- Prior Lake News Compass
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- February 20, 2025
February 20, 2025
The News Compass prides itself on being responsive to its readers. During community outreach sessions during its conception, potential readers emphasized they missed a staple of the old Prior Lake American: the police log. With the cooperation of the Prior Lake Police Department, the News Compass is now able to provide that content for our readers. You can find this week's police log under the News section. Thank you to everyone for your continued readership! If you think of a feature or content we should have, please reach us at [email protected].
Prior Lake News Compass is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation that is dependent upon donations from our readers. Please consider making a financial contribution to help us with our ongoing expenses by using the link below.
TOP STORY

The JP Jumpers, clad in green, were one of many teams participating in the 2025 Polar Plunge at Prior Lake on Feb. 15. Photos by Laurie Hartmann / PL News Compass
Frigid fundraising and fun
For many, bitterly cold temperatures and a quick dip in a frozen lake just don’t add up.
However, on Saturday, that winning equation added up to about $308,000.
More than 1,100 “plungers” took a leap of faith into Prior Lake on Saturday, Feb. 15, as part of the annual Polar Plunge.
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![]() | Participants raised funds for Special Olympics Minnesota. While Prior Lake’s event is just one of many, it has proven to consistently be one of the largest in the state and draws several well-known dignitaries. Gov. Tim Walz was among this year’s plungers. In the 16-year history of the Polar Plunge on Prior Lake, participants have raised more than $2.8 million. |
NEWS
![]() | A positive ray of sunshineOnce social services for young adults with special needs ends after high school, families can face “falling off a cliff.“ This group looks to help bridge the gap for those families. |
More News
SCHOOLS
![]() | Jeffers Pond teacher threatens lawsuitA fourth-grade teacher suspended in December is threatening to sue the district unless she receives a public apology and is compensated for missed time. |
More Schools news
A note from the editor
The early success of the News Compass is due to two key factors: readership and volunteering. I thank the community for reading, and encourage anyone with a passion for storytelling to consider volunteering.
SUPPORT THE NEWS COMPASS
In order to build a community that is informed, connected and engaged, Prior Lake News Compass needs your help. Please consider donating to support our organization and ensure local news is available to the entire Prior Lake community. Use the button below to donate online.
Checks can be mailed to: Prior Lake News Compass, PO Box 75, Prior Lake, MN 55372 |
Prior Lake News Compass is grateful for the financial support received from these Founding Donors:
Prior Lake Rotary Foundation | Prior Lake Rotary Club | Lakefront Music Fest | Prior Lake Optimist Club | Bob and Lisa Conzemius | Pat and Norma Klein | Prior Lake Lions Club l Albrecht Poss Foundation l McKnight Foundation