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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Authorities continue to investigate the December fire at Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation and Baitul Hikmah Academy. The Prior Lake Police Department, Prior Lake Fire Department, State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are partnering to find out what happened. The blaze resulted in the destruction of the building on Timber Trail.
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Top Story
The gubernatorial debate between Republican candidates scheduled for Jan. 15 will be held at Twin Oaks Middle School.
GOP candidate debate to be held at Twin Oaks Middle School on Jan. 15
The Republican hopefuls in the Minnesota gubernatorial election will be on stage for a debate Jan. 15 at Twin Oaks Middle School. Sen. Bill Lieske will serve as the moderator for the Scott County GOP event. As of Jan. 7, 10 candidates in the packed field have confirmed they'll attend. The event is open to the public.
News
 | Authorities continue investigation into Prior Lake mosque fireAuthorities continue to investigate the December fire of a Prior Lake mosque and private school. The Prior Lake Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Prior Lake Fire Department, State Fire Marshall and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the Dec. 8 fire that resulted in the destruction of the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation and Baitul Hikmah Academy. |
Prior Lake woman arrested with bag of drugs labeled 'Definitely not a bag full of drugs'
A Prior Lake woman’s bag labeled “Definitely not a bag full of drugs” was definitely a bag full of drugs. Police arrested the 48-year-old woman just before midnight New Year’s Eve on suspicion of drunken driving and drug possession stemming from the contents of the ironically messaged paper bag.
City
 | City's parks and recreation manager named 'Employee of Year' for 2025Prior Lake parks and recreation manager Steve Hart has been named the city's 2025 Employee of the Year. Hart is a certified park and recreation professional who supervises staff and oversees the city’s park planning, development and facilities and oversees the management of events like Muddy Buddy Run, DecemBRRR Dazzle and ChalkFest. |
MLK Jr. celebration planned for Jan. 18 at Twin Oaks Middle School
The Savage Community Equity Commission, Rotary Club of Savage and Rotary Club of Prior Lake have partnered in hosting a program honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will include segments of a PBS documentary about Josie Johnson, a civic leader and community organizer who was instrumental in passing the fair housing bill in 1962 and the first Black person appointed to the University of Minnesota board of regents.
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: Dec. 23 - 30, 2025
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 girls hockey posts two wins, conference tie in busy three-game weekPrior Lake navigated a busy stretch last week, playing three games in seven days and coming away with two wins and a conference tie. |
 | Lakers boys hockey tested against elite competition during busy stretchPrior Lake boys hockey faced one of its most challenging stretches of the season over the past two weeks, navigating a home matchup, three games at the Tradition Holiday Invitational and a road test against another state power. |
Featured Event
 | Second and last Thursdays monthly | Community Plate free meals - Shepherd of the Lake Church |
Events
Monthly beginning Jan. 12 | 55+ cross-country ski club - Cleary Lake Park
Cleary Lake Regional Park has partnered with Club Prior in hosting the "55+ Cross-Country Ski Club" that will meet monthly from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The club will focus on movement, wellness, nature and community during the winter months. The program is free and open to anyone age 55 and over. Free ski rental is also offered.
Wednesdays beginning Jan. 14 | Wednesday Night Live - Club Prior
The City of Prior Lake will once against host its free, all-ages "Wednesday Night Live” series from 7-8 p.m. Master harper Ann Heymann, accompanied by her husband, Charlie, playing a button accordion and concertina, will perform traditional and contemporary ballads, poems and comic songs.
Jan. 10 | Third annual Beer Bust - Prior Lake VFW
The Sunshine Social Club will host its third annual Beer Bust from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will include keg beer, raffles, a wine pull and more.
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