Editor’s note: The weekly “Prior Lake in the Past” column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during decades from the past. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those people and events mentioned in those articles, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
January 18, 1966
Former post office up for bids: Bids were being accepted until Feb. 1 for the building located on Lot 2 in Prior Lake, known as the former post office. The successful bidder would be required to remove the building. Questions were directed to the Scott-Rice Telephone Company.
Voters give nod to school bond: Prior Lake voters turned out in force for School District 719’s bond issue for an elementary school addition. Proposed funding that totaled $97,000 for kindergarten expansion, however, was turned down. A total of 1,087 votes were cast, which was 49 more than in the previous special election.
International studies topic of meeting: Jose Antonio Henriquez of Caracas, Venezuela, an exchange student attending Prior Lake High School, made his debut as a guest speaker at the Elementary School Parent and Teacher Association meeting. Pat White, a senior at Prior Lake High School, also presented slides and information about his trip to Europe taken the previous summer.
Published 38 years ago
January 18, 1988
Send a fax for a fee: The Scott County Library System, including the Prior Lake branch, began offering a new service to residents and local businesses. For a $2 per page fee, information could be received or transmitted via a telefacsimile transfer. Long distance fees would also be added to the charge if applicable.
Connecting business centers: Redevelopment plans for Prior Lake’s downtown area were nearing completion following a presentation to the city council following three years of planning and several public hearings. The plan called for frontage roads that would connect the three isolated business centers – Priordale Mall, Gateway Center and downtown – along with widened sidewalks, planting of trees and installation of benches. Building a town monument or tower was also being considered, as was construction of a civic center or community theater building.
Board members get a raise: The Prior Lake School Board voted 6-1 to give themselves a $500 per year raise at its organizational meeting for 1988. Members previously received a stipend totaling $1,500 per year. Those serving on special committees would also receive an additional $15 for each meeting they attended. Lowell Ek was chosen to serve as chair of the board, Mel Sauter was voted in as clerk and Mary Bettner was elected treasurer.
Published 20 years ago
January 21, 2006
Robbery thwarted: A 28-year-old Prior Lake man was charged in federal court after attempting to rob the Shakopee branch of Klein Bank located off of Vierling Drive. Authorities were alerted of the planned robbery by an informant and the suspect was arrested in the parking lot of the bank by the Shakopee Police Department without incident.
Chamber hands out business awards: The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual “Business of the Year” and “Business Person of the Year” awards at its annual banquet held at Legends Golf Club. Winners were Above All Hardwood Floors in the business category. Dave Chromy of Village Market was the top business person.
Trespassers not welcome: Several Shady Beach Trail residents appeared before the Prior Lake City Council and said they were tired of the city not issuing citations for parking violations and to trespassers who used their yards to get to the lake. In the previous month, six cars sank in bay, and tow trucks were allowed to use their property to reach the sinking vehicles. Residents contended the Sand Point Beach access located a quarter-mile away could have been used to access the lake. Council members asked city staff to return at a future meeting with a report on the city’s trespassing rules.
