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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so if you haven’t already done so, get a card, buy some candy, or … celebrate a day early at the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce “Flavors of February” event being held on Feb. 13 at Southlake Village Mall. Mix and mingle with vendors offering cocktail samples and snacks while do a little shopping. Tickets can be purchased through the Chamber’s website, or at the door the night of the event. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
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Paula Moltzan and team member Jackie Wiles earned the bronze medal in the Alpine ski team combined race on Tuesday. She will compete in two more events before the Olympic Games end. (photo by Dustin Satloff/ U.S. Ski Team)
Prior Lake's Moltzan medals in Olympic Alpine combined race; two more competitions on deck
Prior Lake's Paula Moltzan will be coming home with at least one medal earned at the Olympic Winter Games currently being held in Italy.
Moltzan and team member Jackie Wiles earned the bronze medal after placing third in the Alpine ski team combined race on Tuesday morning in Cortina with a time of 2:21.91, three-tenths of a second behind the top finishers in the competition. A team from Austria placed first, coming in at 2:21.66, while Germany was awarded the silver medal after posting a 2:21.71 time.
This is the second time for Moltzan, 31, to race in Olympic competition. Previously she trained at Buck Hill in Burnsville and was coached by Erich Sailer, who also instructed Olympians Lindsay Vonn, Kristina Koznick and Julia Mancuso.
News
 | MN Valley Transit Authority elects new board chair; ridership up in 2025The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) Board of Commissioners elected new leadership at its Jan. 28 meeting. The board unanimously elected Jay Whiting to serve as MVTA board chair for 2026. |
 | Fire engine purchase prompts change to agreement with Credit River, Spring LakeA new ladder truck will be purchased by the City of Prior Lake in 2027, requiring a change to the current fire and rescue agreements it has with the City of Credit River and Spring Lake Township. The city has had a long-standing arrangement with those entities to provide fire and rescue services on a shared-cost basis. |
City
 | Cooks, crock pots and new club all welcomed at Prior Lake LibraryVisitors to the Prior Lake Library on Feb. 4 may have been surprised to encounter delicious smells wafting through the building and crock pots lined up, all filled with yummy soups and stews. It was all part of the quarterly event hosted by the “Cook Book Club.” |
Schools
 | PLSAS town hall meetings provide financial forecast, opportunity for resident inputClose to 40 residents of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District attended the second "town hall" meeting on Feb. 10 at the District Services Center, which focused on current financial trends along with options being considered to address future anticipated shortfalls. Dr. Michael Thomas, PLSAS Superintendent, along with Lisa Rider, Executive Director of Business Services, led the presentation that encouraged questions and suggestions from audience members. |
 | Bushman, Gannon nominated for MN State High School League awardPLHS seniors Talia Bushman and Joe Gannon have been named the school’s 2025–26 nominees for the Minnesota State High School League’s AAA (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) Award. Presented by the MSHSL, the AAA Award recognizes 12th-grade students who demonstrate excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. |
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: Jan. 27-Feb. 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 girls' hockey season ends in Section 2AA semifinalsPrior Lake advanced to face Holy Family, the No. 3 ranked team in Class AA Tuesday night at the Bloomington Ice Garden. Holy Family led throughout the game and secured a 7-1 victory over the Lakers to advance to the section championship. |
 | Laker boys' hockey team picks up two wins; season ends Feb. 14The Lakers defeated Holy Family 4-2 on Thursday, Feb.5, at home and held strong against the Farmington Tigers to earn the 3-2 victory. |
Events
 | New event being hosted by Chamber at Southlake Village MallThe Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce will host "Flavors of February" on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Southlake Village Mall in Prior Lake. |
Feb. 15 | SteamHeat - Prior Lake VFW Club
"SteamHeat," known for playing music spanning the decades from 1920 through 1940, will perform at the Prior Lake VFW from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Feb. 21 | Burger Bash fundraiser for U12 baseball team - Prior Lake VFW
A burger bash fundraiser supporting the Prior Lake Thunder and Prior Lake Northstars will be held at the Prior Lake VFW on Feb. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Feb. 21 | 17th annual Polar Plunge - Sand Point Beach
Registration is open for the 17th annual "Polar Plunge" to support Special Olympics Minnesota. Prior Lake groups raised more than $308,000 in 2025.
Feb. 26 | Pheasants Forever fundraising banquet - Ridges of Sand Creek
Scott County's chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its 39th annual fundraising banquet beginning at 4:30 p.m. Games, auctions and raffles will feature more than 60 items to be awarded that night, including numerous youth prizes, golfing and hunting packages and tickets to sporting events. Tickets are available at the door.
Feb. 28 | ‘Dance With Me Ball’ - Prior Lake High School
The 15th annual "Dance With Me Ball," planned by the Community Education Department of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Prior Lake High School. Young princesses will be escorted by an adult for an evening of dancing and fun.
Feb. 28 | Edina Realty Foundation fundraiser - Savage Tap
The Prior Lake office of Edina Realty will host a community charity event benefitting the Edina Realty Foundation on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Savage Tap, 12925 Eagle Creek Parkway, Savage. The event will run from 5:30 to 11 p.m., with food served from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
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