Author: Wes Reinke

150 Years Ago: From the March 19, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The East Shakopee School is having a vacation this week on account of the sickness of the teacher, Miss Smedley.

125 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1899 Scott County Argus

At a meeting of the county commissioners last Friday, John J. Ring was awarded the contract for keeping the county poor for the term of three years commencing the first of April. The business of the Ring Hotel will be continued, although arrangements have not been completed yet.

125 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

O. Spielmann has received two dozen new records for his graphophone. They are all the latest up-to-date selections.

100 Years Ago: From the March 21, 1924 Shakopee Argus

A contract has been let for the building of Cottage No. 3 at the state reformatory. Joseph Pavek of New Prague was the successful bidder, Schroeder Brick and Lime Co. will furnish the brick and lime used in construction. Cottage No. 3 will be located north of Cottage No. 2 facing west toward the administration building.

100 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The interior of Miller’s Cafe is being completely renovated. New wall paper is being put on in the hotel, cafe and lunch room. The wood work is also being newly painted and varnished. The work is being done by J. H. Stans.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Child Missing Four Hours Went to School

Unperturbed and unaware of the worry and excitement he had caused, 5-year-old Garry Schesso was found by firemen Monday afternoon four hours after he had wandered away from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Schesso, on E. Third street.

Missing him shortly after noon, Mrs. Schesso started a search of the neighborhood and then widened the hunt as worry and fear mounted within her. Neighbors and the police department joined in the hunt and finally when their efforts proved fruitless, firemen were summoned at 3:30.

Systematically the search expanded to wider circles and it was not until shortly after 4 o’clock that a group of firemen found the lad scarcely four blocks from home.

Children identified him for the firemen and when the lad was questioned he calmly told his “rescuers” that he had been to school. His brother and sister who attend the public school verified the child’s story.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Lights Bought For Courthouse

Contract for new fluorescent lights in the Scott County courthouse was awarded to Wes Schneider of Shakopee by the Board of Commissioners Tuesday. His bid of $1137 was the low proposal among other bidders.

50 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

New school building plan unveiled

Shakopee school district residents got a first look at drawings of the proposed new $4.5 million Junior High School building Tuesday night.

An open forum on the new building was held at the Shakopee Senior High auditorium to help acquaint voters with the bond issue proposal to be decided Thursday, April 4.

The new Junior High proposal is being offered as a solution to the district’s critical building shortage. According to school district officials, the new school will satisfy the need for more room but was designed to guard against over-building. Expansion of the facility is possible under the architect’s plans should that be necessary in the future…

According to the architects, the new building will be two stories and will be built to conform to the lay of the land.

The site gives ample room for outdoor recreational areas, and voters will have an option on their ballots to determine whether a pool will be built in connection with the new building.

According to the plans outlined Tuesday, the new structure would follow a traditional pian rather than have an open format…

25 Years Ago: From the March 18, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Sun Path School (not elementary, my dear Watson)

Randy Moss Elementary School. It has a certain ring to it.

While it does pay homage to the popular Vikings wide receiver, it’s not quite what members of a volunteer committee envisioned in their search for a name for Shakopee’s newest grade school.

After receiving 140 suggestions submitted by adults and students throughout the school district, the committee of eight community representatives selected a name with a more tranquil, suburban flair: Sun Path.

Committee chair and Central Elementary principal Libby Bergen joined committee member Shari Lusignan in presenting the group’s recommendation to the Shakopee School Board Monday evening…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 12, 1874 Shakopee Argus

It is reported that several saloons have received notice from a committee of ladies to close up or they will be visited with prayers and singing. Of course the notice is a bogus one, and no such committee exist here.

125 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1899 Scott County Argus

For sale or rent. 224 acre farm, pasture, hay and tillable land. Will take share of crop for rent. 20 acres seeded to rye, balance plowed. Good buildings. For particulars enquire on premises three miles east of town. Geo. Sencerbox.

125 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

“Bob” Iten left last Monday for Chicago to accept a position as traveling salesman for the large boot and shoe firm of C. M. Henderson & Co. of that city. Mr. Iten is an old knight of the grip, having had twelve years experience before coming to Shakopee. His field of canvass will be in Minnesota.

