Author: Wes Reinke

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 11, 1897 Scott County Argus

Yesterday C. F. Wicke sold his interest in the Globe Hotel to John Leidgen, who took possession to day and is now welcoming the coming and speeding the parting guests that have been stopping at that hostelry in increasing numbers of late. Mr. Leidgen is himself a cook of unquestioned skill and has the energetic qualities that should fit him for a model landlord. Adding to his own abilities those of his wife, the future can hardly fail to place the Globe on the top round of success. Mrs. Wicke will remain here for the present, while Mr. Wicke will go to Wisconsin to accept a position sealing logs.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 9, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Local League of Women Voters Organized

A meeting held Monday afternoon at the Public Rest rooms for the purpose of organizing a branch of the League of Women voters, in this city, was attended by about twenty-five ladies and proved a very interesting meeting.

Mrs. Eli Southworth read a paper prepared by Mr. Southworth, on City Government which was very interesting and instructive. Mr. Southworth was present and explained all civic questions any one present wished to ask.

The League was duly organized and will hold monthly meetings on the first Monday of the month at the Rest rooms.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 6, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Offer $100 Reward for Apprehension of Careless Driver

A reward of $100 for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the motorist who drove over a fire hose here Saturday afternoon is being offered by the Shakopee fire department, H. J. Pass, fire chief announced Tuesday.

According to the fire chief, the offender drove a 1932 Chevrolet over a fire hose at the rear of the First National bank while firemen were fighting a fire in the building.

The hose was cut and rendered useless and the loss of the water supply might easily have resulted in a devastating blaze…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 9, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Bond Issue for Junior High Defeated

Voters Turn Out in Record Numbers…

Voters of Shakopee School District 720 left little doubt Tuesday about not wanting to stand the expense of a new junior high school, crushing the $4,160,000 bond issue by more than a 2 ½ to 1 margin.

A record number of voters turned out, as 2,399 went to the polls. That number far eclipsed the previous high district school bond issue total of 1400. “No” voters totaled 1732, and “Yes” voters numbered 667…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 6, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

MPCA, Rahr reach ‘trade’ agreement for waste-water discharge in river

Rahr Malting Co. in Shakopee and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) have reached a unique agreement in which the company will have the flexibility to “trade” discharge limits on the waste water it produces. MPCA officials said this week the water discharge permit is one of the first in the nation to include the concept of “trading.”

In exchange for a permit to discharge waste water into one part of the Minnesota River from Rahr’s malting facility in Shakopee, the company will be required to reduce the emission of pollutants going into other parts of the river, primarily from agricultural land uses. The net effect, said MPCA officials, will be to lower the total pollutants in the river…

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 4, 1897 Scott County Argus

Jeweler H. P. Marx left Saturday for Chicago, where he will enter upon a course of study in the Chicago Opthalmic institute. Mr. Marx has already had some schooling as an occulist, and he will endeavor to complete the course while there. This may require his absence for six weeks, at the end of which time he will receive his diploma.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 2, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Mrs. C. M. Kopp received an appointment as deputy sheriff for this county. Mrs. Kopp is the first woman in this district to receive a like appointment.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 30, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Voters to Decide $294,000 School Bond Issue Monday

How voters feel about the question of providing improved public school facilities for the Shakopee community will be expressed Monday, Feb. 2, when they go to the polling place to cast their ballots for or against the proposition of authoring the Board of Education to issue $294,000 in bonds “for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred and to be incurred in building, rebuilding, remodeling, repairing and equipping a school house.”…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 2, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

NSP Not Interested in Franchise

Should City Get Out of Power Distribution Business?

Shakopee’s City Council was unable to reach a decision on the question of granting a franchise to Northern States Power (NSP) to serve some customers directly last week, and in fact, learned that NSP isn’t even interested in a franchise if it is for a short term basis…

The franchise, as drawn up, would be only for one year, and would require that NSP pay seven percent of the gross revenue charge to the seven directly served firms in lieu of the profit the city would make by selling power to the firms as it does throughout the remainder of the community…

Administrator Morris Anderson asked representatives of the other six firms if they would be willing to follow a similar plan, but was unable to get commitments Tuesday night…

In addition, Administrator Anderson was instructed by the Council Tuesday night to request of NSP two things: a price they would demand for the necessary system to service the large power users, and secondly, a price they would be willing to pay for the Shakopee system and business.

