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

May 3, 1966

Vying for seat on board: Six residents of the Prior Lake School District filed for the annual school election. Candidates included Thomas Battis, LeRoy Dorn, O.D. Kaldahl, Martin Kraska, James Simon and William Schmokel. The election was to be held on May 17.

PL officers prove the point: The Prior Lake Police Department received a letter of commendation from the pastor of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Minneapolis following its recovery of a motorcycle that was stolen from the church. Officer Clem Felix stopped a cycle rider at approximately 4 a.m. in early April for a routine check. The rider ditched the cycle and made off on foot. The officer called for a registration check and found it be stolen. The pastor wrote in his thank you letter: “You proved that rural people are not the sleepy heads some folks would make them be. I came from a small town and rural area, and I know how wise country folk really are. You proved the point.”

Fashion show leader: Mrs. W.S. Wallin of Route 1, Prior Lake, was busy as the publicity chairwoman for the fourth annual Northwest Airlines Wives’ Club benefit for the Minnesota Heart Association. A fashion show and luncheon was planned for the Curtis Hotel in Minneapolis on May 11. Mrs. Wallin said “the exciting show will have as its featured guest, WCCO-Radio personality Howard Viken.” The wives of pilots were scheduled to model summer fashions.

Published 38 years ago

May 2, 1988

Elementary school named after historic hotel: Members of the Prior Lake School Board debated between several names submitted by students regarding what to name the district’s third elementary school. In the end, “Grainwood Elementary” was chosen due to its significance to the city. Heather Rygula, a 6th grader, researched the city’s history and came across information about the Grainwood Hotel that was established in the late 1880s, once the railway had been built, drawing people from all areas of the Midwest who wanted to take advantage of the lake.

World Series trophy on display: The Minnesota Twins World Series championship trophy was on display at the Prior Lake branch of First National Bank. The lobby of the bank was kept open for extended hours May 2-5 to accommodate the additional public traffic that was anticipated. The bank and its affiliates were owned by Carl Pohlad, who also led the Twins’ organization.

Water buoys stolen: Nine water buoys used to mark dangerous rocks and channels in Prior Lake were stolen and 15 others were damaged while temporarily stored on land by the Prior Lake access. The estimated loss was $1,900, and the loss caused significant problems for the Scott County Water Safety Patrol since lake waters were particularly low that spring.

Published 20 years ago

April 29, 2006

County’s population growth continues: Scott County’s growth rate declined slightly from the previous year but still continued to be one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. The county gained nearly 5,100 residents between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Since the U.S. Census was taken in 2000, its population jumped nearly 34 percent, making it the 15th-fastest growing county in the country. Neighboring Carver County ranked 90th in growth since 2000.

Really good in math: Prior Lake’s Grainwood Math Masters team placed first at the Lakeville regional contest and third overall in state competition. Team members included Melissa Van Benthuysen, Julie Ganser, Taylor Kitzke, Danielle Chase and Madison Lesmeister.

Hoover honored by school district: Former school board member Martha Hoover was named the 2006 “Outstanding Community Partner” by the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District during its 13th annual partnership dinner. The award was established in 1999 in memory of Dick Underferth, who volunteered and campaigned for the needs of people within the local community.

Six trips to state: Laker swimming standout Kim Kazika was chosen as Prior Lake’s Athena Award winner for 2006 following trips to the state meet in each of her six years swimming on the Laker varsity squad. She was the school’s record holder in the 100-yard breaststroke, the 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle. She was also a member of two school record relay teams (the 200 medley and 400 freestyle).