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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, February 26, 2026
There are glimmers of spring being right around the corner as the high school winter sports season draws to a close and the annual warning has been issued by the sheriff’s department for fish houses to be moved off the ice. The photo collage from last Saturday’s Polar Plunge, however, should serve as a good reminder that winter is far from over….BRRR!
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An estimated 365 Prior Lake High School students participated in the local Polar Plunge held at Sand Point Beach on Feb. 21. (Caty Mawing Photography)
1,200 plunge to support Special Olympics; more than $343,000 raised at Prior Lake event
Nearly 1,200 people braved frigid temperatures and the icy waters off of Sand Point Beach last Saturday as part of the annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.
More than $343,000 was raised through the Prior Lake event that day, which represents an all-time community best. In its 18-year history, Prior Lake plungers have brought in cumulative pledges nearing $3.5 million.
"I told our leadership team on Monday morning that it was another record year for the Prior Lake group," said Molly Egan, Director of Special Events for Special Olympics Minnesota.
The Prior Lake event ranks second only to the Minneapolis plunge which usually draws close to 5,000 participants and runs over a three-day period. This year's local Polar Plunge drew 100 more participants than what was seen last year, with the largest group coming from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.
City
 | Residents asked to report litter left on local lakes to Scott County Sheriff’s DepartmentWith less than a week remaining before the deadline to remove fish houses from area lakes, the Scott County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents to remove all belongings and debris that is brought onto a lake. |
 | City of Savage to host Arbor Day tree sale for neighboring citiesThe City of Savage will again host the annual Arbor Day tree sale in partnership with the cities of Prior Lake and Credit River, along with Spring Lake Township. Residents may view tree purchase options online. The sale will run from March 16 through April 16. |
Schools
 | PLHS Wind Ensemble to perform Feb. 27; band concert planned for March 2The Prior Lake High School Wind Ensemble, participated in a concert titled "In Concert: Connection, Collaboration, Community" on Monday, Feb 9. The next band concert will be on Friday, Feb. 27, with a performance of the Percussion Ensemble, followed by an All-District Band Concert on Monday, March 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: Feb. 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.
Obituaries
Sports
 | Prior Lake girls' basketball team set for playoff run this weekThe Lakers closed the regular season at 12-14 overall and 9-7 in the South Suburban Conference, good for a fifth-place finish. Along the way, they delivered a statement performance in January with a signature win over conference champion Rosemount Irish, which finished the regular season 23-3. Toni Fisher once again led the Lakers offensively, averaging 19.3 points per game and serving as the team’s primary scoring option throughout the year. |
 | Prior Lake's season ends with 5-3 loss at Eden Prairie in section quarterfinalThe fifth-seeded Prior Lake boys hockey team traveled to fourth-seeded Eden Prairie on Feb. 18, for the opening round of the Section tournament. The game was a rematch of an early-season game that ended in a 5-5 tie, but this time the Lakers lost 5-3. |
Events
Feb. 28 | ‘Dance With Me Ball’ - Prior Lake High School
The 15th annual "Dance With Me Ball," planned by the Community Education Department of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Prior Lake High School. Young princesses will be escorted by an adult for an evening of dancing and fun.
Feb. 28 | Edina Realty Foundation fundraiser - Savage Tap
The Prior Lake office of Edina Realty will host a community charity event benefitting the Edina Realty Foundation on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Savage Tap, 12925 Eagle Creek Parkway, Savage. The event will run from 5:30 to 11 p.m., with food served from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
March 11 | Wednesday Night Live Series - Prior Lake Library
Gao Hong will be featured on March 11 from 7 to 8 p.m., playing the pipa, a four-stringed instrument introduced into China 2,000 years ago.
March 13 | Family Puzzle Challenge - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Prior Lake-Savage Community Education will host a "Piece it Together Puzzle Challenge" on Friday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Middle School.
March 20 | World Down Syndrome Day - Twin Oaks Middle School
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at Twin Oaks Middle School. The free event will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to all ages. Games, prizes, crafts, music, face painting, inflatables and other activities are planned. Food vendors will also be on site.
Second and last Thursdays monthly | Community Plate - Shepherd of the Lake
Community Plate, offering a free meal to all, will be held twice each month in 2026 at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.
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