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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
It’s been a busy week in Prior Lake! The community experiences celebration, honors local dedicated leaders and gears up for late-summer park activities and school prep. This week’s edition covers critical public safety updates, local school board decisions, a new city art dedication and upcoming community events across town. Check out all the happenings below.
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Top Story
Hundreds of dancers dressed in traditional regalia filled the arena each day.
The SMSC's annual wacipi celebration draws thousands to this year's event
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's annual wacipi, or powwow, once again drew thousands of visitors to its Native American gathering last weekend, Aug. 14-16.
The annual event is intended to be a time when people gather together to dance, sing and celebrate, while renewing friendships, old and new. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, the wacipi has transcended generations and has taken on new forms and meanings over the years.
Historically, it was a time to gather at the end of a season, to celebrate a good hunt or to recognize a positive event.
News
 | Daycare worker faces six counts of malicious punishment of a childAn employee of Prior Lake daycare center has been charged with six counts of gross misdemeanor involving malicious punishment of a child. |
 | MVTA offering bus service to Renaissance Festival, State FairMinnesota Valley Transit Authority will be providing express transit service to and from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and Minnesota State Fair in the coming weeks, with several park and ride lots located near Prior Lake. |
More from News
City
 | 'Muddy Buddy' gives kids permission to play in the mudPortions of Lakefront Park looked quite different than usual on Aug. 14. |
 | Optimist Club dedicates 'Friend of Youth' sculpture in Lakefront ParkDr. Les Sonnabend, longtime superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and charter member of the Prior Lake-Savage Optimist Club, was on a mission that began years ago. |
More from City
Schools
 | PLSAS board tables proposed membership on policy committeeThe Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted at its Aug. 10 meeting to table discussion on who will serve on its policy advisory committee . |
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
Featured Event
Aug. 20 • Back to School Celebration - PLHS
The third annual Back to School Celebration hosted by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Prior Lake High School. The family-friendly event is free and open to all district families. Those who attend will have an opportunity to meet school staff members and district leaders.
Events
Aug. 24-25 • Public computer assistance - Prior Lake Library
Get free one-on-one help with basic computer skills.
Aug. 25 • ‘Choose Not to Use’ fundraiser - Legends Golf Club
The Scott County Drug Prevention Task Force will host a golf tournament fundraiser.
Aug. 27 • PLHS class reunions - Prior Lake VFW
A 1959 PLHS class reunion is planned starting at 5 p.m. by former student leaders.
Aug. 27 • Grandparent Picnic & Paddleboat - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Enjoy lawn games, paddleboat rides and entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m.
Sept. 3 • ‘Tip-A-Cop’ event - Charlie's on Prior
Public safety personnel will serve food, with all tips donated to Special Olympics Minnesota.
Sept. 10 • ‘Ladies Night Out’ event - Downtown Prior Lake
Over 40 vendors and businesses will offer specials and giveaways.
Sept. 14 • Golf fundraiser - Stonebrooke Golf Club
Compete in an 18-hole scramble with special events.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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