Here is a look at Surprise history through the years on this week, compiled from archives of Independent Newsmedia, Newspapers.com and the city of Surprise historical records:

1955

Dysart School District voters approve a $134,000 bond issue to build two new school buildings. The measure passes 65 votes to 23.

1959

Luke School opens up to help relieve the crowded Dysart School. Designed for 450 students, the campus includes an ice cream room.

1962

Dysart High School classes begin on the campus of the Dysart elementary school. It won’t have its own building for another year.

1967

The Surprise Town Council asks the Superior Court to dismiss a lawsuit the town is facing after it voted to increase its membership from five to seven.

1975

Low pressure caused water shortages in Surprise and El Mirage. El Mirage, which served Surprise’s water, was awaiting new parts to fix its well.

1987

A committee to recall Mayor George Cumbie gathers 200 signatures. 

1988

Surprise and El Mirage agree to establish one bus route through both communities, instead of competing services. One-way bus fare with a transfer to Phoenix Transit is 75 cents.

1999

The 10,000-square-foot Riverboat Bingo Hall opens its doors at 183rd Avenue and Bell Road.

2001

The first U.S. Post Office in Surprise opens at Parkview Place and Bell Road.

2004

In a recall election in three districts, Cliff Elkins defeats Councilman Don Cox and incumbent Bob Vukanovich loses to Joe Johnson. Gary “Doc” Sullivan is the only councilman to retain his seat.

2016

Jim Biundo resigns from the Surprise City Council. He’s replaced by Jim Hayden a month later.