Category: Remember When

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1898 Scott County Argus

Fred Vierling and Nic Heger went out of business at the old Nieters place, in “upper town” last Monday, with the expiration of their license. They are planning to reengage in the saloon business at some point on First street, in the near future, but nothing definite has been decided upon to date.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 2, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

New Drinking Fountains for Down Town District

New public drinking fountains are being installed in the down town district of this city. One fountain is being placed on the corner at the John Berens store and another at Davy’s corner.

A lavatory and drinking fountain will also be installed at Riverside Park in the near future. The improvements have become a necessity and will be welcomed by local people.

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

Park Dedication Set

Dedication of Shakopee’s improved baseball park, site of the 1948 state amateur baseball tournament, has been set for Wednesday night, Aug. 4, with the Shakopee Indians and the Chaska Cubs providing the diamond attraction.

W. H. (Rip) Schroeder, Scott county deputy sheriff and coach of the Shakopee club, will be the master of ceremonies. Schroeder, who formerly played with the Columbus Red Birds and St. Louis Cards, now occasionally plays the outfield in addition to his coaching duties on the Shakopee club.

The dedication ceremony is to get under way promptly at 8:00 o’clock preceding the ballgame which has been scheduled for 8:30. Feature of the ceremony will be a 15-minute program of music and intricate drills by the Chaska drum and bugle corps composed of members of veterans of World war II…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 1, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

High Winds and Hail

Over 200 acres of corn on the Thomas Williams farm south of Shakopee was destroyed by high winds and hail over the weekend which also wrecked the vegetable garden and broke windows on the William home. Damage around Scott County may top the million dollar mark when all estimates are tallied. Some of the county’s farmers had insurance to cover some of their losses, but many did not have adequate protection. The storms which caused the damage blew across areas of three counties. In Scott County the heaviest damage was reported through a stirp of land about three miles wide and 18 to 20 miles long in the southwest part of the county. Some fields of corn, soybeans and oats were wiped out completely.

25 Years Ago: From the July 30, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Cleanup of shooting range to cost $24,305

Cities, county may contribute

For years, the Shakopee Police Department, area law-enforcement agencies and sportsmen have used the gun range just south of the intersection of county roads 16 and 83.

But at the July 21 Shakopee City Council meeting, the city paid the bill for 20-plus years of no-cost target practice. The council unanimously accepted a quote of $24,305 from Glenn Rehbein Cos. to remove and dispose of approximately 420 tons of soil from the embankment behind the targets.

As required by the state, the city needs to remove the lead bullets from the soil because the soil is deemed to be contaminated by the lead. The land is owned by Valley Green Business Park, which wants to sell the small parcel for development. At Valley Green’s request, the city planned to deal with the issue a year ago. But the cleanup would not be economically completed before the end of the year and Valley Green agreed to defer the project until 1998, said City Administrator Mark McNeill…

125 Years Ago: From the July 28, 1898 Scott County Argus

If this weather is not “hot enough for you,” take a trip down to the City Brick yard, where Mr. Schroeder’s crew is just now basking in the additional warmth thrown off by a burning kiln at 800,000 brick. This is the second big kiln of the season at the City Brick yard.

100 Years Ago: From the July 26, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee State Bank Installs Electric Alarm

The Shakopee State Bank added a new safety device to their bank last week, by the installation of an up-to-date electric alarm system.

The alarm, which was installed by the Cannon Ball Alarm Co. of Minneapolis, is attached to the protective devices throughout the system in such a way that the slightest interference at any point, will sound the warning. The alarm system is so thorough that the removal of even a single screw from the casing of the outside metal box will sound the alarm.

75 Years Ago: From the July 22, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Police Radio System Ready

A police radio system that will eventually link county and municipal law enforcement officers in Scott and Carver counties is to be inaugurated here this week, Pat Thielen, Shakopee police chief, disclosed.

