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 19, 1966
They called it “Paradise”: A group of residents in Boudin’s Manor gathered at the home of Dell Rogers to select a name for their bay, located between Conroy’s Bay and Kneafsey’s Cove. Those interested checked land records at the Scott County Courthouse and found the area was in an unnamed section of the lake. After a lengthy discussion, “Paradise Bay” was the name selected and registered with the Scott County Registrar’s Office.
Officers elected: Election of officers was held at the monthly meeting of the Prior Lake VFW. Presiding was Mrs. Norbert Borka, president; Mrs. John McKinley, senior vice president; Mrs. Irvin Clemens, junior vice president; Marie Ludowese, treasurer; Mrs. Mike Barlage, secretary; Mrs. Archie Pavek, chaplain; Mrs. Mike Thomas, conductress; Mrs. Ray Haas, guard; and Mrs. Harold Monnens, three-year trustee. The remaining offices were appointed by the president.
Published 38 years ago
April 26, 1988
Gifted speakers: Three Prior Lake High School students earned a trip to the state speech tournament. Blake Ilstrup, Kellie Hamann and Suzanne Hero, all juniors at Prior Lake High School, were scheduled to travel to Rosemount and compete against the state’s best speakers, according to coach Linda Brandl. Ilstrup’s category was humor, Hero was entered in the persuasive speech category and Hamann chose to interpret the poem titled “The Journalist,” which was written by a female African poet.
Army honors: Minnesota National Guard Master Sergeant Lynn Davis from Prior Lake was awarded an Army commendation medal for coordinating the building of an assault runway at Camp Ripley. Ten civilian engineering teams from around the country were involved in the project.
Fast runners: The Prior Lake High School girls’ track team earned seven first-place finishes in the St. Peter Invitational, including five by these individuals: Heather Larson, 1,600-meter run; Audrey Jandorf, 400-meter dash; Jayme Schricker, 300-meter hurdles and the 3,200-meter run; Tara Citrowske, 800-meter run and Melissa Jader, 200-meter run.
Published 20 years ago
April 22, 2006
Open space options: The Prior Lake City Council began exploring options to fill the space next to the city’s library that was being vacated by Premiere Dance when it moved to its new building later in the year. One popular option being considered for the 4,600-square-foot space was an adult daycare, a teen center or an art center.
Changes to city elections: There was no opposition expressed by residents when the Prior Lake City Council proposed that all city elections would be changed to even-numbered years, which meant each council member’s term would be extended by one year.
Raising funds for school improvements: St. Michael’s School kicked off a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a library inside the school, along with a two-story multi-purpose room. Campaign chairmen for the fundraiser were Jim Resop and Bob Beck.
