Prior Lake News Compass

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Good morning!

Prior Lake High School has good news to share. Congratulations to the Laker Speech Team after earning a "School of Excellence" trophy and being named one of the top 20 in the nation. We’re also reminding you to make plans for the first big summer holiday, Independence Day, being celebrated next week. All are invited to Prior Lake’s annual boat parade and fireworks extravaganza on July 4.

Follow us each week to see what’s happened and will be happening in Prior Lake!


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Top Story

The June 16 study session included a three-hour policy discussion among school board members that will be continued on July 14.

PLSAS discussion on board policy revisions lengthy and contentious; decisions deferred to July 14 meeting

By Renee Winick | Published on June, 25, 2025

After six months of reviewing the governing policies of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board, discussion during its most recent study session was at times contentious, went on for three hours, and will be continued at the next regular board meeting scheduled for July 14.

Policy discussion centered on actions that could result if a board member violated a policy, meeting minutes, mandates for open and closed meetings, public participation in board meetings and public hearings, all of which will have a second and final reading at that meeting. A discussion on its code of ethics policy started, but was deferred to July 14, along with policies related to board member development and its use of electronic communications.

Discussion also included the distribution of information on school district property by non-school persons and employees. Board member Charles Johnson explained that the policy committee had worked on this policy for several months, had been brought up for legal review several times, and had included input from Superintendent Michael Thomas.

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News

New boater permit law starts next week

by Staff report | Starting on July 1, 2025, a new law will require some adults and youth who operate motorboats—including personal watercraft—to have a valid watercraft operator's permit, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Chula’s construction underway in downtown Prior Lake

by Laurie Hartmann |An official ground-breaking was held several weeks ago, and Manny Perez, owner of Chula’s, a new Mexican-Latin restaurant, said the project is proceeding according to plan.

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Prior Lake in the Past

This weekly column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during the same week 60, 40 and 20 years ago. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those who are mentioned from years past, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.

Police Log: June 10-17

This weekly report is based on information submitted by the Prior Lake Police Department for responses. All calls for service may not be included; all subjects arrested and named are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Schools

PLHS Speech Team among top 20 best in the nation

by Staff report | The Prior Lake High School Speech Team made history at the 2025 National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament, held recently in Des Moines, Iowa. The team earned a coveted School of Excellence Trophy, awarded to the Top 20 teams in the nation.

Obituary

Events

Spotlight: Boat parade, fireworks on deck for July 4 celebration

by Staff report | The Prior Lake Association and Knotty Oar Marina will again sponsor the city's annual boat parade on July 4. Fireworks show to follow that night at 10 p.m.

June 26 | Weekly 'Spotlight Storytime' at Prior Lake Library
Join local guest readers for story-telling and fun for kids and family members starting June 26 and running through Aug. 2.

June 26-29 | Savage Dan Patch Days this weekend
The City of Savage's annual community celebration of Dan Patch Days is scheduled for June 26-29 and will include a variety of fun events.

July 11 | Beach party being held at Sand Point
The City of Prior Lake's Park and Recreation department will host a beach party at Sand Point Beach on Friday, July 11 with face painting, games, crafts and musical entertainment.

July 11-12 | Lakefront Music Fest being held at Lakefront Park
Families can create fun memories on the water on Sunday, June 22, while learning kayaking skills being taught at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake.

July 25 | PL Windjammers to play in free concert series
The Prior Lake Windjammers will be playing at Lakefront Park between 6 and 7 p.m. as part of the City of Prior Lake’s free summer concert series.

Aug. 8-9 | Prior Lake Days, sponsored by Prior Lake Chamber
Check back in the coming weeks for updates on “Prior Lake Days” scheduled for Aug. 8-9 by the Prior Lake Chamber and will include a Friday Sip and Stroll and Saturday Family Day.

Aug. 26 | ‘Choose Not to Use’ golf fundraiser
The Scott County Public Safety Foundation will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser scheduled at Legends Golf Club to support the "Choose Not to Use" program.

Prior Lake News Compass is grateful for the financial
support received from these Founding Donors:

  • Albrecht Poss Foundation

  • Bob and Lisa Conzemius

  • Den and Sandy Gardner

  • Pat and Norma Klein

  • Lakefront Music Fest

  • McKnight Foundation

  • Prior Lake Lions Club

  • Prior Lake Optimist Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Foundation

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