Author: Wes Reinke

125 Years Ago: From the April 7, 1898 Scott County Argus

The excavation for the new addition to the Jacob Ries Bottling Works plant will be completed this week and work on the superstructure will be begun at once and pushed to rapid completion.

100 Years Ago: From the April 5, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The fire department was called out Saturday forenoon at about eleven o’clock to extinguish a blaze which had started in the roof of the kitchen at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stelten. The fire evidently had started from a spark from the chimney and was put out in a short time. The damage done was comparatively small.

75 Years Ago: From the April 1, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Harness Shop to Discontinue

Mrs. D. H. Graycraft, who since the death of her husband a year ago has operated a harness shop in the Conter building at the corner of Second and Holmes street, disclosed this week that she is discontinuing business and is disposing of her entire stock.

The building, it was learned, has been sold to the Minnesota Valley Gas company who plans to remodel and improve the structure to serve its office and … needs here.

50 Years Ago: From the April 4, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Society Rejects City’s Park Transfer Offer; Opposition Still Active

The Shakopee City Council’s offer to transfer Memorial Park to the Scott County Historical Society was rejected last Friday night by the society’s board of directors.

Although the society had wanted the land adjacent to the Minnesota Valley Restoration Project for their own care and development, the council had attached conditions to the land transfer which the society could not accept…

25 Years Ago: From the April 2, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

School-start times harming children, board members told

Parents who blame later school start times for changes in their children’s learning habits brought their concerns to the Shakopee School Board Monday night.

It was standing-room only in the boardroom, prompting Board Chair Kathy Busch to set a 15-minute time limit on discussion of the issue, which wasn’t on the board’s lengthy agenda.

A half-dozen parents and representatives of a parent-teacher organization addressed the board, citing examples of the negative effects start times are having on young students at Sweeney and Pearson elementary schools…

125 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1898 Scott County Argus

Doctor C. W. Malchow has fitted up a suite of rooms in the Kohls & Berens block over H. P. Marx’s and John Mertz’s places of business, and moved in yesterday. Freshly painted woodwork and floors, a new coat of wallpaper, new full sash windows, and other improvements have served to make as comfortable a reception room and work room on one side, and sleeping room across the hall, as one could wish.

100 Years Ago: From the March 29, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Defunct Security Bank Pays Partial Dividends

The defunct Security State Bank of Shakopee made its first partial payment last Saturday. Depositors received checks for twenty per cent of the total amount due them.

Further dividends are to follow, when the banking department, in whose charge the affairs of the defunct bank have been placed for liquidation, will be successful in collecting the notes and securities of the bank. The amount to be paid to depositors will also depend upon the success of these collections.

The Security State Bank closed its doors nearly a year ago and depositors and all others concerned, have been anxiously waiting for some settlement of affairs since that time. It is hoped that before long the affair can be entirely settled, however, it may require considerable more time before this can be accomplished.

75 Years Ago: From the March 25, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

City, State Plan Improving Street

Plans for the improvement of eight blocks of East First street by the laying of full-width blacktop surfacing and the construction of parking with the state bearing 15 per cent of the total cost of the improvement were presented to the city council last Thursday night by H. E. Chard, district engineer, at the State Highway department.

According to the proposal the highway department would let the contract for the entire job and provide all supervision of the project. Instead of surfacing the normal width of 24 feet through the city, the state would carry the surfacing in the curbs and bear a portion of the extra cost. Property holders along the street would be assessed for their proportionate share of the improvement…

50 Years Ago: From the March 28, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Council Okays Park Transfer to MVRP; Referendum Possible

An ordinance conveying Memorial Park to the Scott County Historical Society was passed by the Shakopee City Council Tuesday night after a lengthy and impassioned discussion.

The action capped several months of consideration, but is not the final word on the issue. The Society must now decide if it will accept the terms of the transfer set down by the council…

25 Years Ago: From the March 26, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Inland giving SHS $25,000 grant

Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc. last week announced that the Inland Foundation will award a $25,000 Leadership Grant to Shakopee High School.

The grant, dispersed over two years, will help the high school establish a manufacturing industry career-training and awareness program. The program’s goal is to server 100 at-risk high school youths and 50 lower-income adults, providing them with a hands-on lab experience to acquire fundamental manufacturing technology skills such as robotics and hydraulics. Additionally, instruction will include workplace skills such as good work behaviors, team building and problem-solving…

125 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1898 Scott County Argus

Jacob Ries has determined not to again advertise for bids for the erection of the new addition to the Bottling Works, but will put up the building himself, buying the material and contracting for the labor. The cost of the improvement as indicated by the bids submitted will be nearly $2,000.

