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Remember When – July 31, 2021

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 Aug. 6, 1896 Scott County Argus

Work has commenced on the new brick block to be erected by John Berens & Co., but owing to lack of unemployed men during the harvest season it has not been very vigorously pushed this week. On Monday the work of excavating will be begun in earnest, and from then on the block will be pushed to rapid completion. From the plans drawn by Architect Fritz Rohlfs, it is learned that the structure will be 27×80 feet in size, two stories high. The length will be along First street, and this has been so skillfully designed by Mr. Rohlfs that it, as well as the front, will be attractive. The length is divided into five parcels, the center one of which contains three windows in the second story and is surmounted by a cornice. The others contain one window each on the second floor. There are double doors in the rear panel. The entrance will be similar to that in the How block, save that the second story will come out flush with the corner and be supported by an iron pillar and at the outer angle of a flag-stone seven feet square. The Holmes street front will be of plateglass and a plate glass show window will also grace the First street side at the front. For the present the interior of the second story will remain unfinished. Altogether the new block will be a handsome addition to the business portion of the town.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Local Flour Mill Is Ready To Run Again

After being closed down for several months on account of business conditions, Shane Bros. & Wilson’s big local flour mill is ready to resume operations at full capacity just as soon as the necessary wheat arrives at the mill…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 1, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Snow Plow Builders To Move Plant Here

Two Corporations Lease Three Buildings at Former NYA Site East of City. To Start Moving Aug. 5 and Expect To Be in Operation Within 30 Days

That Shakopee is to have another industry which manufactures snow removal units was verified by Mather Garland, treasurer and manager of the corporations, who was here this week completing arrangements for moving the manufacturing equipment to three buildings on the former NYA site east of the city.

The products, known as “Roto Wing” and “Roto Plow” have been on the market for several years and are enjoying a heavy demand in every snow state in the union, Garland said. For the past four years the units have been manufactured at Mound but have limitations on plant expansion made it necessary to find more advantageous quarters.

Learning of the availability of the NYA buildings, now owned by the state of Minnesota, officers of the industry were successful in securing a one-year lease, with an option for a two-year extension, from the state and will move to the new location Aug. 5.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Funds Sought for Unique Drug Education

‘Project Educate’

Federal funds are being requested through the Governor’s Crime Control Commission to initiate a unique drug educational program in the 13 school districts of Scott and Carver County according to Scott-Carver Director of Court Services Richard Mulcrone.

The request is for $19,320, which will be utilized in training a corps group of 700 people. “They will become a strike force in their individual communities for ongoing programs to combat drug and chemical abuses,” Mulcrone said.

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 1, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

EDA formally adopts joint-powers agreement with HRA for Block 3,4

Two weeks after approving negotiations between the city and county, the Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) last week formally adopted a joint-powers agreement, with the Scott County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for redevelopment of Blocks 3 and 4 downtown…

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Remember When – July 24, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the July 30, 1896 Scott County Argus

Shakopee will have another fine business block forthwith. “All things come to him who waits,” it is said, and the corner site of the ill-fated American House of years ago will again be graced by a good-size structure. This property at the corner of Holmes and First streets was purchased several years ago by John Berens & Co., and while they have for some time contemplated building, it was not until this week that they decided to take the step. On Tuesday Mr. Berens paid $200 on his contract for brick, and yesterday the first load was delivered. The new block will, we understand, have an entrance on both streets, and its dimensions will be 25×100 feet, two stories high. Work will begin at once.

100 Years Ago: From the July 28, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Work commenced Tuesday on the Minnesota river bridge here which is being replanked and repaired under the supervision of the state highway department. It is a much needed improvement and this bridge has been a rough one to travel over for some time.

75 Years Ago: From the July 25, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Two Burglary Attempts Here

Courthouse, Elevator Entered During Night; Small Loss Reported

Attempts to burglarize the Scott county treasurer’s office in the courthouse and the Apple River Mill company office in Shakopee late Saturday or early Sunday were reported by Sheriff J. P. Wermerskirchen Monday.

Entrance to the courthouse is believed to have been made through the basement entry on the north side of the building.

The treasurer’s office door was jimmied and drawers ransacked, but the vault was undamaged.

According to Barbara Meyer, acting treasurer, about $15 in petty cash was stolen.