Two-way radios have already been installed in the Shakopee police car and the Scott county sheriff’s car. Transmitting equipment is to be housed in the courthouse here…

50 Years Ago: From the July 25, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

New Veterinary Clinic in Operation

Dr. Richard Klimmek has taken the step from a converted garage to a new veterinary clinic just south of Shakopee. The new clinic marks the achievement of a goal Klimmek set six years ago when he graduated from the University of Minnesota…

The new clinic was designed primarily for small animal veterinary services including exams, vaccinations and surgery, and also has boarding and grooming facilities…

Joining Klimmek on the first of July was another recent U of M graduate, Dr. Tom Rainey. Dr. Rainey had been a member of the scholastic veterinary fraternity.

Both men have mobile veterinary units mounted on trucks which allows them to make emergency house calls, and makes it easier to deal with large animals who could not be brought to the clinic…

The clinic is located one and one half miles south of Shakopee on Co. Rd. 15 (Marystown Road)…

25 Years Ago: From the July 23, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Prison escapee found at Minneapolis concert

A 17-year-old convicted murderer who walked away from the state correctional facility for women in Shakopee Friday morning was found about midnight the same day exactly where authorities thought she would be – at the Smashing Pumpkins concert in downtown Minneapolis…

125 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1898 Scott County Argus

Charles Hartmann and George Ries will engage in the butcher business here as soon as necessary arrangements can be made. They are today undecided whether to buy you A & J. Zettel or start a third market in the unoccupied part of the How block on Lewis street. Both deals are now pending.

100 Years Ago: From the July 19, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The Tri-State Telephone Co. will open their new office in the M. J. Berens and Sons building about August 1. Experienced operators form the twin cities will be in charge for an indefinite time, until local operators have been trained.

75 Years Ago: From the July 15, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Huth and Johnson in Tonsorial Shop

In a change of plans announced this week it was disclosed that Peter G. Huth will be associated with Al Johnson in the latter’s barber shop on E. First street effective Friday morning, July 16.

Last week after vacating the Lewis street building he had occupied for many years Mr. Huth moved his equipment to the former Wampach residence, west of the Metcalf service station, where he planned to open a barber shop.

Under the new management he will continue business in the Johnson shop.

50 Years Ago: From the July 18, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Shopping Center Construction Will Start Soon

Construction of a $3 million shopping center near Shakopee is scheduled to get underway about Aug. 1, a spokesman for a Minneapolis development firm said last week.

However, a list of the types of stores that will occupy the center will not be made public until all arrangements for financing have been made, the spokesman said. The list will probably be made available later this week, he said.

The center, to be called Jacksondale, will be constructed on 30 acres of a 124 acre tract of land immediately west of Shakopee on Highway 169. Of the remaining acreage, 10 acres will be sold for the development of townhouses, and 84 acres for development of private residential dwellings, the spokesman revealed.

Tentative plans for the shopping center include construction of a bowling alley, motel, restaurant and possibly a movie theater, he added.

The shopping center is expected to be completed in March.

25 Years Ago: From the July 16, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Monument on Indian burial mound

City agrees to move structure at Memorial Park honoring war dead

A flagpole and granite memorial in Veterans Memorial Park honoring local residents who died while serving in the military sits atop an Indian burial mound, and the city of Shakopee will work with the local American Legion and VFW posts and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community to relocate them…

125 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1898 Scott County Argus

The improvements upon Dr. H. P. Fischer’s residence, outlined in a former issue, have been completed, and the result is very pleasing. The walls of the house have been given three coats of paint, and they now closely resemble Milwaukee brick. The cornices, gables and shingles are painting in cream and ecru, and the woodwork is in black. The old west wing has been torn down, and in its stead is a neat little porch. The windows on the west side have been replaced by new two-lighted ones, another marked improvement. Taken with the beautiful lawn, the well-kept flower gardens, shade trees and hedges, the doctor has one of the most attractive homes in the city.

100 Years Ago: From the July 12, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

August T. Dell Is Acquitted

A. T. Dell, cashier of the defunct Security State Bank of Shakopee, who was charged with accepting and receiving money on deposit when the bank was insolvent, was found “Not Guilty” by a Sibley County jury, at Gaylord, Saturday, June 30.

The trial of the case was transferred from Scott County to Sibley County, under the defendant’s plea for a change of venue on the claim, that the feeling was so strong in Shakopee that a fair trial could not be obtained at a term of court here…

75 Years Ago: From the July 8, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Dry Cleaner’s New Quarters Well Under Way

Remodeling of the building that will be the new home of the Shakopee Cleaners at the corner of Second and Lewis streets is progressing rapidly.