100 Years Ago: From the March 22, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Bert Kingsley of the office of the State Fire Marshal of St. Paul was in the city Monday and inspected the buildings at the State Reformatory for Women and pronounced them absolutely safe.

75 Years Ago: From the March 18, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Park Light Fund Drive Continues

Type of lights (sealed beam or open flood) to be installed to provide night use of Shakopee’s baseball diamond depends upon the result of the stock selling campaign now in progress here, officers of the Shakopee Recreation Association, Inc., said this week.

On the basis of funds already made available through stock purchases the corporation’s officers and directors are confident the diamond will be lighted for the coming ball season.

There was general accord among those interested in the project that the sealed beam type of lighting unit, although more costly at the initial installation, would be the most desirable from a maintenance point of view over a period of years. The open reflector units are less costly to purchase but require greater maintenance and more frequent attention, engineers point out.

Steel towers and transformers for the project have been ordered, officers said, but placing of the order for the light units must await the tabulation of stock sales made this week…

125 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1898 Scott County Argus

C. L. Wilcox and B. J. Gentgen are at work papering the ceiling and walls of the county commissioners’ room and register of deed’s office at the court house. Both are papered in decidedly green tints, that in the registrar’s office being very naturally as bright a hue as the Emerald Isle itself, while the darker walls of the commissioners’ room should find favor in the sight of Commissioners Mahoney and Hyland. It need hardly be added that the rooms are both attractively neat in their “new rolls.”

100 Years Ago: From the March 8, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Fire Causes Heavy Loss

Minnesota Stove Co. Sustains Huge Loss from Fire in Local Plant.

A destructive fire broke out last Thursday evening in the local plant of the Minnesota Stove Co., causing a heavy loss to the company.

The fire started about nine o’clock Thursday evening from an unknown cause, in the crating and shipping room. Men at work in the building at the time, tried their utmost to extinguish the flames, before they could gain any headway, however their efforts proved futile and in a short time the fire reached a barrel of paint and an explosion followed. Flames then spread rapidly and the fire had gained considerable headway before the arrival of the fire department, which was on the scene in a very short time…

Three buildings, including the crating and shipping room, where the fire originated, the mounting room on the east and the large warehouse on the west of it, were totally destroyed with all their contents, before the fire was under control…

The molding room and the enameling plant remained intact and work in these departments was resumed Monday morning. A temporary mounting room was improvised in a section of the molding room to be used at present until other arrangements are completed…

75 Years Ago: From the March 4, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

To Open New Car Agency, Garage in Shakopee April 1

L. M. Miklethun, Minneapolis, completed negotiations Monday in preparation for the opening of new automotive business in Shakopee, it was learned.

Mr. Miklethun disclosed that he had leased from Captain L. A. Ketterer the former Walter Wermerskirchen property on East First street where he will conduct a Pontiac car agency and garage.

Plans provide for the erection of a building on the vacant portion of the property, west of the Shakopee bakery, early in spring. Launching of the new business, however, is scheduled for April 1.

Present buildings on the site will be used as the office, display room and garage until the new structure is erected, Miklethun said.

50 Years Ago: From the March 7, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Shopping Center May Be In Jackson, But Several ‘Ifs’ Need More Study

A proposal to construct a shopping center immediately west of Shakopee in Jackson Township was met with tentative approval by Jackson Township officials at a special meeting Monday evening, as engineers prepare to undertake studies to determine the feasibility of supplying the proposed complex with sewer and water services from Shakopee.

The studies will be undertaken upon the recommendation of Shakopee City Engineer Leo Olson, whose preliminary study of the existing sewer system on Shakopee’s west side has raised the question of whether the shopping center could best be served by an extension of the present system or by a direct connection with the system…

25 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Board approves new school land purchase

A new elementary school in Shakopee is a step closer to becoming reality after the School Board approved the purchase of land for the facility on Monday.

