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
December 14, 1965
Competing for a cause: A special benefit basketball game was held that pitted the Prior Lake High School faculty men’s basketball team against the Shooting Stars girls’ team to raise money for the National Honor Society banquet fund. The hard-fought game ended with a win for the teachers with a score of 81 to 74. Officials for the game were Gene Nei and Principal Edward Keckeisen. Net proceeds totaled $131.60.
Celebrating Christmas at the VFW: The annual VFW Post 6208 and Auxiliary Christmas party was scheduled with past Department Commander Edwin Meyer of Faribault invited to be guest speaker. Ham and chicken dinners prepared by Irv and Donna’s Cafe were to be served. Ticket cost was $1.50. Following the meal and gift exchange, music was to be provided by the Jolly Musicians.
Operetta presented by elementary students: Students attending Prior Lake Elementary School were scheduled to present the “Red Candles Christmas Operetta” in the high school auditorium. Mrs. Marion Tilley was directing the performance.
Published 40 years ago
December 16, 1985
Conference shake-up: Discussion continued on whether the Missota and Suburban athletic conferences should merge in 1986. Combining them would allow for the creation of an umbrella conference for those areas where only a few schools participate, according to Prior Lake High School Principal Fred Blaisdell. Prior Lake was looking to join a nearby conference that had comparable school size and similar curricular programs. Apple Valley and Rosemount experienced tremendous enrollment growth in recent years and voluntarily pulled out of the Missota Conference.
Disappointing loss: The Laker boys’ basketball team lost in the final seconds of the game played against St. Thomas Academy. The score had been tied when the opposing team hit two free throws to win 65-63.
Voters vote ‘no’: Scott County voters overwhelmingly rejected two proposals included in a special election. The proposal to consolidate the elected offices of auditor and treasurer into one appointive office failed by a 4-to-1 margin. The plan to allow the county board to appoint an independent attorney to handle civil litigation was defeated by a similar margin.
Published 20 years ago
December 17, 2005
Long-time football coach resigns: For the first time in 20 years, someone other than John Bennett would be patrolling the Laker sidelines when football season would begin the next fall. Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, Bennett announced his resignation after 30 years as head coach at the high school level, the first 11 at Holy Angels and the last 19 at Prior Lake High School.
School name debated, chosen: “Twin Oaks” was chosen as the name for the second middle school in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District. The board had earlier voted against the three school names that had been proposed, including the one that was eventually chosen.
Car sinks near shore: The weekly police report included information pertaining to a vehicle sinking into Prior Lake after the driver drove along the shoreline and got stuck five feet from the shore. The incident happened on Shady Beach Trail; no injuries or damage were reported.