A large concrete block addition on the west side of the building is being erected by Cy Fischer and his crew. Interior alterations of the main building, including partitions, counters, and cabinets are being done by the S. M. Hennen contracting firm.

50 Years Ago: From the July 11, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Pollution Control Inc. Survives July 4 Blaze; Clean-up Continues

Several tons of smoldering scrap metal littered the yard of Pollution Control Inc. after last week’s spectacular fire.

Hundreds of 55 gallon drums filled with chemicals exploded in the fire which raged for over ten hours.

PCI president Charles Robertson said the company would continue regular operations as near normal as possible after the blaze.

Robertson said a preliminary examination showed damage to the receiving dock, control room, lunch room and material handling department.

A major portion of the plant including the company’s office building, power source and operating equipment appeared to be undamaged according to Robertson.

Although fire and explosions ripped through the storage area, firemen were able to protect much of the plant itself through the long afternoon…

25 Years Ago: From the July 9, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Building consolidation plans studied by county

Although the upfront costs may seem hefty, the Scott County Board is considering a plan to consolidate human services, and employment and job training programs into one Shakopee site.

Last month the commissioners, acting as the Public Service Committee, gave the go ahead for continued planning on the Work Force Development Center. The center would serve the Work Force Center, the Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative, and the CAP Agency…

The 62,000-square-foot office/warehouse building would be located on 4.6 acres along County Road 83 in Shakopee, just northeast of Canterbury Park…

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

Anton Ring and Joe Fischer have begun the manufacture of cement paving blocks and walks. They have secured the old Rosracker shop in which to establish their plant, and they are now at work. A cistern has been dug in the center of the building, and other necessary equipment is going in daily. There is no good reason why this industry cannot be carried on successfully by local parties, and as there is to be a large amount of this kind of work in the city in the near future, the young men start in with good prospects for success.

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

W. E. Redman re-purchased the half interest in the Redman Ice Cream Co., which he sold to E. W. Mesenbring five months ago. The transaction became effective July 1. Mr. Redman will move his family back to Shakopee and Mr. Mesenbring will return to Cologne and take possession of his farm. Mr. Redman will retain his half interest in the Red Wing Creamery, which will be managed in the future by his brother, E. W. Redman. Friends of the Redman family will be pleased to learn of their return to this city but will regret to learn of Mr. Mesenbring’s departure.

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

Enlarged Stands to Seat 2000

Capable of seating 2,000 fans, the newly enlarged grandstand at Riverside park here is expected to get its first real use when the crowd gathers for the Belle Plaine-Shakopee game next Wednesday night.

The 80-foot extension along the first base line was completed the past week through the efforts of energetic volunteer men and boys who spent many hours of their spare time shoveling, hauling, sawing, climbing and nailing while the stands took shape.

Also completed now is a spacious concession counter beneath the stands and a press box atop the stands.

Under way are new and enlarged toilet facilities and improved dugouts.

Scheduled for appearance around the field in a few days is the new “high-board” fence, funds for which have been subscribed by business firms which purchased advertising space on the boards. Preliminary construction work was to get under way this week…

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

Separating Centuries

Tractors working at the Minnesota Valley Restoration Project have nearly completed their work on the dirt berm separating the site from the highway. The berm is intended to keep out some of the signs, sights and sounds of the 20^th Century, and will make it easier to control access to the project site.

125 Years Ago: From the June 30, 1898 Scott County Argus

The firm of Ries & Hartmann, which has been in the butcher business in Shakopee for the past four years or more, was last Tuesday dissolved by mutual consent, Joseph G. Ries taking sole charge and continuing the business. Chas. Hartmann, the retiring member, has not yet fully decided upon his future line of business, but all who have come to know him in a business or social way hope that he will conclude to remain in Shakopee. Mr. Ries enters upon his career as sole proprietor of a flourishing market business with every prospect for success, and this is what his friends all wish for him.