The district will finalize a purchase agreement with property owners Greg and Gary Kerkow for a 21.7-acre parcel east of St. Francis Regional Medical Center…

The city of Shakopee will need approximately three acres of the school site to extend 17^th Avenue, Ostlund said. The grade school lot will border on a city park, as a result of an agreement between the city and the school district…

125 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1898 Scott County Argus

The Masonic hall will be lighted by acetylene gas, supplied from Deutsch & Zettel’s big new generator which will replace their smaller one this week.

100 Years Ago: From the March 1, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Manager Dawson Offers Children Free Feature

L. E. Dawson, manager of the Gem Theater, will initiate a new and novel feature next Saturday afternoon at his matinee, when he will admit each child bringing a fresh egg, free to the matinee performance.

The offering at this matinee which will start at 3 P. M. will be the photo-play “Good Men and True,” featuring Harry Carey. The picture will be especially enjoyed by children.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 26, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Announcement of New Business Opening Feb. 28

In an advertisement in the Argus-Tribune today F. P. O’Connor, who recently purchased the Dr. Reiter property on West First street, announces the opening of a new business to be known as the “House of Bargains.”

The opening has been set for Saturday, Feb. 28 by which time the owner hopes to have much of his large stock of unclaimed freight on display.

For the past two weeks the building has been undergoing remodelling and repair in preparation for the opening, and it appeared certain early this week that everything would be in readiness by Saturday.

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 28, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Developers Seek Approval for Large Shopping Center in Jackson Township

A Minneapolis development corporation has relocated the proposed site for a community shopping center following negative reaction by city officials to initial proposals.

Gene Foudray, chairman of the Shakopee Planning Commission, disclosed at Thursday’s commission meeting that representatives of Midway Development Corp. have indicated the shopping center is now being planned for 30 acres of a 183-acre tract of land southwest of downtown Shakopee. The property is in Jackson Township, surrounding and immediately south of the present location of Jack’s Truck stop on Highway 169.

Foudray said that in addition to the shopping center, developers also plan for the area an 80-unit motel, 10-lane bowling alley, restaurant and lounge, and movie theater…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 26, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Students take part in mentor program

Several local fourth-graders were selected to participate in a series of mentoring sessions over the past week as part of an elementary leadership training program.

Fourth-graders who have shown an interest in leadership roles applied to participate, and were paired with community leaders such as Scott County Sheriff Bill Nevin, Shakopee Police Chief Tom Steininger, Shakopee City Administrator Mark McNeill, and Shakopee School Superintendent Bob Ostlund…

The program is designed to help students nurture their leadership skills by interacting with, and researching the duties of, local officials. Pairs of students take turns asking each leader questions…

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1898 Scott County Argus

Miss Tormey treated her pupils to a sleighride last Friday evening, and a jolly party it was that went laughing, singing and hurrahing about town.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 22, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Scott County Red Cross Renders Splendid Service

Shipments of clothing sent through the Red Cross organization of Scott County, for the relief of the suffering in Europe and Asia, were donated by the following societies and a large part of the shipment were new garments.

St. Mary’s Sewing Circle, Shakopee, 101 garments; Jordan League of Women Voters with some help from Belle Plaine, 88 garments; Prior Lake Presbyterian Aid Society, 129 garments; Shakopee Presbyterian Aid Society, 150 garments, making a total of 468 garments…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 19, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

PTA Views Plans for New School

Adoption of the by laws and a thorough discussion of the proposed new school plans afforded an interesting evening for the first meeting of the newly formed Parent and Teachers association at the high school here Monday night…

Hubert H. Swanson, member of the Lang and Thorshov architectural firm who prepared the school plans, gave a detailed explanation of the contemplated structure and answered a barrage of questions. Inquiry concerning costs brought the disclosure that estimates, based on current prices, place the cost of building the new structure now at $347,000. The bond issue voted by the district some months ago totaled $254,000.

It was pointed out by Mr. Swanson and Superintendent Al N. Wurst that the cost could be reduced by eliminating some of the minor improvements contemplated in the plans, but it was made clear that that step would not be taken until actual bids on the job afforded the board of education a true picture of the possible cost. Calling for bids, it was stressed, does not mean that construction is planned for an early date…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 21, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Ground Breaking Ceremonies Held for New Shakopee Medical Center

Construction has begun on the new Shakopee Medical Center at a site located on the corner of an extension of 10th Avenue and County Road 17 in Shakopee.

The one-story, residential style brick building will have approximately 11,000 square feet of space, and will house complete diagnostic, x-ray, and laboratory facilities.

