent Prior Lake neighborhoods left a trail of destruction that included paint covered exteriors, shattered windows, a sliced vehicle cover and other damages. Prior Lake police received vandalism reports on July 11 from numerous residents living in the area of Five Hawks Avenue and Tranquility Court.
