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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

News

Folk singer Bob Bovee will perform at Club Prior on Jan. 8.

Free music series kicks off at Club Prior on Jan. 8

January 1, 2025

Bob Bovee, a lifetime singer and string musician, will be the featured performer at Club Prior on Jan. 8 as part of the "Wednesday Night Live" music series organized by the City of Prior Lake and Scott County Library. Bovee is a lifetime singer and...

Construction has started on 12 townhome units being built near the Ponds Athletic Complex by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers needed for local ‘Habitat’ project

December 31, 2024

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is building homes in Prior Lake and looking for volunteers to help finish indoor projects. Construction has already begun at 4667 170th St SE, near the Ponds Athletic Complex in Prior Lake. Twelve townhouse units...

Most Community Academy classes will be held at the Scott County Law Enforcement Center in Shakopee

Sheriff’s Department to host ‘Community Academy’

December 31, 2024

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has openings for its annual Sheriff’s Community Academy, an interactive, seven-week series meant to give participants a working knowledge of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Academy objectives include enhancing...

Dahlia and Mateo Marin had no difficulty taking command of the ice while skating for the first time ever at Lakefront Park on Dec. 26.

Almost balmy

December 29, 2024

Area residents wishing for a white Christmas enjoyed just that while temperatures hovered above freezing in the days that followed. Mateo and Dahlia Marin successfully tested their skills on ice skates for the first time ever at Lakefront Park on Dec....

Club Prior, located within the Prior Lake Public Library, is the gathering spot for the New Year's Eve family event.

Family event planned for New Year’s Eve

December 26, 2024

The City of Prior Lake Parks & Recreation Department will host a "New Year's Eve Bingo & Boogie" family event at Club Prior. Ring in the New Year on Tuesday, Dec. 31 with fun planned for children of all ages, and is open to all family members....

Lakefront Park was the ideal setting for a family photo Dec. 6 during Prior Lake's annual holiday "DecemBRRR Dazzle" celebration. The gigantic lighted ornament proved to be the perfect setting for a holiday photo and included, back row, left to right: Layton Umpleby, Douglas Gander, Stacie Gander and Jeff Szymich. In the front row are: Meagan Umpleby, Norman Gander, Sue Szymich, Sadie Umpleby, Rory Umpleby and Emersyn Umpleby.

Spreading holiday cheer throughout Prior Lake

December 23, 2024

Prior Lake residents had many opportunities to start celebrating the Christmas season long before the holiday arrives. Here's a sampling of the many activities enjoyed throughout the month. Photographers: Connie Carlson, Lois Kocon and Laurie Hartmann              

Sheldon Bryant wears many hats throughout the year, but the one reserved for helping Santa was worn 14 times in the past month.

Everyday Hero

Laurie Hartmann | December 23, 2024

Sheldon Bryant never sits still for very long, but in the past month served as a frequent Santa fill-in, putting on the red suit 14 times, adding cheer to a variety of local events. He has become well-known throughout the community after moving...

The goal of the Prior Lake News Compass is to be a trustworthy source for local news.

Prior Lake’s source for local news and information officially launches

December 21, 2024

We've listened to hundreds of local residents in recent months express how much they miss their local newspaper. For many, they had difficulty finding coverage on recent elections, community events, city and school meetings, high school activities, information...

Smoke Signals volunteers recently served a spaghetti dinner as part of the Community Plate program.

Volunteers needed to help serve free monthly meal at Shepherd of Lake

PLNC Staff | December 19, 2024

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church and Smoke Signals are partnering to provide a free monthly community meal for all area residents, especially those experiencing food insecurity. The meal will be served the last Thursday of each month from 5:15 to...

The City of Prior Lake finalized contract agreements with both the police officers and sergeants for 2025.

City, police personnel reach 2025 contract agreements

PLNC Staff | December 19, 2024

Labor agreements with police officers and sergeants in 2025 were approved by the Prior Lake City Council at the Dec. 10 meeting. Key changes to the current police officer contract include: Unscheduled officers who are called to work on New Years...

Council leaders elected in November share vision for coming year

Council leaders elected in November share vision for coming year

December 19, 2024

Local voters reelected Kirt Briggs for a third term as Prior Lake's mayor on Nov. 5, with Zach Braid returning for another four years on the Prior Lake City Council, having already served two terms. Newcomer Ethan Hellier will fill the council seat vacated...

City officials finalized the budget for 2025 at its Dec. 10 council meeting.

City adopts budget, tax levy for 2025

PLNC Staff | December 19, 2024

The Prior Lake City Council gave final approval to the 2025 budget and property tax levy during its Dec. 10 meeting. Finance Director Cathy Erickson outlined major budget fund categories for the coming year which total $47,515,822. More than $22 million...