Shakopee Snapshots

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 May 13, 1897 Scott County Argus

There is a cycle path in town, and it is worthy the name. It extends alongside the roadway from Hubert Marx’s residence to the Lutheran church, two blocks that have heretofore been almost impassable to cyclists, on account of sand. Its construction is due to the good will of the residents of that neighborhood, notably Clem Affolter, whose hoe and rake have been plied through several evenings. This pioneer work and its excellent results should serve as an incentive to others and even to the great city itself. At small expense many bad stretches of roadway could be made into a cyclists’ paradise, and the sidewalk question would settle itself.

100 Years Ago: From the May 11, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Improvements Being Made at Upper Catholic Cemetery

Vast improvements are being made at Upper Catholic cemetery. The lane leading from the public highway to the cemetery has been graded the past year and this spring a row of elm trees has been planted along each side of the road, which makes it quite attractive.

The new addition to the cemetery on the south side has been platted and shrubbery has been planted there. Other improvements will be made soon and will continue during the summer.

The work has been done under the personal supervision of Rev. Dean M. Savs, to whom much credit is due for the interest he displays in furthering the good cause of beautifying the cemetery.

75 Years Ago: From the May 8, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Phone Strike Ends
Service Restored

Ending a strike that for 28 days had limited service to emergency calls only, several thousand Northwestern Bell telephone workers returned to their jobs Tuesday morning after negotiators Monday night reached a wage agreement that will provide weekly pay increases ranging from $3.50 to $4.00.

With the return of operators to their positions at the switchboard, Shakopee service was back to normal almost immediately, but it was not until late in the morning that many residents of the community learned the strike had been settled.

Still unsettled late Tuesday, however, was the strike of long lines of employees who did not return to their jobs. This situation was expected to be cleared before the end of the week, thus restoring service to normalcy throughout the nation…

50 Years Ago: From the May 10, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

$10 Million Roofing Products Plant for VIP

Certain-teed Products Corp. and its Minneapolis subsidiary, B. F. Nelson Manufacturing Co., have announced plans to erect a $10 million asphalt roofing plant on a 60-acre site in the Valley Industrial Park in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the May 8, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

State agency approves ADC grant

The city of Shakopee and ADC Telecommunications Inc. have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development to receive a $250,000 state loan to help the company expand its operations and establish headquarters in the city. ADC will create 75 new jobs and leverage $23 million in private investment for the project…

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 May 6, 1897 Scott County Argus

Wm. Pinger has removed to the Yost place west of town, and will engage in market gardening. There are ten acres well tilled in the plot.

100 Years Ago: From the May 4, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

New Business to Be Opened May 10^th

Peter A. Rademacher, who has been in the employ of Henry Mergens for the past three years, is opening a shop in the Philipp building and will conduct an up-to-date Auto Radiator Repair Shop and will also do Tinsmith and general repair work.

Mr. Rademacher has had about 15 years experience in his work and is well qualified and should make good. He announces that his new shop will be open and ready for business about May 10^th.

75 Years Ago: From the May 1, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Power Disrupted As Shovel Boom Snags High Line

To most folks who were aware of it the brief electric power failure here at 8:15 last Thursday morning was just a slight inconvenience that was promptly remedied; but to the crew of the Fox and Weiler excavating outfit the matter was serious business.

While using their gas shovel to excavate a trench in West Shakopee, the towering boom of the shovel came in contact with a 2,300-volt transmission line overhead, cutting one of the “loaded” wires.

Sparks flew and hair stood on end at the thought of what might have happened to the shovel operator if the current had grounded through the machine. Fortunately the ends of the broken wire lashed away from the shovel and workmen, and no one was hurt.

50 Years Ago: From the May 3, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Dr. Buck Becomes First Honorary Staff Member

Dr. H. F. Buck, M. D., was made an honorary member of the staff of St. Francis Hospital in a ceremony held at the hospital Monday evening, April 24.

Dr. Buck is the first member of the Honorary Medical Staff, a category which was recently established by a revision of the medical staff bylaws…

25 Years Ago: From the May 1, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Work on Co. Rd. 18 resumes

Construction resumed last week on the widening of County Road 18, from County Road 42 to the Shakopee Bypass.

