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Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass

Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

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Express bus service to the Minnesota State Fair is being offered from two area transit stations.

Skip the hassle – ride the bus to the State Fair

August 20, 2025

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority has created a special ride schedule for area residents who wish to travel to and from the Minnesota State Fair. Between Aug. 21 and Aug. 31, express bus service will be offered to the fair each day between 7 a.m....

Madelyn Michels, Rose Beuch-Wollner and Isa Lea display the creations they had for sale at the Youth Art & Craft Market. (Photo provided by PLSAS.)

Young entrepreneurs

August 20, 2025

More than 50 young creators and artists gathered at Twin Oaks Middle School on Aug. 14 for the 10th Annual Youth Art & Craft Market. Talented youngsters displayed and sold a wide assortment of hand-made creations, including jewelry, toys, stuffed...

PLHS Volleyball Coach Mike Dean shares team expectations during recent tryouts.

PLHS athletes begin training for fall sports season

Randy Geister
August 13, 2025

Prior Lake High School fall sports teams started training on Aug. 11. The Laker football, volleyball and soccer teams were on the fields and courts getting ready for the upcoming season. Scrimmages will start as early as Aug. 21 for some sports...

The original bridge built across the waters of Prior Lake in 1898 cost $769 to construct. (From the historical files of Kathy Dawson)

Prior Lake in the Past: August 11 – 17

August 13, 2025

Editor's note: In addition to our typical dive into the Prior Lake American's archives for this week's news from 60, 40 and 20 years ago, we welcome occasional submissions from longtime resident Kathy Dawson, an avid collector of Prior Lake's historical...

The cookie eating contest, a Saturday event during Prior Lake Days, drew many contestants and spectators.

Summer Priority

Jill Kufrin
August 13, 2025

Thousands showed up last weekend to celebrate Prior Lake Days, hosted by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce. The event was kicked off with Friday evening's "Sip and Stroll" through which close to 750 ticket-holders could sample a variety of beverages...

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's annual Wacipi will be held Aug. 15-17.  The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrating traditions

Staff reports
August 6, 2025

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will host its annual Wacipi celebration Aug. 15-17. Wacipi—or powwow—is a traditional Native American gathering, a celebration of life, pride, and honor. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language,...

Taylor Smith, longtime supporter of baseball in Prior Lake, was inducted into the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hall of Famer

August 6, 2025

Taylor Smith, a longtime member of the Prior Lake baseball community, has been inducted into the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. The honor highlights his years of service, leadership, and impact on the sport and the lives of young athletes...

Representatives from various organizations that volunteered to help at the 2024 Lakefront Music Fest were special guests at a Rotary meeting when they received their donation check.

Dollars @ Work

Submitted by Kyle Haugen
July 30, 2025

On Monday, July 21, the Rotary Club of Prior Lake released its charitable giving report for the Rotary year 2024-2025, which runs from July 1 through June 30. The date of the release followed the conclusion of the Prior Lake Rotary’s Lakefront Music...

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