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 18, 1965
Roundhouse Rodney makes local appearance: One of the entertainers featured regularly on the popular children’s television show, “Lunch With Casey,” came to Prior Lake. Roundhouse Rodney wowed many local youngsters when he appeared at the grand opening of Andrews Rexall Drug. He came with a positive message for youngsters who attended, noting “it is not what you can do, but how you do it.”
Campfire Girls in parade: Eight girls from Prior Lake rode on the Campfire float in the Shakopee PowWow Days parade. The float was sponsored by Minnesota Federal Bank and also appeared in the Aquatennial Parade. Girls who rode on the float were Bluebirds Mary Sue Thelen, Connie Muelken, Nancy Busse and Amy Jo Brown. The four Campfire Girls who joined them included Cheryl Clark, Joy Ulrich, Carole Herrin and Barb Brown.
Air Force serviceman: Airman Third Class Patrick McAnally, son of Mr. and Mrs. John McAnally of Prior Lake, was selected for technical training at Keesler AFB in Mississippi as a communications electronics specialist.
Published 40 years ago
August 19, 1985
SMSC takes control: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community won its long battle to oust the management company that brought bingo to the Prior Lake reservation. A federal judge gave the community full control of the operation and its profits, noting that the 15-year contract between the two parties was invalid due to lack of approval by the tribe’s general counsel, the company’s interference with tribal affairs and the extremely long length of the contract.
Football plus watermelon: The Laker football team scheduled its annual Watermelon Bowl for Aug. 24. Teams from Chaska, St. Paul Central and LeCenter were invited to play.
Lots of local businesses: A flyer inserted into the Prior Lake American featured these Priordale Mall buisnesses: Hauser’s IGA, Main Street Hair Company, Spindrifters, Strings & Things, Coast to Coast, Bob’s Sports, Teri-Jo Floral, Kids’ Korner, Carol’s Furniture, TJ Hooligan’s, Housewares Etc., Prior Lake Chiropractic, Enggren’s, Anchor Inn, Creative Graphics, Nora’s Ark, Noll’s Hallmark Shop and Video Update.
Published 20 years ago
August 20, 2005
Shared resources between city, school district: The City of Prior Lake and Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools agreed to share a park and softball field planned for construction next to Jeffers Pond Elementary School. The agreement reached would allow the school district to use the park and field during school hours, but be open to the general public evenings and weekends.
Making way for new buildings: The existing Prior Lake City Hall building was permanently closed to make room for a new building and police station. Departments were relocated to existing buildings throughout Prior Lake. The new city hall and police department were expected to open by the end of 2006.
Election season begins: Filings for the Prior Lake City Council election were scheduled to run from Aug. 30 through Sept. 13. Open seats would include: Mayor Jack Haugen, and Councilmembers Joe Zieska and Bryan Fleming.