The project, in Shakopee and Prior Lake, is scheduled for completion by September after being delayed in court by residents who reside along the road and oppose the plans.

Plans call for the section at County Road 18 from County Road 42 to just past County Road 16 to be a divided highway with curbs and gutters, then become a rural section road without curbs and gutters.

Reconstruction and realignment of County Road 18 started last fall with clearing and construction of the roadway embankment in the project area north of County Road 16. A retaining wall has also been constructed along a section of County Road 18 between the west and east section of County Road 16.

The contractor has resumed work on the roadway embankment construction and installation of drainage area curbs north of County Road 16. Workers will be placing aggregate base before pouring the concrete curb and gutter and paving the roadway in the area.

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 April 29, 1897 Scott County Argus

Geo. Demerse is improving his residence property by surrounding the two lots with a fancy board fence which when painted will add much to the appearance of the home.

100 Years Ago: From the April 27, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellwo and family are moving into the garage on their premises, where they will live this summer, while building their new home.

75 Years Ago: From the April 24, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Wage Question Halts Building

Work on construction of a large warehouse for Northrup-King and company here was halted Tuesday as a result of a wage scale dispute between S. M. Hennen, contractor, and representatives of a Minneapolis AFL building trades local, it was learned.

Six Shakopee residents were employed on the job which had just got under way when the difficulty arose. The men, not members of a union, had agreed to do common labor for … cents per hour.

According to Hennen the representatives of the union which, under agreement with the General Contractors association, has jurisdiction over five counties, including Scott county, reported that the common … scale be increased to $1.15 per hour on the Shakopee project to … with that in effect in Minneapolis and of other similar building construction jobs…

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

Ground will be broken at noon Sunday, May 7, for construction of a new church for the Shakopee Assemblies of God congregation, according to pastor Rev. David Buschow. Scheduled to speak at brief on-site ceremonies are Fred A. Weiland, president of the Shakopee First National Bank, and Ray Foslid, Mayor. The building … will be the first phase of a two-stage construction program on the 4 ½ acre site owned by the congregation since 1967. It will face Tenth Avenue when the street is extended to the east, near the intersection with the Sand and Gravel Pit Road. The Assemblies of God Church has been located in the church building at 715 East First Avenue in Shakopee since its local beginning in 1953. Pastor Buschow said the new church would have a capacity of 180, and would also have facilities in a walk-out lower level for Sunday School and educational activities. Eventually, the first stage of construction will become an educational building, with a separate sanctuary to be constructed at a later time. The building is scheduled for completion by December of this year.

25 Years Ago: From the April 24, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Contract OK’d for fire hall construction

After reviewing 10 bids, the Shakopee City Council awarded the contract for construction of a second fire station James Steele Construction Co., of St. Paul, which had the low bid of $2.3 million.

Bids ranged as high as $2.5 million. Steele’s base bid of $2.3 million, plus eight alternate bids increases the total contract amount to be awarded to $2.4 million. Construction will begin within the next few weeks and completion is scheduled for early 1998.

The eight alternate bids include a $3,800 bell stand to house the original 1860 fire house bell and a $5,200 fire pole…

The council also voted to authorize the issuance and sale of $3.4 million in general obligation building bonds to finance the construction of the fire station.

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 April 22, 1897 Scott County Argus

Nic Dondelinger’s saloon was thrown open last Monday, in the Thole building, and the “temperance billiard hall” was opened in the Jos. Voelker building alongside, the same day. “The Exchange,” run by Hickey & Arensbach, began business under license number 15, the day following.

100 Years Ago: From the April 20, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Ed V. Mertz to Be Manager of Ball Team

At a committee meeting of the Board of Managers held last Sunday afternoon, Ed V. Mertz was chosen manager of the baseball team for this season.

This will be pleasing news to Shakopee baseball fans. It is a well known fact that Ed is highly qualified for this position. He suggests that local players, who wish to try out for the team should get in touch with him and arrange to practice in the par just as soon as the weather will permit.

75 Years Ago: From the April 17, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Telephone Strike in Second Week as Deadlock Holds

Now in its second week, the nationwide strike of telephone workers continues to further impress a foot-weary public, just how dependent business and organized society are on telephone service.

