Editor’s note: The weekly “Prior Lake in the Past” column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during the same week 60, 40 and 20 years ago. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those who are mentioned from years past, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
November 23, 1965
Councilman’s family expanded by two: Walter Stock, councilman of Prior Lake Village, collected unexpected doubles when his wife, Julia, gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl were born at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, with Dr. Olaf Lukk serving as the attending physician. Waiting at the Stock residence for the twins’ homecoming were siblings Annette and Barry.
Daytime TV star: Michael Blodgett, son of Dr. and Mrs. K.W. Blodgett of Prior Lake, was a regular featured in the daytime television drama, Never Too Young, carried by two networks. He has also appeared in various television programs and movies. He portrays “Tad” in the TV soap which is broadcast Monday through Friday.
Retreat House dedicated: Dedication of the new Franciscan Retreat House was scheduled for Nov. 28 with Rev. Albert Leis officiating. The ceremony was to include laying of the cornerstone. Six priests and brothers were expected to move into the new center. The $35,000 complex was constructed with 25 private double rooms and an octagon chapel, kitchen and dining facilities.
Published 40 years ago
November 25, 1985
New leadership at local church: Two new pastors joined Friendship Baptist Church in Prior Lake. David Johnston was hired as a full-time pastor, while Mark Gold was to serve as youth pastor. Karen Mord, a Prior Lake music teacher, was named as music coordinator for the church.
‘Some people never learn’: A letter to the editor published in this edition of the Prior Lake American was highly critical of two people who were reportedly “ice fishing” on Prior Lake near Boudin’s Street when ice was a mere inch thick. It concluded with: “Some people never learn. Stay off thin ice. It’s only common sense.”
Visit to nation’s Capital: Fourteen students and advisor Judy Kuechle recapped their recent trip to Washington, D.C. that was coordinated by the Close-Up Foundation. Open to juniors and seniors, the trip gave students the opportunity to observe the U.S. Supreme Court and see many historical sites in the Washington area.
Big opening win for Laker girls: The Prior Lake girls’ basketball team defeated the Jordan Jaguars 50-25 in their opening match of the season. Coach Joe Epping credited junior Mona Muelken with the win after scoring 18 points in the game, adding that she would be “one of the premier players in the state” that season.
Published 20 years ago
November 26, 2005
PL home featured on HGTV: The home of Glynn Crooks, vice chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, was featured on HGTV’s show, “Offbeat America.” Local builder Bernie Mahowald created a replica of the U.S. president’s Oval Office in Crooks’ home which also featured other theme rooms focusing on historical people and events.
Land search for new school: The Prior Lake-Savage Area School District was considering the purchase of a 14.7-acre piece of land owned by Peter Petrick located near the intersection of 154th Street and County Road 27 for the purpose of building a new elementary school in the future. A price of $2.25 million was being discussed.
Fugitive captured by SWAT team: Neighbors on Bobcat Trail watched as members of a SWAT team, U.S. Marshals Service and Prior Lake Police surrounded a home and called for the capture of a fugitive who had been on the run for 14 years after pleading guilty to drug charges and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. Public safety officials surrounded the neighborhood. Significant rounds of tear gas were launched into the home where he was hiding, and authorities apprehended him following the 10-hour standoff.
