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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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...

Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Crime Stoppers join forces

January 2, 2025

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office recently renewed its partnership with Crime Stoppers of Minnesota, a tip line that allows people to anonymously provide crime information to law enforcement. Crime Stoppers of Minnesota provides a safe place for...

Laker Alex Zheng placed first in the 200 freestyle during the Apple Valley meet.

Laker swim/dive team beats Apple Valley, extends winning streak

The Prior Lake boys swim and dive team continued an impressive run, securing a decisive 101-75 victory over Apple Valley in its second consecutive South Suburban Conference meet. The dominant performance saw the Lakers sweep all individual events and...

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...

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....

The agreement between the city and SMSC allows for mutual aid for fire and police emergencies.

City, SMSC approve mutual aid agreement for three-year term

PLNC staff
December 23, 2024

The City of Prior Lake and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community renewed its longstanding intergovernmental aid agreement at the Dec. 10 council meeting. The city and SMSC have had similar agreements in place since the early 1990s, according to...

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              

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