Joseph Meyer, representative from NSP, told the council that NSP would not be interested in any franchise with terms of less than 20 years, since it would not pay the company to invest in the equipment necessary to service the industrial area in eastern Shakopee, then have the city take over service…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 30, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Agreement on retail plan is reached

The Shakopee City Council last week approved an agreement with a company planning a major retail development near Shakopee Town Square on the city’s west side.

Under the agreement, the Centre Group has agreed to begin construction on a minimum 50,000-square-foot retail development no later than Dec. 1. But the company plans to ultimately develop a retail complex of about 250,000 square feet.

As part of the agreement, the city will help the developer acquire property held by the Minnesota Department of Transportation near the Shakopee Bypass, begin annexation of township land needed for the development, and help obtain Metropolitan Council permission to extend the municipal urban service area (MUSA) line for sewer and water to the development.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 28, 1897 Scott County Argus

Marystown is a “measly” town, at present. That is, its inhabitants are undergoing an epidemic of measles, and there are few that refuse to be in fashion with mottled physiognomies. In Mat. Voelker’s family all six children are down, while John Sand and Chas. Koeper are also having their share of entertainment. As the disease properly treated is not dangerous, when it attacks the youngsters, no special alarm is felt.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 26, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

L. E. Dawson gave away one free ticket with each paid admission last Tuesday evening. The ticket was good for Wednesday evening’s show.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 23, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

St. John’s Parish to Build Soon

Approval of a $36,000 building project for enlargement of the church and construction of a parish hall has been voted by the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran church here the Rev. Norbert A. Augst, pastor, disclosed this week.

The original plan, it was learned, called only for the parish hall but after study of architectural plans and a thorough discussion of the combined project the congregation decided to undertake the entire building program.

Decision was reached January 13 at the annual meeting of the parish, Rev. Augst said, and the responses to the fund raising work thus far have been gratifying and encouraging.

First drafts of the plans for the church and hall are now being completed by the architects and will soon be ready for the building committee to present to the bidders who will … the construction contract. The building committee is composed of T. A. Dahlgren, Carl Petrich, Mrs. Adolph Schroeder, Arthur Schulz and Otto Siems.

How soon the actual construction will get under way, it was pointed out, depends entirely upon the availability of necessary materials and the proposals of the bidders.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 26, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Elementary Grading Change Proposed

Eliminate Letter Grades…

Shakopee Elementary school principals Virgil Mears and Don Tarr asked the school board Monday night for permission to poll parents at the next parent-teacher conferences regarding a proposed change in grading, eliminating letter grades except at the end of the year.

The board seemed negative to the idea, and said that if the survey of parents is taken the proposed change will have to be fully explained to parents.

The principals said the change would involve three parent-teacher conferences yearly, along with one final written report giving an average grade the child achieved during the school year…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 23, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Mayor proposes councilors serve as EDA members

The Shakopee City Council on Tuesday started the process to restructure the city Economic Development Authority (EDA) by calling for a public hearing on the matter.

Last year the City Council restructured the EDA so it consisted of five Shakopee residents along with two city councilors. Before that the members of the City Council served as the EDA.

However, Mayor Jeffrey Henderson is now concerned that the EDA is holding up developers because at times the same presentation must be made to both the EDA and the council. Henderson proposed the EDA be disbanded and the City Council again serve as the membership, with EDA commissioner terms coinciding with council terms…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 21, 1897 Scott County Argus

Dr. Smith informs us that last evening Mrs. Louis Prescott, one of the Sioux Indians living on the reservation east of town, attempted suicide by hanging. Her act was discovered in time, however, and prompt medical attendance brought her back to continue her meanderings through this vale of tears.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 19, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee to Have Ice Skating Rink

Under the auspices of the Community club, work is progressing in arranging a skating rink at the high school.

The school board allowed the user of the ground on the east side of the high school. The City is donating light also water for flooding and the services of Wm. Sudman, who with the help of the students are busily engaged in preparing the grounds and flooding them.

Work is being carried on as rapidly as possible and it is presumed the rink will be complete by the last of the week.