Although emergency service has been maintained by a small corps of supervisory employees here and throughout the vast regions affected by the strike, it appeared likely early this week that restoration of normal service could not be expected in the immediate future…

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

School Land Bond Issue Defeated

717 No, 399 Yes…

An attempt to preserve land for future junior high school construction south and west of the present Shakopee Senior High site failed Tuesday, as voters turned thumbs down on a bond issue request by the school board for funds to purchase the property.

A total of 1117 voters went to the Junior High band room to cast their ballots. Of that total, only 399 voted for the issue and 717 voted no…

25 Years Ago: From the April 17, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

School start-times may change

High school would begin 20 minutes later

A proposal to alter school start times and transportation arrangements was presented to the Shakopee School Board at Monday night’s meeting.

Superintendent Bob Ostlund presented the proposal that had been drawn up with the help of Shakopee Services, the transportation company that handles the district’s busing. In the proposal, the first bus run would transport senior high, junior high and Shakopee Area Catholic School junior high students to their respective schools. The high school start time would be moved back almost a half hour to 7:50 a.m. with a release time of 2:30 p.m. The junior high start time would be 8 a.m. with a 2:40 p.m. release time.

The second bus run would transport Central School and SACS first- through fifth-grade students to their respective schools. Central Elementary would then start at 8:40 a.m., with a 3:15 p.m. release time.

The third and final run would transport Pearson and Sweeney elementary school students for a 9:15 a.m. start time with a 3:50 p.m. release time.

Ostlund said one of the reasons for the change in transportation schedules and school start times is due to the “sheer imbalance of numbers of students being transported to the elementary school.”

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 April 15, 1897 Scott County Argus

Reis Bros. took out a building permit Tuesday evening for their new livery barn. The new portion is to be 27×60, and the old part will go up two stories in height, with the new.

100 Years Ago: From the April 13, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

M. J. Berens & Sons Redecorate Store

M. J. Berens and Sons store has been completely renovated the past few weeks and at present is a credit to our enterprising little city.

New shelving has been installed and the entire interior of the store has been redecorated, giving it a very inviting and pleasing appearance.

The arrangement of their window display is deserving of much credit and compares favorably with the large department stores of the cities.

M. J. Berens and Sons are enterprising merchants, who aim to progress steadily.

75 Years Ago: From the April 10, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Firemen Plan Purchase of Lung Device

Shakopee and its surrounding community will be among the first in the state to possess a portable iron lung if plans under way by the Shakopee Fire department materialize, H. J. Pass, fire chief, announced this week…

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

Vote on School Land Purchase Tuesday

Light Turnout Expected…

School District 720 voters will be asked to authorize the sale of $290,000 in a special bond issue election to be held Tuesday, April 18…

The amount being requested by the Shakopee Board of Education is $290,000. It will be used primarily to purchase land adjacent to the present Senior High School site, although a sizeable amount would be utilized in making improvements in present senior high facilities, such as playing fields, to prepare for the increased student load at that building when junior high students begin attending classes there next fall when split shifts are initiated.

If successful, the school board will purchase approximately 58 acres of land south and west of the 27 acres now occupied by the Senior High School, for a total campus of 85 acres. This acreage is minimal for two 1500 student schools, according to in-guidelines received by the board from the state Department of Education…

25 Years Ago: From the April 10, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Council votes 3-2 to close Fuller Street

The Shakopee City Council Tuesday night voted 3-2, with Councilors Jane DuBois and Clete Link dissenting, to prepare a resolution to vacate Fuller Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues for a county justice center.

The decision followed a second public hearing held earlier in the evening. The decision also came after a series of meetings and protests by county and city officials and neighbors. The county requested the closure of the street to continue plans for a justice center campus surrounding the courthouse in Shakopee. County officials contend they need to connect the current courthouse with a new building at a single entrance on Fuller Street.

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 April 8, 1897 Scott County Argus

Jack Frost is frequently a mischief maker. One of his latest pranks was the upsetting of a pile of wood at the foot of the alley at the rear of Jos. Nachtsheim’s bakery. There was a lot of the wood, and it was piled eight feet high, and when it came tumbling down upon Aug. Scherkenbach’s cutter, it put an end to that vehicle about as effectually as the hundred year’s wear did the memorable “one-hoss shay.”

