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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will offer expanded service within Prior Lake and Shakopee.

MVTA offering more direct services for Prior Lake, Shakopee residents

Staff report
January 7, 2025

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will begin serving Prior Lake and Shakopee with MVTA Connect microtransit service beginning Monday, Jan. 13. MVTA Connect is a point-to-point service that will provide travel connections to everyone living within...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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