100 Years Ago: From the March 14, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Elected Principal

At a meeting of the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 1 Monday evening, Miss Myrtle Avelsgaard was elected principal to succeed Miss Birdsall who will not return.

100 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The laying of a new hard wood floor has just been completed this week by carpenter George Dietrick in the Philipp Building on First Street, occupied by the H. G. Swenson Drug Co. The new floor adds greatly to the appearance of the store.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Scott County Drug Sold to Bemidji Druggist

In a transaction completed March 3, Jerry Regan, formerly of Bemidji, became the owner of the Scott County Drug company, formerly operated by the late William Kroonblawd and Dr. Paul F. Nevin.

The new owner, a registered pharmacist, is now in charge of the store and in an advertisement in the Argus-Tribune today announces that Friday and Saturday have been designated as “get acquainted” days.

Mr. Regan’s wife and three children are continuing to make their home in Bemidji, but will move to Shakopee as soon as satisfactory living quarters are available.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Kopp To Handle Low Cost Homes

New Housing Project Offers New Dwellings At Very Low Prices

The Kopp Agency will handle sales for a new low-cost housing project in Shakopee, Roman J. Kopp announced this week. The homes are under construction in Shakopee by the Besco Construction Corporation, managed by Walter C. Kutscher.

Kutscher, in reporting that this city would be one of the first communities to have such a project, said that the first units will be available for occupancy here this spring.

In order to eliminate much of the red-tape usually associated with housing units, the Besco Corporation have worked out their own financing plan and will handle all details. The houses are to be sold on a ten per cent down payment with monthly payments lower than most present daily rents…

50 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Council undecided about shopping center

The proposed Minnesota Valley Mall shopping center to be built at the west edge of Shakopee in Jackson Township is still up in the air after the city council discussed the matter further Tuesday night.

The council had agreed to terminate the sewer and water agreement between the center’s developers and the city at the end of this month because the city had heard of no new progress on the center project.

The developers, Watson Centers of Minneapolis, had appeared at the last two council meetings to say that the center will be going ahead as planned if the council does not cut off city services.

The council asked for still more study on the matter Tuesday night and told Watson Centers representatives that it would make a decision before the end of March…

25 Years Ago: From the March 11, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Commercial moratorium next?

Would affect B-1 zone

The types of land-use clashes that led the Shakopee City Council to enact a nine-month moratorium on residential housing development has spilled over to commercial development. The council is setting the stage to consider calling for a moratorium on commercial development in the city’s highway-business (B-1) zone.

At its March 2 meeting, the council voted 4-1 to have city staff study the options and impacts of a moratorium on B-1 development…

The council scheduled a joint workshop session with the Planning Commission on March 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the issue.

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1874 Shakopee Argus

We are surprised by having continued complaints made to us that certain saloon keepers sell liquor to minors and to men that get drunk. The penalty of the law is severe and some of these days some one will pay dearly for its violation. The law allows any licensed dealer to sell liquor to a man until he is made a drunkard, but he has no right to sell him any more until the drunkard becomes a temperate man again.

125 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1899 Scott County Argus

Joseph Fischer has bought out J. H. Ring’s interest in the Shakopee Stone works, and will continue the business. He is still at work manufacturing the stone in the basement of the Ring hotel, but will move to the creamery building as soon as weather permits. As a result of the winter’s work there is quite a large stock of the blocks on hand.

125 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Lauer are now occupying the Frank Buch cottage on First street, recently vacated by Rev. Ferguson, having moved in last Tuesday.

100 Years Ago: From the March 7, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Secretary Ries Resigns

It is with regret that the Argus this week reports the resignation of Wm. Ries as secretary of the Scott County Agricultural Society, a position he has filled for a number of years in a most efficient and satisfactory manner. Mr. Ries has given much valuable service to the society in the interest of better agriculture in this section. He is a man of splendid judgment and is possessed of all the qualifications that go to make up a methodical, conscientious and painstaking official and his place will not be easy to fill.

100 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The party who removed the two bundles of shingles from the Ketterer property is known, and to avoid trouble will kindly return them.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Pastor Moves to New Parsonage. Old Home Sold.

Rev. and Mrs. Norbert Augst and family have moved into the new Lutheran church parsonage at 714 E. First street.

