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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Today, April 30, has officially been declared Minnesota Local News Day — a coordinated, statewide effort to celebrate, support and invest in the future of local journalism. The Prior Lake News Compass is honored to be part of this mission, and we are all working together toward the same goal. Since launching 15 months ago by a group of volunteers, nearly 3,000 local residents now receive important information about Prior Lake each week. We are humbled by the support we have received from so many, from financial donations to business advertising to readers offering suggestions for improvement. Local news provides critical information while building a sense of community and bringing people together. Share this newsletter with those who haven’t yet signed up, so they, too, can become better informed about our community.
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Top Story
E-bikes are allowed on multi-use paths and trails, but riders must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
Spring brings more complaints, questions about electric bikes, scooters
Warmer weather means residents are seeing more bikes and scooters being driven around Prior Lake. That's prompted a common question to city staff that pertains to where the electric versions of those vehicles can be driven within the city and the laws that regulate use.
This week's police log includes a report in which a person driving an e-bike received minor injuries after failing to yield at a stop sign and collided with a van.
Because of the questions and complaints received from local residents, the city posted on Facebook this week that members of the Prior Lake Police Department are keeping an eye out on those who drive e-scooters, e-bikes and similar vehicles. If a child isn’t following traffic laws, officers will contact their parents.
News
 | Murphy-Hanrehan Park part of prescribed burn programThree Rivers Park District has begun prescribed burns until early June and will include Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve located in Savage near its border with Prior Lake. |
 | Free yard waste recycling offered in May at Dakota Prairie CompostingResidents of Prior Lake and other Scott County communities can drop off fall yard waste for free recycling services during the month of May at Dakota Prairie Composting, owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. |
City
 | Little Diggers #3 scheduled for May 6Due to the popularity of the first two "Little Diggers" watch event hosted by the City of Prior Lake, No. 3 is planned for Wednesday, May 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. |
Schools
 | Resident feedback lacking in recent PLSAS levy surveyLess than 15% of eligible voters in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District responded to a survey soliciting feedback on student resources and support for funding to be increased through a future operating levy. |
PLSAS board members assessing options to fill superintendent role
Members of the Prior Lake-Savage School Board discussed during the April 27 study session two different paths to find the district’s next superintendent. The role became open when the district’s current superintendent, Dr. Michael Thomas, announced that he accepted the superintendent position at Hopkins Public Schools that is projected to begin on July 1, 2026.
 | PLHS choir members on stage with 'Kaleidoscope' this weekendPrior Lake High School's choir department will perform its 2026 show, "Kaleidoscope," in the school auditorium on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m., with two performances — 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — on Saturday, May 2. |
Prior Lake in the Past
This weekly column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American decades 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.
Prior Lake Police Log
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.
Obituaries
Sports
 | Boys' tennis team moves up in rankingThe week began with a historic celebration as the Laker boys' tennis team hosted Southwest Christian for Teacher Appreciation Night. |
 | 'Strike Out Cancer' softball fundraiser on May 1 to honor PL youngsterPrior Lake High School Softball teams will host a "Strike Out Cancer" play night and fundraiser at Ponds Park on Friday, May 1, in honor of Addy Shepard and her family. |
Events
May 3 | Fish Lake 5K Festival - Spring Lake Township Hall
A quarter-mile fun run for those 12 years and younger is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. The 5K run/walk will start a 1 p.m. Awards and medals will be given at 2:45 p.m.
May 4, 6, 7 | PLAY cheer clinic - Twin Oaks Middle School
Prior Lake Athletics for Youth competition cheer pre-tryout clinic registration is now open and will close May 1. The May 6 clinic is mandatory. Tryouts will take place on May 11 and 13.
May 5 | Climate change presentation - Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Starting at 6:30 p.m., the event will include table displays for attendees to visit both before and after the presentation that will show how local residents can personally make a difference. There will also be a display of how local faith communities are addressing the growing problem in their community.
May 6 | Cook Book Club - Prior Lake Library
The Prior Lake Library's large meeting room will be filled with crockpots and delicious aromas when the "Cook Book Club" meets at 6 p.m.
May 7 | Ladies Night Out - Downtown Prior Lake
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., attendees will stroll through the streets of downtown Prior Lake and shop, sip and snack while visiting with many vendors and businesses offering specials and giveaways.
May 15 | Music in the Park - Lakefront Park
Attendees are invited to bring a chair, sit back and enjoy the free Zero Below concert, playing classic rock and country hits from 6 to 8 p.m. Coolers are welcome (no glass), and food trucks will be on site with tasty treats for purchase.
May 17 | Crutches 4 Africa equipment collection - Prior Lake VFW
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Prior Lake Rotary will accept donations of mobility equipment that will be sent to Africa to help those in need.
May 21 | PLAY travel baseball golf tournament - The Wilds
The event will begin with a noon shotgun start, followed by dinner and a silent auction. Community members who don't golf are still invited to enjoy the fun. Bingo will kick off at 4 p.m. with access to the silent auction and evening festivities.
May 29 | Home Front Heroes Gala - Brackett's Crossing Country Club
Hosted from 5:30 to 10 p.m. by founders Erik and Gina Therwanger, the purpose of the event is to award scholarships to honor the sacrifices of military spouses.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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