Editor’s note: In addition to our typical dive into the Prior Lake American’s archives for this week’s news from 60, 40 and 20 years ago, we welcome occasional submissions from longtime resident Kathy Dawson, an avid collector of Prior Lake’s historical documents and photos. Her work will be highlighted as part of “Prior Lake in the Past” summaries. 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 gets much needed water crossing in 1898
Submitted by Kathy Dawson
John LeVesconte and William Simpkins went to the Scott County Commissioners in 1898. Their mission was to finalize plans to build a bridge across the lake in the Grainwood Park area.
Until that time, the only way of crossing was a ferry that maneuvered back and forth on the east side of the railroad bridge. The bid for construction was awarded to Frank Buch of Shakopee. The cost was $769.
By July, the wooden structure was built. Peter Stemmer of Eagle Creek informed buggy drivers for miles around that the new Grainwood Bridge was ready for travel. He explained that the Shakopee drivers could take the Grosshouser Road and make use of the bridge on the journey to Prior Lake by horse team. The wagon bridge was built wide enough and strong enough to hold the heftiest of horses and wagons.
The bridge also became a favorite fishing spot for many. Every spring, devout fishermen and women would assemble at the bridge with the intention of bringing home a limit of crappies. Cane poles were used. Some folks sat on the rails with a long line. Others sat on the embankment.
Many friendships were made, many fish stories were told, and many fishing lines were surely tangled.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
August 10, 1965
Assistant County Attorney named: Richard Menke, Prior Lake, was named Assistant County Attorney after being appointed by the Scott County Board of Commissioners. Born and reared in Sand Creek Township, he had practiced law in the area for six years. He opened an office in Prior Lake in 1959 and two years later took over Bob Breunig’s practice in Jordan after he was named a district judge in the First Judicial District. Menke’s great grandparents homesteaded in the county in the 1850s.
Snell’s Bar named league champs: Snell’s Bar completed the Prior Lake softball season with a record of 9-1 to earn the season championship trophy. Team members were: Spike Muelken, Don Klingberg, Hank Smith, Duane Asmus, Dave Carlson, Art Snell, Don Busse, Bob Pruessler, Bill Gentz, Elmer Clark, Gene Schmitz, Larry Devitt, Ken Doble, Buzz Hergott, Ray Devitt and manager Frank Snell. Second place went to Hennen’s Fairway with a 6-4 record.
Scholarship recipient: Miss Linda Kay Rognlie was the recipient of the Charles and Aldora Alliss educational scholarship from the University of Minnesota. Miss Rognlie, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rognlie of Prior Lake, was a sophomore at Concordia College majoring in English and anticipating graduation in 1968 with a bachelor of arts degree.
Published 40 years ago
August 12, 1985
City denies street connection: Residents in the Willows neighborhood persisted for nearly two hours before the Prior Lake City Council did an about-face and agreed that a connecting street between the neighborhood and the Five Hawks area would not be constructed. A developer proposed the connection as part of the Priorwood 5th Addition in the Willows and Five Hawks Avenue.
Demolition derby driver charged: A Shakopee man was arrested and charged with reckless driving at the Scott County Demolition Derby. The driver had been disqualified in his heat but said he was not aware of the action. He lined up for the championship round, was told he had been disqualified, tore out of line, spun around a few times and was arrested when he drove back to his trailer.
Attendance record-breaker: Attendance was up 14% at the 69th annual Scott County Fair. The Jordan event had nearly perfect weather for the four-day schedule, with Saturday’s attendance breaking an all-time record.
Published 20 years ago
August 13, 2005
Credit union robbed: The Minnesota Fugitive Task Force arrested a St. Paul man charged with robbing a Prior Lake credit union at gunpoint. The criminal complaint alleged he approached a teller at South Metro Federal Credit Union on Mystic Lake Drive, displayed a semi-automatic handgun, demanded money and left with $4,000 cash.
Fishing tournament winners named: Dozens of families turned out for the Prior Lake Association’s annual Family Fishing Tournament at Captain Jack’s during Lakefront Days. Tournament winners included: Grant Gilbert, Michael Gustin, Cleo Grassman, Lindsey Lovik, Cody Henle, Trevon Comp, Jacob Gustin, Shauna Stephenson and Sandy Stephenson.
Mudcats lose in playoffs: The Prior Lake Mudcats lost for a third time to Elko in the Region 3C baseball playoff elimination game. Prior Lake’s outfielders Ben Schmidt and Kyle Johnson were recognized for making it through the entire season error-free.
