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Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass

Prior Lake News Compass
Informed. Engaged. Connected.

Prior Lake News Compass
All content by Laurie Hartmann
Ethan Tracy (second from left) visits with some of the regular pool players at Club Prior, including, from left, Mike Wasmund, Kim Krol and Tom Michaud. (Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass)

New leader, same mission

Laurie Hartmann
April 23, 2025
Former Laker basketball star on team UConn

Former Laker basketball star on team UConn

Laurie Hartmann
April 16, 2025
Matt Arends has been putting in long days readying Spring Lake Farm for this year's busy season.

From farm to table, PL native returns to roots

Laurie Hartmann
April 9, 2025
Drew Hennen is flanked by his sister and mother following his race in Turin, Italy. Submitted photo / Hennen family

Prior Lake man exudes Olympic spirit

Laurie Hartmann
April 2, 2025
The Color Guard opened the Wayawa Wacipi on March 22. Courtesy photo / Mary Haugen

Student-led Wacipi draws hundreds to Prior Lake High School

Laurie Hartmann
March 26, 2025
Mayor Kirt Briggs and City Manager Jason Wedel outlined major projects from 2024 and what's to come this year. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

City recaps major 2024 projects, what’s in store for this year

Laurie Hartmann
March 26, 2025
Junior Optimist Rachel Thibault (center) and advisor Dan Steger deliver 500 collected books to Catholic Charities. Submitted photo

Mission: Book Drive accomplished

Laurie Hartmann
March 20, 2025
Manny Perez with granddaughter Sawyer and daughter Mercedes. Submitted photo

Comida buena at Chula’s restaurant in 2026

Laurie Hartmann
March 19, 2025
Bill Kallberg (center), nine-year member of the Prior Lake Planning Commission, was given an engraved crystal sailboat and honored by members of the city council, from left to right, Ethan Hellier, Kimberly Churchill, Zach Braid and Victor Lake. Not pictured is Mayor Kirt Briggs. Courtesy photo / City of Prior Lake

Planning commission member had eyes on future

Laurie Hartmann
March 12, 2025
Raffa Lotito experienced Vikings tailgating in December with Jim, Lori and Katie Wencl. Submitted photo

International traveler

Laurie Hartmann
March 6, 2025
A ribbon cutting celebrating the purchase of a building that will be home to Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue was held last week. Submitted photo / Darcy Rose

Definitely pet friendly

Laurie Hartmann
February 26, 2025
The Sunshine Social Club has been established to help young adults with intellectual and developmental needs. Organizers include, from left to right, Sarah Less, Leslie Hagen, Sara Ford and Darcy Brugger. Not pictured are Carrie Boegeman and Staci Herold. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

Everyday Heroes: Filling a community need

Laurie Hartmann
February 20, 2025

Taking the plunge

Laurie Hartmann
February 19, 2025
Maxine Smith (left) and Kim Nikolai (right) worked on their projects while visiting with Lesley Young this past week at Club Prior.

‘Just keep moving’: Club Prior programming leader retiring

Laurie Hartmann
February 13, 2025

Obituary publishing update

Laurie Hartmann
February 12, 2025
A pickup truck hit open water in Candy Cove on Feb. 2. Area residents pitched in to help the driver and his children. Submitted photo / Jeff Hanson

Candy Cove neighbors, fishermen band together to keep truck from sinking

Laurie Hartmann
February 6, 2025
Holly Auringer volunteers weekly at the Prior Lake Library. Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass

Everyday Hero: Holly Auringer

Laurie Hartmann
February 4, 2025
Members of the Prior Lake High School Student Advisory Group took turns reciting "The Hill We Climb," written by Amanda Gorman.

Community celebration honors MLK Jr.

Laurie Hartmann
January 22, 2025
Lakeside Big Band wlll play at the Prior Lake VFW as part of the event honoring Police Officer Matt Ruge.

Jazzed up about bygone music era

Laurie Hartmann
January 15, 2025
Portrait of Prior Lake News Compass editor Robb Jeffries

PLNC names new editor

Laurie Hartmann
January 15, 2025
Rebecca Scholz now serves as President of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce.

New Chamber director no stranger to serving needs of local business community

Laurie Hartmann
January 9, 2025
PLSAS board facing difficult decisions on staffing, program cuts

PLSAS board facing difficult decisions on staffing, program cuts

Laurie Hartmann
January 3, 2025
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
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
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