The former parish residence at 731 E. Bluff has been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Anton Bongart of Cologne. The Bongarts moved into their new home Saturday. Three of their children will attend high school here and the eldest daughter will remain at Cologne to graduate from the Norwood high school in June…

The modern eight-room parsonage include four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, bath, office and basement recreation room.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

City Seeks More On-Sale Permits

Council Petitions Legislature To Allow Nine Liquor Licenses

Increase of on-sale liquor licenses in Shakopee to a total of nine was asked this week by the common council of the city in a request made to the Minnesota State Legislature.

The request was made by resolution which passed unamously at a regular adjourned session of the council Saturday. Copies of the resolution, published elsewhere in this week’s issue of the Valley News, were sent to Senator Henry Wagener and Rep. Michael R. Moriarty of this district…

50 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Board readies plan for $4.45 million school bond issue

The Shakopee school board and a citizens committee met Tuesday to discuss plans for a $4.45 million bond issue to be decided by voters April 4.

The bond election would be for a new junior high school to be located on district owned land at the south east corner of County Rd. 17 and 11th St.

Architects, Jim Rydeen and Dan Gallagher, were present at the meeting to show the preliminary plans for the proposed building and to answer questions on its design.

The proposed junior high as shown by the architects would be a split level building, 127,000 square feet, facing the south with access off of County Rd. 17…

25 Years Ago: From the March 4, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Growth brings need for a new school, another referendum

Even as a new elementary school takes shape near St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee’s population growth and a projected surge in elementary enrollment has prompted the need for a fourth elementary school by the fall of 2001.

Shakopee School Superintendent Bob Ostlund said Monday a bond issue to fund construction of another elementary should be put to voters by next February…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 26, 1874 Shakopee Argus

John J. Ring, County Treasurer elect, has moved into town. He will enter upon the discharge of his official duties on Monday next.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The old Flaherty & Lies building which had served as a general store and one of the oldest familiar Shakopee landmarks the past 45 years on the corner of First and Lewis streets, was this week razed to the ground as the preliminary action to clearing the grounds for the erection of the large two story brick structure which will be commenced within a very short time…

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 29, 1924 Shakopee Argus

City Attorney Resigns

At the adjourned regular meeting of the common council Wednesday, City Atty. J. J. Moriarty tendered his resignation as counselor for that body, a position which we think he has filled with credit to himself and general satisfaction to the people of Shakopee. Mr. Moriarty’s resignation was accepted, but his successor has not yet been appointed.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 28, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Postmaster Schwartz had another convenience built in the distributing room of the local post office in the form of the installation of shelves on which to file parcel post packages. These shelves make the handling of parcel post more convenient and efficient as instead of placing packages on the floor, they are now filed on these shelves immediately upon their arrival, where they remain until distributed.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Conducts Clinic at Dental Meet

Dr. W. A. Pomije, Shakopee dentist, held a clinic on cavity preparation for silicate filling as a part of the program at the annual convention of the Minnesota State Dental association in the Minneapolis auditorium Wednesday.

A further contribution to the program was the showing for the first time of Dr. Pomije’s bur dispenser which e designed and recently patented. The dispenser was demonstrated by Mrs. Jane Rockwell and Miss Honora Pomije.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Julius A. Coller Gets Exclusive Northwest Franchise For New Jesse James Movie

Julius A. Coller, II, local attorney and owner of North Star Pictures, a film distributing firm has been granted the exclusive Northwest distributing rights for the new screen hit, “I Shot Jesse James”, the Screen Guild News of California announced this week.

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 25, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Kmart plans move to larger store near Cub

Blue-light specials will be moving from Shakopee Town Square on the west side of the city to the intersection of Marschall Road and Vierling Drive now that Kmart has announced plans to relocate later this year.

The city of Shakopee has received construction plans for a larger Kmart store to be located on southeast corner of the busy intersection, now a hotbed for retail activity with a new Cub Foods store and several smaller stores at the CrossRoads Center.

Although rumors of the impending move from the Shakopee mall on County Road 69 have been circulating since store management informed employees several weeks ago, Kmart corporate officials in Troy, Mich., declined to confirm plans until late last week.

