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

December 7, 1965

New leadership in Sportmen’s Club: Twenty members of the Prior Lake Sportsmen’s Club gathered at Snell’s Bar to elect leadership for the coming year. Serving for a one-year term as president was Jim Cikanek. Jerry Hafermann was chosen as vice-president, while Francis Snell was elected secretary-treasurer.

Varsity basketball roster announced: Six seniors and five juniors were chosen to make up the varsity basketball team for the 1965-66 season. Coached by Mike Jerabek and assistant coaches Courtlin Story and Dale Anderson, the squad’s goal was to secure the conference championship. Senior team members were: Wayne Borchardt, Lowell Carpenter, Joe Hess, Brad Nelson and Ron Tieben. Juniors included Henry Grapper, Mike Keckeisen, Eddie Speiker, Dave Hoveland and Bruce Dueffert.

Basketball cheerleaders chosen: Under the direction of advisor Miss Lynne Johnson, members chosen as cheerleaders for the boys’ basketball team were Linda Benner, Cheryl Carlson, Jan Grimmer, Mary Novak, Jan Tiedeman, Mary Ann Sass and Tracy Wiborg.

Published 40 years ago

December 9, 1985

Snow, snow and more snow: The first big snowstorm of winter hit Prior Lake and dumped 21 inches of the white stuff on the city over a two-day period. High winds were also reported, which hampered the city’s ability to clear roadways. Prior Lake Schools joined 350 other districts throughout the state in being closed the following Monday when crews were still working on clearing streets.

City leader gets a raise: City Manager Mike McGuire was given high performance marks by the Prior Lake City Council, along with an 8.5% pay increase for the next year. McGuire had served in that capacity at that time for 12 years.

Snowmobiles stolen from downtown: The Prior Lake police report included an incident in which two snowmobiles were stolen on Nov. 30 after being parked on Main Avenue. One was valued at $1,200 and later recovered in St. Patrick. The other was reported as still missing.

Published 20 years ago

December 10, 2005

SMSC application supported: The Prior Lake City Council dropped its earlier opposition to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s application to place land located within the city limits into federal trust status. The city voted to notify the Bureau of Indian Affairs that it supported the SMSC’s application to put 106 acres of land located in Prior Lake into trust. The City of Shakopee and Scott County had also opposed the tribe’s application.

Large church, mixed-use complex approved: The Prior Lake City Council gave preliminary approval for a planned-unit development that would include a church, youth center and retail project off of County Road 42 and McKenna Road. Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church planned to build a 72-acre campus that would include 442 senior housing units, a YMCA, soccer dome, a youth center and business center.

Raise okayed for firefighters: Members of the Prior Lake Fire Department were scheduled to get a pay raise starting in the new year. The Fire Relief and Pension Association benefits were increased from $4,400 to $5,000 on an annual basis for those who served at least 10 years. The hourly rate for on-call services was also increased to $9.50.