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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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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,...

Protesters line up to show support of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools resolution of equity and inclusion at the District Services Center on June 9, 2025. Robb Jeffries / PL News Compass

PLSAS board eliminates DEI resolution

Robb Jeffries
June 11, 2025

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board chose to eliminate its resolution in support of equity and inclusion, removing the guiding document that directed the district and its board to commit to governing in a manner that prioritizes diversity, equity...

Attendance boundaries will change next year after WestWood Elementary is no longer being used as a neighborhood school.

School district ironing out details of proposed school closure

Renee Winick
June 10, 2025

During the PLSAS school board June 9th study session, Superintendent Michael Thomas and other district administrators presented more details and answered questions regarding the proposed closure of WestWood Elementary and consolidation of district facilities. In...

The video board at Dan Patch Stadium honors the PLHS Class of 2025. Jill Kufrin / PL News Compass

PHOTOS: The PLHS Class of 2025 has their day in the sun

Staff report
June 7, 2025

The Class of 2025 has finished its journey through high school, with nothing but promise and potential awaiting them. Prior Lake High School graduated nearly 700 students on Thursday at Dan Patch Stadium, with another 56 seniors graduating from Bridges...

Scott County Deputy Pat McCabe with K-9 Olin. Courtesy photo / Scott County Sheriff's Department

Meet Scott County’s new K-9, Olin

Staff report
June 4, 2025

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has a new K-9 team. Deputy Pat McCabe and his partner, K-9 Olin officially graduated on May 22 from the 16-week Saint Paul Police Department Canine Basic Handlers School. K-9 Olin, a one-year-old Belgian Malinois...

New officers of the Prior Lake Junior Optimists were sworn in by Scott Carlson. PL News Compass/Prior Lake Optimist Club

Junior Optimist Club celebrates an active year of community service

Staff report
June 4, 2025

The Prior Lake High School Junior Optimists wrapped up a successful year of community service at the Horse and Hunt Club on May 22. Optimists enjoyed dinner, awards, speeches and the swearing in of its new board of directors for the coming year. They...

Club Prior is located within the Prior Lake Public Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave.

Club Prior expands hours, weekly program offerings effective June 2

Staff report
May 29, 2025

Club Prior will be open four days each week and offer more programs for area residents, effective June 2. New hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Programs will be expanded to include streamed fitness sessions; more...

Bob Miller was supported by many family members during this year's Walk MS Twin Cities. Submitted photo / Bob Hosker

A positive outlook for advocate

Laurie Hartmann
May 28, 2025

Prior Lake resident Bob Miller has vivid recollections of one day back in 2004. It was the 25th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary. On that day he received confirmation from his neurologist that he had multiple sclerosis. "It was scary," he recalls....

Prior Lake High School fine arts students pose during an athletic-style signing day. Twenty-six students celebrated their next steps to perform in the arts at the collegiate level. Courtesy photo / Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

PLHS fine arts students hold signing day

Staff report
May 28, 2025

Signing days aren't just for the athletes any more. Prior Lake High School hosted its first Fine Arts Signing Day in the auditorium on May 14. The athletics-style ceremony celebrated 26 of PLHS's own that will be taking their passions to the collegiate...

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