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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, September 18, 2025
The first day of fall arrives next Monday, which means the election season is right around the corner. Early and absentee voting in Prior Lake begins tomorrow, Sept. 19. Check out the details in today’s PL News Compass if you want to cast your vote prior to Nov. 4.
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Top Story
Superintendent Michael Thomas hopped on the bus with Emanuel Hosmer and other students Sept. 4 during the first week of the new school year.
During year of major changes, superintendent's goal is to focus on continuous improvement
As Dr. Michael Thomas began his fourth year in recent weeks as Superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, his mantra for the new year includes the phrase "growing to succeed."
As the leader of close to 8,600 students and 1,300 staff members, he was excited for the first day of school, despite the challenges faced by the district that include major budget cuts and restructuring that will be put into motion throughout this school year and the next.
While he acknowledges his disappointment in last fall's rejection by voters of the proposed 10-year operating levy, Thomas said he totally supports the democratic process. He said local voters have spoken, and it's time to move forward with the best operating plan to meet student needs that fits within the district's budget.
News
 | Absentee, early voting starts tomorrowAbsentee and early voting will begin on Friday, Sept. 19, and will be available through Monday, Nov. 3. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voters will decide who will fill one open school board seat and weigh in on the city's bond referendum for park and trail improvements. |
City
 | Artists come to Prior Lake with chalk in handDowntown Prior Lake was awash with color last weekend when chalk artists descended on Main Avenue and proceeded to create fun and unique images as spectators watched. |
 | PLHS Class of 1959 reunites to reminisce about old timesThe Prior Lake VFW Club hosted the Class of 1959’s reunion on Sept. 11. Festivities began early in the afternoon and ended before 3 p.m. In recent years, it's become an annual gathering. Former classmates who usually organize the event decided 10 years is too long for those in their mid-80s to wait to reminisce about old times. |
School
 | Smith is candidate for PLSAS boardDustin Smith has announced his candidacy for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board. Smith said he believes this is a pivotal time for the local schools. With his children starting kindergarten in the district, he says he feels a personal responsibility to help strengthen the schools that serve the entire community. |
More School News
Obituary
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: September 2 - 9
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.
Sports
 | Rosemount rallies past Lakers in close score thriller, Minnetonka up nextThe Prior Lake Lakers football team led in the fourth quarter, but Rosemount scored late to hand the team a 21–17 defeat on Sept. 12. The team will face another top opponent on Friday when Minnetonka, ranked No. 2 in state, comes to play at Dan Patch Stadium. |
 | Lakers girls’ soccer team faced top teams, tough competitors coming upThe Prior Lake girls' soccer team faced stiff competition this past week, beginning with a matchup against Lakeville North on Monday, Sept. 8. Despite a solid defensive effort, the Lakers fell 2-0. |
Events
 | Pleasant Street Art Walk returning Sept. 27The Pleasant Street Art Walk will return to downtown Prior Lake for its seventh year on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held along Pleasant Street, the free outdoor festival will feature over 70 regional artists and makers, live music and food trucks. |
September 21 | Pancake breakfast fundraiser for cheerleaders - VFW Club
Prior Lake High School cheerleaders will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prior Lake VFW. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
September 25 | Giving Grace fundraiser - McColl Pond Learning Center
Giving Grace Foundation will host "Fighting for Grace: Navigating Obstacles" as part of its annual fundraising event being held on Thursday, Sept. 25, to raise awareness about infertility and generate funds for families struggling with fertility.
September 27 | Friends of Library used book sale - Prior Lake Library
If it's time to replenish your supply of books and reading material, come to the Friends of the Prior Lake Library fall used book sale Saturday, Sept. 27. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
October 2 | Chamber’s Ladies Night Out - Downtown Prior Lake
The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its fall "Ladies Night Out" event on Thursday, Oct. 2 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Prior Lake. Attendees will have access to 40 vendors and businesses offering specials and giveaways.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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