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Prior Lake News Compass
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
We’re coming into your homes a day earlier than usual knowing that tomorrow, for most, will be filled with good food, family and friends. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and give thanks for the many blessings we continue to receive.
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Top Story
Santa had the opportunity for an early visit during last year’s DecemBRRR Dazzle event with Brady (left) and Ryan Groth.
City invites residents to second annual ‘DecemBRRR Dazzle!’
The City of Prior Lake is inviting residents out next week to get ready for the holiday festivities at the second annual “DecemBRRR Dazzle!"
Hundreds of area residents attended last year's inaugural event. Running from 5:30-8 p.m. at Lakefront Park, this year's celebration will kick off with a tree lighting ceremony. Featured entertainment will include Club Prior's Acoustic Strum Group that will play holiday songs. A festive fireworks show will follow the tree lighting.
Family photos with Santa Claus can be taken in the pavilion. Other outside entertainment will include professional ice carving demonstrations, a giant bonfire and much more.
Schools
 | PLSAS kindergarten and third grade reading readiness declines in annual reviewPrior Lake-Savage Area Schools kindergarten and third-grade reading readiness fell in the past year, missing both goals by nearly 10-percentage points of their respective assessments. ACT scores for Hispanic, Latino and Black high-schoolers did increase, though below the district-set goal. |
News
 | Savage police are investigating a Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare worker in infant deathSavage police are investigating a worker from Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare in the September death of an infant boy. In an application for a search warrant, police said they found two prior cases of infants with similar health problems. |
NewsMatch: We Are Thankful for YOU!
Dear readers,
During this Thanksgiving week, the board and staff members at Prior Lake News Compass (PLNC) are reflecting on the many blessings we’ve received since launching Prior Lake’s newest source of local news. While we have a long list of reasons to be thankful, here are our top three:
Community support – From our first community meeting in October of last year, a strong core of residents and friends have stood by our side, offering encouragement and support as we launched our first digital news edition on Dec. 23. Your kind words, suggestions and help have bolstered our efforts and continue to do so.
Volunteers – Community members who have stepped forward and offered their many talents to get us up and running are at the heart of PLNC. From design and sales assistance, technical and photography help, to dedicated reporting, writing and editing, we wouldn’t be where we are today without your help.
Financial backing – PLNC cannot exist without financial support from individuals, businesses, civic organizations and others who believe in the importance of fair, unbiased local news. Our founding donors and everyone who has contributed during our first year have helped us get established and build the basis for a strong, thriving operation going forward. We also sincerely thank our dedicated, enthusiastic readers.
We hope we’ve earned your trust and ongoing support into the future. It truly takes a village to launch and maintain a non-profit venture such as PLNC, and we believe our “village” is second to none.
Happy Thanksgiving from the PLNC Board of Directors
Connie Carlson, Randy Geister, Laurie Hartmann, Michelle Jirik,
Lois Kocon, Larrry Muelken and Susie Muelken
 | Thanks to generous donors, we’re making progress…Since our fundraising campaign began on Nov. 1, a number of your friends, neighbors, local service organizations and others have stepped forward with generous donations. To date, we have have raised more than $33,000. In an effort to expand our news coverage, our goal is to raise $100,000 that will be used to hire a full-time editor and other staff members. We are eligible to receive matching funds through December, so if you have not already donated, please consider helping us reach our goal. |
Sports
 | Prior Lake boys hockey opens season with 6–4 win, looks ahead to 2025–26 campaignPrior Lake boys hockey opened the 2025–26 season with an impressive 6–4 win over Centennial on Saturday at Dakotah! Ice Center. The Lakers entered the 2025–26 season looking to take a step forward after an 11–13–2 fourth-place finish in the South Suburban Conference and losing in the quarterfinals of the section tournament. |
 | Lakers girls hockey loses to Lakeville South heading into ThanksgivingThe Lakers girls hockey team were not able to eke out a victory over Lakeville South despite a 0-0 tie game heading into the third period. In earlier play, the Lakers defeated Eastview 3-0. |
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. 11-18, 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
Events
Nov. 29 | Turky trivia and geocaching - Cleary Lake Park
Join the Outdoor Recreation School at Cleary Lake Regional Park for its "Geocaching for Leftovers" event. Participants will be entertained with turkey trivia and silly "leftovers" from past programs. There is a cost for the all-ages program and reservations must be made by Nov. 26. Children 11 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Dec. 7 | Breakfast with Santa - Prior Lake VFW
The Prior Lake Lions Club has invited Santa to have breakfast with local children from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. In the spirit of the holiday season, there is no charge for the event, but participants are asked to make a free-will donation to offset expenses.
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.
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.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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