February 27, 2025

Spring is just around the corner, which also means the winter sports season for the Prior Lake Lakers is about to end. The wrestling team has had a successful season and will battle in team and individual competition. The girls basketball team rolled to a win in the first round of the section playoffs, and the boys' basketball team will play its final regular game of the season tomorrow and then it's off to the first section playoff round after tying for second place in the South Suburban Conference. Good luck, Lakers!

February 27, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

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TOP STORY

The Prior Lake City Council recognized the 2024 police department support staff person of the year, Diana Schuetz (third from left), and officer of the year, Sgt. Jake Lannon (fourth from left) at the council's meeting on Feb. 26, 2025. Courtesy photo / City of Prior Lake

Study shows police department needs more staff; two honored during council meeting

A detailed study of Prior Lake’s police department shows a need for increased staffing for both sworn officers and support staff.

At the city council’s work session on Tuesday, Feb. 25, members of the council and Police Chief Liam Duggan were presented with information from a thorough study of the department’s staffing and operations.

This study by the consulting firm Berry Dunn was approved in late 2023 and conducted in 2024. Michele Weinzetl of Berry Dunn was on hand to walk the council through analysis of these key data points:

  • Staffing levels for patrol, investigation and all other positions

  • Response time, patrol zone layouts and response efficiency

  • Comparison of Prior Lake to other police departments, and to industry best practices

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Overall recommendations include an additional six sworn officers to ensure proper coverage of needed adjustments to the patrol schedule, and more non-sworn employees to help with other facets of police work administration.

One aspect of the study showed the effect of leave time on scheduling and overtime. Unlike other cities in comparison, the Prior Lake PD has more calls for service in late hours. There’s a steadier pattern and need for sufficient coverage 24/7.

Read the full story >

NEWS

Going to the dogs

Spot’s Last Stop, a canine rescue center, will officially open its doors in early fall, thanks to a grant received from the Prior Lake Rotary Club.

More News

View the stars with popular meteorologist coming to Lakefront Park >
PL in the Past: Council reviews plans for new city hall >
Police log: Feb. 19-25 >

SCHOOLS

Building a future in robotics

Six innovative students have earned a trip to the national Lego League Challenge after placing among the top finishers for their creativity and problem-solving skills demonstrated during the competition. The team also earned the Judge’s Award in recognition for a strong overall performance.

More Schools news

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