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 25, 1965
School opening enrollment at 267: St. Michael’s Catholic School was scheduled to open Sept. 7 with 267 students. Assuming the duties of the principal role, formerly held by Sister Petrine, was Sister Stanislaus who was also scheduled to teach the fourth grade. Sister Mary Ralph was assigned to first grade; Sister Bathildis and Mrs. Anthony Conroy were to lead second grade; Mrs. Cletus Riesgraf was assigned to third grade; Mrs. Harold Stromwall, grade five; Sister Marie Louise, grade six; Sister Mary Celeste, grade seven; and Sister Paulette, grade eight. Paul Reinboldt and Mrs. Francis O’Keefe were to assist with physical education. A group of volunteers helped with library responsibilities.
Joining high school faculty: Nine new teachers joined the Prior Lake High School staff on the opening day of school, Sept. 1. They included: John Allen, William Chalmers, Gary McDougall, Gale Mord, Fred Schultz, Kenneth Ziemann, Alice Leach, Margaret Kretschmer and Lynne Johnson.
Carnival benefitting Muscular Dystrophy held: A neighborhood carnival to benefit Muscular Dystrophy was planned for Aug. 25 at the F.J. O’Keefe residence. Connie O’Keefe served as ringmaster. Features at the event included a penny pitch, sponge toss and skit on MD.
Readers & advertisers: The Prior Lake American reported that it had 2,480 subscribers to the weekly newspaper. Prices listed in the advertisement for Busse Super Market included these specials: Betty Crocker cake mixes, three for 89-cents; cherry pie filling, four cans for $1; deep brown beans, eight cans for $1; medium bag of oranges, 69-cents; and homemade skinless wieners, three-pound bag, $1.59.
Published 40 years ago
August 26, 1985
Local man injured in car crash: A Prior Lake man was fighting for his life following a two-car accident on Aug. 20 that occurred at the intersection of Highway 13 and County Road 16. Bob Jader, 42, was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in critical condition after sustaining multiple injuries, including punctured kidneys, lungs and diaphragm. The driver of the other vehicle was a 16-year-old who allegedly ran a stop sign and broadsided Jader’s car.
Marijuana bust: A Burnsville man was arrested in connection with the seizure of marijuana in Credit River Township and Burnsville, worth an estimated $460,000. A search warrant had been executed and 200 growing plants were found that could produce more than 200 pounds of saleable marijuana. It was said to be the most ever recovered in one raid in Scott County.
School enrollment up: School registrations were projected to increase at all Prior Lake schools with the fall opening, with the largest increases posted in grades one through three. The gains resulted in the splitting of third grade classes between Five Hawks Elementary and WestWood Elementary.
Published 20 years ago
August 27, 2005
New soccer coach named: Mike Shebuski was hired to lead the Laker boys soccer team for the 2005 fall season. The team jumped to Class AA two years earlier and struggled, finishing the 2004 season with a 6-13 record. Shebuski was to teach math at the high school, as well.
McBride to represent PL: Prior Lake High School student Nathan McBride was selected for membership in the Minnesota Music Education Association All-State Band for the 2005-06 school year. He was one of 571 students chosen from throughout the state.