Prior Lake News Compass

Thursday, August 14, 2025

August 14, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Good morning! There’s something for everyone in this edition of the PL News Compass.

Check out Kathy Dawson’s history piece in the “Prior Lake in the Past” telling the story about how the city’s original Wagon Bridge was built more than a century ago. Our event listing continues to grow and will bring you back to present day in planning your final weeks of a great summer.

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Top Story

The cookie eating contest, a Saturday event held during Prior Lake Days, drew many contestants and spectators. (Jill Kufrin photo)

Summer Priority

Chamber's Prior Lake Days bring community together with food, drink, business connections

Thousands showed up last weekend to celebrate Prior Lake Days, hosted by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The event was kicked off with Friday evening's "Sip and Stroll" through which close to 750 ticket-holders could sample a variety of beverages and foods being offered by more than 75 vendors.

Saturday events had a wet and dreary start along with an occasional strike of lightning through mid-morning. The skies, however, cleared by noon, enticing thousands to visit with area businesses that lined Main Avenue, get a tasty snack from one of many food trucks and listen to live music. Other activities included a cookie eating contest, classic car show, and children's entrepreneur market. Chamber President Rebecca Scholz estimated attendance for the afternoon was close to 3,000.

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News

Building permit requests down; city expects future uptick as new developments open

The City of Prior Lake has seen a substantial dip in building activity during the first six months of 2025 when compared to the same period last year. The change in numbers, however, was anticipated due to several projects completed in 2024. Building activity is expected to improve in 2026 and after when two new neighborhoods are ready for development.

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: August 1 - 5

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.

Schools

Two file for PLSAS board seat; some polling places changed temporarily for Nov. 4 election

The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board will have a new member come January who will serve for one year. Two newcomers filed as candidates for the special election that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Affidavits of candidacy were filed by the 5 p.m. deadline on Aug. 12 by district residents Dustin Smith and Jon Conlon.

More School News

Obituary

Rev. Allan Paul Olson

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Sports

Mudcats win over NP, will face Bird Island in state tourney

The Prior Lake Mudcats amateur baseball team will face Bird Island in the Minnesota State Amateur Class “B” Baseball Tourney after winning big over New Prague 10-5 and Union Hill 4-3 this past weekend. In doing so, they earned the third seed in District 3B.

More Sports

Events

SMSC to host annual Wacipi this weekend

Aug. 15-17

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will host its annual Wacipi celebration Aug. 15-17. Wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native American gathering, a celebration of life, pride, and honor. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, today it brings together people from all over the country for three days of celebrating rich heritage. The event is free and open to the public.

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 14 | Tip a Cop, supporting Special Olympics - Charlie’s on Prior
Members of the Prior Lake Police Department and Scott County Sheriff’s Office will be serving patrons at Charlie’s on Prior with tips collected donated to Special Olympics Minnesota.

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 16 | Benefit for The Sunshine Social Club - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Prior Lake Dental will be hosting a 5K and 10K Dash at Cleary Lake Regional Park on Saturday, Aug. 16, and all money raised through the event will be donated to The Sunshine Social Club.

August 21 | PL Garden Club tour - Two Twin Cities locations
All are welcome to join the Prior Lake Garden Club for two free garden tours that are planned for the evening of Thursday, Aug. 21.The tour will include the gardens located in Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

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.

September 15 | Beyond the Yellow Ribbon golf fundraiser - Stonebrooke
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon / South of the River will host its 15th annual golf fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 15, at Stonebrooke Golf Club, Shakopee.