100 Years Ago: From the June 28, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Question of Purchase to Be Determined by July 16 Vote

At a meeting of the City Council held last Tuesday evening, the question of the city of Shakopee purchasing the Scott County Agricultural Society’s buildings arose.

The Council decided that the question be put to the vote of the citizens of Shakopee on July 16, as there will be a special election on that day.

75 Years Ago: From the June 24, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Son Born by Candlelight

By the feeble light of candles and matches, pressed into service when the electric power failed, an 8-pound son was born to Mrs. George Rutherford (Marguerite Huth) in St. Francis hospital at 3:40 Wednesday morning.

There were some tense moments for the mother, Dr. B. F. Pearson, attending physician, and hospital attendants when the lights went out at 2:55. It was the first experience of the kind the hospital has faced…

50 Years Ago: From the June 27, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

County, School District Discuss Land Purchase

Representatives of School District 720, appeared before the Scott County Board of Commissioners Tuesday to request that the Board propose placing a 30-acre site in southern Shakopee up for bid, to make way the school district would be able to purchase the property for future school construction.

Superintendent of schools Dr. Robert Mayer read a statement which expressed the school district’s interest in the property, located to the east of County Road 17, as a possible future location for a junior high school…

25 Years Ago: From the June 25, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Justice Center is taking shape

$12 million facility is on schedule for grand opening in October

To passers-by on Atwood Street, or Fourth or Fifth avenues in Shakopee, the daily progress on the Scott County Justice Center may seem matter of fact. But if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the building, work on the facility is progressing on or near schedule.

Project Manager Gregg Davies said the majority of the interior and exterior work on the $12 million building is nearly completed. Construction of the building, which started last fall, is scheduled to be completed and ready for a grand opening in October.

To the visitor, the rooms within the 75,000-square-foot Justice Center have taken shape and workers inside the building have turned their attention to detail and finish work, Davies said. The first floor is the closest to being completed. The second floor is just behind the first and the third floor is the furthest from completion. Inside, workers are also working on the secured building areas and elevators just off the courtrooms…

125 Years Ago: From the June 23, 1898 Scott County Argus

H. Spencer, superintendent of the Western division of the C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. Company has been in the city on several occasions this week negotiating with James Sullivan for the purchase of 40 acres of the Gifford farm west of town on which is to be located a gravel pit. The company intends to put a steam shovel in there, and this will furnish employment for quite a number of men each summer.

100 Years Ago: From the June 21, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Historic Trail Party to Join at Shakopee

In last week’s issue of the Tribune we published the route of the party making the Tour of the Sioux Historic Trail. Since the publication of that issue, we learned that the party will be actually made up at Shakopee at 9 a.m. today.

Some of the members of the party will start at Fort Snelling near the Round Tower at 8:00 a.m., while other members of the party will start at Minneapolis from Automobile Club, Town House, LaSalle at 18^th Street at the same time. All are to join in Shakopee and will leave this city at 9:00 a.m. They will reach Jordan at 9:30 a.m. and pass through Belle Plaine at 9:50 a.m. The party will arrive at Redwood Falls and will register at the Armory, the convention headquarters at 7:50 p.m…

75 Years Ago: From the June 17, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Named Acting Postmaster Here

Mrs. M. L. Regan, who for some time has been employed as a postal clerk here, was installed as acting postmaster of the Shakopee postoffice Wednesday…

50 Years Ago: From the June 20, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

New Industry

Groundbreaking Ceremonies were held Friday, June 15, in Shakopee for Kaufman and Broad Custom Homes, Inc., one of the largest home builders in the United States. The manufacturer of pre-cut homes recently acquired 17.2 acres for their new plant site, located just east of downtown Shakopee, from Rauenhurst Corporation. According to Phil E. Champell, Vice President of Kaufman and Broad Homes, the plant will be the first of its type in the area and should be in operation in September. The firm which is one the international level, with offices in Canada, Paris, Marseille and West Germany, has its area office located in the Northwestern Financial Center, 7900 Xerxes Ave., in Bloomington…

25 Years Ago: From the June 18, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

City hires firm to help establish architectural look for downtown area

Hoping to make downtown Shakopee a place people want to shop and eat, the city has hired a consultant to recommend guidelines for architectural changes to businesses that would remind customers of an era before impersonal shopping centers and suburban strip malls.

