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
August 3, 1965
Many more students: The Prior Lake Board of Education encountered a heavy work session during its planning meeting held at the high school. A 10% annual increase in school enrollment was anticipated. In the 1960-61 school year, the student count was 561; by 1967-68, the estimate was projected at well over 1,100 students.
Resuscitation option: A demonstration and opportunity to practice mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was featured at the Prior Lake Association’s monthly meeting held at the high school. President C.L. Anderson noted that this type of rescue is accepted as the most likely to revive a person suffering from lack of air, drowning, gas suffocation and electric shock. George Mingo of the Scott County Water Patrol was on hand to answer questions about boating rules and regulations.
New newspaper correspondent: Mrs. Amy Squire of Prior Lake assumed the duties as local correspondent for the Prior Lake American and Jordan Independent. For the past six years, Mrs. Charles Brookshire was the correspondent, but was forced to retire because of her eyesight. Mrs. Squire, a widow, is a native of Prior Lake. She moved to the village in 1959 after selling “The Cedars,” a farm located on County Road 23, owned by her family for 93 years.
Published 40 years ago
August 5, 1985
No smoking!: Park-Nicollet clinics in Prior Lake and Shakopee announced that effective Jan. 1, 1986, a new policy would be enforced, making all buildings totally smoke-free. The directive further mandated that no smoking would be allowed in their clinics or on the premises.
Priordale gets a facelift: Shoppers and storeowners had a reason to celebrate following the completion of the interior renovation project at Priordale Mall. Remodeling of the building’s exterior was next on the agenda, along with the center’s parking lot.
Lakeshore offering: A four-level home with 125 feet of lakeshore on Prior was listed by Edina Realty for $139,900. The property included a three-car garage, three bedrooms, and could be purchased with a contract for deed.
Published 20 years ago
Aug. 6, 2005
Get your tattoo: Prior Lake’s first-ever tattoo parlor, The Canvas, was opened by Jerome DeLeon.
Three out of four: The Hesch family made a tradition out of hunting for the Lakefront Days medallion. Brothers Dan and Tommy found the hidden treasure on the back of an old sign at Sand Point Beach. It was the third year out of four they were successful in finding the medallion for which they earned $100 in Sacajawea coins, chamber bucks and getting to ride in the Lakefront Days parade.
School district hires business leader: Prior Lake School District 719 hired Margo Nash as its new director of business affairs. She had previously served as the business manager for Faribault Public Schools.