Prior Lake News Compass

Thursday, October 16, 2025

October 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

With the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board special election just weeks away, the PLNC is continuing its extensive coverage of the district. Candidates Dustin Smith and Jon Conlon replied to our candidate questionnaire on their priorities in their quest to fill a board seat until January 2027. See what each candidate has to say about important issues in School News. Next week’s newsletter will include information on the City of Prior Lake’s parks and trails referendum that will be on the ballot in November.

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Top Story

Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar and Jessica Bartholomew, executive director for A.C.T. United, will lead the discussion on child sextortion being held at Prior Lake High School on Oct. 23.

Task force is the first in the south metro to combat exploitation crimes against children

Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar is teaming with a statewide anti-child trafficking organization and local law enforcement agencies to form the south metro area's first task force focusing on child sexual exploitation.

Hocevar's office has joined forces with Jessica Bartholomew, executive director of the nonprofit Anti Child Trafficking United, and former undercover police officer specializing in human trafficking and narcotics investigations. Together they are leading the task force focusing on sexual exploitation crimes against children and will host a community awareness forum on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Prior Lake High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Hocevar has witnessed many changes in the types of crimes prosecuted by his office in the past 25 years, including the rise in child exploitation cases. Hocevar said child sexual exploitation is often the most underreported and perpetrators are masterful at preying on their victims.

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News

Fishing for people

In the past decade, Bethany Tjornhom has seen the full spectrum of people in need, and on the flip side, the willingness of people who want no recognition for stepping forward to help. Tjornhom, executive director of Families and Individuals Sharing Hope, or FISH, matches individuals in need with someone willing to provide funding or donate goods or services through its "Fish Market" program.

Schools

Schools survey: Board candidate Dustin Smith’s views on key PLSAS issues

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools district cannot cut its way out of its current fiscal predicament, according to school board hopeful Dustin Smith. Read more of Smith’s answers to the PLNC school board candidate questionnaire.

Schools survey: Board candidate Jon Conlon’s views on key PLSAS issues

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools district needs more transparency in its spending, according to school board hopeful Jon Conlon. Read more of Conlon’s answers to the PLNC school board candidate questionnaire.

City

Ready for Year #2

It was a year ago that the volunteer board of the Prior Lake News Compass announced local news was being brought back to the community. We invite our loyal readers, volunteers and donors to join us for a free concert, and hear from PL News Compass founders about what's next for our nonprofit organization.

Prior Lake in the Past

This weekly column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during the same week 60, 40 and 20 years 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: September 30- October 7

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.

Sports

Lakers girls soccer team advances to state tournament after capturing section title

Prior Lake earned a spot in the state tournament after knocking off rival Shakopee and top-seeded Minnetonka over the weekend and Chanhassen on Tuesday to capture the 2AAA Section Championship.

Turnovers set tone for game against Lakeville South, ends with dramatic finish

A record-breaking passing performance was not enough to lift the Lakers to victory Friday over the fourth-ranked Lakeville South Cougars.

Burley, Dean honored for volleyball achievements

Senior libero and Kentucky Wildcat commit Sidney Burley has been invited to play at the The Under Armour Next All-America Volleyball Game being held on Jan. 1. Coach Mike Dean was also honored for achieving his 400th career win.

Events

Oct. 21 | Lakeside Big Band - Prior Lake VFW
The Prior Lake News Compass is approaching its first anniversary of providing LOCAL news for Prior Lake. We will host a special event to show our appreciation to those who have helped us achieve this milestone, with music provided by Lakeside Big Band.
Nov. 15 | ‘Burger Bash’ fundraiser - Prior Lake VFW
A fundraiser for the Prior Lake boys' basketball team will be held with several food and drink options available for sale. Proceeds will be used to support the 2025-26 Prior Lake High School boys' basketball team.
Third Wednesday of the month | Club Prior's "Game Night” - Prior Lake Library
Fans of playing pool, cornhole, board games and making new friends are invited to Club Prior's "Game Night.” All are welcome to the event and participants are encouraged to bring their own game to share or be willing to learn to play something new.
See next week’s newsletter for Halloween events! 🎃👻🏮

Prior Lake News Compass is grateful for the financial
support received from these Founding Donors:

  • Albrecht Poss Foundation

  • Bob and Lisa Conzemius

  • Den and Sandy Gardner

  • Pat and Norma Klein

  • Lakefront Music Fest

  • McKnight Foundation

  • Prior Lake Lions Club

  • Prior Lake Optimist Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Foundation

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Prior Lake News Compass is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that depends on donations from our readers. Please consider making a financial contribution to help us with our ongoing expenses.