Prior Lake News Compass

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Celebration and historic milestones lead the way in Prior Lake! Mother Nature cleared the skies just in time for the Prior Lake High School Class of 2026, where 737 graduates proudly received their diplomas under the sun at Dan Patch Stadium. Our athletic programs are also making history, as the No. 8 seed Laker baseball team capped an unlikely postseason turnaround with a 10-5 victory over Chaska to punch their first-ever ticket to the state tournament. A huge CONGRATS to all our grads and to the Lakers baseball team!

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Top Story 1

The sun was shining on Prior Lake High School's Class of 2026

Commencement services were held June 4 for 737 graduates earning a diploma from Prior Lake High School or Bridges Area Learning Center.

Mother Nature eventually allowed the sun to shine, despite forecasts projecting wet weather. A lengthy line began forming well before the start of commencement. It didn't take long for Dan Patch Stadium at the high school to be packed with family members and friends who showed up to support their favorite graduate.

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Top Story 2

Prior Lake Lakers baseball team headed to state tournament for the first time

For the first time in program history, the Prior Lake Lakers baseball team is headed to the Minnesota State High School Baseball Tournament.

The Lakers completed a remarkable postseason run on June 4 with a 10-5 victory over Chaska in the Section 2AAAA Championship Game at Veterans Field at Memorial Park in Prior Lake. The win secured the section title and capped an unlikely turnaround for a Prior Lake team that entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed after finishing the regular season with a 9-13 record.

News

Scott County to host special recycling event for township residents

The townships of Cedar Lake, Sand Creek, Helena and Spring Lake will host a "Rural Recycling Event" in partnership with Scott County Household Hazardous Waste on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon.

City

Free mulch, wood chips available at city's maintenance center

Residents looking to refresh their landscaping can pick up free mulch and wood chips at the City of Prior Lake's Maintenance Center.

Nominations due for 'Spirit of Prior Lake' Award

Nominations are being sought for the 2026 Cora McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award. The annual award is presented by the City of Prior Lake to honor a business, nonprofit organization or individual whose actions have made a significant and positive impact on the community. 

Summer Spotlight activities offered at PL Library through August

Children of all ages can read, learn, create and enjoy at the Prior Lake Library this summer. Summer Spotlight will feature free educational activities that will help children be ready for school in the fall. Supplies are limited; registration is required for some programs.

Schools

Split board vote approves PLSAS proposed budget for next school year

The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board board voted 4-3 to approve the proposed 2026-27 budget during its June 8 meeting.

Four school board seats up for election; filing period is July 14-28

Candidates who wish to serve on the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board can file for the office beginning Tuesday, July 14, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28.

Two questions approved by PLSAS board for fall levy, referendum ballot

The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board approved at its June 8 meeting two questions that will be included on the special election ballot put before voters in November.

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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.

June 11 and 25 | Free Community Plate meal - Shepherd of the Lake
Community Plate, offering a free meal to all, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on the second and last Thursday of each month in 2026.
June 12 | Veteran Cafe - Club Prior
Held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month, this informal gathering offers coffee, treats and a welcoming space for veterans to connect and share stories.
June 12 | Coin Carnival - Lakefront Park
The event will feature games, prizes, food and fun from 4 to 7 p.m. Families can play a variety of carnival games for a chance to win prizes.
June 24 | Outing to Cedar Lake Farm - Club Prior
Attendees can take part in a boat tour of the lake, fish from the pier, check out birds nesting within the park or test artistic skills with watercolor painting.
June 24 | Line Dance Party - Club Prior
Join for beginner-level instruction between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with open dance from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For ages 18 and up. Popcorn and beverages will be available.

Prior Lake News Compass is grateful for the financial
support received from these Founding Donors:

  • Albrecht Poss Foundation

  • Bob and Lisa Conzemius

  • Den and Sandy Gardner

  • Pat and Norma Klein

  • Lakefront Music Fest

  • McKnight Foundation

  • Prior Lake Lions Club

  • Prior Lake-Savage

    Optimist Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Club

  • Prior Lake Rotary Foundation

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Prior Lake News Compass is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that depends on donations from our readers. Please consider making a financial contribution to help us with our ongoing expenses.

Checks can also be mailed to:

Prior Lake News Compass
PO Box 75, Prior Lake, MN 55372