February 6, 2025

We've officially finished our first full month of publishing the Prior Lake News Compass. Our readership continues to grow, as does our coverage of local events and people. Check out the link below to a new weekly feature, "Prior Lake in the Past," which highlights a few interesting snippets included in newspapers published decades ago, as suggested by a reader. We depend on your feedback and news tips to make us a better organization. Send your suggestions to: [email protected] and share this newsletter with friends and family so they, too, can subscribe by clicking on the button below.

February 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

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TOP STORY

Holly Auringer always wears a bright smile while volunteering at the Prior Lake Library.

Everyday Hero: Focusing only on positive, nothing stands in Holly's way when helping others

If you've visited the Prior Lake Library during afternoon hours in the past year, chances are you've met Holly Auringer, a young woman with a huge smile and perky personality.

Auringer is an adult with special needs, and being a volunteer at the library has been filled with new learning opportunities and friendships. For her, it's been an extension of what she's always enjoyed doing since it involves helping others.

"It's fun helping out other people," Auringer said. "There's always someone to help me if I need it. Everyone here is super nice."

An added bonus to her volunteer role has been improving her organizational and reading skills attained through making certain items are in the correct order when returned to shelves.

"Holly is a tremendous help in keeping books organized and in the appropriate place," said Liz Aaron, Prior Lake librarian. "She is such a great help to all of our staff."

Read the full story >

NEWS

Candy Cove residents worked to save truck on Sunday afternoon.

Neighbors, fishermen band together to keep truck from sinking in Prior Lake

Former Prior Lake resident Jeff Hanson ventured out to Prior Lake on Sunday, hoping to spend the afternoon ice fishing. He lived on the shores of Candy cove until recently moving. He is well aware of how quickly ice conditions in the bay can change, particularly at this time of year.