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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Prior Lake is preparing for a major growth spurt as city leaders map out the future of 2,700 acres of land set for annexation. Meanwhile, the school district is navigating a tighter reality with newly approved staffing cuts and a potential change in leadership. On a brighter note, there’s plenty of Prior Lake talent to celebrate: local creativity is taking center stage as a homegrown musician chases his spotlight and our high school performers prepare to bring the March sisters to life. It's a great week to celebrate the offerings in our own backyard.
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Many changes are anticipated for areas of Spring Lake Township included in the orderly annexation agreement with the city. This intersection may eventually be turned into a roundabout.
Prior Lake plans infrastructure for future orderly annexation area development
Boundaries that now define the City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township are projected to look significantly different in the not too distant future. Prior Lake City Council members and staff discussed future development options during a study session held last month. Current plans identify 2,700 acres to be developed. Most of that land now lies in Spring Lake Township and will eventually be annexed into the city under agreements initiated in the early 1970s and updated in a 2024 orderly annexation agreement.
City staff is now preparing an update to its comprehensive plan and future urban services that will be needed as new developments are proposed. The latter involves the city completing its Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) that will identify sanitary sewer, water main and stormwater management needs, along with future road improvements and parkland designation, according to City Manager Jason Wedel. The review is good for five years and will be done in conjunction with an update of the comprehensive plan, which is required every 10 years by the Metropolitan Council.
News
 | Son indicted on first-degree murder charges in death of his motherAaron Schlossin has been indicted this week by a Scott County grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his mother, Diana Kaiser, at their shared residence in Prior Lake. The charges are premeditated first-degree murder and first-degree murder while committing criminal sexual conduct. |
Schools
 | PLSAS board approves position cuts for 2026-27 school yearThe Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted at its April 13 meeting to approve reductions in staffing and discontinue some programs for the 2026-27 school year. |
 | PLSAS seeking resident input on potential operating levyResidents of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District are being encouraged to fill out a community survey that will provide feedback for local leaders on whether to pursue an operating levy this fall. |
 | Thomas is one of three finalists for Hopkins superintendent positionDr. Michael Thomas, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools superintendent, is one of three finalists selected for a second interview for the same role with the Hopkins School District. Other finalists are Andrew Beaton, assistant superintendent with the North St. Paul, Maplewood and Oakdale School District, and Rebecca Brodeur, senior director of teaching and learning for Robbinsdale Area Schools. |
 | Area playwright visits PLHS students prior to performances of 'Little Women'"Little Women," the classic semi-autobiographical novel written by Louisa May Alcott in the 1860s, will come to life on the Prior Lake High School stage this weekend. |
People
 | Local musician follows his dream of singing, playing for live audiencesFor Tony Sammis, following a career in music was almost inevitable. His mom is a singer, and his dad plays the piano, saxophone, guitar and banjo, so music and instruments were always around and available. |
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
 | Laker boys tennis team kicks off season with winsThe Lakers had a busy and productive start to the 2026 season, finishing the opening stretch with a 3-1 record. After a dominant conference opener, the team showed immense grit by bouncing back from a tough loss against a No. 2 ranked Edina to secure a thrilling win in their home opener. |
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Featured Event
 | April 17-26 | “Shrek the Musical” - Twin Oaks Middle SchoolThe Prior Lake Players will bring "Shrek the Musical" to the stage during multiple scheduled performances. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. |
Events
April 20 | “Morning Stretch and Stroll” - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Developed in partnership with Club Prior, the "Morning Stretch and Stroll" is a casual, quick walking club from 9 to 9:45 a.m. for adults age 55 and older who are looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a paved path at a distance of just over a mile.
April 20 | Loon presentation by Stan Tekiela - Club Prior
Local naturalist and professional photographer Stan Tekiela will be at Club Prior from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a presentation on loons. The class fee is $5 if a reservation is made in advance of April 20 and increased to $7 if made the day of the event.
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 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 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. The quarterly gathering has been hosted since the fall of 2024 and is open to all residents who enjoy great food and sharing cooking experiences.
In Case You Missed It
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