The Apple River office is also believed to have been entered through a door although several windows there showed signs of having been tampered with. There two drawers were rifled but no loss of cash was reported…

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

Scott Signal Contract Okayed

Estimated to Cost $35,000…

One more step in the continuing City Council program to provide control of traffic on First Avenue in Shakopee was taken Tuesday night when Council members formally approved a contract with the State Highway Department to install a signal light at the intersection of First and Scott Street.

The signal had been petitioned for by area residents and businessmen for years and was recently given priority above similar requests for signalization on the eastern portion of First Avenue…

25 Years Ago: From the July 25, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Hospital moves; farewell open house is set for old St. Francis building

On Wednesday, after 58 years at its Fifth Avenue location, St. Francis Regional Medical Center moved to its new home, patients and all.

The new hospital is on the SouthValley Health Campus, located east of Marschall Road and south of the Shakopee Bypass.

For those feeling melancholy about the old hospital building, St. Francis has planned a farewell open house next Thursday, which the public is invited to attend…

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Remember When – July 17, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the July 23, 1896 Scott County Argus

Messrs. Henry Vierling and Ed Haack have made arrangements to open a barber shop in the Mergens block on Holmes street. The outfit they propose to put in is of the best, and includes revolving chairs, porcelain bath tubs, and all new furniture. They hope to be ready for business by Tuesday of next week.

100 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Woman Wins Place on the Shakopee School Board

The annual school election for the Shakopee Independent School District, was held at the high school last Saturday evening and around an unusual amount of interest due to the fact that a woman had filed for membership on the school board. Contrary to the usual experience, a large crowd of voters turned out for the school election this year and a total of 356 ballots were cast.

The terms of Peter Ploumen and Dr. H. W. Reiter, as members of the board, had expired and both were candidates for re-election. In addition to the old members, the women had a candidate in Mrs. H. C. Schroeder who had also filed. The election proved to be a closely contested one and resulted in the election of Mrs. Schroeder to succeed Dr. Reiter and the re-election of Mr. Ploumen. The vote stood, Ploumen 220, Schroeder 199 and Reiter 187.

75 Years Ago: From the July 18, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Hearing on Rail Crossing Closing Is Assured Shakopee

Although no definite date has been set, H. E. Flynn, city attorney, has been assured that another hearing on the proposed closing of slow grade crossings of the Omaha railway here will be held before any further action on the matter is taken, it was learned.

The hearing is to be conducted by the Railroad and Warehouse commission, whose recent order closing the crossings to vehicular traffic evoked a resolution from the city council opposing the closing order.

50 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Long Wait for Highway Bridge Is Indicated

Hopes for a bridge across the Minnesota River and the construction of an upgraded Highway 169 south of Shakopee within the next five or six years received a considerable jolt at the last Shakopee Council meeting.

The bad news came in the state highway department commissioner’s answer to a resolution passed by the Shakopee City Council June 8 which asked for some answers on the timetable and plans for construction of Corridor D highway plan.

The letter from Commissioner Ray Lappegard did, on the positive side, affirm that the System D concept has been approved, but the rest of his message was not received with much enthusiasm by council members.

The communication indicated that none of the work necessary to development of System D has been scheduled prior to 1976, but that it is anticipated that the major part of these improvements will be scheduled prior to 1980…

25 Years Ago: From the July 18, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

EDA is cautious on Blocks 3-4 decision

Approves negotiation of joint-powers pact with county HRA

With some commissioners openly apprehensive about the step they were taking, the Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) last week unanimously moved to negotiate a joint-powers agreement with the Scott County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for redevelopment of Blocks 3 and 4 downtown.

The HRA is considering senior housing for part of the development…

The HRA’s housing development would be combined with ground-level retail outlets, an estimated 37,000 square feet…

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Remember When – July 10, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the July 16, 1896 Scott County Argus

Asbestos towels are among the curiosities of the day. Every printing office should have one of these convenient articles; when soiled all that is necessary is to throw them into the fire and after a few minutes draw them out fresh and clean ready for use.

100 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Hirscher Furniture Shop Was Scene of Fire

The fire alarm aroused the people of Shakopee yesterday morning at five o’clock and called out the fire department to fight fire which was discovered in the workshop of Hirscher’s furniture establishment and which might have proved a disastrous one had conditions not been favorable.

