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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Many great events will be happening in Prior Lake in the coming weeks. Check out our listing at the bottom of the newsletter to plan your upcoming social calendar. Lots of good stuff!
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Top Story
One participant in the Shockwaves adaptive ski program was thrilled to be skiing around Quarry Lake. (Photos by Mike Thibault)
Enabling smiles (and thrills!)
Shockwaves creates program to give all children the opportunity to ride on water
Local water ski enthusiasts who came together in 1957 to form the Prior Lake Water Ski Association would probably be surprised in how the organization has changed and grown into one of largest clubs in the Midwest.
Its name has also been changed to the Shakopee-Prior Lake Shockwaves, and most ski shows are no longer performed on Prior Lake. One of the most significant changes in the organization, however, originated with an idea circulated among its membership nearly two decades ago, and eventually came to fruition.
Its mission has expanded beyond putting on trick water ski shows for the public to include serving those with special needs the opportunity to enjoy the thrills of riding on water.
News
 | Olson announces DFL candidacy for State Senate District 54Prior Lake resident Rick Olson announced he will will run as a DFL candidate in the race to fill the Senate District 54 seat in the November election. The seat will be open following current Senator Eric Pratt's decision to seek the Republican nomination for Congressional District 2 after Angie Craig's decision to run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Tina Smith. |
City
 | Two promoted within PL Fire Department; three new fire fighters join teamThe Prior Lake City Council recognized the promotion of two members of the Prior Lake Fire Department, while welcoming three new fire fighters during its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 26. |
 | Erickson retires as city's finance directorCathy Erickson, Finance Director for the City of Prior Lake since 2017, was recognized at the Aug. 26 city council meeting, upon her retirement from that role. |
School News
 | PLSAS begins study of elementary school boundary changes for 2026-27Leaders within Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools have begun assessing elementary school attendance boundaries for the 2026-27 school year, following the closing of WestWood Elementary as a neighborhood school in the fall of 2026. The new elementary attendance boundaries will be finalized in mid-November for the next school year. |
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 20 - 25
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
 | Laker girls soccer team keeps on winning; ranked #3 by state coachesThe Prior Lake girls soccer team remained unbeaten following two victories last week, including a win over one of the state’s top-ranked teams. |
 | Hot season start for volleyball team; Burley reaches career milestoneThe Prior Lake Lakers girls volleyball team was ranked in the top 10 during the preseason, which was well-deserved. Senior libero and Kentucky recruit, Sidney Burley surpassed 1,000 digs for her career during the match against Northfield. |
Events
September 7 | VFW Chicken Dinner - Main Avenue, Prior Lake
The Prior Lake VFW will host its barbecue chicken dinner on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Main Avenue in downtown Prior Lake.
September 12-13 | Chalkfest - Main Avenue, Prior Lake
The city's annual hosting of Chalkfest will be on display Sept. 12-13 on Main Avenue. Professional chalk artists will create their works of art both Friday evening and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Amateur artists can join in the fun!
September 15 | Beyond the Yellow Ribbon golf fundraiser - Stonebrooke
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon / South of the River will host its 15th annual golf fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 15, at Stonebrooke Golf Club, Shakopee.
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 21 | Pancake breakfast fundraiser for PLHS cheerleaders - VFW Club
Prior Lake High School cheerleaders will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prior Lake VFW. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
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
Top clicked stories from last week
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