Though Kmart officials confirmed plans for the new, larger store, they declined additional comment. However, plans submitted to the city indicate that Kmart will build a 106,162-square-foot store, which compares to its 81,500-square-foot Shakopee store. The site plan for the 18-acre parcel was submitted to the city on Kmart’s behalf by Continental Development…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 19, 1874 Shakopee Argus

A Bill has passed the Legislature legalizing the acts of the Shakopee Soap Factory. We would like to be informed what illegal acts the Shakopee Soap Factory has been guilty of?

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 23, 1899 Scott County Argus

The new well at Paul Fischer’s is complete and fitted with a force pump of serviceable pattern. The unlimited supply of water will be of benefit in carrying on the extensive gardening operations in dry seasons.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Bernard Gentrub of Westpoint, Neb., last week purchased the buildings and five lots belonging to John Stratman for $1000. Mr. and Mrs. Stratman will leave for Steinhausen, Westpahlia Germany, next Monday. They have been residents of Shakopee the past 26 years.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 22, 1924 Shakopee Argus

C. D. McKinnon, who has conducted a billiard hall in the Dawson block the past two years, sold his interests to Fred Stelten the first of the week and has returned to River Falls, Wis., his old home. Mr. Stelten was the former proprietor of the business and is again in possession, pleased to be back at his old stand.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 21, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

P. G. Miller installed in his café during the past week a complete blau-gas cooking equipment.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Recreation Body to Finance Ball Club This Season

The job of financing the Shakopee baseball club for the coming season was assumed by the Shakopee Recreational association according to a motion passed by the board of directors at their meeting in the city hall Monday night.

It was also agreed that the Shakopee ball park would be made available to teams in the Minnesota Valley league for the playing of “any and all scheduled night league games.”…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee Plans Delegation To Bid For 1949 State Baseball Meet

State Board To Pick Tournament City At Meeting Next Monday Night

Shakopee will submit a bid to sponsor the 1949 State Amateur Baseball tournament the Shakopee Commercial Club decided at their meeting Tuesday night.

The Shakopee delegation will meet with members of the state baseball board at a special meeting at the Frederic Hotel Monday evening…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 20, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

HRA considering consultant’s “Action Plan” for downtown revitalization

A seven point “Action Plan” for downtown revitalization was revealed to the Shakopee Housing and Redevelopment Authority last week.

The HRA will be meeting again this week to discuss their reaction to the proposal with city planner John Gravender.

The highlights of the action plan involve an interim truck by-pass, riverfront development, beautification. redevelopment and off-street parking system.

The purpose of this round of downtown revitalization planning was to provide the city with a program which would bring results rather than another set of booklets and models as collected from past attempts at improving downtown Shakopee.

After reviewing past planning attempts and discussing downtown improvement needs with local businessmen and city officials, the new city planner offered a program to deal with redevelopment…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 18, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

City gets federal grant for downtown

The city of Shakopee has won a federal grant that could help change the face of its downtown area. The $877,800 in funding will help enhance businesses and residential property in the downtown area.

The federal grant money will be funneled through the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program. Shakopee was one of 33 applicants to win a grant. The grants ranged from $226,000 for Harris to $1.4 million for Deer River. A total of 78 small cities across the state applied for the grant…

The money is intended for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied residential housing, rental housing and commercial buildings. The city’s application said the money will be used within an area bordered by a portion of Third Avenue on the south, Bluff Street on the north, Naumkeag Street on the east and Clay Street on the west. Paul Snook, Shakopee economic development coordinator, said federal guidelines require that the funds be used to benefit low- and moderate-income residents and also eliminate “slum and blight conditions.”…

The city and its consultant – Community Partners Research – identified properties that may be eligible for the grant money and completed an application last fall.

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1874 Shakopee Argus

We have been in receipt of valuable public documents from Hon. L. M. Brown and Hon. J. L. MacDonald, for which, gentlemen, please accept our thanks.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 16, 1899 Scott County Argus

John Reichel, of St. Paul, has accepted the position of head baker in the Shakopee bakery.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Sewing Machines Repaired. For a short time I will do all kinds of repairing and adjusting of sewing or knitting machines. A full line of all kinds of needles, extras or attachments kept on hand. All work guaranteed to give satisfaction. Charges reasonable. New Shuttles fitted to any style machine.