This is surely a move in the right direction and the Community club is to be commended for the undertaking.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 16, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Named Deputy Scott County Treasurer

Miss Barbara Mayer has been appointed deputy treasurer of Scott county and is now assisting Leo M. Hirscher, recently elected treasurer, in conducting the affairs of the office.

Until this month, Miss Meyer had been the acting treasurer, having been appointed to that position following the death of the late Henry Groesser who had held the office for several terms.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 19, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Mrs. Horeish Sells Business Interests

Mrs. Agnes Horeish, part owner of Mertz-Horeish, Inc., Shakopee, has announced the sale of her interest in the business to Richard Mertz and Fred Kerber.

Mertz and Kerber plan to continue the insurance part of the business and to expand the real estate department. Kerber, a Shakopee native, will serve as manager of the office and will be assisted by Betty Dols and Lucy Gish. Kerber worked in the insurance business for eight years prior to joining Mertz-Horeish, Inc.

Mertz, while being associated with the firm, will not be active in the daily management. He will continue in the investment business as an officer of Keenan and Clarey, Inc. He will be in the office Saturdays.

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 16, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Two new schools, expansion recommended

Task force says two bond issues totaling $34 million needed

A task force Monday night recommended that the Shakopee School District ask voter approval in two bond issues to fund two elementary schools and pay for expanding the junior and senior high schools by the year 2001.

The 21-member Facility Task Force, appointed by the School Board, met over a six-month period to study population trends and school building capacities…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 14, 1897 Scott County Argus

One of the front windows in the law offices of E. & W. N. Southworth is adorned with a gold lettered sign of neat and attractive appearance. It is the work of Geo. H. Kunsman.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 12, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Barney Jansen was the lucky winner of a cow valued at about $50.00 which was raffled by Mrs. Chas. Englund of Savage last week. The lucky number was twenty-one.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 9, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Wolf-Mallan to Produce New Heater

Two contracts that hold promise of long and steady employment for the firm’s enlarged crew were negotiated this week for Wolf and Mallan, Inc., sheet metal and machine shop plant here.

One of the contracts, under which work began Tuesday morning, calls for the manufacturing of 4,000 poultry feeders and 500 … for the Farmade Products company of Waseca. The other contract is for the manufacture of gas-oil furnace for a Detroit firm…

The furnace, officials of the Shakopee plant disclosed, is a new design engineered by a Detroit company. It can be used for burning either gas or oil and is already in heavy demand throughout the region.

At least 12 men, it now appears, will be afforded full-time employment in making and assembling the heating unit, which consists of an angle iron frame work, a heavy gauge sheet metal heat chamber, metal shell, doors and panels, all of which are to be processed, shipped and assembled in the Wolf and Mallan plant. Burners for the furnace are to be imported and installed here.

In recent weeks the Shakopee firm has been experimenting with various methods of shaping and fitting the furnace sections in an effort to develop a practical and efficient assembly system. Metal for the units is now arriving and full scale production is expected to get under way in the near future.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 12, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

City Athletic Park Grading Work Will Be Done by National Guard

City officials approved of a Shakopee Jaycee plan which will speed the construction of an athletic complex part of a proposed city park south and west of the Shakopee Swimming Pool which has been stalled due to a lack of development funds.

The work of grading the forty acres of softball, football fields and baseball diamonds will be done as an exercise by the National Guard Corps of Engineers, who will work on the grading project weekends.

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 9, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Growth options plan gets cool response

Met Council ignored reality in area, local officials complain

The “growth options strategy” recently adopted by the Metropolitan Council has government officials in Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake and Scott County concerned because they say it lacks definition and is biased against suburban lifestyles…

The growth options strategy is a plan that the Met Council adopted in mid-December. It attempts to slow the rapid pace of which the Twin Cities metropolitan area is building outward, but planners in the southwest suburban area are critical of the methods espoused by the growth strategy.

