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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Prior Lake Lakers had much to celebrate this week. The boys’ basketball team earned the top spot in the South Suburban Conference for the year and is ranked the #1 seed in upcoming section play. Congratulations are extended to Owen Beaudette who is this year’s state champion in the boys’ swimming 100-yard breaststroke category.
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Three-time Olympic medal winner and Prior Lake resident Natalie Darwitz has been named the CEO of the new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame that is scheduled to open in late 2028.
Prior Lake resident is three-time Olympic medalist, will lead building of new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame
By the time Natalie Darwitz turned five, she made a decision that continues to influence her career path still today. Despite her mother’s objections, her tutu and dance tap shoes were replaced with ice skates and a hockey jersey.
Darwitz, a Prior Lake resident since 2015, is among the most decorated athletes in the state's history. She has earned three Olympic medals, was named the "Most Outstanding Player" of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Frozen Four women's hockey tournament, and has coached at the professional, college and high school levels. Her likeness and playing stats are featured in both the Hockey Hall of Fame located in Eveleth, Minn., and the International Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.
She's now a proud hockey mom of two young boys and enjoys coaching youngsters who have signed up to play on local Mites and Squirts hockey teams. Several months ago, she also took on a new role she hopes will further showcase Minnesota's 125-year history of championing the sport, producing great players and making the game more accessible for all.
City
 | Registration deadline nearing for city's 'Community Academy'Have you ever wondered about how the city's public works department keeps more than 100 miles of roadway plowed during the winter or how fire department personnel can respond to emergencies so quickly? Local residents can learn more about city operations through the Prior Lake "Community Academy." Applications are due Friday. |
 | SMSC to open cannabis dispensary in AprilThe Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announced this week that it will open a cannabis dispensary, called Flame & Flora, in Prior Lake. Construction is underway, and the enterprise will open to the public in early April off of Credit Union Drive. |
Schools
 | More than $4 million in additional cuts proposed for PLSAS in coming yearPrior Lake-Savage Area School administrators shared preliminary plans for another round of budget cuts totaling $4.15 million that are proposed for the 2026-27 school year. Updated information will be presented at the March school board meeting. |
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: Feb. 17-24
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
 | Beaudette strikes gold; Lakers finish 7th at state following dominant section runThe Lakers’ 200-yard medley relay team earned a 5th-place finish at state while Owen Beaudette captured the state title in the 100-yard breaststroke and placed 4th in the 50-yard freestyle. |
 | Laker boys' basketball team wins first South Suburban title, earns top seed in sectionThe Prior Lake boys basketball team, ranked No. 6 in the latest Class 4A state rankings according to MN Basketball Hub, put together one of the strongest seasons in program history, finishing the regular season with a 20-6 overall record and earning the program's first-ever South Suburban Conference championship. |
Nature
 | Tekiela: Weasels are tiny but mighty predators that change with the seasonsWeasels are mini but mighty critters, very small in size and stature but are able to make a living by preying on smaller animals. |
Events
March 8 | Strength Pilates Class - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Get ready for spring and summer activities by taking a Pilates class being held at Cleary Lake Regional Park between 11 a.m. and noon on Sunday, March 8.
March 11 | Wednesday Night Live Series - Prior Lake Library
Gao Hong will be featured on March 11 from 7 to 8 p.m., playing the pipa, a four-stringed instrument introduced into China 2,000 years ago.
March 11 | Evergreen Wellness Walk - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Cleary Lake Regional Park staff members will lead an evergreen wellness walk on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 1 p.m. Participants will find, identify and small two different evergreen species during the 45-minute hike.
March 13 | Family Puzzle Challenge - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Prior Lake-Savage Community Education will host a "Piece it Together Puzzle Challenge" on Friday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Middle School.
March 20 | World Down Syndrome Day - Twin Oaks Middle School
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at Twin Oaks Middle School. The free event will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to all ages. Games, prizes, crafts, music, face painting, inflatables and other activities are planned. Food vendors will also be on site.
March 29 | Prior Lake Lions Club Breakfast - Prior Lake VFW Club
The Prior Lake Lions Club will host an Easter-themed pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prior Lake VFW Club.
Second and last Thursdays monthly | Community Plate - Shepherd of the Lake
Community Plate, offering a free meal to all, will be held twice each month in 2026 at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.
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