Rob’t Iten, 2nd St. Shakopee.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 15, 1924 Shakopee Argus

New Filling Station

Rudolph P. Johnson bought from H. Simons Lumber Co. lot 5 in block 30, corner of Lewis and Third streets, and will install a large filling station. The sale was completed Wednesday and Mr. Johnson states that work on the station will begin as soon as possible.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 14, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Art Bopple has installed a very fine radio receiving set in the Swenson Drug Store to provide entertainment for his customers. That it is appreciated is proven by the crowd which gathers nightly to tune in on stations from coast to coast.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Dahl Named to Municipal Police Board

On the recommendation of Mayor J. J. Cavanaugh the city council Tuesday night renamed Elmer Dahl to a three-year term on the municipal police commission. Dahl had been appointed for a one-year term when the commission was established last September.

In addition to Dahl the commission is composed of George Burshek and Dr. Paul F. Nevin…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Council Studies Utility Matters

Aldermen Discuss Sewers, Water Improvements, Purchase New Truck

Public utilities details occupied the attention of the aldermen at the regular meeting of the common council in the city hall Tuesday evening.

After some discussion, the council started action that will result in the purchase of about one block of private water main by the city from the residents of Second Street between Apgar and Scott. The same residents will donate the sewer line to the city.

The city will pay the original cost of the water improvement plus half of the excavation cost of the project. The water and sewer mains are in the same trench in that locality. The water main extension is one of the few private watermains left in the city.

The aldermen discussed some proposed variations in routing of the new “Naumkeag” intercepting sewer and will probably order a hearing at the adjourned session of the council which will convene at the call of the mayor sometime later in the month…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 13, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Bridge bill gets approval at House panel

A bill for a toll bridge across the Minnesota River near Shakopee was revived and approved by the House committee on governmental operations this week…

The bill was passed out of committee after the removal of a controversial amendment which would have required approval of all communities affected by the bridge and its connecting roadways…

The new amendment would give the go-ahead to the project on the approval of four of the six communities and units of government involved. Those are Shakopee, Savage, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, the State Highway Department and the Metro Council…

The new amendment was added in committee session and the bill was passed out with no dissenting votes.

Next move for the bridge bill is the Senate committee on governmental operations. It has already passed transportation committees in both houses, and is not expected to meet much opposition in the next committee.

Proponents of the bill hope to have their proposal for a toll bridge authority, the first of its kind in the state, in front of the full House and Senate before this session of the legislature ends.

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 11, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee eyed for juvenile facility

Girls will reside in correctional center near women’s prison

The land that once was the site of the women’s prison in Shakopee could once again hold a correctional facility. But this time, the inmates would be juvenile girls instead of women.

The site being considered for an Adolescent Female Resource Center is a 10-acre parcel on the north side of Sixth Avenue. When the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) left the old prison site in favor of a new building on the south side of Sixth Avenue in the northwest corner of the city in 1986, the state retained the land. Now, the DOC is proposing a joint project with Hennepin County for a secured facility which would house approximately 50 girls convicted of felonies when completed in summer 2001…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 5, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The Bread Box of the City Bakery makes its daily rounds.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 9, 1899 Scott County Argus

Since the excellent sleighing came there has been wood to burn on the streets at all hours of the day. It would be interesting to know just how many cords are brought into Shakopee in a day. The number of loads that are hauled in to supply the general demand is very large, and when to this is added the dozens of teams that come trailing in every day to the brick-yard and the lime kiln the number must reach close to a hundred. Shakopee as a wood market is taking front rank.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 3, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. Robert Iten had business at Arlington last Tuesday. By mutual consent Mr. Iten will discontinue his services as clerk in Segelbaum’s big store after this week. While we wish him unbounded success in his future career, we know that the many warm friends Bob has gained since his location in Shakopee, some two years ago, all hope that he with his estimable family will still continue to make this city their place of residence.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 8, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Siebenaler Bros. finished the local ice harvest Saturday afternoon and have stored in their ice houses the largest quantity of ice ever cut by them. They report the crop excellent in quality and of good depth. On Monday Frank Siebenaler shipped his sawing rig to Red Wing and went down himself on Wednesday to harvest this year’s crop for the Red Wing Creamery Co. The job will be a big one and Mr. Siebenaler expects to be kept busy on it at least a week and perhaps longer.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 7, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Plans Under Way for Grandstand

