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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

People

Maxine Smith (left) and Kim Nikolai (right) worked on their projects while visiting with Lesley Young this past week at Club Prior.

‘Just keep moving’: Club Prior programming leader retiring

Laurie Hartmann | February 13, 2025

Lesley Young hasn’t had much time to sit still in the past eight years. She’s been busy connecting with and entertaining more than 600 area residents who have a collective age span covering more than 50 years. Young is the City of Prior Lake’s...

Prior Lake in the Past: Feb. 9-12

February 12, 2025

Editor's note: The weekly "Prior Lake in the Past" column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during the same week 60, 40 and 20 years ago. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those who are mentioned from years...

Prior Lake in the Past: Feb. 2-5

February 5, 2025

Editor's note: Many Prior Lake residents have told us they miss reading about people and events, including those who helped shape our community in the past. The News Compass will be publishing the "Prior Lake in the Past" column each week that will contain...

Holly Auringer volunteers weekly at the Prior Lake Library. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

Everyday Hero: Holly Auringer

Laurie Hartmann | February 4, 2025

Editor's note: The News Compass features nominated residents as Everyday Heroes in an ongoing series. To nominate someone you know in the community that goes above and beyond to make Prior Lake a better place, send us their name and the reason you are...

Hendrickson, Kallam local nominees for state leadership award

Staff report | January 15, 2025

  Taylor Hendrickson and Sid Kallam, juniors at Prior Lake High School, have been nominated as this year’s ExCEL Award representatives for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the Excellence...

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...

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...