It will include minor surgery and emergency treatment rooms in addition to patient examination rooms and offices for doctors affiliated with the Center.

According to project construction manager Norbert Zurkowski, the structure will be complete in mid-August. The design and construction of the Shakopee Medical Center is being done by American Medical Building Guild of Madison, Wis…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 19, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Local bypass wins awards

An innovative approach to building concrete highways earned state and national recognition throughout 1997 for the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Highway 169 construction project in Shakopee.

After being named the state winner for best project by the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota and Minnesota Quality Initiative, the project, completed in 1996, was named a finalist in the American Concrete Pavement Association and the National Quality Initiative Achievement Award national competition. In addition, the project was awarded the Governor’s Commendation by Partnership Minnesota, an organization established to encourage intergovernmental cooperation.

The roadway skirts south of downtown Shakopee and connects to the new Bloomington Ferry Bridge and County Road in Savage. The bypass was one of the first projects built using new MnDOT quality control and quality assurance standards…

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1898 Scott County Argus

Either our hardware merchants are anticipating a building boom this spring or they have been getting in on the ground floor before the raise in the price of wire nails and fencing. Yesterday G. S. Lander received a carload of these goods, containing 160 kegs of nails and 140 bales of barbed wire fencing. A day or two earlier Joh McMullen received a shipment as large as this, and Mr. Gellenbeck has followed suit with a third load.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 15, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Local Business Transfer Effected During Past Week

A business transfer of local interest was effected the past week when Henry Mergens sold his Sheet Metal, Plumbing and Heating business to L. Neubeiser of Belle Plaine. The latter is to take possession March 1^st…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Reiter Property Site for New Business Here

Establishment of another new business in Shakopee was disclosed this week with the announcement that F. P. O’Connor, Minneapolis, had purchased the former Dr. H. W. Reiter property at the corner of First and Fuller streets.

According to Mr. O’Connor he will be associated with Tom Ford at Waconia in the operation of a store to be known as the “House of Bargains” specializing in unclaimed freight…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 14, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Building Moratorium Suggested Until Shakopee Gets Overall Plan

The Shakopee Planning Commission Thursday changed its previous position favoring construction of a “community” shopping center, tabling the proposal until a comprehensive zoning plan for the city is completed, a process which city officials predict will take at least a year.

The decision could mean a moratorium on construction within city limits during that period, Gene Foudray, commission chairman, said…

Proposed for a 13.5 acre tract of land between County Road 17 and a future extension of 10^th Avenue, the shopping center was given unanimous Planning Commission approval in the form of a recommendation that the Common Council change of the property’s zoning from residential to commercial. At that meeting only two local residents appeared in opposition to the project.

Following the receipt of a 53-signature petition opposing the center from residents of the nearby Scenic Heights housing addition, and letter of opposition from First Presbyterian Church and Shakopee School District 720, the Common Council and Planning Commission met jointly November 7, decided to seek the advice of a planning firm on the advisability of the rezoning request. At its Nov. 28 meeting the Council denied rezoning upon the planners’ recommendation that the request be either denied or tabled until completion of a new comprehensive zoning plan for the city…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

City OKs study on Scout barn move

Last year, the city of Shakopee was informed that the state Department of Corrections plans to expand the women’s correctional facility in Shakopee in 1999, and because of that the popular Boy Scouts Barn on the property will need to be moved…

At the Feb. 3 City Council meeting, Denny Roske, a former Scout leader and the president of the Shakopee Lions Club, and Assistant Scout Master Mike Huber informed councilors of possible sites for the barn…

The council voted to hire an architect to do a feasibility study, not to exceed $7,000, on moving the barn to Lions Park…It also directed staff to analyze the lease which the Scouts have with the state. The Scouts take care of the building and pay the insurance.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1898 Scott County Argus

L. Schaefer’s jewelry store is neater and more attractive than ever since the addition of a handsome oak wall case wherein to exhibit his stock of silverware. The case stands nearly eight feet high, is ten feet long, and has three plate glass panel doors in front. The shelving and interior throughout are lined in black, which forms a striking setting for the silverware. The lower part of the case is given up to six drawers. With the rest of the store furnished in oak, the whole presents an artistic appearance, and reflets credit on the good taste of Mr. Schaefer.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 8, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The James Casey family are now domiciled in their new home on First St. The house was completed recently and the family moved into it last week.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 5, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Reopens Meat and Grocery Store

In an announcement in the Argus-Tribune today Mrs. Ben Schoenecker announces the reopening of the Schoenecker meat market and grocery on West First street…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 7, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Group Asks Okay to Operate New Bank in Shakopee

Application has been made to the Minnesota Commerce Commission for authorization to operate a state bank in Shakopee.