The city council and the Shakopee Baseball Association are jointly working out plans whereby a grandstand may be built on the athletic field recently purchased by the city of Shakopee…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 3, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Valley League of Six Teams Formed Monday

A six-team Minnesota Valley league, including the same clubs that composed the loop last season, was formed when representatives of the teams met in the city hall here Monday night…

Teams composing the league are Bloomington, Chaska, Excelsior, Hopkins, Shakopee and St. Louis Park.

Tentative plans for a 20-game schedule for the season were drafted, but dates for the contests and season opening will not be set until next Sunday, Feb. 13, when the officers and team representatives hold their second meeting, it was learned.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 3, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Solons Move To Repay County

Legislators To Introduce Two Measures To Help Repay Scott County

Scott county’s extraordinary expenses incurred because of the frequent escapes of inmates at the state reformatory for women was due for legislative scrutiny, it was learned this week…

It was estimated by Scott county officials that the county has incurred expenses of approximately $1500.00 in the past two years apprehending and returning about 25 escaped inmates of the reformatory.

Two bills were to be introduced in both the House and the Senate this week. One bill would reimburse the county for the expenses incurred in the past.

The other bill would establish the state liable for all costs incurred in connection with escapes, apprehension, and trial of inmates at all state institutions. At present, these costs are borne by the county in which the particular institution is located…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 6, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Recreation building idea draws favorable Council reception

The possibility of a new recreation building for Shakopee is under consideration by the city council.

Primary discussion of the idea took place at a joint committee work session Tuesday night. No definite planning on a specific building was done, but councilmen did show some enthusiasm for pursuing such a project.

According to the councilmen’s early discussions, the recreation building would house an ice arena, but would also be used for other activities during some months of the year…

A survey of costs involved in other similar buildings around the Metropolitan area was presented by city administrator Bill Fahey. He said such a facility could cost anywhere from $400,000 to $1.5 million according to reports from other communities…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 4, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Old Ferry Bridge to be demolished and replaced

Demolition of the old Bloomington Ferry Bridge, which has been used by pedestrians and bicyclists once the new bridge was opened in October 1994, will start later this month according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

The old bridge will be replaced by another that will be open to bicyclists and pedestrians as a route into the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge by next fall, weather permitting, said MnDOT…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Jan. 29, 1874 Shakopee Argus

Many of our citizens are making preparation for building early in the Spring. But some cannot even wait for the spring season. We note that during this week a new frame for a good sized house has been erected in East Shakopee.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 2, 1899 Scott County Argus

C. L. Wilcox is planning to build a cottage on First street, on the lot east of C. E. Busse’s residence, this spring. With some grading, and filling in a portion of the deep ravine on the edge of which the lot lies, the site will be changed into one of the best in that portion of the city.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 27, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Last Wednesday Mr. Charles Krutsinger, who for the past four months has been conducting the saloon in the Nieters building near the depot, sold his stock to Adam Huth, who took posession at once. Mr. Huth needs no introduction to the people of Shakopee and vicinity, being an old Scott county boy, but who for the past eight years has been living at Bird Island. Mr. Krutsinger will leave Shakopee in a few days, and is contemplating a trip to the Pacific coast. He is an affable young man and has made many warm friends during his brief stay here, all of whom regret his departure, but wish him success wherever fortune may take him.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 1, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Prominent Shakopee Man Heads Minnesota Organization

A signal honor was shown one of Shakopee’s best known business men last week when John B. Ries, president of the Jacob Ries Bottling Works, Inc., of this city was elected president of the state bottlers at their annual convention, January 25-26.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 27, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

No Change in River League

That the Minnesota River Baseball league will remain an eight-team league was determined Sunday afternoon when representatives of the communities which compose the loop voted to continue the organization as it was last season.

