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 the 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 17, 1966
Well-known community member passes: Henry John Schrader, age 76, died at his Prior Lake home at 5:45 p.m. on May 10 following a stroke. He was working on the boats at Schrader’s Resort, which he owned and operated, when he suffered the attack. A member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, he was the chairman of the building committee for the proposed new church.
No liquor at drug store: The Prior Lake Village Council at its regular meeting held May 9 denied the off-sale liquor license application submitted by Jack Andrews, owner of Andrews Drug in downtown Prior Lake. When Andrews requested the reason for denial, Councilman Wally Stock stated the council felt the business area of the village was already saturated with off-sale licenses at that time, based on the population. He added that if another license was granted, the council would be asking for trouble since it would increase competition.
Completion of school addition expected in fall: The Prior Lake School Board was informed by Thomas Battis, clerk, that the contractor hired to complete the addition to the grade school building expected completion by fall, provided construction was not delayed due to a building strike. If the building could open in September, it would save the district the expense and inconvenience of coordinating split shifts for students.
Published 38 years ago
May 16, 1988
Top female athlete: Kris Velishek, a senior at Prior Lake High School and daughter of Mary and Dave Velishek, was named the Athena Award recipient for 1988. She was invited to the 16th annual awards luncheon held at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel to collect her award.
Praying for rain: The lake level on Prior Lake was estimated to have dropped more than 18 inches from the previous year, which was already considered to be lower than normal. Residents living on Crystal Bay reported having difficulties getting their boats in and out of the bay. There was little the watershed district could do to improve the situation, according to Don Benson, manager of the district, other than praying for more rain.
Knowledge Bowl team among best: Prior Lake’s Knowledge Bowl team placed sixth in state competition after answering nearly 300 questions in five rounds of competition. Members of the team included Jeff Franck, Pat Staley, John Stocker, Peter Busse, Don Wood and Eric Ellingson.
Published 20 years ago
May 13, 2006
New restaurant opening: Lake House Grill was scheduled to open the first week in June in the space previously occupied by other eating establishments, including Lakers Restaurant, Brewberries and Pomodori. Owner Stuart Erickson said the building located near the intersection of Highway 13 and Franklin Trail was being redecorated following the closure of the Italian restaurant, Pomodori. Lake House Grill was to feature burgers, homemade pizza, steaks, chops and seafood.
Robbery results in confusion: Based on descriptions provided by witnesses, local police officials had a hard time determining whether the robber of the TCF Bank branch within Cub Foods located at Highway 13 and County Road 42 on May 5 was a man or a woman. The robber was described as being between 5 foot, 10 inches to 6 feet tall and wore an orange scarf tied around dark hair that was possibly a wig. A verbal demand for cash was made, which was then placed into a large tan purse.
Singing his praises: Tom Hassig, in his 18th year teaching at Prior Lake High School and 30th year as a teacher, was one of 10 finalists for the title of Minnesota Teacher of the Year. In 2005, he was named Minnesota Music Educator of the Year. Hassig served as the school’s music department chairperson and director of the Varsity Men’s Choir, Women’s Chorale, Choralaires, Concert Choir and small select ensembles.