All the fire apparatus was called into use and after a half hour fight the flames were under control but not until the building had been well gutted and the roof burned off. An altar which was under construction and most of the other valuable contents were removed and saved. The extent of the loss on building and tools has not been determined but will not be very heavy.

The fire is believed to have started from spontaneous combustion from oiled rags and fortunately was discovered shortly after it started by Jos. Hirscher who lives close by and the alarm was turned in and a bucket brigade started to subdue the fire. Through good work of the fire department and absence of wind, adjoining buildings did not take fire and the blaze was confined to the work shop. A lot of lumber stored in the second story escaped damage.

75 Years Ago: From the July 11, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

School Board To Employ Architects

Votes Unanimously to Engage Architects to Draw Preliminary Plans

Another step toward the improvement of the public school facilities in Shakopee was taken Monday night when the board of education of Independent School District No. 1 voted unanimously to employ the architectural firm of Long and Thorshov, Minneapolis, to draw preliminary plans and specifications for the project…

50 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Major Courthouse Shuffle Asked to Provide Room for Courtrooms

Meeting Set Friday Night…

County Commissioners were presented Monday with a proposal for another major shift of offices in the county courthouse building as a way of providing additional space for judiciary functions.

The proposal, tendered by Chief County Judge F. J. Connolly and Associate County Judge Kermit Lindmeyer, asks that all non-judiciary offices now housed on the first floor of the courthouse be moved temporarily to temporary quarters, in a place to be worked out by County Administrator Joseph Ries.

In addition, the judge’s proposal asks that the first floor is remodeled and redivided to provide for two courtrooms, two judge’s chambers, two jury rooms and other pertinent judiciary offices…

25 Years Ago: From the July 11, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

$60,000 worth of playground equipment is donated by Lions Club

Expressing a hope to turn Shakopee’s Lions Park into the park in town, representatives of the Shakopee Lions Club donated $60,000 worth of park equipment to the city last week.

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Remember When – July 3, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the July 9, 1896 Scott County Argus

Yesterday J. C. Marx had five wheels in his repair shop at once on account of punctures from tacks. Carelessness on the part of decorators on the Fourth is the crime. Right-minded people will be especially careful in disposing of glass, tacks, and other rubbish now that wheeling has become so popular.

100 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Fire started in the telephone box at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Stans yesterday forenoon, a blaze shooting out from the box which might have been serious had no one been near to extinguish it. The box was quite badly burned before it could be taken out. However no serious damage was done.

75 Years Ago: From the July 4, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Council Acts To Halt Closing of Crossings

Adopts Resolution Asking Railroad, Warehouse Commission to Modify Order Banning Traffic on Nine Street-Rail Intersections Here

A resolution asking the Minnesota Railroad and Warehouse commission “for a further hearing or an amendment or modification” of its June 18 order closing nine grade crossings of the C. St. P. M. & O. railway here was adopted by the City Council at an adjourned regular meeting last Wednesday night.

The council action, coming close on the basis of local expression of opposition to the closing of so many of the 17 grade crossings of the Omaha track on Second street, is expected to be broadly approved by local residents.

Following adoption of the resolution H. E. Flynn, city attorney, presented the document to the Commission at hearings in St. Paul Friday and Saturday with supplementary information, that, as city attorney, he would recommend to the council abandonment of the entire project if action considered favorable to the city was not forthcoming.

50 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Commissioners Set Date for Public Hearing on Bridge Levy

A date for a public hearing on a proposed major mill levy increase for county residents to fund planning for a bridge across the Minnesota River was set by Scott County Commissioners Tuesday.

The date selected was August 24, 8 p.m., and will most likely be held at the county courthouse unless the crowd is so large another location becomes necessary.

The hearing will be conducted to explain how much the bridge planning will cost. Legislation passed in the regular session of the legislature authorizes the county to levy up to 20 mills for the bridge.

25 Years Ago: From the July 4, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Marty resigns city attorney’s post

Karen Marty, the city attorney for Shakopee since 1990, has resigned her position effective July 12. The City Council formally accepted her resignation at its Tuesday evening meeting…

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Remember When – June 26, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the July 2, 1896 Scott County Argus

The bicycle road race will be run at 5 o’clock on the Fourth, over a ten mile course. Entries close at 12:30 p.m., July 3d. For this and for the men’s 3 heat, ½ mile race an entrance fee of 50 cents is charged. The ¾ mile dash for ladies is free. The track races will be run on the trestle road at 4 o’clock. The total value of the prizes is $48. Register with H. P. Marx if you intend to race.

