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
February 1, 1966
Smart students: Twelve Prior Lake junior and senior high students were listed in the “A” honor roll for the second quarter, while 96 students were recognized on the “B” honor roll. Those included on the “A” honor roll included: Patrick White, grade 12; Teresa Cook, grade 11; Janet Forest, Arlene Hertaus, Deborah Johnson, Carol Tercero, grade 9; Patricia Cook, Jane Fahrenkamp, Janis Peickert, Susan Boettger, grade 8; Janet Klingberg, April Stephens, grade 7.
Keeping the river clean: The Minnesota Pollution Control Commission sent letters to area municipalities and businesses warning them of potential pollution violations that were impacting the Minnesota River. The city of Prior Lake was one of the municipalities receiving a letter. Violations were said to range from discharge of raw residential, commercial and industrial sewage to minor problems with backwash of iron coming from local water treatment plants.
Published 38 years ago
February 1, 1988
Sand Point gets a boat ramp: After more than five years of negotiation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources acquired property needed to install a boat ramp and parking near Sand Point Beach. In mid-December, property owners along Shore Trail agreed to give up their shared 30-foot wide access in exchange for a check. Each resident received a different amount of compensation depending on the size of their lot. Total cost of the property acquisition was $36,000.
New home construction up: The housing boom continued in Prior Lake for a third straight year, with the average hovering around 150. In 1987, 150 homes were built, compared to 152 the year before and 145 in 1985. While the market for single family homes remained strong, commercial activity was at a standstill. No permits were issued for industrial or commercial building in 1987.
Doing good in community: Two Prior Lake Boy Scouts, Jeff Franck and Dave Gilbertson, received the highest honor by the organization, the Eagle Award.
Great spelling skills: After a tension-filled, 25-word volley, Ryan Kearney emerged victorious as the 1988 District Spelling Bee Champion after correctly spelling “punctually.” Tiffany Davis placed second, while Jean Reiman placed third.
Published 20 years ago
February 4, 2006
“The Web” used to connect: After more than 30 years after graduating from Prior Lake High School, members of the Class of 1973 found a new way to get back in touch with former classmates. In the previous few years, former graduates formed a community using computerized technology. “The Web” allowed users to upload photos, tell their life stories and exchange emails. Prior Lake’s website became so active, it was named one of the “Best Class Sites” by classreport.com, one of just four classes in Minnesota to earn the designation. Ninety of the 109 graduates were located using the new online technology. The photo above shows a get-together class members organized in 2006.
Four firsts: Laker gymnast Kelsey Branson earned a first-place finish in all-around competition during a meet against Farmington. She took first in all four events, which helped with the team’s score coming in at 131.85.
Budding young journalists: Prior Lake High School juniors Natasha Smith and Katie Broadwell had editorials they had written for journalism class accepted for publishing in the magazine, “Strictly High School.” The publication featured writings from students throughout the Twin Cities area. Smith’s feature focused on internet piracy, while Broadwell encouraged peers to curb their use of the internet. Journalism instructor Mark Waldeland submitted the articles for publication after being “impressed by the quality of their writing and their stance on ethical issues.”