100 Years Ago: From the April 6, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Business Change

C. D. McKinnon of River Falls, Wis., this week purchased from Fred Stelten, the pool room and soft drink parlor owned and conducted by him for several years. Mr. McKinnon took possession Monday.

Mr. McKinnon owned and managed an up-to-date hotel at River Falls for the past twelve years. He states that he will rearrange the pool hall and replace the old tables that are now in use with new ones.

Mr. Stelten has no definite plans for the future, however, it is hoped, he will decide to remain in this city.

75 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Shakopee Corn Field Gets Cover Spot on Seed Trade Paper

The fame of Shakopee as a seed corn growing center was spread far and wide this week with the distribution of the widely circulated trade journal, “Seed World” which on its cover carried an aerial photo of a 100-acre seed corn field developed by Leo Huss under an acreage contract with Northrup King and Company last year.

A beautiful view of the river bottom and west of Shakopee, the picture’s focal point is the … striped cornfield with its alternate rows of male and female corn.

Describing the picture is this legend:

“One of Northrup King and Company’s 100-acre hybrid seed corn production fields on the Minnesota river bottoms near Shakopee where … is ideal…”

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

Petition Asking Repeal of NSP Franchise Ordinance Is Filed

May Result in Referendum…

A city-granted franchise to Northern States Power may be submitted to the citizens of Shakopee in a referendum if a petition circulated by Martin Walsh, former city assessor and secretary to the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission, is found to have enough valid signatures. That petition has been filed.

Others on the Referendum Committee which circulated the petition were Joseph A. Whelan, Marceline Hickman, R. W. Jasper, Agnes F. Horeish, Melvin P. Lebens and Suzanne Goodspeed.

Walsh initiated the petition as a result of his belief that Ordinance No. 337, which granted NSP permission to furnish electric service to some firms in the City of Shakopee, would result in a conflict between NSP and the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission over service areas and would eventually lead to a complete NSP monopoly of electric service in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Site visit of SJHS is second phase of Blue Ribbon selection process

On Thursday and Friday, Dr. Brian Metke, superintendent of the Glendale School District in Glendale, Ore., will be on campus at Shakopee Junior High School in the second phase of the National Schools of Excellence Blue Ribbon Schools selection process.

Shakopee Junior High School was accepted for a site visit after submitting a 41-page self-nomination. The purpose of Metke’s visit is to verify information in the nomination…

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 April 1, 1897 Scott County Argus

Jack Frost is frequently a mischief maker. One of his latest pranks was the upsetting of a pile of wood at the foot of the alley at the rear of Jos. Nachtsheim’s bakery. There was a lot of the wood, and it was piled eight feet high, and when it came tumbling down upon Aug. Scherkenbach’s cutter, it put an end to that vehicle about as effectually as the hundred year’s wear did the memorable “one-hoss shay.”

100 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Work Completed on Sisters Home

Improvements on the Sisters’ residence in connection with St. Mark’s school, which was partly destroyed by fire about two months ago, were completed the past week and the Sisters are again domiciled in their home.

The work was performed in a very satisfactory manner and the rooms present a very bright and cheerful appearance. The kitchen and community room on first floor and several rooms on second floor were completely renovated and re-furnished. The rooms on the east side of the building, which were not in the path of the fire, however, were damaged by smoke will be redecorated after the completion of the school year.

The improvements were made under the personal supervision of Rev. Father Savs, who is deserving of much commendation for the creditable manner in which the work was performed.

75 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

N. Y. A. Land Bill Moves Nearer to Final Approval

The bill which would authorize the transfer of the former NYA property title from the state to the city of Shakopee was reported to have cleared another hurdle early this week, as the measure was placed on general orders to the house, Mayor J. J. Cavanaugh disclosed.

A companion measure was approved by a vote of the senate earlier and the bill is now expected to come before the house this week, the mayor said…

50 Years Ago: From the March 29, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Split Shifts At Senior High Next Fall

Board Votes 4-3 On Decision…

Faced with choices ranging from bad to worse, the Shakopee Board of Education determined Monday night to institute a split-shift for Shakopee students on the secondary level, moving the junior high students to the Senior High building next fall.

