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
October 12, 1965
Grandma is always a winner: Ricky Redetzke entered a contest sponsored by the “Popeye and Pete” television program on Channel 2 and won for his grandmother, Mrs. Claire Muelken, a television and other prizes. Ricky, age 7, wrote a letter to Mel Jazz and Dave Lee explaining why his grandmother should be on their TV program. Five judges selected Ricky’s letter from over 500 entries. The letter included: “I love to stay at my grandmother’s house. Although it’s small, eight of us spent the night with her and four of us slept on the floor.” Ricky is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Butch Redetzke of Prior Lake. Grandmother Muelken was born in Credit River and has been a resident of the area all of her life. She has seven children and 24 grandchildren.
On sale at Busse’s: Wilson Thrift slice bacon, one pound package, 49-cents; Betty Crocker cake mixes, three for $1; bananas, 10-cents per pound; spaghetti, seven ounce box, 10-cents; orange juice, six ounce can, 6 for $1; and May’s half-gallon ice cream, 59-cents.
Published 40 years ago
October 14, 1985
Marathon men: Dick Menke wanted to “do something unique” for his 50th birthday, and some of his local buddies were willing to join him by competing in the Twin Cities Marathon held on Oct. 5. Ron Strand said he joined in “because it was there.” Patrick Heaney needed something to keep him from smoking. Jon Falkowski and Steve Farrell said they were looking for a challenge.
Five seek seat on school board: School board filings closed with five people vying for two open seats. They included incumbents Marge Kinney and Bill Schmokel. Others joining the race were Raymond Pratt, Timothy Luther and Michael Leonard.
Local bank president honored: Robert Barsness, president of Prior Lake State Bank, was elected District 2 president of the Minnesota Bankers Association during the organization’s annual meeting held in September.
Published 20 years ago
October 15, 2005
Big construction project begins: Residents living along Arcadia Street lined up to watch crews knock down the old city hall building on Dakota Street. A new city hall and police department were planned as part of the $13 million project with groundbreaking set for Oct. 27.
Laker baseball legend: Longtime Lakers head baseball coach Darwin Busselman was presented with the Dick Siebert Award by the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association. Busselman compiled a record of 451-296 for a .604 winning percentage in his 37 years at the helm of the Lakers program. He ranked third among active coaches and sixth overall.
One very big zucchini: Nine-year-old Gaby Roth took home a blue ribbon and $10 prize with her entry of a zucchini at the Minnesota State Fair that weighed 18.6 pounds and had a circumference that exceeded 70 inches. It was her first time entering anything at the fair. She said she did a “happy dance” upon learning she had won.