Shakopee and Chaska had applied for membership in the circuit when it was learned there was a possibility it might be expanded to a 10-team league.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 27, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee Awarded ’49 Minnesota Legion Junior Baseball Tourney

City Continues As “Baseball Capital of Minnesota” This Year

The greatest summer youth classic of Minnesota, the state American Legion Junior Baseball tournament will be staged at Riverside Park, Shakopee, in 1949, it was decided Saturday.

Meeting in St. Pual, the 10 district athletic officers, comprising the state Legion athletic board, accepted the bid of Shakopee Post No. 2 to sponsor the four day meet…

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 30, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Junior High plans considered by Board

A split level junior high building was proposed and accepted at the school board meeting Monday evening.

The building, which would be located on district owned land east of County Rd. 17 and South of 11th Ave. would take advantage of the natural slope of the land. The split level concept is the best at this point according to James Rydeen one of the architects of the building.

The architects schematic drawing showed the front of the building facing south with the entrance off of County Rd. 17. A parking lot for 130 cars was located in front of the building and the phy-ed playing fields east south east of the rectangle shaped building.

The architects also planned for expansion by allowing areas for addition coming West and North…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 28, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

City looks at moratorium on new housing

Citing concerns that Shakopee might not be evolving the way city leaders want it to, the City Council and Planning Commission have discussed bringing residential growth to a temporary standstill.

In a joint workshop with the Planning Commission Jan. 25, the council discussed enacting a moratorium on residential development. Councilor Bob Sweeney, who proposed the moratorium, suggested a six-month period. During that time, city staff and members of the Planning Commission and City Council could take stock in the way the city has grown and adjust the zoning controls which the council deems are in need of adjustment…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Jan. 22, 1874 Shakopee Argus

New Bakery. Mr. Joseph Nachtsheim has started a new Bakery on First Street East of the Argus Office. He is ready to supply all families with good bread fresh baked, and all kinds of cakes. He will soon have his bakery ready to make Crackers sufficient to supply the whole Minnesota Valley.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 26, 1899 Scott County Argus

Operations are to be commenced in a few days upon the new structure for Flaherty and Lies. The old building is to be torn down and made use of in the erection of a feedstore, warehouse and stable, which will adjoin the rear and run along the alley a distance of 80 feet. The feedstore entrance will be on Lewis street. Then when building weather comes the brick store, 40 x 80 feet in size, two stories high, will go up. It promises to be a splendid improvement to the town.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 20, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Last evening about 6 o’clock, the dummy in front of Segelbaum’s store was stripped of its winter apparel—a valuable coonskin coat—by some bold “gentleman” who evidently was looking for something “warm.” He got what he was looking for when he took that coat, but in a few moments his ardor for warm things was cooled when that sleuth of detectives, Carl Lilienfield, assisted by one of our best local assistants, overhauled him at the postoffice corner and—handed him into the custody of Nightwatchman Osterfeld. He will have an opportunity to explain matters to “his honor” this morning.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 25, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Am. Legion Project

All men over school age are invited to meet next Monday evening, at eight o’clock, at Legion hall to organize classes in physical exercises under the supervision of John J. Jacobi, athletic director of Shakopee high school.

Members of the American Legion are sponsoring the project and very great interest in the proposed classes is manifested by the young men of the city. Many are expected to avail themselves of this opportunity.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 20, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

County Nurse Group Formed

Scott county moved closer to the inauguration of its public health nursing service when the committee, appointed to set the program in operation, met for the first time in the courthouse here Tuesday afternoon.

Mrs. W. A. Pomije, Shakopee, was elected chairman; Dr. B. F. Pearson, county health officer, vice chairman, and B. A. Herzog, county superintendent of schools, secretary of the committee.

Other members are Mrs. Exerine Tolzman, Belle Plaine, and Ernest Wermerskirchen, chairman of the board of county commissioners…

Although the group gave its attention to the primary problem of securing a qualified nurse for the project no action in that direction can be taken, it was explained, until the county commissioners make the necessary appropriation to finance the work.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 20, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Consider Shakopee For Field Trials

Possibility that the Minnesota Field Dog Trials may be held at Shakopee in 1949 were evident this week as a committee Field Trial association surveyed the community. A spring and fall meet, both under the auspices of the American Kennel club, will be held. According to the committee, Shakopee is being favorably considered, and is sufficient housing can be found for the hundreds of participants and spectators, the trials will come here. Committee members here Tuesday were Jerry Carnes, Minneapolis, and George Alt and Fisk Marshall of Long Lake.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 23, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Shopping Center plans going well Chamber told

Plans for the Minnesota Valley Mall, a new shopping center to be built in Shakopee, are progressing according to project developer Gene Williams…

The mall will feature an enclosed walkway and 150,000 square feet of shopping space. The design indicates larger stores in the center of the mall with smaller shops along the perimeter.