100 Years Ago: From the June 30, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Work is in progress graveling the trunk line highway through town on Fourth street. This highway will be graded and graveled from the Bloomington bridge to Jordan.

75 Years Ago: From the June 27, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Nine Rail Crossings Ordered Closed Here

Railroad and Warehouse Commission’s Edict Also Calls for Installation of Automatic Safety Signals on Lewis, Holmes, and Fuller Streets

Closing of nine grade crossings of the Omaha railroad and the installation of automatic electric signals at three other crossings in Shakopee was ordered by the Railroad and Warehouse Commission in an edict issued June 18. The commission’s order, an outgrowth of the city’s Feb. 12 petition for an investigation of the crossing hazards and a subsequent hearing held here May 9, follows:

The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha railway company shall within one year from the date of this order, at railway expense, install Minnesota Standard Automatic Electric highway railroad grade crossing signals at the Fuller, Holmes and Lewis street crossings … that when such signals have been approved by this Commission, the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway company shall abandon and remove and close to vehicular traffic the crossings at Pierce, Shumway, Sommerville, Spencer, Fillmore, Main, Market, Dakota and Prairie streets…

50 Years Ago: From the June 30, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Restoration Project Will Attract 450,000 Visitors

Completion in Five Years…

Within five years, the Scott County Historical Society’s restoration project east of Shakopee will be attracting 450,000 visitors to the area, according to estimates given the Shakopee Council last week by the society’s financial consultant, William G. McFadden.

“This is no pipe dream,” he told councilmen, as he revealed that the gargantuan job of raising $3.9 million for the project is now well underway, with … grown by … metropolitan area businessmen that the project is feasible.

25 Years Ago: From the June 27, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

EDA votes to raze Blocks 3, 4 downtown

Repairing or moving buildings rejected after long debate

Block 3 and 4 in downtown Shakopee will be totally razed to make way for new development.

A split vote by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) on June 19 ended the long debate over whether some buildings should be moved or refurbished. EDA President Burl Zorn asked the commissioners to move for a vote concerning demolition…

Developing Blocks 3 and 4 is considered the key to maintaining a financially healthy downtown by most city officials and retailers. The city has been acquiring the properties through negotiation and condemnation and expect to have ownership by September or October…

Whatever enthusiasm may have at one time existed for moving or rehabilitating certain buildings faded significantly after a study in the spring concluded that it would cost over $1 million to move and refurbish just one building in Blocks 3 and 4 – and removing hazardous materials would likely inflate that price by thousands of more dollars…

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Remember When – June 19, 2021

125 Years Ago: From the June 25, 1896 Scott County Argus

Assessor John J. Ring has completed the listing of the personal property of the town, and furnishes us with the following summary. The total valuation is $153,000, or $90,000 outside of the bank and the loan association. He found 246 horses, 225 cows, 7 sheep, 304 hogs, 263 vehicles, including bicycles, 281 sewing machines, 509 clocks and watches, 49 organs, and 32 pianos.

100 Years Ago: From the June 23, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

John Casey of St. Paul has opened a garage in the building next to Jasper’s blacksmith shop where he will do general automotive repairing. He has had several years experience in St. Paul garages.

75 Years Ago: From the June 20, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Basement Dwellings Hint at Building Boom in Shakopee

With some completed, others started and still more in the planning stage, it has become evident that Shakopee is to have nearly 25 basement dwellings in use if plans materialize before winter again sets in.

A tour of the city revealed basement construction in various stages of progress. Some are mere excavations, blocks are laid in some, and in other instances the “roof” is on and the unit occupied.

Lumber dealers and building contractors this week expressed the view that Shakopee would be experiencing the greatest residential boom in its history if materials were now available. They hold to the opinion that the basement structures now in evidence represent only a portion of the home building contemplated here.

50 Years Ago: From the June 23, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Governor Signs City Charter

News reached Shakopee Charter Commission Chairman B. F. Pearson, M.D., recently that Governor Wendell Anderson signed the Shakopee Special Charter Act after both houses of the legislature approved it.