The emergency measure is necessary to provide space for the rapidly increasing number of elementary students.

Preliminary thinking is to instruct the 600 senior high students in the morning hours, and the 450 junior high students in the afternoon. The present junior high building will become an elementary school…

25 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Demolition contract for Blocks 3, 4 approved by city

Work to start week of April 14

The Shakopee City Council last week approved a contract with Dulas Excavating of Wells, Minn., for the demolition of Blocks 3 and 4 in the downtown…

Preparation for the demolition of the two blocks, according to Paul Snook, city economic development coordinator, will begin this week with the removal of … Before a building can be demolished Hazardous Materials Abatement Corp. of Brooklyn Park will remove all the asbestos and other hazardous materials including … and light bulbs.

The week of April 14 is when the actual demolition is scheduled to begin. Snook said it will take a week to demolish the buildings. After removing the building debris, Dulas will complete the project by filling the holes remaining from demolition and put up a chain link fence…

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 March 25, 1897 Scott County Argus

There is a lake on the bottoms extending here from G. H. Kunsman’s to Dean’s lake, and the residents alongshore and in mid seas are now induced to study astronomy, navigation and the arts dependent upon them by which society has been so much benefitted.

100 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

City Fire Whistle Moved to Minn. Stove Co. Plant

The city fire whistle has this week been taken from the City Power house and installed at the plant of the Minnesota Stove Co.

The change was made on account of the greater amount of power, at the Stove Works at all times which therefore is able to render better service.

The whistle will be tried out Saturday noon from its new location and hereafter all fire alarms will be given from the Minnesota Stove Co.’s plant instead of the City Power house.

75 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Service Station, Flax Oil Plant Hit by Fires

Fire at the Zephyr Oil company station south of Shakopee Saturday afternoon and another at the Cargill flaxseed oil plant at Savage Monday noon sent Shakopee firemen on runs.

The oil station fire it was reliably stated, resulted when a motorist … into the drive and smashed into two pumps, knocking each over. Flowing gasoline immediately ignited and threatened the entire plant. The damage it was learned, may exceed $700.

A spark from a welding torch is believed to have been the cause, firemen said, of the fire in the flax … plant at Savage Monday night. Extent of the damage was not determined…

50 Years Ago: From the March 22, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Commissioners Agree to Build Temporary Courthouse Addition

In response to a plea from Scott County Chief Judge F. J. Connolly last week for adequate space at the courthouse to conduct trials, commissioners agreed Tuesday to construct a temporary building on the present courthouse site.

The building, as described by architect Donald Erickson, would be of modular design, partially preassembled at a factory. It would provide 1152 square feet of space for a court room, and cambers for judge and jury.

Cost of the building was estimated to be a total of $37,000. The county could expect to recover about one-third of that if the building were sold when the proposed second phase of county construction is completed and court facilities are located on the new site on County Road 17.

25 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

It’s official: black is in

It will join red and white as school colors

It’s official. As of Monday, black can be used as a primary color for Shakopee School District uniforms, signs and logos.

The School Board unanimously approved the addition of black as one of the primary school colors at Monday night’s regular meeting after listening to the recommendations of representatives of a committee formed to study the matter.

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 March 18, 1897 Scott County Argus

The entire stock of John Berens & Co. was last week moved to their handsome new brick block at the corner of Holmes and First streets, and the quarters that they have known for so many years past now know them no more.

100 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

School Notes

Many absences are noticed in school attendance this week, probably due to the floods on the streets.

75 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Senators Approve Camp Sale

Acquisition of the former NYA tract east of the city as a memorial park for Shakopee moved nearer to resolution Tuesday Mayor J. J. Cavanaugh disclosed upon his return from the state capitol where a bill authorizing transfer of title from the state to the City of Shakopee was favorably reported out of a senate committee that day.

Immediate vote on the measure was not expected inasmuch as a companion bill was still in a lower house committee and was to be reported out in a few days, the mayor said.

After committees of both houses have given approval the bill will then be presented for adoption and eventual signature by the governor. This phase of the procedure is not anticipated for at least two weeks, it was learned.

The tract, originally used as a homeless men’s camp and later as a National Youth Administration center for learning trades to underprivileged boys, is composed of more than 200 acres, the greater portion of which lies between the south bank of the Minnesota river and the right of way of state highway No. 101. Another portion lies between the highway and the north line of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha railway right of way.