Super Value food stores will anchor the center, and Williams said leases for others stores are now being finalized…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 21, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Realignment of Co. 16 proposed for development

A proposal that would realign the intersection of county roads 16 and 83 in Shakopee and bring new commercial development to the area might require the city to hand over control of 17th Avenue to Scott County…

The county wants the road to serve as a reliever for traffic on Highway 169, according to County Engineer Brad Larson. Under the proposal, which has primarily been discussed at the staff level, the roadway would become County Road 16. The existing 2 ½-mile stretch of County Road 16 between County Road 83 and Marschall Road would likely be handed over to the city, Larson said…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the Jan. 15, 1874 Shakopee Argus

Twenty teams a day come to our market loaded with wheat. The Elevator is receiving about one thousand bushels of wheat each day, and it all goes as No. 1. At Shakopee wheat is bringing about ten cents a bushel more than at any other market within twenty miles.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 19, 1899 Scott County Argus

The change of the week in business circles was the admission by Fred P. Lauer of Henry C. Kohls as a partner in his shoe business. An experience of a year convinced Mr. Lauer that he could not give both the sales department and the repair work of his growing trade sufficient attention alone, even though he gave up every moment of his waking hours to the work. The admission of Mr. Kohls into the firm will be a direct benefit to the business and Mr. Lauer personally. Both are young men of integrity and worth in business circles and in every way worthy of success. Mr. Kohls has been employed for several years past as a clerk in his father’s firm, the old established Kohls & Berens, general merchants, and hence carries a good deal of experience with him into his new departure.

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 13, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

About twenty loads of lumber were conveyed by team yesterday from the depot to Marystown for Geo. H. Theis, who intends to erect a large barn at once.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 17, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee’s Birth Rate Considerably Increased

The best evidence of the growth of a city is in its birth rate. The statistics for 1923 show that there were fifty-five new arrivals from Babyland in Shakopee during 1923.

This is an increase of twenty-three percent above the highest number of births heretofore recorded in Shakopee during one year.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 18, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Mrs. Matt Vierling has entered a contest put on by a Minneapolis paper for an automobile and her friends are all hoping that she will prove the lucky one to win it.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 13, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Complete 800-ft. Stretch of Sewer in East Shakopee

Beating the frost and the usual spring floods, the Griffith Engineering and Construction company has completed the laying of 800 feet of 12-inch sewer line and the construction of three manholes in the lowland north of First street in East Shakopee…

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 13, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Cooked Spuds Almost Available Tuesday

Potatoes, roasted in the sack, were almost available in limited quantities here Tuesday afternoon when the Shakopee Fire Department was called to extinguish a fire in a truck loaded with spuds, parked on the main business district. The truck, owned by Thomas Thompson, St. Paul, was parked in front of Burshek’s when a kerosene heater tipped over. Little damage resulted.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 16, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Kawasaki plant nears completion

The new Kawasaki building neared completion this week as workmen put the finishing touches on front offices. Office employees of the new research and development center were expected to move in shortly. In the rear of the building are research and testing facilities which are expected to be completed next month. The seven test rooms will be equipped to test snowmobile engines under a wide range of conditions. Kawasaki is the first Japanese company to build in Minnesota. The plant is located in Valley Industrial Park.

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 14, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Enrollment projected to surge

New school may be needed soon

Enrollment in Shakopee Schools could increase by more than 73 percent over the next 10 years, with a tremendous surge in kindergarten students expected next year.

This and other information provided by the annual census and enrollment projection for the school district spurred discussion among School Board members Monday. The data, based on a mathematical model which uses census and enrollment figures from the past five years to predict future enrollment trends, was presented by Ron Ward, administrative services director…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.