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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Lots of new chapters beginning this week, with a Prior Lake family helping guide a massive national sporting event coming to the Twin Cities and our school district officially anchoring its long-term leadership. Local youth are completely dominating their outdoor tournaments, a long-awaited neighborhood development just took a major step forward at city hall, and dedicated volunteers are celebrating two decades of pulling unexpected "treasures" from the lakebed. Feel free to dive right in!
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Top Story
Local dad serves as chair of Special Olympics USA Games in Twin Cities
For the past 20 years, local resident Adam Hjerpe has cheered on his son, Steven, as he competed in a variety of different sports, from bowling and track, to bocce and golf. This weekend, he will join Steven and thousands of volunteers in welcoming 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states to the Twin Cities for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Hjerpe is the Board Chair of this year's games and serves as Chief Operating Officer at Medica, one of many businesses and corporations from throughout the Twin Cities area joining forces to make the event both successful and inspiring. His son, now age 28, has been involved in Special Olympics for the past 20 years. While Steven will not compete as an athlete this year, he will be one of many "gratitude ambassadors" lending support to other athletes and welcoming attendees to the local games.
City
 | 'Dive the Lake' marks 20 years of plucking 'treasures' from Prior LakeThe stories have accumulated over the past 20 years, with many reminiscing about who surfaced with the best "treasure." |
 | Proposed housing development gets preliminary council approvalCampbell Shores, a 62-lot single-family housing development proposed to be built near the intersection of 170th Street and Marschall Road, received the nod to proceed from the Prior Lake City Council on Tuesday, June 9. |
 | City council approves 72-unit apartment expansion at McKenna CrossingThe McKenna Crossing senior housing campus will be expanded in the near future to include a new independent living facility with 72 apartments, following approval received by the Prior Lake City Council on June 9. |
Schools
 | Five-year contract with Prior Lake School Bus Association approved by boardThe Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted to approve a five-year transportation contract with Prior Lake School Bus Association (PLSBA) during its June 8 board meeting. |
 | PLSAS selects new superintendent; July 1 is projected start dateAt a special board meeting held June 15, 2026, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted to approve a contract with Dr. Jim Wagner as the district’s next superintendent. |
Sports
 | Prior Lake High School Fishing Team places first in conference tourneyThe Prior Lake High School Fishing Team participated in the first of three Minnesota Junior Bass tournaments of the season and walked away with first place honors and six of the top 10 spots out of 40 boats entered in the competition. |
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
Events
June 24 | Outing to Cedar Lake Farm - Club Prior
Attendees can take part in a boat tour of the lake, fish from the pier, check out birds nesting within the park or test artistic skills with watercolor painting.
June 24 | Line Dance Party - Club Prior
Join for beginner-level instruction between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with open dance from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For ages 18 and up. Popcorn and beverages will be available.
June 25 | Free Community Plate meal - Shepherd of the Lake
Community Plate, offering a free meal to all, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on the second and last Thursday of each month in 2026.
June 25-28 | Dan Patch Days - The City of Savage
The City of Savage's annual celebration of Dan Patch Days will include a variety of activities for all ages and will be held throughout the city.
July 9 | Veteran Cafe - Club Prior
Held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month, this informal gathering offers coffee, treats and a welcoming space for veterans to connect and share stories.
July 10 | Annual beach party - Sand Point Beach Park
This event includes free activities such as face painting, wacky hair coloring, games and crafts. Expect plenty of live music, entertainment and contests.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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