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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Congratulations to the Prior Lake boys’ basketball team on advancing to the section championship; they’re one win away from the state tournament. Read about Prior Lake’s new police officer on patrol, who was sworn in on Tuesday’s council meeting. To all of you Irish folks, have a great St. Patrick’s day.
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Myles Chacha was surrounded by Jared and Lulu Thompson, Officer Cody Steinhaus and Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus during the March 10 presentation.
Fire chief, his police officer son honored for saving child following horrific crash
The Prior Lake City Council meeting held March 10 served as place to reunite a youngster who was involved in a tragic accident with those who rushed to save him.
April 1, 2020, is a day never forgotten by Prior Lake Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus nor his son, Prior Lake Police Officer Cody Steinhaus. Both were on duty that day and answered an accident call that involved a large truck and a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of County Road 21 and Natchez Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a father and son who were deceased. In the back seat, a young boy laid critically injured.
Rick Steinhaus jumped into action, pulled the child out of the vehicle and handed him to Cody. Dr. Andrew Stevens from Allina Medical was also at the scene and assisted with getting six-year-old Myles Chacha ready for transport to a major medical facility where he spent the next 107 days being treated for traumatic brain injuries.
Lulu Thompson, Myles' mother, has vivid memories of having police officers arriving at her door to notify her of the accident. She said she knew instantly that something terrible had happened. From that moment on, her life changed, as did Myle's.
News
 | Following death of child, requiring cameras in daycares gets hearing at CapitolCatherine and Hunter Muklebust joined others in testifying at the State Capitol before the House Children, Families and Finance Policy Committee on Tuesday to lobby for the passage of legislation requiring cameras in Minnesota daycares as a means to prevent child abuse. |
City
 | New officer sworn into service with Prior Lake Police DepartmentBrady Gaebel was officially sworn in as an officer with the Prior Lake Police Department on March 10 and assigned shield No. 70. The ceremony was held during the Prior Lake City Council meeting and the oath of office was administered by Police Chief Liam Duggan. |
 | Three Rivers Park District, U of M partnering on area deer studyThree Rivers Park District is continuing a partnership with the University of Minnesota on a research project to study white-tailed deer in the Twin Cities region. The project will study the habitat use and movement of deer in and around the parks. |
Schools
 | PLSAS town hall meetings identify key concerns, opportunities for improvementAfter discussing the key takeaways from the town hall meetings conducted by the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, its board of directors approved at its March 9 meeting the creation of a brief survey to assess the community's openness to supporting a levy in the upcoming fall election. |
 | Nominations being accepted for 2026 'Laker Hall of Fame'The Laker Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2026. Nominee categories include distinguished graduates and retired staff members who are high achieving individuals in the areas of activities, athletics, or as a distinguished individual with career accomplishments. |
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: Feb. 24-March 3
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
 | Prior Lake rolls past Chanhassen, advances to section basketball championshipThe top-seeded Prior Lake boys basketball team opened Section 2AAAA playoff action Saturday with a 75–54 win over No. 5 seed Chanhassen in front of a packed home crowd. With a noon tipoff, the Lakers were greeted by a loud gym as the student section filled much of one side, bringing plenty of energy as Prior Lake began its postseason run. |
 | Four Prior Lake-Savage youth hockey teams skating toward state titlesAfter another thrilling Minnesota high school hockey state tournament last weekend that drew a record of just over 140,000 fans to the Xcel Energy Center and showcased some of the most intense games (and intense hair) of the year, the state’s hockey spotlight now shifts to youth players across Minnesota. Several local teams are still chasing a championship of their own. |
Events
March 17 | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day - Club Prior
Club Prior will host a St. Patrick's Day dance and lunch with the "Hi-Hats" on Tuesday, March 17. Starting at 11 a.m., beef and cabbage will be offered while supplies last.
March 20 | World Down Syndrome Day - Twin Oaks Middle School
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at Twin Oaks Middle School. The free event will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to all ages. Games, prizes, crafts, music, face painting, inflatables and other activities are planned. Food vendors will also be on site.
March 21 | PL Band Mattress Sale - Prior Lake High School
A mattress sale to benefit Prior Lake Band activities will be held on Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Prior Lake High School.
March 21 | PLAY 'Try-It' Cheerleading Clinic - Twin Oaks Middle School
Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (PLAY) will host a cheerleading "try-it" clinic on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Twin Oaks Middle School.
March 21 | Party in the Club - Club Prior
Kids and families are invited to the "Party in the Club" being hosted at Club Prior from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21.
March 23 | Free Cyber Scams Class - Club Prior
A free class is being offered on Monday, March 23, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The class will be led by Kindahl Larson.
March 29 | Prior Lake Lions Club Breakfast - Prior Lake VFW Club
The Prior Lake Lions Club will host an Easter-themed pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prior Lake VFW Club.
In Case You Missed It
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