Prior Lake News Compass

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Yes, summer is far from over, but the days are getting shorter and there are so many local events planned in the coming month. Be sure to check out the weekly events listing in each edition of the PL News Compass so you don’t miss a thing!

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Top Story

The PLSAS board approved selling the District Services Center, along with major changes for WestWood Elementary School and the La ola del lago program.

Future restructuring plans, public commentary, more policy discussion dominate PLSAS board meeting

Several decisions made at the July 14 meeting by members of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board will impact the district in the coming year, with major changes approved for the 2026-27 school year.

After discussing budget-cutting options for more than six months, the board approved the restructuring plan that would include closing WestWood Elementary as a neighborhood school and move the La ola del lago Spanish immersion program from Grainwood to that building. The District Services Center located on Tower Street will close and be sold, and all operations will be moved to Grainwood. Changes will not impact the coming school year, but will be implemented for 2026-27.

Several board members requested that the plan be split into separate pieces, given the scope of the proposal, uncertainty regarding future student enrollment and the possibility of the district putting forth another levy referendum request. Others disagreed, including Board Chair Dan White, who noted a decision on the project was already delayed five weeks, and didn't believe the circumstances would change if a decision was postponed again.

Superintendent Michael Thomas pointed out the co-dependency of the plan's many parts and the need for a comprehensive approach. He agreed that the plan was complex, "but it is a package that we felt gave us the ability to face the budget challenges that we have right now."

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News

Volunteers needed to help when major emergencies occur in Scott County

The Scott County Sheriff's Office is seeking volunteers for the Emergency Management Volunteer Program (EMVP). Emergency management volunteers are called upon when disasters occur within Scott County. Examples would include helping with shelter operations, sandbagging during floods, or supporting personnel working in the Emergency Operations Center.

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.

Police Log: July 8 - 15

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.

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Schools

PLSAS sends notice to parents, teachers on major changes coming in 2026-27 year

Information was sent out to parents and school personnel last week following board approval by the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools to restructure school facilities beginning in the 2026–27 school year. This decision is part of a broader effort to address the district’s ongoing financial challenges by optimizing resources and realizing cost savings, according to Superintendent Michael Thomas.

Obituary

Events

Windjammers on stage at Lakefront Park

July 25 | Lakefront Park, 6-7 p.m.

The Prior Lake Windjammers, a local crowd favorite for decades, will play at Lakefront Park between 6 and 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25, as part of the City of Prior Lake's "Music in the Park" series. The concert is free and a variety of musical selections will be performed, according to Windjammers Director Keith Koehlmoos.

 

July 27 | Family and Friends log rolling - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors in learning the finer points of log rolling while learning new skills and competing against other participants.
August 1-3 | ‘Prince of Egypt’ - Shepherd of the Lake Church, Prior Lake
Journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt as two young men find themselves divided by a secret past. Tickets for the musical are free.
August 8-9 | Prior Lake Days - sponsored by Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce
Check back in the coming weeks for updates on “Prior Lake Days” scheduled for Aug. 8-9 and hosted by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce. Friday festivities will include a “Sip and Stroll” in the downtown area. Saturday has been designated as “Family Day.”
August 14 | Youth Art & Craft Market - Twin Oaks Middle School
The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education Department will host a Youth Art & Craft Market on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Twin Oaks Middle School.
August 14 | Lakeside Big Band - Prior Lake VFW Club
Lakeside Big Band will be back playing at the Prior Lake VFW from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. The free concert will feature swing tunes from the pre-1950 era.
August 15 | Muddy Buddy Run - Lakefront Park Baseball Field
The Muddy Buddy Run will be one event in which children ages 5 through 12 will be encouraged to get muddy and wet. The City of Prior Lake's Parks and Recreation Department will prepare an obstacle course for the fun and memorable challenge.
August 26 | Golf fundraiser for ‘Choose Not to Use’ - Legends Golf Club
The Scott County Public Safety Foundation will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser scheduled for Aug. 26 at Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake to support the "Choose Not to Use" program.

Prior Lake News Compass is grateful for the financial
support received from these Founding Donors:

  • Albrecht Poss Foundation

  • Bob and Lisa Conzemius

  • Den and Sandy Gardner

  • Pat and Norma Klein

  • Lakefront Music Fest

  • McKnight Foundation

  • Prior Lake Lions Club

  • Prior Lake Optimist Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Foundation

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