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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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SMSC opened its new organic recycling facility in Louisville Township earlier this month. (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community)

SMSC opens new state-of-the-art organics recycling facility

July 2, 2025

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) celebrated the grand opening of its new organics recycling facility, Dakota Prairie Composting, in Louisville Township on June 24. Dakota Prairie Composting is one of only two large-scale composting facilities...

Manny Perez, long-time restaurateur, shared his vision for Chula's with those attended the project's groundbreaking earlier this month. (Photos by Adam's Travel Photography)

In with the new

Laurie Hartmann
June 25, 2025

The former T-Shirts and More building no long exists. New utility connections have been installed,  foundation footings have been poured and within the next week or so Prior Lake residents will start seeing the construction beginnings of Chula's, a new...

Girls on the Run organization receives large grant from SMSC

June 25, 2025

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announced its partnership with Girls on the Run Minnesota to support the creation of teams within the state's Native American communities and provide adult coaches with culturally appropriate curriculum and training. Through...

The annual July 4th boat parade on Prior Lake is a holiday favorite. (Prior Lake Association)

Everybody loves a parade!

Staff report
June 25, 2025

The Prior Lake Association and Knotty Oar Marina will again sponsor the city's annual boat parade on July 4. The parade of decorated boats will depart at 1 p.m. that day in front of Charlie's on Prior with judges stationed in the no-wake channel near...

Motorcyclist killed in Belle Plaine Township crash

Staff reports
June 25, 2025

The Scott County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a two-vehicle crash on Union Hill Blvd and 235th Street West in Belle Plaine Township at 8:47 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. The preliminary investigation indicated that a 2016 Harley...

A new boating law that changes operator permit requirements will go into effect July 1. (PLNC / Laurie Hartmann)

New state boater permit law goes into effect July 1

June 24, 2025

Starting on July 1, 2025, a new law will require some adults and youth who operate motorboats—including personal watercraft—to have a valid watercraft operator's permit, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. People who already...

Credit River man injured after being pinned under overturned tractor

Credit River man injured after being pinned under overturned tractor

Staff report
June 24, 2025

The Scott County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call shortly before noon on Sunday, June 22,  involving an unresponsive 30-year-old Credit River man who was pinned under an overturned tractor. The incident occurred on the 21000 block of Vernon...

The Prior Lake High School girls lacrosse team came home as state champions for the 2025 season. (Photo / Caty Mawing Photography)

State champs!

Staff report
June 18, 2025

The Prior Lake High school girls lacrosse team finished season play undefeated and came home with the state championship trophy. The Lakers defeated the Stillwater Ponies 13-8 last Saturday while playing at Eden Prairie High School. This was the third...

The Scott County Sheriff's Department's drone team assisted during the search in Sibley County last weekend. (Scott County Sheriff's Department)

Area law enforcement played key roles in capture of man wanted for murder

Laurie Hartmann
June 18, 2025

Area residents woke up Saturday morning to the tragic news that Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband had been murdered in their north metro home. That crime was quickly connected to the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and...

Long-time chair of the Prior Lake Garden Club, Jane Horn, is known by many for her gardening skills. (PLNC / Laurie Hartmann)

A seasoned green thumb

Laurie Hartmann
June 18, 2025

To say Jane Horn loves to play in the dirt would be true, but also an understatement. The local woman has been a leader of the Prior Lake Garden Club for nearly two decades and still believes that creating something beautiful is meant to be shared. Not...

Prior Lake Library is located at 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. in downtown Prior Lake.

Seniors invited to new education sessions being offered at Club Prior

June 18, 2025

Local seniors are invited to participate in a new educational series being offered at Club Prior. A variety of topics will be discussed, and the classes will enable attendees to meet other community members while enjoying coffee and light snacks. Drop-ins...

Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park is located on the south shore of Cedar Lake in New Prague. (Three Rivers Park District)

Cedar Lake Farm Park boat tour trip planned for July 9

June 18, 2025

The cities of Prior Lake and Savage, in collaboration with the Three Rivers Park District, are offering a day trip to Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park on Wednesday, July 9. Located on the south shore of Cedar Lake, the park is a picturesque site for picnicking,...

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