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 19, 1965
Kindergarten on the ballot: Prior Lake School Board members decided at its Oct. 11 meeting to put kindergarten on the Nov. 3 bond issue ballot. The board debated whether the district should provide kindergarten for five-year-olds and if it was able to adequately fund such a program.
Serving the country: Volivar B. Barr was serving in the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinist, Second Class. The son of Mrs. Verna Barr was serving at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Alameda, Calif., which provided and maintained facilities to support operations of fleet carriers, along with patrol and transport aircraft.
Campfire Girls celebrated: The Prior Lake Campfire Girls held a Grand Council Fire in the Village Hall Community Room, and the ceremony recognized member achievements in the past year. Participants had to complete 10 requirements. Twelve Bluebirds advanced to Campfire Girls status during the Fly-Up ceremony. They included: Shawn McMullen, Connie Muelken, Cindy Rognlie, Barbara Hastings, Joleen Marquardt, Patty Peterson, Charity Pahl, Amy Jo Brown, Connie Dau, Nancy Busse, Denise Billman and Laura Johnson.
Published 40 years ago
October 21, 1985
Weather hampers development: The developers of Windsong, an upscale housing development that was to include tennis courts and horse stables, requested an extension deadline for sewer and water installation. Significant rains had hampered the project moving forward.
Busselman, Rooney honored: Prior Lake High School baseball coach Darwin Busselman and former Laker player Chris Rooney were honored for their achievements during the previous baseball season. Busselman, a veteran Laker coach, was named “Coach of the Year” for Region 2AA. His Laker team captured the Missota Conference title with a 12-2 record and ended the season with a 17-5 record. Rooney was named to the Region 2AA and the All-State teams as an outfielder.
Lioness Club hosts fashion show: The Prior Lake Lioness Club’s annual fall fashion show was being held at Greenfield’s in Lakeville and featured fashions from Enggren’s of Prior Lake. The event included a salad luncheon served poolside at Greenfield’s.
Published 20 years ago
October 22, 2005
Assessments met with resistance: Approximately 50 residents living on Fish Point Road, Candy Cove, Fairlawn Shores, Bluedorn Circle and Centennial Street showed up at the Prior Lake City Council meeting to appeal special assessment costs for recent roadwork. The assessments were to help pay for $3.9 million in street improvements, including installation of curb and gutter and upgrading the sewer and water mains. Most homeowners were assessed between $7,000 and $16,000.
Jeffers Pond moves forward: During a special meeting of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board, a $4.5 million bid was accepted for the construction of Jeffers Pond Elementary School.
First place finishes for swimmers: The Lakers girls swim team took third in the Section 1AA True Team meet for the second year in a row, but this time brought home first-place finishes coming from Kim Kazika, Keeli McNeary, Hannah Lawman, Erin Gundersen, Elisabeth Pidde and Linay McCrady.