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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Local sports and community events are filling up the late-summer calendar. PLHS wrestler Liam Collins earned a second-place finish at the U.S. Junior Nationals in Fargo, while the library and regional parks are hosting everything from teen junk journaling to guided forest bathing. Plus, the PLSAS school board voted to renew its MSHSL membership following a spirited debate at its July 20 meeting.
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Top Story
Prior Lake residents Jack and Bev VonFeldt celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Faith, commitment are foundation of couple’s 70 years together
A spunky 17-year-old celebrating her birthday with friends at the Casa Loma Ballroom in St. Louis, Mo., had no idea how fate-filled that evening in 1955 would become after meeting one very handsome serviceman.
As the young, newly-introduced couple danced to the tunes being performed by Bill Haley and the Comets, Jack VonFeldt, then 18, knew that night he wanted to get to know Beverly Balmer much better. So much so, he drove 40 miles on a regular basis from the military base where he was stationed to Arnold, Mo., where she lived.
It didn't take long for Jack to pop the question, and on June 23, 1956, they were married in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold. The rings they exchanged during the ceremony are engraved with "Faithful to God and each other."
News
 | 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. |
Schools
 | WestWood fifth-grader earns first place in International Braille ChallengeElizabeth Cibuzar, an incoming fifth-grade student in the SAGE program at WestWood Elementary, captured first place in the Freshman Division at the 2026 International Braille Challenge Finals held June 26-28 in Los Angeles, Calif. |
 | PLSAS board approves renewal of membership in MSHSLAfter a contentious interchange during its regular meeting held July 20, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted to continue the district’s membership with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). |
 | PLSAS board approves final language for Nov. 3 levy questionsThe Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education gave unanimous approval on July 20 to officially place two school funding questions on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. |
Sports
 | PLHS senior takes 2nd place in Junior Nationals wrestling tournamentPrior Lake High School wrestler Liam Collins earned a second place finish in the U.S. Junior Nationals tournament held July 10-18 in Fargo, N.D. |
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
Featured Event
 | July 24 • Prior Lake Windjammers at Music in the Park - Lakefront ParkGrab your lawn chairs, pack a cooler (no glass, please!) and enjoy a free, relaxing evening of live music in the park. The free concert will feature the "Prior Lake Windjammers" on Friday, July 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Lakefront Park, located at 5000 Kop Parkway SE in Prior Lake. The concert is one of several featured as part of the city's "Music in the Park" series. |
Events
July 23 • Teen ‘junk journal’ workshop - Prior Lake Library
From 3 to 4 p.m., local teens ages 12-18 can unleash their creativity at the library during a hands-on "Junk Journaling" workshop designed to turn everyday scrap materials into personalized keepsakes.
Aug. 1 • Mark Miller Band floating concert - Grainwood Bay
The outdoor performance is designed specifically as a boat-up event, and community members are encouraged to drop anchor and listen from any watercraft, including motorboats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
Aug. 5 • Cook Book Club - Prior Lake Library
The theme for the August event is "summer picnic." Those who attend can select any recipe, prepare it and bring the completed dish to the meeting, along with serving utensils and a copy of the recipe to share with the group.
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.
In Case You Missed It
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