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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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...

Prior Lake beat the Shakopee boys' basketball team Friday night in a close contest ending with a 88-84 win. Norbu Jenpa, #23, was top scorer with 25 points.

Lakers give basketball fans two big wins over Shakopee

Randy Geister
December 21, 2024

The Prior Lake Laker girls' and boys' varsity basketball teams played unique back-to-back games on Friday, Dec. 20 at Prior Lake High School. The gymnasium was buzzing as the Lakers took on neighboring Shakopee, with many attendees also showing up to...

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...

Members of the Prior Lake High School Percussion Ensemble

Governor issues proclamation honoring PLHS Percussion Ensemble

PLNC Staff
December 19, 2024

The Prior Lake High School Percussion Ensemble made history Dec. 18 when they performed at the prestigious 78th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago. The event represented a major achievement in the music world...

Burkart recognized for 8 years of service on Prior Lake City Council

December 19, 2024

Prior Lake City Councilmember Kevin Burkart will be leaving his elected post at the end of the month. The two-term city councilmember was cited for accepting leadership positions on behalf of Prior Lake on a variety of organizations that focus on transportation...

Day honoring long-time Prior Lake Chamber President declared by city

Day honoring long-time Prior Lake Chamber President declared by city

December 19, 2024

A prominent supporter of the Prior Lake business community will be retiring next week, but not before city officials declared Dec. 19 her official day. Prior Lake Chamber President Sandi Fleck will retire on Jan. 3 after serving as leader of the business...

City council meetings are held at Prior Lake City Hall, 4646 Dakota St..

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...

Students performing in the PLHS presentation of "Little Shop of Horrors" were invited to the State Theater's Spotlight Showcase event next June

PLHS actors invited to ‘Spotlight Showcase’ at State Theater

December 19, 2024

The cast and crew of Prior Lake High School Theatre's "Little Shop of Horrors" have received an exclusive invitation to perform at the prestigious Spotlight Showcase taking place June 9-10 at the State Theater in Minneapolis. The Spotlight Showcase...

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...

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...

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...

Twelve Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools educators were named as top teachers in the district.

Teachers of the Year named by PLSAS

PLNC Staff
December 19, 2024

Twelve District 719 educators were named by their peers as "Teachers of the Year" for the 2024-25 school year. Honored teachers were cited for their dedication, passion and positive impact on students and the community, according to the information...

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