Specifically, the plan creates nearly 200,000 acres of “urban reserve” ringing the outer edges of the Twin Cities, which serves as a boundary for urban development through 2040. It also gradually brings communities such as Waseca, Lake Elmo, Farmington and Forest Lake into the developed urban area and leaves area beyond the urban reserve as “permanent agriculture” or “permanent rural” thereby forcing fencing some areas off to developers…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 7, 1897 Scott County Argus

Heller’s brewery did its usual thriving business during 1896, and to celebrate the close of another successful year the cooler took a tumble on Dec. 31st and came crashing down through the roof. When the debris had been cleared away it was found that about $75 would cover the damage done, and Kreuser & Kreuser went to work Tuesday to repair it. The brewery will straightway be in better shape than before to roll out the kegs of Heller’s beverage.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 5, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Peter Paul recently purchased the Arnold Strunk house on Second St. and is renovating it. Dame Rumor says, Mr. Paul will become a Benedict soon and will make it his home.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 2, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Confection Firm in Operation Here in Old Mill Warehouse

Housed in a remodelled and renovated building that once served as a warehouse in connection with the old flour mill, a confectionery firm has begun operation in Shakopee.

Known as the B and B Company, the new Shakopee industry is owned and operated by Robert M. Friedl, Minneapolis. Its current products are boxed popcorn and cellophane packaged salted nuts, but plans are well under way to expand into the packaging of candies, and such items as coated nuts and fruit drops.

The company, it was learned, is completing arrangements for supplying its products to the Minnesota Amusement company theatre chain and is hopeful of securing accounts with retail outlets in Shakopee and adjacent territory.

Mr. Friedl was in Shakopee Saturday completing the installation of machinery and equipment and by Monday morning the plant was in operation preparing its merchandise to meet the demands of its growing list of customers.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 5, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

County Space Needs Will Be Reconsidered by Commissioners

The wheels have started turning again in an attempt to solve the space problems of Scott County government.

Scott County Commissioner Vern Lang broached the subject of the county’s construction alternatives at the Tuesday meeting of the County Board, suggesting that a meeting be arranged between the architects and the board to try reaching agreement on the best solution to present to the voters…

The commissioners are being hard pressed by Scott County Judges to provide adequate quarters for the courts. At present, court is being held in the upper level of the Shakopee City Hall. The city, which has provided the space free up to now, has asked the commissioners to approve a rental fee for the area in 1972.

Tentative agreement was reached by board members to arrange a meeting with the architects Jan. 19…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 2, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Country Inn breaks ground

Ground-breaking ceremonies were held recently for the start of construction of the Country Inn & Suites off of Marschall Road and north of the Shakopee Bypass. The 63-room structure is scheduled to open in late May. Among those participating in the ceremonies were representatives of the developer, Central Group Development Co.; PBA Architects Inc.; the general contractor, Sand Companies Inc., and the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 31, 1896 Scott County Argus

Head miller C. W. Newell was made the recipient at Christmas of a horse and harness presented by L. Christian of Minneapolis. Mr. Newell has purchased a fine phaeton to complete the outfit, and R. C. Newell went down yesterday and drove the equipage home.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 29, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Farm Hand Skips With Employers Pocket Book

Last Monday morning Math Marschall had occasion to go to a neighbors home, and when he returned home he found that Wm. Lentz, who had been working for him as a farmhand, had left and had taken his (Mr. Marschall’s) pocketbook with him. Shakopee police were notified and J. H. Ring, local chief of police, immediately got on the trail of Lentz and caught him on the road just this side of Jordan.

Chief Ring brought Lentz back to Shakopee and he was given a hearing in municipal court. The court sentenced him to fifteen days in the county jail.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 26, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Experimental Test of New Snow Moving Device Due Soon

An experiment which, if successful, is expected to open a new and large field for a Shakopee industry, is scheduled to be tried by the Roto Wing company in the near future, it was learned this week.

The company, manufacturer of snow removal equipment, has designed and built a new unit for use on motor graders.

Heretofore, it was explained, the wing device was only installed on four wheel drive trucks. The new device will make it adaptable to graders now in use by counties and other road maintenance departments, giving them year-round use of their equipment.

Confident the idea is sound, the Caterpillar Tractor company of Peoria, Ill., has shipped one of their motor graders to the Roto Wing plant to have the snow wing and motor mounted on it for test purposes.

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 28, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Centralized Scott County License Bureau Begins to ‘Click’

Something new has been added to the procedure necessary to obtain a driver’s license, but despite the addition, the whole process of becoming a licensed driver is now simplified in Scott County.

