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 those articles, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.

Prior Lake American

Published 60 years ago

April 5, 1966

Village hiring for police patrolman: A written examination of candidates for the position of police patrolman was scheduled for noon on April 16 by Village Clerk W.W. Gentz. The position was open to males ages 25 to 40. The examination would count toward 50% in the hiring process. Those passing the test would also be given an oral test. The salary posted was $500 per month and $6 per court appearance. No sick leave with pay was offered.

Green Heights bowling champs: The women’s bowling team, sponsored by the Green Heights Resort, won the championship in the Merry Merchants League at the Savage Bowl. The winning team members included: Gert Sylvester, Char Campion, Flo Reimer, Marcia Busse, Karen Bohnsack and Mary Busse.

Published 38 years ago

April 4, 1988

Price of stamp increased: Anyone mailing a first-class letter weighing up to 1 ounce was now required to use a 25-cent stamp on the envelope, following the rate increase that went into effect that week. Postmaster Dale Arlt had 60,000 3-cent stamps on hand for those who had leftover 22-cent stamps. He also promoted purchase of the new “E” stamps that could be used indefinitely in the future.

Laker’s Restaurant gets a facelift: A “new” 20-year-old restaurant was highlighted in this newspaper edition. Dave Thompson, owner of the Laker’s Restaurant decided the business needed an update. The building received a total facelift, and the new menu featured a wider variety of food choices. The selections expanded from hamburgers, fries and malts to include options made from scratch, soups and vegetarian dishes.

New coaching position: Longtime Prior Lake High School baseball coach Darwin Busselman became the new manager of the Jays baseball team for the 1988 season. He had been part of the group that brought the Jays to town and served on the organization’s board of directors.

Published 20 years ago

April 1, 2006

Lockdowns introduced in schools: With the increased threat of violence becoming more of a concern, Prior Lake-Savage Area School District Superintendent Tom Westerhaus supported having fewer fire drills and more “lockdown” drills. District 719 already had lockdown procedures in place, but practice was scheduled for only once per year. School administrators throughout the state developed individual crisis plans following an incident that occurred in the Rocori School District in Cold Spring, Minn., that involved a freshman student opening fire and killing two students. Westerhaus was superintendent in that district before coming to Prior Lake.

PL hockey player on national team: Former Laker Nick Henkemeyer’s second season of junior hockey got a little longer when his team qualified for the national tournament, which opened in Pennsylvania. Henkemeyer, a 2004 graduate of PLHS, was the top defenseman for the Twin Cities Northern Lights squad based out of Bloomington. One of the team’s captains, he scored seven goals and had 28 assists in 45 games to earn a spot on the all-conference first team for the Minnesota Junior Hockey League.

Late ice-out date projected: Ice-out dates on Prior Lake for 2006 were projected to occur April 10-15, according to the Prior Lake Association.