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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
Late summer in Prior Lake offers a clear picture of community momentum. Thousands of neighbors filled downtown for Prior Lake Days, while volunteers and leaders prepare for school kickoffs, local elections and family-friendly events. Dan Stanley receiving the Spirit Award speaks directly to the dedication driving these efforts. This week’s stories capture the energy and work keeping our town moving forward together.
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Top Story
Danielle and Zach Miner keep an eye on their daughter as she plays in the bouncy house at Prior Lake Days.
Prior Lake Days summer celebration draws thousands to downtown
Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca Scholz and fellow staff members are using this week to take a breath after months of getting ready for the city’s big community event, along with working pretty much non-stop most of last weekend.
Countless hours were spent preparing for the city’s annual celebration of “Prior Lake Days,” hosted by the Chamber, which took over most of the downtown area last weekend. Friday’s festivities included a “Sip & Stroll” beverage tasting event for adult patrons, food trucks and other vendors in the downtown area. Saturday was a family-friendly day that featured many kids’ activities, a children’s entrepreneur market, business vendors, food and a live entertainment stage.
News
 | Charges filed against Bloomington man in New Market bar robberyScott County Sheriff Luke Hennen and Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar announced on Aug. 10 that charges have been filed against David William Pollard, 56, of Bloomington, in connection with the armed robbery of the Red Fox Tavern in New Market Township on Nov. 18, 2024. |
 | Slate of candidates, issues set for upcoming November electionPrior Lake and Scott County residents joined other Minnesotans as the state recorded one of the highest voter turnouts for a primary election. |
City
 | Local business owner is recipient of city's 'Spirit' AwardDan Stanley, co-owner of Stanley & Wencl Construction and current president of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce, is the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Prior Lake Award. |
Schools
 | Back to School Celebration planned for Aug. 20 at PLHSThe third annual Back to School Celebration hosted by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Prior Lake High School. |
 | 2026 inductees into Laker Hall of Fame to be honored Sept. 18-19The Laker Hall of Fame induction committee has chosen the incoming Class of 2026, and honorees will be celebrated the weekend of Sept. 18-19. |
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
Featured Event
 | Aug. 14, 15, 16 • SMSC Wacipi - SMSC Wacipi GroundsWacipi — or powwow — is a traditional Native American gathering, a celebration of life, pride and honor. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, the event attracts thousands each year, bringing together people from all over the country for three days of celebrating rich heritage. This event features free admission and parking. The Grand Entry is scheduled for each of the three days at these times: Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 15, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m. |
Events
Aug. 13 • Youth Art & Craft Market - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Nearly 50 young creators will be selling their hand-made work from 4 to 6 p.m.
August 13, 20, 27 • Shockwaves water ski show - Quarry Lake
Enjoy the final days of summer while watching the Shockwaves Show Team put on a great show.
Aug. 14 • Muddy Buddy Run - Lakefront Park
The event will feature a very muddy and kid-friendly obstacle course filled with fun and challenges.
Aug. 14 • 3D papercraft session - Prior Lake Library
Running from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to drop in and create.
Aug. 15, 27 • PLHS class reunions - Prior Lake VFW
Attention, all graduates of Prior Lake High School in 1959 or 1981! A class reunion is planned for those who graduated in each of those school years by former student leaders.
Aug. 20 • Annual summer blood drive - Dakotah! Sport and Fitness Lobby
Attend this annual event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will receive a free 16-oz smoothie voucher.
Aug. 21 • Pickup Truck Opera - Lakefront Park
Staged around a mobile pickup truck and flatbed trailer, the performance blends classical opera arrangements with popular music, featuring a cast of singers, multi-instrumentalists and puppeteers.
Aug. 24, 31 • Morning walking club - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Adults ages 55 and older can start their week with outdoor exercise and community connection during the "Morning Stretch and Stroll" walking club.
Aug. 25 • Prose & Cons Book Club meeting - Prior Lake Library
The Prior Lake Library Prose & Cons Book Club will gather on Tuesday to discuss "Disorientation" by Elaine Hsieh Chou.
Aug. 28 • Skitzo Fonik performance - Lakefront Park
The City of Prior Lake’s free summer concert series continues as a local cover band takes the stage from 6 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 • Nature & Adventure Camp - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Children ages 6 to 9 can close out the summer with hands-on outdoor exploration during the three-day Nature & Adventure Camp.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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