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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Global connections and impressive student achievements lead the way in Prior Lake this week! We sit down with Lithuanian exchange student Julius Cincikas, who reflects on a memorable year at Prior Lake High School. At the district level, the school board has taken a major step by authorizing contract negotiations to fill the superintendent role. Our local students and athletes are also making plenty of noise across the region. Members of the PLHS theater program are gearing up to take the stage alongside over 1,200 students at Minnesota's largest high school theater celebration, while the No. 8 seed Laker baseball team has defied the odds with three consecutive road playoff victories to punch their ticket to the section championship round. We hope you’re enjoying the warming temps — it likely won’t be cooling down anytime soon!
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Top Story
Lithuanian exchange student reflects on living and going to school in Prior Lake
The month of June is a big one for Julius Cincikas. He will end his studies at Prior Lake High School and then travel to the west coast with a group of teenagers from throughout the world. On July 1, he will return to Minnesota, celebrate his 17th birthday, and a few days later, board a plane headed to Lithuania, where he will be reunited with his family after spending nearly a year abroad.
Cincikas is one of approximately 8,000 young people participating in this year's Rotary International Youth Exchange program. The Prior Lake Rotary Club has been a long-time supporter of the program that was initiated 50 years ago, with the intent of providing young people the opportunity to learn more about other cultures, develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships with others throughout the world.
City
 | MS 150 bike ride scheduled for June 13 includes local roadsThe annual MS 150 Minnesota bike ride supporting Multiple Sclerosis scheduled for Saturday, June 13, will include roads immediately southeast of Prior Lake. |
Schools
 | PL students on stage at Minnesota's largest high school theater celebrationStudents from Prior Lake High School will join more than 1,200 students from across Minnesota at Spotlight Showcase, Minnesota high school theater’s biggest celebration, presented by Hennepin Arts. |
 | PLSAS board preparing to fill superintendent roleMembers of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board deliberated Tuesday night about which of the four candidates chosen as finalists for the superintendent's role could best serve the district starting July 1. |
Prior Lake in the Past
This weekly column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American decades 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
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
 | Early surges sends Shakopee past Prior LakeThe Prior Lake Jays were unable to recover from an early deficit May 31, falling 8-0 to the Shakopee Indians in a Section 2A matchup. |
No. 8 seed Lakers win three consecutive playoff games
After finishing the regular season with a 9-13 record and earning the No. 8 seed and lowest seed in Section 2AAAA, the Lakers have won three consecutive road playoff games to advance to the section championship round.
Nature
 | Tekiela: Several finch species back in Minnesota for summer monthsThe identification of some bird species can be challenging, especially with some species of small birds. |
Events
June 5 | Music in the Park - Lakefront Park
"The C Notes," a Twin Cities cover band, will play from 6 to 8 p.m. and is well known for the variety of music played over the course of the last 20 years, including soul, rock, funk and blues.
June 6 | Discover geocaching - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Area residents are invited to go on a geocaching adventure from 1 to 2:30 p.m. No previous geocaching experience is required.
June 9 | Gathering of Storytellers - Club Prior
Celebrate the group's one-year anniversary from 6 to 7 p.m. The group welcomes writers of all levels along with non-writers.
June 10 | Annual Youth Fishing Derby - Cedar Lake
The event will provide children ages 10-15 with everything needed for a day of fishing on the lake, including bait, gear, food and beverages. Prizes will be awarded, and all participants will receive a gift.
June 10 | Chamber's annual golf tournament - The Wilds Golf Club
The event will include a day of golf, networking, on-course games and a happy hour reception with an awards presentation. Registration will begin that day at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shot gun start at 8 a.m.
June 24 | Line Dance Party - Club Prior
Join for beginner-level instruction between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with open dance from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For ages 18 and up. Popcorn and beverages will be available.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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