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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Innovation and milestones take center stage in Prior Lake. A Prior Lake High School sophomore captured global accolades for her sensor-based sleep tracking device. The school district has narrowed the search for its next superintendent down to four finalists. It’s also a season of meaningful community gatherings and historic breakthroughs, as hundreds of residents lined 160th Street for a picture-perfect Memorial Day parade. One member of the boys tennis team earned the Lakers’ first-ever individual state tournament berth and 737 seniors are counting down to the June 4 commencement. We hope you had a restful holiday weekend with loved ones!
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PLHS sophomore Maraike Fortin qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix earlier this month and earned the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Society Award.
PLHS sophomore's invention earns global attention, named a ‘Rising Star’
A Prior Lake High School sophomore's notoriety has increased greatly in recent months within science and engineering communities, not only in Minnesota but on the international front, as well.
Sixteen-year-old Maraike Fortin first displayed her invention at the Regional Science Fair held earlier this year in Mankato. "Dream Mornings - Raspberry Pi, Blue Fruit, Sensor-Based Sleep Cycle Adaptive Alarm Clock" is a wearable sleep device that aims to improve how people wake up. It was there that she earned the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Award, along with a trip to the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair where she was recognized with six awards from prestigious organizations such as 3M, Beckman Coulter, Emerson and the Office of Naval Research.
She was one of five Minnesota students who then qualified for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair held earlier this month in Phoenix, Arizona.
City
 | Memorial Day services pay tribute to those who died while servingIt was a picture-perfect day for a parade and Prior Lake's observance of Memorial Day on May 25. Hundreds of area residents gathered along 160th Street for the parade route that extended from the two Prior Lake middle schools to Memorial Park. |
Schools
 | Graduation ceremony for Class of 2026 to be held June 4 at PLHSAn estimated 737 seniors who are part of the Class of 2026 will receive a diploma during commencement ceremonies scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at Prior Lake High School. |
 | Four finalists to be interviewed for PLSAS superintendent roleFour finalists for the superintendent's role were selected to be interviewed by the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board during a special meeting held on May 26. |
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 tennis team earns first ticket to state, has unforgettable section runThe 2026 Prior Lake boys tennis season will officially be remembered as the year of the breakthrough. Following a historic opening day at the Section 2AA Individual Tournament, the Lakers returned to Gustavus Adolphus College on May 26 for the final rounds. |
 | PL chosen by USTA for Community Red Ball League pilot programUnited States Tennis Association (USTA) Northern today announced earlier this week that Prior Lake is one of four metro cities chosen to be part of the Community Red Ball League. |
Nature
 | Tekiela: Migration brings variety of bird species to state each springThe spring migration is a busy time of year in the natural world. According to Cornell University Birdcast, nearly three million migrating birds pass over this part of the northland in a given night. |
Featured Event
 | May 30 | Bike Safety Rodeo - Hidden Oaks Middle SchoolThe Prior Lake Police Department, Fire Department and Allina Health organizations will host a family-friendly Bike Safety Rodeo Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Middle School. The free event will allow children ages 2 to 17 and accompanied by an adult to show off bike safety skills, have their helmet fit-tested and enjoy a bike obstacle course. |
Events
May 29 | Home Front Heroes Gala - Brackett's Crossing Country Club
Hosted from 5:30 to 10 p.m. by founders Erik and Gina Therwanger, the purpose of the event is to award scholarships to honor the sacrifices of military spouses.
June 1 | Yoga and Yogurt - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Join area residents for a gentle and rejuvenating yoga series designed for adults age 55 and up who are looking to enhance flexibility, balance and relaxation.
June 5 | Music in the Park - Lakefront Park
"The C Notes," a Twin Cities cover band, will play from 6 to 8 p.m. and is well known for the variety of music played over the course of the last 20 years, including soul, rock, funk and blues.
June 6 | Discover geocaching - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Area residents are invited to go on a geocaching adventure from 1 to 2:30 p.m. No previous geocaching experience is required.
June 9 | Gathering of Storytellers - Club Prior
Celebrate the group's one-year anniversary from 6 to 7 p.m. The group welcomes writers of all levels along with non-writers.
June 10 | Annual Youth Fishing Derby - Cedar Lake
The event will provide children ages 10-15 with everything needed for a day of fishing on the lake, including bait, gear, food and beverages. Prizes will be awarded, and all participants will receive a gift.
June 10 | Chamber's annual golf tournament - The Wilds Golf Club
The event will include a day of golf, networking, on-course games and a happy hour reception with an awards presentation. Registration will begin that day at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shot gun start at 8 a.m.
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