The “something new” is the requirement passed into law by the 1971 legislature that each new or renewal license issued include a color photograph of the driver. The photograph will make it difficult to falsify a license, or allow another to use it illegally, so licenses will become a more positive form of identification.

In addition to the photograph requirement, each applicant is now required to take a vision test upon completion of the application form and payment of the fee, in an effort to eliminate drivers who cannot see well enough to drive.

The simplification of the licensing procedure in Scott County results from centralization of the licensing functions of the county into one location, which will also be the headquarters for the Driver’s License Examining Station operated by the state…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 26, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Too early to rise? School start times subject of state survey

…Two years ago, the Minnesota Medical Association began advocating a later start time or high school students. According to Shakopee High School principal Jim Murphy, the position was based on research that high school-aged students performed “a litter better a little later in the day.”

To determine if there is validity in the call for an earlier start time, Shakopee and 16 other metropolitan-area school districts have been participating in a university of Minnesota study this school year. Students, their parents, and other have been asked questions relating to sleep needs of students…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 24, 1896 Scott County Argus

The Hamm Brewing company is erecting a two-story addition to its storehouse in this city. It will be used as an icehouse.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 22, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Bus Line Began Business Dec. 15

H. L. Schlink has started a new bus line making daily trips between Carver and Minneapolis and stopping in Shakopee enroute each day. The new bus line has been named the Mudcura-Twin City Transportation Co…

The Transportation Co. carries Liability Insurance as a complete protection for passengers. The bus will leave Minneapolis every day at 9:30 a. m. and arrive in Shakopee at 10:55 a. m. On return trip it will leave Shakopee at 1:10 p. m. and arrive in Minneapolis at 2:40 p. m. It will stop in Shakopee at the Pelham Hotel and Swenson Drug Co.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 19, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

School Bond Vote Set For February

Another step in the movement to provide better public school facilities for the Shakopee community was taken Monday when the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 1, meeting in special session, passed a resolution setting Monday, Feb. 3, 1947, as the date for a special election on a $234,900 bond issue to provide funds for a new school.

Decision on the date was reached in concurrence with a committee of the Shakopee Commercial club after the board and the committee, meeting separately, had held several discussions on the matter…

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 22, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Huge Citizen’s Committee Named to ‘Sell’ Junior High

February 8 Bond Election…for $4,160,000

A … citizen’s committee was appointed Monday night by the Shakopee School Board to do a big job…persuading voters of District 720 to approve over $4 million in funds to construct a new Junior High School.

After including most of the members of the most recent citizens’ committee formed in 1969 to work for approval of the last district bond issue, board members kept adding names until the list reached 123, with the possibility of more in the future.

When the tentative list was completed, Dr. Robert Mayer, Superintendent of Schools, outlined the basic job the citizens’ committee would have, and a tentative time schedule for the bond issue preparations, the election and planning and construction of the school…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 19, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Justice center master plan approved by board

The Scott County Board last week approved a master plan for the $11 million county justice center, which will be constructed near the courthouse in Shakopee.

The board on Dec. 10 also voted to ask the city of Shakopee to vacate Fuller and Atwood streets between Fourth and Fifth avenues for construction of the justice center. The action was taken to initiate a planned-unit development application for the justice center construction and to initiate the process of replacing the … of the facility, which will be part of a campus.

County commissioners, working as a Committee of the Whole last week, recommended approval of the schematic design of the facility, which was presented by project manager Gregg Davies. The project was designed by Wold Architects of St. Paul…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 17, 1896 Scott County Argus

Last Monday E. B. Gilkey’s baby-girl almost completely severed the middle finger of her left hand in the rungs of a clothes wringer, while alone in the kitchen. Dr. Smith is making an effort to save the injured member.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 15, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Arthur Boppel, manager of the Swenson Drug Co., has a very artistic window which suggests Christmas to the passers-by. The little old fashioned fire place electrically installed in the window gives the store a cozy and comfortable aspect.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 12, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Group Hears Power Plant Study Aired

A detailed and technical report of the costs of erecting and operating an electric power generating plant of ample size to serve Shakopee, its industries and adjacent rural powerlines was presented at an informal meeting of city officials and representatives of civic organizations Friday night.

