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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Good Morning! It’s time to catch up on LOCAL news and make plans for the long holiday weekend. Enjoy this week’s edition of the Prior Lake News Compass.
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Top Story
Jeffers Pond is one of several elementary schools within the district for students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 5.
Lawsuit filed by Jeffers Pond teacher alleging First Amendment rights violated by PLSAS
A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools teacher who was suspended without pay in December following a post she made on a social media site.
The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 20 by the Upper Midwest Law Center representing Brooke Zahn, a teacher at Jeffers Elementary School in Prior Lake, alleges that the school district and two administrators violated her First Amendment rights through retaliation and viewpoint discrimination.
She had been suspended for seven days without pay by the school district for allegedly violating school policies through a posting in a Facebook group on Dec. 1. The image posted included a caption which stated: "A family that is deported together stays together." Zahn was also required to complete cultural competency training. In February, through her attorney, she initially threatened legal action and requested to be reimbursed for lost wages and issued a public, formal apology.
City
 | Sculpture honoring city's past now adorns busy intersection in downtown Prior LakeThe main intersection of downtown Prior Lake now joins the city's past with an artistic flair. The large metal sailboat sculpture is adorned with engraved plaques listing important events and dates in the city's history that extend over nearly four centuries, beginning with the Dakota people who lived on local land in the mid-1600s. |
 | Artists featured during city's annual hosting of Chalkfest on Sept. 12-13The city's annual hosting of Chalkfest will be held Sept. 12-13 on Main Avenue in downtown Prior Lake. The work of professional chalk artists will be on display both days, with amateurs invited to participate on Saturday. The event will also include live music and children’s activities. Main Avenue will be closed for parking beginning early Friday through noon on Sunday that weekend. |
More City News
School News
 | Students return to school next week; enrollment down slightly from last yearFor the second year in a row, staff, students and parents were invited to the Back-to-School Celebration held at Prior Lake High School on Aug. 18, signaling the return of students to the classroom is just around the corner. The district will again have a staggered start schedule over three days next week for students in grades kindergarten through 12. |
 | Koehlmoos nominated, accepted into national band directors associationKeith Koehlmoos, Band Director at Prior Lake High School for 26 years, has been accepted into the prestigious American School Band Directors Association. Membership in the organization is by peer nomination and reserved for directors who demonstrate exceptional experience, character and musicianship. |
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: August 12 - 19
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
 | With new leadership, Laker girls soccer team opens season with energy, winsThe Prior Lake High School girl's soccer team is off to a strong start this season and is looking for more of the same after last year’s successful campaign. With an experienced core of returning players and a mostly new coaching staff, the Lakers believe they can compete with the top teams in the state this year. |
Events
 | Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s 15th annual golf fundraiser to be held at StonebrookeBeyond the Yellow Ribbon / South of the River will host its 15th annual golf fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 15, at Stonebrooke Golf Club, Shakopee. The registration fee includes green fees, cart, driving range and a summer barbecue. The organization serves local military families, both past and present |
August 29 | ‘The Castaways’ free concert - Lakefront Park
Sit back and enjoy a free concert at Lakefront Park featuring "The Castaways" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy favorite tunes from the 1950s and 60s. Food truck concessions will be available for purchase.
September 15 | Fall Community Fest - Prior Lake High School
Fall Community Fest, an annual family-friendly event showcasing local businesses and area non-profit organizations, will be held at Prior Lake High School on Monday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.
September 17 | Game Night for Seniors - Club Prior
Fans of playing pool, cornhole, board games and making new friends are invited to Club Prior's "Game Night" being hosted on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
September 22 | Emergency Prepared Class for Seniors - Club Prior
The Scott County Medical Reserve Corps will offer two education sessions for Prior Lake seniors that will focus on individual preparedness for older adults. One session planned for Sept. 22; a second will be held on Oct. 1
In Case You Missed It
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