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 25, 1966
Bank gets new owner: The controlling interests of Prior Lake State Bank were purchased by E. Norman Barsness, a prominent businessman and civic leader from Richfield.
Serving the nation: Private Thomas Boegeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roland Boegeman, was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington, having completed eight weeks of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, following an 18-day leave at his Prior Lake home. Marine Private Kenneth Doble, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Whipps, graduated from the Marine recruit training center in San Diego.
Rosemount wins close game: The Rosemount Irish returned home with a victory over the Prior Lake Lakers with a score of 65-63 in conference basketball play. Coach Mike Jerabek attributed the win to Rosemount successfully scoring on more than 60% of their shots in the first three quarters.
Published 38 years ago
January 25, 1988
Lots of snow: Prior Lake residents experienced blizzard conditions over a two-day period in the previous week with more than 15 inches of snow falling in the city. State and county snow plow units were pulled off the roadways due to poor visibility and slick roads. One Prior Lake woman who was pregnant and eight days overdue, even called Scott County dispatch to find out how she would get to the hospital should she go into labor during the blizzard.
Manager gets high marks: City Manager Dave Unmacht was given high performance marks after his first eight months on the job. He had been promoted to the city’s top role following the departure of former City Manager Mike McGuire who had accepted a position with the City of Maplewood.
Laker wrestlers victorious: Pins by Scott Buss, Andy Smith and Dan Edwards paced the Prior Lake Lakers’ wrestling team to a 44-10 romp over Northfield on Jan. 21.
Published 20 years ago
January 28, 2006
Kindergarten options: Parents of kindergartners starting school in the fall were to have the choice between the district’s traditional half-day program or a new tuition-based “Extended Day K” program. Both options were to cover the same curriculum and feature field trips. The full-day program, however, was intended to reinforce what is taught to students with more guided reading options and focus on core activities.
Winning streak for Laker skaters: A 5-0 victory over Northfield on Jan. 24 gave the Prior Lake Lakers girls’ hockey team a single season school record with 12 wins in the year. The win was the Lakers’ fourth in the last five games and fueled by a strong performance from junior Sydney O’Keefe.
Better water in city’s future: The Prior Lake City Council approved a building committee for the new water treatment plant that was planned to be constructed on city-owned land near the Brooksville Hills neighborhood. Engineers said the plant was needed to solve drinking water quality issues that included problems with odor, taste and water stains. Construction of the facility was estimated to cost $13 million.
