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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The Prior Lake News Compass has felt the love of the community during the giving season. We are still working toward our goal of raising $100,000 by the new year. Tax-deductible donations of up to $1,000 can be matched through the end of December. Please help us keep bringing you local, fact-based news in the coming year.
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Top Story
The Al-Mahmood Foundation mosque and private school in Prior Lake is assumed to be a total loss after a Dec. 8 fire. (photo provided by City of Prior Lake)
Fire causes major damage to Prior Lake mosque, school
The building containing a mosque and private school located on Timber Trail in Prior Lake is assumed to be a total loss following a fire in the early morning of Dec. 8.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Because the structure is a religious institution, a full investigation will be completed by the State Fire Marshall and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
City
 | Prior Lake Players' production of ‘Annie Jr.’ on stage this weekendThe Prior Lake Players will be introducing more than a dozen new artists to the stage this weekend during its production of "Annie Jr." The musical is being produced in partnership with "The Penguin Project," a nationwide inclusive theater program that empowers young artists with disabilities to shine as the stars of the show. |
 | City council approves property tax hike of nearly 7.5%The Prior Lake city council approved a roughly 7.5% property tax bump in its 2026 tax levy. The city estimated the increase in its portion of property taxes amounted to $77 for a median-valued home of $433,600. |
 | DecemBRRR Dazzle did not disappointHundreds of families packed Lakefront Park on Dec. 5 to ring in the holiday season. The event included the annual tree lighting, singing Christmas carols, and even an early visit from Santa. |
Schools
 | School board weighs option to renew expiring tax levyThe Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board voted unanimously Dec. 8 to have district administration move forward researching a new referendum or a one-time renewal of its current levy. The possible 2026 vote would come just two years after another school levy failed and as the district faces a budget crunch. |
 | School board keeps schools closed on Election Day in 4-3 voteThe Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board voted 4-3 on Dec. 8 to keep schools closed for the November 2026 Election Day. The board originally suggested keeping schools open, but safety concerns over Redtail Ridge Elementary School's use as a polling location resulted in the split vote. |
NewsMatch
Arne Carlson: ’Local community newspapers are vital to the preservation of sensible community governance.’
 Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson | "Local community newspapers are vital to the preservation of sensible community governance. But there is an obligation and that is that all members of the community chip in and help the paper survive. After all, it is OUR newspaper." |
The Prior Lake News Compass is a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality journalism to the Prior Lake community. Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson said the public has an obligation to help community new organizations like the News Compass survive. Through 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, by Dec. 31, 2025 and your contribution will be doubled.
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: Nov. 25-Dec. 2, 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 swimming and diving open title defense with gritty win, records at EaganIn a clash between two of the South Suburban Conference’s premier programs, the Lakers went on the road and ground out a 98-87 victory over Eagan, setting three pool records and moving to 1-0 on the young season. |
 | Lakers boys hockey goes unbeaten on the week, improve to 3–0–1Prior Lake boys hockey put together a strong week against conference opponents, earning an overtime win against Eagan and following it up with a dominant victory over Apple Valley/Burnsville. The Lakers improved to 3–0–1 and rose to No. 18 in Class AA in the Let’s Play Hockey rankings. |
 | Lakers girls hockey earns two wins in three-game week, move to 6–3 on the seasonPrior Lake girls hockey put together a strong week, earning victories over Chaska/Chanhassen and Shakopee before falling to one of the top-ranked Class A teams in Blake. The Lakers now stand at 6–3 as they head into a challenging stretch of section and conference matchups. |
Events
Dec. 12 | Donation drop-off - Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Sanya's Hope for Children will host its 10th annual Christmas bag packing event. Donations of socks, nonperishable food items and toys can be dropped off at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the church.
Dec. 12-14 | Annie Jr., presented by PL Players - Twin Oaks Middle School
The Prior Lake Players’ production of Annie Jr. will be on stage Dec. 12-14 at Twin Oaks Middle School. In partnership with The Penguin Project, a nationwide inclusive theater program that empowers children, teens and young adults with disabilities to shine as the stars of the show.
Dec. 14 | PLHS band pancake breakfast - Prior Lake VFW
Enjoy a pancake breakfast while taking in the holiday sights and sounds of the Prior Lake High School Jazz Band from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is the 43rd year that the event will be hosted by the band as an annual fundraiser.
Dec. 16 and 17 | Skate with the Lakers - Dakotah! Ice Center
The Lakers girls and boys hockey teams will be hosting an open skate for all ages for your chance to meet your favorite players. The Laker girls will hold their open skate from 6:10-7 p.m. Dec. 16 with the boys taking the rink 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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