According to Dr. Pearson, the local commission will now wait until a decision is announced concerning the merger or incorporation of Eagle Creek Twp before bringing the proposed charter before the people for a vote as required by law.

25 Years Ago: From the June 20, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Leadership Council plan gets tentative approval by county commissioners

The concept of a Scott County Leadership Council received a tentative go-ahead by county commissioners last week and will now move to cities, townships and school districts for further discussion.

County Administrator Gary Cunningham formally presented the concept to the Scott County Board’s Committee of the Whole June 11.

The proposed Leadership Council would be comprised of an elected official from each city and school district, the county, the Scott County Township Association and one staff representative from each of these entities. Scott County legislators would serve as ex-officio members. As proposed the Leadership Council would not have jurisdictional or legal authority. Rather, it would be an advisory body to discuss issues of importance that impact the county as a whole and make recommendations to respective political bodies. Discussions of this type will lead to better understanding and cooperation among the county’s local governments thereby leading to greater efficiencies and coordination of activities, Cunningham said…

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Remember When – June 12, 2021

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 June 18, 1896 Scott County Argus

As if he had not already won the hearts of Shakopee excursionists, on the recent school excursion Capt. Kent of the steamer Daisy extended an invitation to the townspeople to enjoy an excursion Sunday afternoon up and down the river with his compliments. The boat had taken an excursion from St. Paul to Chaska, and while awaiting the time for return thus won the thanks of 250 people from this city.

100 Years Ago: From the June 16, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

City to Have Playground

Holmes Park to be Equipped for Recreation Place for Children.

The plans of Shakopee women for a public playgrounds for the children of the community, are nearing realization. The movement for suitable playgrounds was started in the Home Economics club several months ago and a committee, with Mrs. R. T. Schumacher as chairman, was appointed to work out the project…

The city council has granted the use of Holmes Park for the playgrounds and the ladies hope to have them open in about ten days. The playgrounds will be properly supervised and open to all children of the community…

75 Years Ago: From the June 13, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Recommends Board Employ Architects To Draw Preliminary Plans For School

Commercial Club Committee Sees Need or New Building To Include Present Auditorium; Reports Finding Over-crowded and Sub-standard Condition

Recommending that the Board of Education immediately employ an architect to prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for enlarging and improving the Shakopee public school, the initial report of the 20-man committee assigned to make a study of the school problem was adopted by the Shakopee Commercial club at its regular monthly meeting at the Legion club last Wednesday night.

Presented by Judge F. J. Connolly, committee chairman, the report specifically recommended the “enlarging, modernizing and improving of the public school of the present site, using the 1929 auditorium addition as a basis.”…

50 Years Ago: From the June 16, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Man Charged with Flooding County jail

A prisoner in the Scott County jail was charged with criminal damage to property and arson by Scott County Sheriff Robert Moody last week after reportedly plugging up a toilet in a cell causing water to flood the building and starting a fire on the cell table…

25 Years Ago: From the June 13, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

Court lifts Co. Rd. 18 injunction

Work could begin in fall, but plaintiffs continue to fight

A court injunction that has delayed the reconstruction of County Road 18 for two construction seasons was lifted by District Court Judge M. Eugene Atkins last Thursday.

The court action will allow construction to proceed, according to Scott County Attorney Tom Harbinson.

The county requested that the injunction be tabled during a court hearing on May 30. The request came as a result of an interpretation by the commissioners for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and legislation passed last year concerning noise mitigation and road projects. The commissioners concluded that Scott County demonstrated that it will “employ all reasonably available noise mitigation measures to … traffic-generated noise” in the project. Atkins vacated the injunction after taking the request under advisement for a week…

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Remember When – June 5, 2021

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 June 11, 1896 Scott County Argus

Go into one of the first-class restaurants in St. Paul to dine and the chances are that Shakopee creamery butter will be set before you. Several gentlemen have asserted the fact from personal experience. The new venture has a great advantage in Mr. Farrell’s established reputation as a maker of fancy separator butter, and there is a good and immediate market for all the creamery can manufacture.

100 Years Ago: From the June 9, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

Water and sewer connections have been put into the building to be occupied by the Public Rest Room.