Buildings erected on the property by the federal government and the state are now occupied by several industries. One of the structures, the old stone “Murphy house” is not included in the property sought by the city but is said to be “ear marked” for the State Historical society.

50 Years Ago: From the March 15, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Split Shifts Likely for Some Shakopee Students Next Fall

Question: Where to Make the Split?

After an exhaustive two hour presentation and discussion of the alternatives open the Shakopee Board of Education in providing classroom space for next year, it became apparent Monday night that split shifts of some kind will be a reality in the district when school begins next fall.

But the board did not feel it had examined all possibilities, and so did not make a final decision. Still to be determined is where a split will be made.

There are three main possibilities. 1, a split of the elementary grades; 2, a split of secondary grades, combining the junior and senior high classes at the senior high building; and 3, a split of a portion of the elementary grades (4-6 for example).

25 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

City ordinance regulating towers adopted by council

The passage of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, and its edict that cities allow telecommunication companies to erect towers, threw communities throughout the area into a quandary…

The Shakopee City Council imposed a moratorium in November to give city staff time to research the issue and prepare a draft ordinance. The moratorium was then extended to April 1.

On March 4 the City Council approved a new ordinance regulating the telecommunication towers. However, the … still in place, Shakopee currently has no application awaiting approval…

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

One of the last items of news unearthed this week is the establishing this spring of a nursery and greenhouse at Shakopee. During the week James Sullivan concluded the sale of the “Schulte Forty,” east of the Strait farm, to two Minneapolis gentlemen, Messrs. Leopold Low and Robert Stern, nursery men and florists of ten years’ experience with the well-known Mendenhall. They will remove to Shakopee at once, the latter being a man of family, and commence the building of the greenhouse as soon as they can get into the ground. The entire tract will be made use of and the business be conducted on a correspondingly extensive scale.

100 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

C. M. Kopp has announced his candidacy for re-election to the office of County Sheriff and solicits the voters support on the record he has made while filling the office for the past several years.

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

Rail Crossing Order Stands

Denying the city council’s recent petition to “… and nullify” the state Railroad and Warehouse Commission order closing nine grade crossings of the Omaha railroad in Shakopee the commission this week framed its reply to the petition.

According to Harold E. Flynn, city attorney, the rejection of the nullification request leaves the rail crossing matter just as it as before the council requested a re-hearing or abandonment of the commission order.

The order from which the council sought to appeal provides for the closing of Omaha railway crossings at Pierce and Shumway streets in West Shakopee, and Sommerville, Spencer, Fillmore, Main, Market, Dakota and Prairie streets in East Shakopee, after the rail company has installed automatic safety devices at the Lewis, Holmes and Fuller street grade crossings.

50 Years Ago: From the March 8, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

County Building Cost Chopped $600,000

Plant Gets Good Reception…

Architect Donald Erickson presented revised plans for a county office building at a special meeting of the Scott County Board Monday night which Commissioners termed “impressive.”

The building would be built on a 20-acre site the county owns at the intersection of County Road 17 and an extension of 11^th Avenue in Shakopee.

Erickson, of Patch, Erickson, Madson and Hanson, Inc., estimated cost at $1,265,819, more than $600,000 less than an original plan cost of $1.9 million…

Erickson told commissioners Tuesday that the reduction in size had been accomplished by reducing some storage and expansion space which had been included in the previous plan, along with reductions in administration and commissioner’s area.

Despite the reduction in overall square footage, the plan also provides for quarters for the county welfare offices, now occupying rental space in Shakopee…

If approved by voters in September, the building would probably be ready for occupancy in early 1974. When county offices now housed in the courthouse move out, the present courthouse would be taken over largely by the county courts system.

The office building, in the county’s long range plans, is the first in a three-phase building program on the 20 acre site. Later stages would see construction of a county courts building and a county public safety building.

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

Former hospital building meets wrecking ball

Workers began knocking down the former St. Francis Regional Medical Center building at 325 Fifth Ave. W. last week. The demolition and cleanup is expected to take several weeks. Plans are for the site to become a parking lot for the Scott County Courthouse and proposed county justice center.