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 21, 1965

New shopping center planned: Plans were competed for a new Prior Lake shopping center on a 12-acre parcel on the north end of the village off Highway 13. Contractors were Gene Hertaus of Prior Lake and A.J. Shrunk of Savage. Construction was scheduled to begin in spring. Commitments were finalized for a drug store, grocery, hardware and variety store. Spaces were available for a clothing and shoe store, offices and other small shops.

Santa invited to Baer home: Youngsters from the area, age 8 and under, were invited to the Ben Baer residence where Santa was also invited. Parents could attend to take pictures at the event. Santa had a treat for each of the youngsters.

Published 40 years ago

December 23, 1985

New apartment complex proposed: A 68-unit apartment building was proposed for the site next to the Tower West complex. The same developers came before the Prior Lake City Council with plans for Tower East, which would include underground parking, a swimming pool and cabana, party room and exercise room.

Vandalism, thefts plague junior high: A rash of vandalism and robberies were reported at the Prior Lake Junior High School. Principal Paula Tetzloff said burglaries and break-ins began in the summer when a microwave was taken out of the teachers’ lounge but later returned. In October, thieves entered the back of the building and stole or damaged $1,800 in musical equipment. Additional vandalism sprees were aimed at the teachers’ lounge where a pop machine was overturned and in the music room where oil was poured on cassette equipment and instruments were damaged.

Top athletes recognized: Athletes of the week included Ted Hennen, son of Ken and Joan Hennen, who earned nine wins to one loss in the 185-pound wrestling category. Ninth grader Beth Knittel, daughter of Cara Knittel, was a top point-scorer on the girls’ gymnastics team.

From the “Letters to Santa” page: Dear Santa, I have been good this year. This is my Christmas list: #1. Cabbage Patch kid show pony. #2. Computer with disk drive. #3. Two birds in a cage with bird food. I wish I could have a baby sister but mom won’t get one. How many elfs do you have? Is there really flying reindeer? Does Rudolph really have a red nose?

Michele, Grade 2

Published 20 years ago

December 24, 2005

Arrest in Prior Lake: Following a six-hour standoff with police, a Prior Lake man was arrested in the stabbing of three people and for assaulting a prison guard. Donald Dahn of St. Paul was arrested at a home on Pershing Street. A utility knife, similar to a box cutter, was used in the attack.

More school days? Prior Lake school leaders pondered lengthening the academic year from 171 days for elementary student and 172 days for secondary students, following the recommendation of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators to extend the school year to 200 days per year.

On thin ice: Six vehicles were fished out of Prior Lake in one day after going through the ice near the Shady Beach access. All of the vehicles were unoccupied and the ice was estimated to be approximately seven inches deep, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.