75 Years Ago: From the June 6, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Municipal Bond Issue Defeated Here Tuesday

Voters Express Opposition to $50,000 Bond Issue for Street Improvements and New Fire Truck. Council to Canvass Votes Tonight

In a special election that attracted less than half the estimated possible votes the proposed $50,000 municipal bond issue for street improvements and new fire fighting equipment was defeated here Tuesday.

Most decisive was the voting on the proposition for the $38,500 fund for street projects. Tabulated returns showed 342 voters opposed and 184 approving the issue. Total vote cast in the three wards was 530.

There was a difference of but five votes on the fire equipment balloting which listed 266 “yes” and 261 “no.” The proposition asked a bond issuance of $11,500…

50 Years Ago: From the June 9, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Paint Store Purchased by Lathrop Co.

A Minneapolis firm, Lathrop Paint Supply Co., Inc., has purchased the Gentz Paint and Wall Covering store at 220 E. Second Ave. in Shakopee and will operate it under the name “Lathrop Shakopee.”

The Shakopee store will be managed by Roger Kroguard.

Walter and Grayce Gentz have operated the store in Shakopee for the past 15 years.

25 Years Ago: From the June 6, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

McNeill named administrator

He previously held similar position in city of Savage

Former Savage City Administrator Mark McNeill has been chosen as the new city administrator for Shakopee.

The Shakopee City Council which had interviewed four candidates on Saturday, unanimously picked McNeill during an initial balloting at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The council then formally voted unanimously to hire McNeill. He will replace Dennis Kraft, who resigned from the position in March. McNeill is currently the city administrator for Mason City, Iowa, which has a population of about 29,000. He was city administrator in Savage from 1983 to 1994.

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Remember When – May 29, 2021

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 June 4, 1896 Scott County Argus

A complaint, not annual at this time of year, is made by the ladies with high hope that the numerous shade trees which line the walks are not trimmed to a sufficient height. The exuberance of foliage this spring weighs down the overhanging boughs and this is especially noticeable after a rain. A little attention and a judicious use of the saw or pruning knife by each resident will state a nuisance and at the same time …. The trees.

100 Years Ago: From the June 2, 1921 Shakopee Tribune

The Shakopee police force is now equipped with printed traffic tags and violations of the traffic rules on our streets will be checked up by the cops. A white tag fastened to your car is a warning and a blue tag calls for appearance in municipal court.

75 Years Ago: From the May 30, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Junior Ball Tournament Slated Here

Legion Athletic Officers Select Shakopee for 3-Day District Meet

Shakopee was chosen as the site of the 1946 Third District Legion Junior Baseball tournament at a meeting of the post athletic officers at the Legion club here Monday night. The tourney is scheduled for July 19, 20 and 21…

50 Years Ago: From the June 2, 1971 Shakopee Valley News

Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Plan Major Health Center

On Former Assumption Seminary Site

An impressive plan for a regional total health care center was unveiled Thursday by its co-sponsors, St. Francis Hospital of Shakopee and the Knights of Columbus.

Groundbreaking for the first phase of the project is scheduled for next spring.

To be called the Knights of Columbus Care Foundation, the Center will be located on the site formerly occupied by the Assumption Seminary, 120 acres of rolling, wooded acreage directly across the Minnesota River from Shakopee.

The Care Foundation would be a separate Foundation, formed by St. Francis Hospital and by the Marian Council of the Knights of Columbus, but would include board members from the public…

25 Years Ago: From the May 30, 1996 Shakopee Valley News

68%, 61% pass state math, reading tests

This year’s 8th graders must pass to graduate in year 2000

In its first-ever report on the state Department of Children, Families and Learning’s basic requirement tests, 61 percent of Shakopee’s eighth-graders passed the basic reading test, and 68 percent passed the math test. This equals about 123 students passing reading, and about 137 passing math. Approximately 200 Shakopee eighth-graders took the test.

Starting with the class of 2000 – this year’s eighth-graders – students must demonstrate basic skills in reading and math before receiving a high school diploma. These basic tests are the first phase of Minnesota’s new graduation standards.

The tests were given in April, and scored by an independent firm hired by the state. Approximately 60,000 students across the state took the tests. They were required to get at least 70 percent of the questions right in order to pass. That would amount to getting at least 28 correct on the 40-question reading test, and at least 48 correct on the 68-question math test. Students were given 50 minutes for each test…