At its June 2 meeting, the Shakopee City Council, acting as the Economic Development Authority, unanimously approved spending $7,650 to hire Thomas R. Zahn & Associates to create design guidelines for downtown businesses. The guidelines, though non-binding, will guide business owners interested in redoing the front of their buildings to an early-20^th century appearance said Paul Snook, Shakopee’s economic development director. The EDA has been seeking support from local financial institutions to provide revitalization loans at favorable interest rates to business owners, Snook said…

125 Years Ago: From the June 16, 1898 Scott County Argus

Dr. H. P. Fischer’s residence is undergoing extensive improvements chiefly at the hands of the painter. The west wing has been removed, and the building is being painted a deep red, in imitation of Philadelphia pressed brick. The cornices and gables will be of a lighter color, the sash will be painted black, and the effect of the whole will be very pleasing.

100 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Excavation for the new home for Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Schaefer is about completed and work will be begun at once at the construction of a five room stucco bungalow. The home will be built directly south of their former home recently purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Thiede.

75 Years Ago: From the June 10, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

First Night Ball Game Scheduled for June 16

Inauguration of Shakopee’s new baseball area has been set for 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, when the Shakopee Indians and Bloomington will make history by playing the first night baseball game in Shakopee, it was announced Tuesday…

50 Years Ago: From the June 13, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Vote Set Sept. 11 on Proposed $1.9 Million County Court House

A bond issue vote for a proposed new court house will go to the residents of Scott County on Sept. 11.

The price tag for the new County Court House was set at $1,901,910 by the board of commissioners this week…

While the full $1.9 million will appear on the bond issue ballot, the county expects revenue sharing funds to cover over half of the amount of the project. Use of federal revenue sharing money will reduce the tax burden of the new county facility.

The county commissioners also anticipate other funds will help pay for a successful bond issue to keep taxes at a minimum, but those figures had not been firmly established at the time of this week’s meeting.

The proposed new Scott County Court House would be built on the site of the present courthouse and would be attached to it.

In detailing plans for the structure, the architect designed a building which would serve the growing needs of the county through 1985. It is planned as a three-story building with flexible modular design which would easily adapt to growing and changing needs of county and judicial needs according to the architects…

25 Years Ago: From the June 11, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

St. Francis expansion is planned

Growth in population, medical services offered creates need

Growth in patient load and an increase in medical services offered has necessitated expansion of Shakopee’s St. Francis Regional Medical Center, which opened at its current site just two years ago.

The hospital will add a third story, expand the existing structure to the west and north, and redesign the layout of some departments. The 39-bed capacity hospital will increase to 56 beds, with space for another seven rooms included in the redesign. The expansion will add 31,000 square feet to the facility. Remodeling will involve about 9,000 square feet.

Work on the $12 million expansion is scheduled to begin in mid-August, with completion expected in November 1999. The hospital was built for $16 million…

125 Years Ago: From the June 9, 1898 Scott County Argus

The county bastille is a lonesome place at this writing. Sheriff Hilgers informs us that he has not had a steady boarder for the past two weeks.

100 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kamp and son, William who have been residents of Shakopee for nearly nine years, expect to leave about the middle of the month to take up their permanent residence in Portland, Ore. The change will be made in hopes that the change of climate will benefit Mrs. Kamp’s health. Mr. Kamp has been an employee of the Minnesota Stove Co. During their residence here they have made many friends, whose best wishes will accompany them to their new home.

75 Years Ago: From the June 3, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

City Council Acts to Halt Closing of Rail Crossings

Seeking to enjoin the Omaha railroad from closing nine streets here in conformity with a Railroad and Warehouse commission order eliminating grade crossings on Second street the City of Shakopee, acting through its attorney J. A. Coller, has petitioned the district court for a restraining order.

The city’s position, presented to Judge J. J. Moriarty Wednesday, asks that the railway company “be perpetually enjoined from closing any street crossings within the City of Shakopee or from removing therefrom any plankings or crossing and that the defendants (rail company) be enjoined from erecting any barricades from said crossings…”

Acting to halt the closing of streets which serve the Omaha line was launched by the council scarcely two days after a railway signal installation crew began preliminary work in preparation for the placing of automatic signal systems at the Lewis, Holmes and Fuller street crossings of the rail line.

