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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Prior Lake High School will partake in the state’s free school lunch program after a mandate from the Minnesota Department of Education. The school was one of the few who opted out of the program in 2024 after students, parents and staff said they disliked the offerings in a district poll. The program, which will result in changes to menus and portion sizes, will begin Jan. 5 after students return from winter break.
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Top Story
A view of the northern lights as seen Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, over Prior Lake. (photo by Renee Winick)
School district auditor recommends amending current-year budget amid financial strain
An auditor for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools recommended Monday the district consider amending its budget in January due to ongoing financial woes. The district showed some funds as much as 13-percentage points lower than the statewide average.
Schools
 | State requiring Prior Lake High School to participate in free lunch programThe Minnesota Department of Education’s Food and Nutrition Service is requiring Prior Lake High School to offer free breakfast and lunch as part of the state’s free lunch program. District executive director of business services Lisa Rider said at a Monday school board meeting the state reassessed and changed its interpretation of participation in the National School Meals Program. The program will begin Jan. 5. |
 | School board approves boundary plan requiring 679 students to change schoolsThe Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board on Monday approved a school boundary reorganization plan officials described as more future-proof in shoring up the district’s finances. The plan will see 679 students change schools, but with no changes to start times. |
 | Prior Lake High School teacher notches top-10 finish in grueling hybrid-athlete gamesAndrew Kurkowski, a Prior Lake High School business and science teacher, placed in the top 10 of the 2025 Hybricon Games for hybrid athletes. The games test more traditional athletics such as swimming, running and weightlifting in an outdoors and survivalist setting. |
NewsMatch
Kirt Briggs: ‘Local newspapers have been the trusted source in providing citizens with critical information in what is taking place across the community.’
 Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs | “Local newspapers have been the trusted source in providing citizens with critical information in what is taking place across the community. The Prior Lake News Compass has stepped up to fill this need when our printed papers ceased operations over a year ago. I invite you to join my family in supporting the PL News Compass through volunteering, or through your paid subscription, to ensure this welcome perspective remains a resource for all of us!” |
The Prior Lake News Compass is a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality journalism to the Prior Lake community. Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs said the News Compass stepped up to keep the community informed after the closure of local printed publications.
During November and December, we have a unique opportunity to receive national matching funds through organizations that support local news efforts. Individual donations of up to $1,000 will be matched for a total of up to $15,000, and additional matching opportunities are available for community news operations such as ours.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation, large or small, before the end of 2025.
Donate to the PL News Compass before the end of 2025 and your contribution will be doubled
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Prior Lake News Compass
PO Box 75
Prior Lake, MN 55372
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: Oct. 28-Nov. 4, 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 finish as state runner-up, matching best program finishThe Prior Lake girls' volleyball team wrapped up its remarkable 2025 season with a runner-up finish at the Class 4A State Tournament, matching the program’s best result from 2015. |
Featured Event
Playing Cinderella’s stepsisters are Ingrid Olson and Katie Weaver who surround their “stepmother,” Sofia Suarez, in the PLHS performance of “Cinderella, Enchanted Edition.” (R. Weaver Photography)
Tickets on sale now | “Cinderella, Enchanted Edition” - Prior Lake High School
Tickets are now on sale for Prior Lake High School's fall musical, "Cinderella, Enchanted Edition.” Nearly 50 local students will appear on stage during the performance, and nearly as many have worked in recent months behind the scenes on set creation, preparing costumes, lighting, props and technical needs. Show times include: Thursday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Read more about the upcoming event here.
Events
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.
Nov. 16 | Annual turkey dinner - Immanuel Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake will serve its annual turkey dinner with traditional trimmings, side dishes and homemade pie from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A per-plate fee will be charged.
Dec. 8 | Lions’ Club senior luncheon - Prior Lake VFW
The Prior Lake Lions Club will host its annual Senior Holiday Luncheon at 11 a.m. Attendees are requested to bring a food item that will be donated to the CAP Agency and a toy suitable for a teenager that will be donated to the Toys for Tots organization. In-person participation is preferred for the door prize drawings. Take-out orders will be available at 12:30 p.m.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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