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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Don’t worry, that medical helicopter landing at the fire station wasn't an emergency. It was just a high-flying highlight for our local Community Academy participants! We have some big transitions to track this week, from Superintendent Michael Thomas officially accepting a new role in Hopkins to Comcast being approved as the city's third internet provider. There is plenty of local excellence to celebrate as well, including a major state award for Principal Joe Kuboushek and our student-athletes signing their letters of intent. Once you're caught up on the news, make sure to swing by the library’s spring book sale to refresh your nightstand!
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Top Story
Members of the North Memorial Air Care team out of Faribault kicked off the second "Community Academy" class last week.
'Community Academy' offers opportunity to learn more about where you live
Traffic came to a near standstill on Eagle Creek Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on April 14. Many drivers were surprised to see a medical helicopter landing at the Prior Lake Fire Station located on Fish Point Road.
No, there was no medical emergency. Instead, 15 local residents were learning more about the fire department and local emergency services while attending the second night of the City of Prior Lake's "Community Academy."
The arrival of the North Memorial Air Care ambulance was a big surprise for most, including those who happened to be driving near the fire station. Three crew members, a pilot and two medical staff members normally stationed in Faribault, exited the helicopter after landing. The team that traveled to Prior Lake is one of seven located throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin responsible for more 2,600 high-priority medical transports made throughout the year.
News
 | Grand jury hands down first-degree murder charge in death of Jordan womanJohn Peterson has been indicted by a Scott County grand jury on one count of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Tabatha Justice at her former home in Jordan. Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar stated, “…to resort to murder over any kind of dispute or misunderstanding is beyond awful.” |
City
The SMSC requests former YMCA site be put in federal trust
The City of Prior Lake will be sending its approval for two parcels of land formerly occupied by the YMCA to be placed in trust with the federal government, based on approval given by the city council on April 14.
Comcast approved as city's third cable TV, internet provider
The Prior Lake City Council approved Comcast as another cable television and internet provider at its April 14 meeting. Comcast, also known as Xfinity, originally applied for a franchise with the city in July of 2025.
 | Prior Lake homes are on this year's review list by county assessor's officeScott County Assessor Michael Thompson updated members of the Prior Lake City Council on current housing trends and how they will impact taxes. |
Schools
 | Superintendent Michael Thomas hired by Hopkins School DistrictAfter weeks since being announced as a semi-finalist candidate, Dr. Michael Thomas has been hired to fill the role of superintendent at Hopkins Public Schools. The current leader of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools has accepted the position and will begin his new role on July 1. Thomas was hired by the local school district nearly four years ago. |
 | Kuboushek named 'Administrator of Year' by state associationJoe Kuboushek, principal of Twin Oaks Middle School and Hidden Oaks Middle School, has been named the 2025-26 Administrator of the Year by the Minnesota Association of School Office Professionals, which honors those who demonstrate excellence, dedication and innovative leadership within their schools. |
 | Reporter, legislator speak at Rotary about bill to protect 'grooming' victimsJennifer Mayerle, senior investigative reporter at WCCO-TV, spoke about "grooming" at the April 15 Prior Lake Rotary Club meeting. |
 | Three PLHS students sign National Letter of IntentThree Prior Lake High School student-athletes officially signed a National Letter of Intent last week. |
Nature
 | Enjoy the colors and fragrances during the brief lifespan of spring wildflowersAuthor Stan Tekiela says he really enjoys this time of year, but not for what you might think. |
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
 | Lakers power through demanding week of conference playThe Prior Lake boys tennis team has officially entered the conference phase of its 2026 schedule, navigating a week of high-stakes matchups and elite competition. |
Events
April 24 | "Hops & Hotdish" fundraiser - Turtle's Event Center
This Southern Valley Alliance event will feature live music, beer tastings, a "Minnesota-themed" buffet and meat raffles, along with silent and live auction items, from 6 to 9 p.m.
April 25 | Spring book sale - Prior Lake Library
A huge selection of books will be available at the Friends of the Prior Lake Library spring used book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
April 25 | Annual Aprilfest - St. Michael Catholic Church
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be live music, kids' games, a silent auction, a raffle, beer tent, bake sale, crafts and bingo.
April 28 | Cleyvis Natera book signing - Prior Lake Library
Author Cleyvis Natera will be visiting the Prior Lake Library at 7 p.m. Copies of her book will be available for purchase, and she will take time to sign them after the reading.
May 3 | Fish Lake 5K Festival - Spring Lake Township Hall
Registrations are now being accepted for the walk/run that will honor the families of fallen or severely-injured first responders.
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 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.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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