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 the articles, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
May 10, 1966
New principal on board: John Kalton of Blooming Prairie was hired as high school principal by the Prior Lake Board of Education on May 4. He was selected following a screening of more than 200 individuals and assumed duties on Aug. 1.
Hits shown on the really big screen: The double feature playing at the Prior Lake Drive-In Theater on Highway 13 included James Stewart in “Shenandoah” and Tony Randall paired with Shirley Jones in “Fluffy.”
Studying space: Wolfgang Rothen, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rothen of Prior Lake, was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation, allowing him to attend a summer institute being held at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The seven-week program focusing on space science was designed for 40 high school students with high abilities who were selected from throughout the United States.
Published 38 years ago
May 9, 1988
Prank turns into punishment: What started as a school prank to liven up the final days of the school year ended with 15 seniors getting suspended for a day and one getting suspended for five days, making him miss the junior/senior banquet and a track meet. Two senior boys were the first to be suspended after coming to school in drag. Their outfits included mini skirts, high heels, makeup, wigs and pantyhose. As a protest against the punishment, three other boys dressed in similar outfits the next school day. Eleven girls also decided to show their support by wearing suits, ties, baseball caps and beards. All were suspended for a day. The student council hosted an open forum during which students could air their grievances.
A really smart Laker: Carrie Karsseboom earned a spot on the all-state high school academic team that included 100 Minnesota seniors. Students were nominated by local teachers and counselors.
“No tobacco” should really mean “No tobacco”: Prior Lake School District officials were challenged by students for enforcing the “no tobacco” policy with them while allowing staff members to smoke on school grounds. The school board then passed a resolution banning all tobacco use in school buildings and on the grounds of any school.
Published 20 years ago
May 6, 2006
Don and Jean named king and queen: Three hundred local senior citizens enjoyed a chicken dinner served by city officials and members of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce during its annual luncheon held at the VFW Club. Don and Jean Monnens were crowned the Senior Royalty couple and were to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary later that year.
New regional park considered: Local residents were invited to a meeting at which the proposed Spring Lake Regional Park was to be discussed. Scott County had proposed that the facility may include a dog park, archery range and campground. No money had yet been allocated for the project at that time, but residents’ comments were being collected for future consideration.
Well-earned retirement: Five long-time teachers in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District were to retire at the end of the school year, taking with them nearly 140 years of classroom experience. They included: Kathy Holter, Cathy Colling, Rose Christie, Jim Miller and John Devlin.
One skater scores all five goals: Junior Sydney O’Keefe scored all five goals to propel the Prior Lake Lakers to their first victory of the season with a 5-4 win over Holy Angels. The win snapped Prior Lake’s opening six-game losing streak. O’Keefe led the team with 17 goals in the first half of the season.
