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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Many reading this newsletter remember exactly where they were and what they were doing 24 years ago today upon hearing a plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City, followed by another, and then the collapse of one of our nation’s most recognized landmarks. As we think about those lost and how much the world has changed since Sept. 11, 2001, we encourage you to observe Patriot Day by embracing a statement often quoted following the tragedy: “The best way to honor those lost on 9/11 is to be the people we were on 9/12.”
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Top Story
John Alinder has worked on refurbishing antique cars all of his adult life and spent more than 5,000 hours restoring this 1932 Auburn.
Car aficionado
Local man spends years restoring vehicle manufactured nearly a century ago
To say that John Alinder has a love for antique classic cars would be a huge understatement.
For six years he spent more 5,000 hours restoring a vehicle that originally came off the assembly line in 1932, and is said to be among the rarest of collector cars ever produced in the United States. Alinder's 1932 Auburn Speedster is only one of 25 believed to still be in existence today.
The Prior Lake area resident always had a penchant for restoring classic cars. At age 15, the first car he bought and began restoring was a 1930 Model A Coupe. Over the years, he has brought back 20 other classic cars of different makes and models to near original condition. His quest to acquire and refurbish an Auburn, however, was his most ambitious, both in terms of time commitment and difficulty in finding car parts created nearly a century ago.
It also proved to be the most fulfilling of his lifetime hobby.
News
 | City council approves amendment to intergovernmental agreement with SMSCThe Prior Lake City Council approved an amendment to the three-year intergovernmental aid agreement shared with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community that will increase the latter's contribution by $125,000 in each of the next two years. |
More News
School
 | Laker Hall of Fame to honor eight new inductees Sept. 19-20The Laker Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be honored on Sept. 19-20. The annual tradition provides recognition for deserving graduates and staff of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools for their accomplishments while a student in the district and as an adult. Inductees will be introduced during the Prior Lake varsity football game being held at Dan Patch Stadium, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19. |
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: Aug. 27 - Sept. 2
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 football team 1-1 early in season, will face Rosemount Irish on FridayThe Prior Lake Lakers lost to Forest Lake in the first game played of the 2025 season. The team went on, however, to beat the Eagan Wildcats with a score of 35-19. |
 | Laker boys' cross country team has strong start to season, earn 2nd place in first meetThe Laker boys' varsity cross country team earned a second place finish out of 14 teams competing. Runners will head to Decorah, Iowa on Saturday to compete in an invitational being hosted at Luther College. |
 | Laker girls' soccer team still unbeaten, set for showdown with ranked rivalsThe Prior Lake girls’ soccer team faced a busy schedule this past week, coming away with two wins and a tie to remain unbeaten on the season, ahead of a tough slate of games this week. |
Events
 | Annual Fall Community Fest being held Sept. 15 at PLHSFall Community Fest, an annual family-friendly event showcasing local businesses and non-profit organizations, will be held at Prior Lake High School on Monday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free event, co-sponsored by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce. |
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 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 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 25 | Giving Grace fundraiser - McColl Pond Learning Center
Giving Grace Foundation will host "Fighting for Grace: Navigating Obstacles" as part of its annual fundraising event being held on Thursday, Sept. 25, to raise awareness about infertility and generate funds for families struggling with fertility.
September 27 | Friends of Library used book sale - Prior Lake Library
If it's time to replenish your supply of books and reading material, come to the Friends of the Prior Lake Library fall used book sale Saturday, Sept. 27. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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