Hearing on the application will be held before the commission Tuesday, March 13 at 9 a.m., in that body’s offices in the State Office building in St. Paul.

Applicants are James Fredy and Cletus Link of Shakopee, along with Charles Cornell, Jr., and Arthur F. Rossberg. Cornell and Rossberg are associated with the Fidelity State Banks of the metropolitan area and in New Prague.

The proposed bank would be located at 470 East First Avenue in Shakopee and would be known as Western Fidelity State Bank of Shakopee.

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 5, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Burnsville cop appointed city police chief

On a unanimous vote, the Shakopee City Council Tuesday night hired a Burnsville police captain as the city’s chief of police.

The council approved the hiring of Daniel Hughes on the recommendation of a panel of three it appointed to interview the three finalists. Other finalists were Shakopee Deputy Chief Gerald Poole and Maplewood police Captain David Thomalla. The three were recommended as finalist by the city’s Police Civil Service Commission. Mayor Jon Brekke, Councilor Jane DuBois and City Administrator Mark McNeill interviewed the three panelists and recommended Hughes to the council.

Hughes will replace Police Chief Tom Steininger, who will retire at the end of the month.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 3, 1898 Scott County Argus

The foundry of the Minnesota Stove company started up full force, Tuesday morning, after a month’s rest, pending the arrival of some new patterns for their 1898 heaters. The company is covering its field well, as is evidenced by the high grade cook stoves and ranges now being manufactured, as well as the cool heater, the “Imperial Coral,” which ranks with the very highest grade products of eastern makers. With the addition of some handsome wood heaters this year the “Coral” line will be as nearly complete as the firm or its patrons could wish. There are few business enterprises of its size in the state that have enjoyed prosperity in so steady a stream during the past two years as has the Minnesota Stove company.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 1, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

W. E. Redman of this city, together with his brother, E. W. Redman of Anoka purchased one-half interest in the Red Wing Creamery Co. at Red Wing. The creamery will be capitalized at $50,000. Mr. Redman’s brother will take charge of the creamery as manager.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 29, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Industry May Locate Here

Possibility of another new industry locating in Shakopee was given credence this week when Waterville firm negotiated for the rental of floor space in the center portion of the warehouse on the old mill property on North Lewis street.

A roofing, furnace and sheet metal business operated by Chanell and Stanton Anderson the industry is expected to get into operation as soon as adequate heating facilities can be put in operation, it was learned.

Specializing in roofing work the Andersons also are sales representatives for the Lennox Furniture company. Their sheet metal work is incidental to their roofing and furnace installation business.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 31, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

1120 Acre Reserve Area Holds Promise for Hikers, Nature Observer, Campers

Although the Hennepin County Park Reserve District has held a large area in northeastern Shakopee since 1969, development and planning has not yet taken place.

The plans for the Blue-Fisher Lake Reserve will probably get onto the District’s drawing boards this year. District officials explained that the planning, and any development, has been held back by moratoriums over the precise location of the Highway 18-169 Bridge, the firming up of the Minnesota River Trail plans through the Reserve, and the ongoing work of the Blue Lake Sewer Treatment plant.

The Blue Lake-Fisher area of Shakopee, existing today much as it must have a century or more ago, encompasses 1,100 acres, including the nearby lakes, Blue and Fisher. The area serves as habitat for deer, … and water fowl, along with many marsh animals such as egrets and muskrats…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 29, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Site near hospital being considered for school

Plans for a new elementary school in Shakopee are progressing this week, as the school district continues negotiations for a parcel of land near St. Francis Regional Medical Center.

Superintendent Bob Ostlund announced during Monday’s School Board meeting that the district is focusing its efforts on a 20-acre site east of the hospital, and is discussing a purchase price with property owners Gary and Greg Kerkow…

Among its pluses, the site is centrally located within the district in a rapidly developing area, Ostlund said. He noted there isn’t a lot of high-speed traffic, and the lot has access to city sewer and water…