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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, July 3, 2025
We’re a day early, but Happy 249th Birthday to the United States!
If you’re sticking around Prior Lake, be sure to catch the annual boat parade Friday afternoon, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Both are put on by the Prior Lake Association.
Enjoy the long summer weekend with family and friends.
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Top Story
Addy Shepard's mother said her daughter brought joy wherever she went, and Addy usually started a photo session with a silly face. | Photo: courtesy of Angie Shepard
Remembering Addy
Many recall the nine-year-old’s spunk, kindness, impact on others
By Laurie Hartmann | Published on July 3, 2025
Dave and Angie Shepard, along with their son, Jaxson, have known this week would be exceptionally difficult. On July 1, it was a year ago that their daughter and twin to Jaxson lost her short battle with leukemia.
Addy, their spunky nine-year-old, fell ill on June 27, 2024, and went to the emergency room of a local hospital for a bloody nose that wouldn't stop. Tests were run and within hours, she was then rushed to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Nothing could prepare the family for the diagnosis of ALM leukemia that soon followed, or how quickly her condition deteriorated.
The youngster tried a variety of different sports in her young life, including soccer and gymnastics, but softball eventually became her favorite. As a kindergartner, she wanted to be an artist. Family members remember her as loving to paint, draw, make bracelets and being big into arts and crafts. She was daring and liked to try new things, according to her mother. Since her daughter's death, she's been told by other mothers that "Addy gave others the courage to be themselves and always accepted them for who they were."
News
 | Referendum on the November ballotby Staff Report | The Prior Lake City Council unanimously approved during its June 24 meeting a plan to present voters with a $60 million bond referendum. If passed, the proposal will help fund improvements across the city's park and trail system, including enhanced lakefront access, updated park amenities, high-quality athletic fields and better trail connectivity. |
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: July 17-24
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
 | Two new members joining PLSAS leadership team this monthTwo new members have been added to the executive leadership team for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, pending School Board approval, according to Superintendent Michael Thomas. They are Dr. Tim Anderson, Executive Director of Academic Services, and Lisa Rider, Executive Director of Business Services. |
Sports
 | PLHS fishing teams claim top two places in state championship qualifierPrior Lake High School's fishing teams earned the top two places in the first state qualification round of the Southwest Metro division of the Minnesota Junior B.A.S.S. Nation Conference. |
Events
 | Major rock, country groups on stage during Lakefront Music FestJuly 11 | Lakefront Park, Prior Lake The Prior Lake Rotary's Lakefront Music Fest, now in its 16th year, will feature national rock artists on Friday, July 11, and country artists on Saturday, July 12. |
July 4 | Boat parade, fireworks - on Prior Lake
The Prior Lake Association and Knotty Oar Marina will again sponsor the city's annual boat parade on July 4. The parade of decorated boats will depart at 1 p.m. that day in front of Charlie's on Prior. Holiday festivities will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
July 11 | Beach party at Sand Point - Prior Lake
The City of Prior Lake's Park and Recreation department will host a beach party at Sand Point on Friday, July 11. The event will include free activities such as face painting, wacky hair coloring, games, and crafts.
July 17 | Garden Club plans two tours - Two Twin Cities locations
All are welcome to join the Prior Lake Garden Club for two free garden tours the evening of July 17. One is located in Bloomington, and the other in Minneapolis.
June 18 | Sunshine Club hosts golf fundraiser - Creeks Bend Golf Course
The Club will host its 2nd Annual Sunshine Swing Golf Tournament. The tournament will feature an 11 a.m. shotgun start, a four-person scramble, prizes, a silent auction, and a raffle. The cost is $110 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart and dinner.
July 20 | Summer Festival - St. Patrick’s Church, New Prague
St. Patrick's Church of Cedar Lake will host its annual Summer Festival on Sunday, July 20. Families can enjoy a grilled chicken dinner, bingo, a country store and much more.
July 25 | Windjammers concert - Lakefront Park
The Prior Lake Windjammers will be playing at the park between 6 and 7 p.m. in the park's bandshell. Bring a lawn chair, friends and family for the free concert.
Ongoing | Walking Strolls on Mondays - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Area residents are invited to participate in a "Morning Stretch and Stroll" program at Cleary Lake Regional Park for those age 55 and up. Morning strolls will be scheduled on Mondays in July from 9 to 9:30 a.m.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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