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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
This week, we check in on a dedicated group of women who spend their summer mornings harvesting fresh produce to support area seniors. We also have details on Prior Lake Days festivities, important information on early voting ahead of Primary Election Day, and a full roundup of upcoming events. Thank you for reading and for supporting local, independent news in Prior Lake.
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Top Story
In the back row from left to right are Lorraine Pavek and Bernice Ohmann. Front row, from left to right: Dottie Munson, Marlene Kopetzki, Sharon Wentzel, Ethan Tracy and Maxine Smith. Not pictured is Sheryl Larson.
'Garden Girls' form lasting bonds while harvesting produce for local seniors
Prior Lake's "Garden Girls" are again the big hit at Club Prior now that the summer months are upon us.
For the past six years, that's what seven local women — Lorraine Pavek, Marlene Kopetzki, Dottie Munson, Maxine Smith, Sheryl Larson, Sharon Wentzel and Bernice Ohmann — continue to call themselves. The group gathers every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Kop Community Garden within Lakefront Park where they maintain three of the 50 available plots to grow fruits and vegetables for local seniors.
They are all over the age of 70. The hotter the forecast, the earlier they arrive at the park. Their friendship has grown over the years, and all clearly enjoy each other's company as they plant, weed, water and harvest, doing so with fun and laughter.
News
 | Jordan man killed in Helena Township motorcycle crashA 71-year-old Jordan man was killed in a motorcycle crash that occurred on July 28 in Helena Township. |
 | Primary Election Day is Aug. 11; early voting is openPrimary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 11, but early voting is now open for eligible voters at specified locations. |
City
 | Lots of fun activities planned during Prior Lake Days weekend festivities"Prior Lake Days" will take over the downtown area this weekend, with many events and activities planned by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce. |
Schools
 | PLHS cheerleaders to host youth cheer clinicYoung athletes in grades kindergarten through eight are invited to experience the excitement of cheerleading while supporting a worthy cause at the Prior Lake High School Youth Cheer Clinic this August. |
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
Events
Aug. 6 • Explore an MVTA bus - Prior Lake Library
Children and families can climb aboard during a special edition of Spotlight Storytime.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 • Shockwaves water ski show - Quarry Lake
Watch the Shockwaves Show Team put on a great show.
Aug. 7 • Button-making session - Prior Lake Library
Aspiring creators can design and assemble their own custom pins during the Weekly Drop-In Volunteer Led Craft on Friday.
Aug. 8 • ‘Waggin’ Tales’ reading session - Prior Lake Library
Young readers and adults looking to build confidence reading aloud can spend time with a four-legged listener on Saturday.
Aug. 9 • Guided forest bathing - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Reconnect with nature during a guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session from 2 to 4 p.m.
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.
Aug. 14, 15, 16 • SMSC Wacipi - SMSC Wacipi Grounds
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.
Aug. 15, 27 • PLHS class reunion - 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. 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.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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