Winners in the 1964-65 Educational ABCs of Industries contest were, from left to right, Mike Farrell, Kathy Anderson, Vicky Noel and Diane Hergott. Not pictured is David Battis.
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
November 3, 1965
Voters say ‘no’: A record turnout of voters in the Prior Lake School District turned down two bond issues totaling $497,000 for elementary and kindergarten facilities. A total of 1,033 residents voted. The question involving the acquisition and betterment of a school building lost by 130 votes. The second ballot question was defeated by almost a two-to-one margin.
Awards for St. Michael’s students: Sister Celest of St. Michael’s Catholic School announced that the successful winners in the 1964-65 Educational ABCs of Industries contest were selected. Entries in the contest were received from every state and those students exercising above average efforts were awarded a prize. Five students from St. Michael’s School received prizes, while the school was awarded $150. Winners included: Mike Farrell, Kathy Anderson, David Battis, Diane Hergott and Vickie Noel.
Candy sales for good cause: Prior Lake area Campfire Girls were selling Fanny Farmer candy to support their camping program in the coming year. Residents were encouraged to support the girls since proceeds would go toward providing a camping experience for all participants.
Published 40 years ago
November 11, 1985
Mixed voter outcome: Challengers for seats on the local city council were victorious in unseating incumbents, which was the opposite outcome for the school board race in which Marge Kinney and Bill Schmokel were the top vote-getters. Mayoral candidate Lee Andren defeated incumbent Gary Johnson, while Gene White and John Fitzgerald managed to unseat Keith Thorkelson and Ted Schweich on the Prior Lake City Council.
Preparing a really big Thanksgiving feast: Ruth Horn and Evelyn Hunsader were planning to have many guests for Thanksgiving dinner in 1985. The two Prior Lake women were co-chairs of the first-ever community Thanksgiving dinner, an idea proposed by members of Holy Trinity Methodist Church, host site for the event. Donations of turkeys, pies, stuffing ingredients, cranberries and cash were being sought. The event was open to the public as a means to bring community residents together.
Police report listings in 1985: The police report published this week listed a woman who had attempted to purchase $3,000 to $4,000 worth of clothing from Enggren’s in the Brooksville Mall but did not come with cash. Her family was contacted and she was taken home. In another incident, police officers talked to a group of juveniles who were apparently stockpiling pumpkins on Halloween. Residents living on Shannon Trail asked police to patrol the area to prevent pumpkins being thrown at cars driving through the neighborhood.
Published 20 years ago
November 12, 2005
Support for incumbents and new candidates: Prior Lake City Council incumbents lost their bid to continue serving in the coming year and were replaced by Cheri Dornbush, Warren Erickson and Steve Millar. Incumbent mayor Jack Haugen ran unopposed. In the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board race, incumbents Michael Murray and Lee Shimek were voted back into office, and they were joined by newcomer Tom Anderson in serving the district.
Tragic accident at Jeffers Waterfront: A 27-year-old Prior Lake man died in a construction accident at the Jeffers Waterfront townhouses at Parkview Lane. Jason VanBeck had gotten off of a forklift to adjust a 600-pound beam when a strong gust of wind pushed it back upon him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shepherd’s Path given nod to proceed: The Prior Lake City Council approved an amendment to the comprehensive plan to allow for a commercial development at County Road 42 and McKenna Road. Shepherd’s Path was proposed as a church campus, senior housing, townhomes, recreation buildings, a YMCA, a soccer dome and hockey rink, along with a youth shelter. The original concept plan was approved in 2004.
County preps in 2005 for potential pandemic: Scott County Public Health designated Prior Lake High School to be used for a mass clinic should an incident involving bioterrorism occur or a breakout of serious disease. The site would be used to dispense antibiotics in the event of anthrax exposure or an outbreak of a naturally occurring disease or illness such as pandemic influenza.