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 28, 1965

‘Thanks!’ from post office crew: Postmistress Mary “Nellie” Lannon and Prior Lake Post Office staff members extended a public “thank you” to everyone in the area for the excellent cooperation during the Christmas mailing rush. Mrs. Lannon noted that residents mailed packages early and destination-sorted greeting cards helped with getting Christmas deliveries out on time.

Around town during the holidays: Mr. Earl Hafermann and his son, Steven, were invited as dinner guests by the William Otting family in Lakeville. Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Beaudette were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Ness at their Minneapolis home on Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. William Klingberg entertained all the families of their sons and daughters, along with the families of Mrs. Klingberg’s brothers and sisters.

Published 40 years ago

December 30, 1985

Balanced budget goal of district: Increased fiscal responsibility became a growing concern in the school district due in part to the results of the last fiscal year showing a deficit of nearly $100,000. Overspending cannot continue, according to District 719 Business Manager Greg Mead, who added it would probably take more than one year to achieve the goal of a balanced budget.

Learn more about local history: The Prior Lake American published a trivia column in this edition. Questions and answers included:

• What last name appears most often in the 1985 Prior Lake phone directory? No, it wasn’t Busse, Muelken or Borchardt. The last name “Johnson” appeared 73 times in the 1985 directory
• When was Highway 13 constructed in the city? 1963
• Name at least three professional athletes who were current or past residents of Prior Lake? North Stars hockey player Neal Broten, wrestler Baron “The Claw” Von Raschke, Minnesota Viking Matt Blair, and Minnesota Twin Harmon Killebrew
• In what year was the lake level so low it was possible to walk across it? Actual year could not be identified but it was in the 1930s
• What was the name of the popular swimming beach on Spring Lake in the 1960s? Sunset Beach
• When did the Little Six Bingo Palace open? 1982
• What does “Mdewakanton” mean? Dwellers of the spirit lake
• The Prior Lake Senior High boys’ basketball team qualified for the state tournament in three consecutive years. In which two of those years did they win the championship? Consolation winner in 1976; the Lakers won the championship in 1977 and 1978
• What was the former name of the Priordale Mall? Brooksville Mall, named after Brooks Hauser

Published 20 years ago

December 31, 2005

Crash results in two deaths: Two brothers died in an icy crash that occurred when they were driving westbound on County Road 8. The Scott County Sheriff’s Department said the car turned sideways and a pickup truck heading eastbound struck the side of the car. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. One victim was identified as Jose Francisco Merino-Martinez, 28, of Apple Valley. The passenger was not immediately identified, pending notification to family members in Mexico.

District plans for new elementary: The Prior Lake-Savage Area School District closed on land purchased in south Savage that was to be used for a future elementary school. The 15-acre parcel was located on 154^th Street; cost was $2.25 million.

Laker wrestler achieves 100th win: Prior Lake High School senior Jake Johnson earned his 100^th career victory in the 171-pound wrestling weight class. He was ranked No. 1 in the state and finished second at state the previous year.