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
June 14, 1966
Two rescued from Prior Lake: Two women experienced a narrow escape from Prior Lake in the Northwood Road area after their fishing boat tipped and threw them both off balance and into the lake. Mrs. Beda Stephens, 71, of Prior Lake, and her daughter, Mrs. Reuben Ristrom, of St. Paul were approximately 75 feet from shore, fishing in a rowboat, when the accident occurred around noon. Mrs. Stephens stated she hooked a fish and leaned over the side of the boat to put it in the fish basket when the boat tipped over. As the two clung to its side, Mark Sullivan, a local attorney, came on the scene and attempted to get both women into his boat. He had difficulty getting Mrs. Stephens on board when another boat with a few boys came to assist. No one got the boys’ names, but all were grateful for their assistance and towing the other boats to shore. The Prior Lake Fire and Rescue Unit had been called to be on standby for the rescue.
Published 38 years ago
June 13, 1988
Let it rain: A sprinkling ban was initiated by the City of Prior Lake following an extended heat wave with little rain. Local residents were using more than three times the water normally needed during the second week of June, according to staff, and the city’s water system struggled to produce 2.85 million gallons per day. A water sprinkling ban was initiated, allowing households the ability to do lawn sprinkling only every other day.
Top athletes named: Kris Velishek and Brett Woodson were named winners of the Kemper Award and Tousignant Award, respectively. The awards were given out at the annual Senior Recognition dinner held June 6. Head wrestling coach Ron Edwards was chosen co-coach of the year along with Katy Hallberg, who coached the Prior Lake High School Knowledge Bowl Team.
Lightning damages Savage convent: A strong thunderstorm rolled through Scott County the previous week, and the St. John the Baptist Convent in Savage was struck by lightning. Damage was done to the building’s roof and several interior rooms. The building no longer served as a residence for local nuns, but had been used as the resources center for the school that housed its library, computer room and music area.
Published 20 years ago
June 10, 2006
Thieves steal copper tubing from school: Police were investigating a number of burglaries reported in previous weeks that occurred at Jeffers Pond Elementary School as it was being constructed. An electric company working at the school reported copper tubing valued at more than $9,000 was missing from the site. Two days earlier, officers caught two men in the act of hauling copper tubing from the school building. They were arrested and held at the Scott County Jail when the second burglary occurred.
Township or city: The Credit River Township Board of Supervisors was reportedly studying whether the township should transition to a city. Incorporation of the rapidly developing community that was approaching a population of 5,000 had been discussed for years, according to Board Chairman Dan Casey, but discussion on the topic became more serious during a workshop.
Growth brings need for new fire station: The Prior Lake City Council discussed the need for a second fire station to serve new developments west of County Road 21 and to relieve some of the calls being answered by the Fish Point Road fire station built in 1995. Discussion included the $2.8 million facility being located on land donated by the Robert Jeffers estate. Purchase of a new aerial platform truck was also being considered.