Prepared by electrical engineers the private study supplied a wealth of information on power production costs upon which the city council and interested citizens may base their discussion if and when the city undertakes any plan leading to the eventual construction of a generating plant within the city…

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 15, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

$3.8 Million Junior High Recommended

Bond Issue May Be in Mid-February…

Following a presentation of enrollment figures depicting the surge of students through the school system during the next few years, Shakopee Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Mayer formally recommended to the School Board Monday night immediate construction of a new Junior High School as the best long range solution to the district’s shortage of classrooms.

Although the board took no official action Monday night, there have been indications that this course of action has the approval of school board members, and in fact, architects are already working on site uses and locations for a junior high school to be built on a site adjacent to the present senior high school site.

It was indicated at the meeting that estimates on cost of a junior high school would be in the neighborhood of $3.8 million, but as yet there are no plans developed for the building. That cost figure comes from $27 square foot for a building of 126,000 square feet to house 900 students…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 12, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

TIF payments to schools are questioned

A legal hitch apparently has developed in an agreement between the city and the Shakopee School District in which the district receives tax increment financing (TIF) revenue generated by school referendums. Unless it is rectified, the district may be out of that funding, currently about $83,000 a year.

City payments to the school district from a relatively new TIF district is without legal basis, according to a city attorney, and as a result, the City Council last week voted to suspend payments to the school district, which has already received the first-half payment – around $40,000 – for 1996.

And city officials have been told that payments the district received from 1993 through 1995, as well as the first half of this year, also were made without legal basis…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 10, 1896 Scott County Argus

John Reis has sold his harness business to Mr. Mahowald of Renville county. Mr. Mahowald will move here at once, and take possession. His family will locate in the Simmer house north of the Court House.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 8, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Car Stolen

Automobile thieves stole Harry C. Mertz’s car Tuesday night by breaking into the garage at John Thiem home.

Mr. Thiem and Mr. Mertz sat up until about one o’clock and nothing unusual was heard about the place so think the theft occurred after that time.

The discovery was made about seven o’clock in the morning by Miss Mollie Theis who noticed the door open and the garage empty.

The car was a Ford coupe, 1921 model and in possession of Mr. Mertz only two months. It is generally believed the car was pulled out of the garage by a horse as there were horses hoof prints about the place.

Authorities were notified at once, however no clue has been found up to the present time. The car was insured but if not found there will be a loss to the owner.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 5, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

State Formally Approves New School Plans

That I. O. Friswold, director of building and business administration of the State Department of Education had given his formal approval to the preliminary plans for Shakopee’s proposed new school was made a matter of record this week with the receipt of a letter from Long and Thorshov, architects who designed the structure.

The letter, addressed to Al N. Wurst, superintendent, advised that the plans had been approved by Mr. Friswold, “with no difficulty and without reservation.”…

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 8, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Judges Urge Courthouse Addition

To Unify Lower Courts…

…Scott County judges F. J. Connolly and Kermit Lindmeyer, in a meeting with Scott County Administrator Joseph Ries, have proposed an addition to the small building north of the present main courthouse to house the county courtrooms.

The addition, according to the judges suggestions, would be connected to the main building. The small building, formerly a garage, was recently remodeled for County Attorneys offices, but is now being used by the county courts Violations Intake Bureau since the Attorney’s move to New Prague.

In reporting the judges wishes to the county board Tuesday, Ries estimated the cost of the addition would be from $40,000 to $50,000…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 5, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Sand Burr Gulch meets its end

The village of Sand Burr Gulch is no more.

Fire departments from Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage and Chaska set the former Stagecoach Museum complex ablaze on Saturday to practice firefighting techniques and also get rid of the dilapidated buildings along Highway 101 between Shakopee and Savage.

The onetime theme park, entertainment complex and Stagecoach Museum and Restaurant, was built by Ozzie and Marie Klavestad. The Klavestads bought the property in the early 1950s to house Ozzie’s growing gun collection, and eventually the site was developed to resemble the Old West. Ozzie and Marie dressed the part as they entertained visitors it eh park’s inn, Bella Union Opera House and of course, Sand Burr Gulch. After some 30 years, they sold the property to Cal and Cheryl Hotzler.

After the property was sold to the Hotzlers, the opera house burned in 1983. Soon, public interest in the site faded. The Hotzlers hope to sell the 5-acre property.