50 Years Ago: From the June 6, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

City Council Reaffirms Sale of Town Hall

The ordinance authorizing the sale of the Eagle Creek Town Hall to the county was reaffirmed Tuesday night by the Shakopee City Council.

The measure now goes before the people on a referendum ballot, but no date for the vote has been set.

The full council met on a call of the mayor to consider the matter after a petition had asked the question be raised again…

Though the referendum is not expected for some months, the council directed the city administrator to prepare a rental agreement so the library system could use the building in the interim…

25 Years Ago: From the June 4, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Winds take Shakopee by storm

Hundreds of trees down, 339 homes damaged, part of city still without power
Miraculously, no one hurt; massive cleanup effort to take months

It only lasted a few minutes, but when the straight-line winds that slammed into the Shakopee area at up to 80 mph late Saturday died down, it left in its wake hundreds of downed trees and power lines, and damaged homes and buildings throughout the city. But almost miraculously, there were no storm related injuries.

As of Monday, a total of twos home were destroyed, 75 houses sustained serious damage, and an estimated 262 homes had minor damages, according to Tim O’Loughlin, Scott County emergency management coordinator. The dollar-loss figure had not been determined yet. The majority of the damage in Shakopee was in the old portion of the city where mature trees fell on houses, in yards and across streets, snapping power lines…

125 Years Ago: From the June 2, 1898 Scott County Argus

Joseph Voelker will soon discontinue his saloon business, preparatory to removing to Chaska, where he will open a saloon about the middle of the month. He has another month left of his present license, but prefers to take a little rest before again entering business, and he will enjoy a trip to Seattle.

100 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Fire Damages Farm Home of Mrs. Nick Lenzmeier

The attractive farm home of Mrs. Nick Lenzmeier in Jackson township was quite badly damaged by fire last Thursday evening.

The fire was of an unknown origin and broke out in the attic at about seven o’clock Thursday evening and spread quickly. The Shakopee Fire Department was called and by their splendid efforts the blaze was soon under control. A call had also been given to the Chaska Fire Department, who promptly responded. However, the local fire fighters had the flames subdued before their arrival.

The total amount of the loss has not been determined at this time, but it is estimated that the loss will be quite heavy. The house as insured.

75 Years Ago: From the May 27, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Crossing Signals Going In

Preliminary work in the installation of the long-awaited new automatic block signals that will control north and south traffic over the Omaha tracks at the Lewis, Holmes and Fuller street crossings, and result in the closing of nine other crossings in East and West Shakopee, got under way here Monday.

A signal installation crew of five men headed by Edwin Kort, foreman, has begun the job of spotting the locations of equipment in conformity with plans as a first step in the project that is expected to take at least three months to complete.

Two Griswold automatic signals are to be installed at each of the three crossings designated, Kort disclosed. Each unit will employ bell, light and banner signal devices, all operating simultaneously as an approaching train closes an electric circuit and throws the mechanism into play…

50 Years Ago: From the May 29, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Meeting Set to Discuss School Day

The Board of Education, Independent School District No. 720, will hold a meeting in the auditorium of the Shakopee Senior High School on Monday, June 4, to discuss the length of the school day for Junior and Senior High School students for the 1973-74 school year. The meeting will commence at 6 p.m. and parents, students and all other interested parties are invited to attend.

The school district administrators have recommended that the school day for the senior high school start at 7:45 a.m. and that those students be released at noon. It was further recommended that the junior high school start at 12:45 p.m. and released at 5:20 p.m.

Some parents have expressed a desire to have the school day lengthened to a greater degree. Others have been satisfied with the length of the school day as it exists this year. Those attending the meeting will be provided with the opportunity to present statements supporting their wishes.

25 Years Ago: From the May 28, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Festivities planned for fire hall opening

The city of Shakopee’s second fire station is open for business, and the Fire Department will invite the public to celebrate with festivities including a parade and an open house.

The station, located on Vierling Drive just off County Road 16 on the city’s east side, will be the site of daylong festivities June 27.