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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

News

Cheryl Leitschuh (center) was thanked at the recent awards dinner for serving as the Chamber's Board Chairperson in 2024. Kathy Young (left), is now filling that role in the new year. Also pictured is Rebecca Scholz, Chamber President.

Prior Lake Chamber announces top picks for 2024 business honors

Staff report | January 22, 2025

The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce named its top business and business person for 2024 at its annual dinner banquet held Jan. 15 at The Wilds Golf Club. Brad Hanson, owner of Profinishers Auto Body, was named "Business Person of the Year," while Justina's...

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board directors (from left) Mary Frantz, Charles Johnson and Jessica Mason take their oaths of office at the board's first meeting of the year on Jan. 13, 2025. Robb Jeffries / PL News Compass

Schools roundup: PLSAS swears in board members

Staff report | January 16, 2025

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board started the new year off by swearing in its recently elected directors and naming its officers. Charles Johnson and Jessica Mason are the board's newest directors, while voters in the district also reelected...

Long-planned development gets initial green light from city

Chris Mosley | January 15, 2025

After nearly five years of planning and negotiation, a new subdivision cleared a key hurdle Tuesday night, Jan. 14. The Residences at Crest Woods, a 68-lot development near the intersection of County Road 42 and Crest Avenue Southeast, began as a proposed...

Lakeside Big Band played at the Prior Lake VFW on Jan. 14, 2025. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

Jazzed up about bygone music era

Laurie Hartmann | January 15, 2025

Ron Siven's lifelong passion has been music. In 2023, he decided it may be the perfect time to become the leader of his own band. The Prior Lake resident, his wife and son were all members of the Prior Lake Windjammers community band that delighted...

Portrait of Prior Lake News Compass editor Robb Jeffries

PLNC names new editor

Laurie Hartmann | January 15, 2025

Robb Jeffries is no stranger to Prior Lake. He was the editor of the Prior Lake American and other newspapers published by Southwest News Media several years ago and will fill the same role with Prior Lake News Compass. "I was pleased to have the opportunity...

Rebecca Scholz now serves as President of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce.

New Chamber director no stranger to serving needs of local business community

Laurie Hartmann | January 9, 2025

Rebecca Scholz knew she had big shoes to fill if chosen for the role held by Sandi Fleck, who led the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce as its president for the past 22 years. She officially took over that position this month, having served as the Director...

Auditions for "The Little Mermaid" will be held Jan. 27-28.

PL Players hosting auditions for ‘The Little Mermaid’

Staff report | January 8, 2025

The Prior Lake Players will be hosting auditions for its spring show, "The Little Mermaid," on Jan. 27-28, beginning at 6 p.m. Those who wish to be considered for a part should prepare a 16-bar (30 to 60 seconds) cut of a favorite Disney song, along...

Chamber to host awards dinner Jan. 15

Chamber to host awards dinner Jan. 15

Staff report | January 8, 2025

The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards dinner honoring local businesses and owners on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at The Wilds Golf Club. Registration and networking opportunities will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:45...

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will offer expanded service within Prior Lake and Shakopee.

MVTA offering more direct services for Prior Lake, Shakopee residents

Staff report | January 7, 2025

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will begin serving Prior Lake and Shakopee with MVTA Connect microtransit service beginning Monday, Jan. 13. MVTA Connect is a point-to-point service that will provide travel connections to everyone living within...

PLSAS board facing difficult decisions on staffing, program cuts

PLSAS board facing difficult decisions on staffing, program cuts

Laurie Hartmann | January 3, 2025

Members of the Prior Lake/Savage Area School Board at its Dec. 9 meeting discussed significant budget reduction options for the next two school years that include staff cuts and elimination of some programs. Superintendent Dr. Michael Thomas said much...

Last year's event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. included messages about the need for a shared commitment to social justice.

MLK Jr. Day to be celebrated Jan. 20

January 2, 2025

Prior Lake Rotary, in partnership with Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, will host the fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20. The free community event will be held at Prior Lake High School from 10 a.m. to noon and include...

Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce President Sandi Fleck will retire this week, having served the local business community for more than 22 years.

Role of retiring Chamber president grew with local business community

Laurie Hartmann | January 1, 2025

Sandi Fleck was a self-described "stay-at-home mama" in 2002 when she received a call from Darcy Rose, President of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce and owner of a small clothing embroidery shop that was operated out of her home. Rose asked if Fleck...