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
September 21, 1965
Four different schools: Dr. and Mrs. Olaf Lukk of Prior Lake started the school year with five of their children enrolled at four different schools. Hella, the youngest, attended Prior Lake Elementary. Agu was a freshman at Shattuck in Faribault, while Tiiu started as a freshman and Ott as a sophomore at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Olaf Jr., twin brother to Ott, was enrolled as a sophomore at the University of Minnesota.
U of M ‘Band Day’ participants: The Prior Lake High School Band was one of 86 school groups from across Minnesota to participate in the University of Minnesota’s High School Band Day. Band members participated in a full 10-hour day that included band rehearsals, a pre-game parade and a massive halftime band concert event, according to Ken Ziemann, PLHS band director.
Those darn deer: More than 3,000 drivers in Minnesota struck and killed a deer during the previous year. In Scott County alone, 48 deer were killed after being struck, resulting in significant damage to some vehicles.
Published 40 years ago
September 23, 1985
A big anniversary: Earl and Lillian Killian celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. The couple met when she was age 15 and he was 17 and they were married two years later at the Jordan Methodist Church. Earl became Prior Lake’s only police officer in 1958, and reportedly worked every night until he turned age 65. He was able to switch to daytime hours when the department added more officers.
Bus window shot out: A suspect was sought after a school bus window was shot out as a Prior Lake Schools bus driver neared the end of a route. Bus driver Kay Andersen was near the intersection of Flint Road and Fish Point Road after letting off three small children when the incident happened. Several other children were still on the bus. A witness came forward and provided police with a description of the car and driver. Police believed an air pistol was used in the incident.
1985 Homecoming Royalty: Prior Lake High School’s Homecoming celebration was preceded by the selection of king and queen candidates. Martha Vallez, Becky Shimek, Colleen Velishek and Chris Hansen were chosen to vie for the queen title. Joe Chapman, Keith Rothstein, Darrin Maki and Shon Toll were selected as king candidates.
Published 20 years ago
September 24, 2005
New city hall okayed: Prior Lake approved building of its new city hall and police station campus on time and within budget, following a report from Shaw Lundquist Associates from Eagan. The council awarded the bid of $11.1 million to the firm, which included construction costs, interior add-ons and required add-ons for rain garden water management.
Homes evacuated: Firefighters evacuated 12 homes on Fish Point Road Sept. 17 after a four-inch natural gas main was damaged. Repairs took approximately seven hours before residents could return to their homes.
Big student increase within PLSAS: Enrollment in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools was up 269 students over the start of the previous year. The biggest increase was seen at Prior Lake High School, with 79 more students enrolled than on the first day of school in 2005. The district, in total, had 6,324 students enrolled at the start of the new year.