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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Three town hall meetings will be held during the month of February for the purpose of updating residents on the status of PLSAS financials and referendum options that are being considered. The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce also honored several of its members who went above and beyond in 2025. Lastly, check out the PLHS boys’ basketball team that’s now on a big winning streak.
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Top Story
PLSAS agrees to sell District Services Center for $2.65 million
The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools district has agreed to sell its District Services Center for $2.65 million.
The school board voted to approve the purchase agreement with Roers Acquisitions in a 7-0 vote at the Jan. 26 meeting. Roers also plans to purchase land that is adjacent to the building from Scott County.
News
Three injured in head-on crash in Cedar Lake Township
The Scott County Sheriff's Department responded to a head-on collision in Cedar Lake Township that left three people hospitalized. The sheriff’s office along with the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating.
City
 | Chamber honors local businesses during annual lunch meetingThe Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce had a banner year in 2025, during which 60 business-related events were hosted, the city's summer celebration of Prior Lake Days showed significant growth and a fairly new staff became well-acclimated to promoting the local business community. |
Schools
PLSAS town hall meetings to outline district's financial projections, future referendum options
Dr. Michael Thomas, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools superintendent, will lead three town hall meetings in February to discuss the district's future financial forecast and options to address projected shortfalls, including a fall referendum. The district's financial outlook has dominated board discussion and major decisions made in the past year.
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: Jan.13 - 20, 2026
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
 | PLHS Unified Basketball team earns spot at state tourneyPrior Lake High School's Unified Basketball team is headed to the state tournament being held on Feb. 12 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Unified Basketball brings together students with and without disabilities, showcasing teamwork, inclusion and sportsmanship on and off the court. |
 | Prior Lake High School boys basketball surging after early testsAfter early setbacks to start the season, the Prior Lake boys basketball team has responded decisively, reeling off 11 consecutive wins and turned the opening weeks into one of the strongest stretches the program has seen in recent years. The Lakers now sit at 13–4 overall and undefeated at 9-0 in the South Suburban Conference. StribVarsity has the Lakers ranked fifth in the latest 4A Coaches Poll. |
 | Lakers girls hockey tested by ranked opponents in busy conference weekPrior Lake girls hockey faced a pair of stiff competitors this week, dropping games to No. 3 Holy Family and No. 9 Farmington. The Lakers also tallied a strong 5-1 victory against Apple Valley, with the final regular season match scheduled for Jan. 31. |
 | Prior Lake boys hockey tested by rival Shakopee before bouncing back with 9–2 road winThe Lakers dropped a conference matchup against powerhouse Shakopee before bouncing back with a commanding win over Apple Valley/Burnsville. The Lakers enter the final quarter of the season with a 5-11-2 overall record. |
Events
Jan. 30 | Cheer on PLHS cheerleading team - Twin Oaks Middle School
Residents are invited to cheer on the Prior Lake High School Cheerleaders on prior to the team competing at the state level on Jan. 31, followed by nationals in Orlando on Feb. 6-8. The free event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Cheerleaders will perform routines that will be used in upcoming competitions. Graduating seniors will be recognized, as will their favorite teachers.
Feb. 1 | Learn about winter activities - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Outdoor recreation school instructors will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to introduce attendees to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kick-sledding and geocaching before warming up by a bonfire to roast marshmallows. The program is free and open to all ages. Children age 11 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb. 4 | “Cook Book Club” - Prior Lake Library
Get out of the winter doldrums and join other area cooks and bakers when the Prior Lake Library hosts its quarterly "Cook Book Club" beginning at 6 p.m. Every gathering features a cookbook author, cuisine or ingredient. Members choose a recipe from the designated theme and bring it to share with the group during the meeting.
Feb. 7 | Fat tire biking basics - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Outdoor recreation school instructors will share the basics of fat tire biking for people 14 and up in two sessions. Equipment will be provided. Reservations and a fee are required.
Feb. 21 | 17th annual Polar Plunge - Sand Point Beach
Registration is open for the 17th annual "Polar Plunge" to support Special Olympics Minnesota. Prior Lake groups raised more than $308,000 in 2025.
Feb. 26 | Pheasants Forever fundraising banquet - Ridges of Sand Creek
Scott County's chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its 39th annual fundraising banquet beginning at 4:30 p.m. Games, auctions and raffles will feature more than 60 items to be awarded that night, including numerous youth prizes, golfing and hunting packages and tickets to sporting events. Tickets are available at the door.
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