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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, October 30, 2025
District officials for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools said their preferred scenario for school boundaries is the most resistant to future change. The five proposals were laid out at a Monday study session, with the board making a final decision Nov. 10.
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A “rubbing” of his friend’s name included on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial was a treasured memento brought back from a trip to Washington, D.C. (photo submitted by T.J. Mannion)
Prior Lake resident reflects on 20-year Navy career, serving his country and ‘Honor Flight’ experience
As a former commercial pilot, Prior Lake resident Tim “T.J.” Mannion flew in and out of Washington, D.C., many times. On Oct. 6, he again headed to the nation’s capital for a one-day trip of a lifetime.
Mannion and his daughter, Leslie Hagen, were on an “Honor Flight,” a nationwide program established 20 years ago to bring surviving veterans to visit national memorials in Washington that are dedicated to those who served. Priority is given according to age and a participant’s ability to make the trip. They joined 188 other veterans, their guardians and medical personnel who gathered that day at 5 a.m. at the Hubert H. Humphrey airport terminal.
City
 | Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4; early voting ends MondayVoters will determine next Tuesday, Nov. 4, who will next serve on the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board, with Dustin Smith and Jon Conlon running for one seat that will open early next year. Residents will also vote on the City of Prior Lake’s $60 million bond referendum for future park and trail improvements. Early voting ends on Monday, Nov. 3. |
News
 | Prior Lake man arrested for threatening scooter riders with gun released on bondScott County prosecutors charged a Prior Lake man with two weapons charges Monday after threatening three people for being noisy while riding an electric scooter, according to court documents. Prosecutors said Trent Fuller Olson, 33, pointed a gun from a balcony Friday night at Water Tower Place Condos at the people riding the electric scooter in the complex’s parking lot, according to charging documents. The court released Olson from jail Tuesday after he posted a $20,000 cash bond, with additional agreements he relinquish his firearms and have no contact with the victims. |
Schools
 | School board officials say preferred boundary reorganization scenario would result in fewer future changesPrior Lake-Savage Area Schools director of operational services Dan Powers said Monday an advisory committee’s preferred school boundary reorganization plan was more future-proof, though the cost difference between the top two potential solutions was minimal. The plan, introduced as Scenario E at an Oct. 14 Finance and Operations Advisory Committee meeting, would see no changes to start times, though 679 students would switch schools. Powers said Scenario E offered more flexibility in areas where growth is likely to happen, limiting the potential need for change. |
Obituaries
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: October 14-21, 2025
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
 | Prior Lake pulls away from White Bear Lake 49–22, sets up rematch with MinnetonkaThe Prior Lake Lakers opened the Class 6A postseason in dominant fashion on Friday at Dan Patch Stadium. Quarterback Drew Brinkman accounted for three touchdowns and runningback Luke Watkins rushed for 113 yards and two scores as Prior Lake defeated White Bear Lake 49–22 to earn a rematch with Minnetonka for a trip to state. The win moved Prior Lake to 5–4 overall and extended its streak of second-round playoff appearances to four consecutive seasons. |
Events
Oct. 31 | Candy Crawl - Downtown
Ghosts, goblins and other costumed characters will be on the hunt for treats in downtown Prior Lake during the annual “Candy Crawl” sponsored by the City of Prior Lake.
Nov. 1 | Fall harvest archery - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Beginner and seasoned archers are invited to take aim at pumpkins and other harvest-themed targets during an event from 1 to 3 p.m.
Nov. 3 | Cardio, strength and balance class - Club Prior
A class focusing on cardiovascular health, building functional strength and improving balance will begin on Monday, Nov. 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The class is intended to produce a full-body workout designed for active adults who wish to stay healthy and independent.
Nov. 5 | Talk with author, photographer and columnist Stan Tekiela - Club Prior
Stan Tekiela, popular author, photographer and local columnist, will be discussing his new book, “Bears of North America,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tekiela will explain in an entertaining way the different kind of bears along with sharing some memorable stories from his adventures in the wild through which he was able to capture incredible images.
Nov. 6 | Laker Educational Foundation fundraiser - Spring Lake Farm
The Laker Educational Foundation will host the third annual “Sip and Support” farm-to-table dinner featuring seasonal appetizers and a three-course plated meal.
Nov. 7 | Dinner honoring U.S. Marine Corps - Prior Lake VFW
The 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps will be hosted at the Prior Lake VFW Club from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The live band "Peace Mission" will be part of the celebration.
Nov. 7 | Piece It Together Puzzle Challenge - Hidden Oaks Middle School
Families and friends can compete in either an adult or family division puzzle challenge from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Teams of up to four participants can register for the event. The family division must have at least two members age 12 and under. The entry fee includes a puzzle to take home and a pizza for each team.
Nov. 7 | PLHS Class of 1970 reunion - The Pointe
The Prior Lake High School Class of 1970 will be hosting its 55th class reunion beginning at 5:30. All class members are welcome to attend.
Nov. 8 | Historic architecture special event - The Landing in Shakopee
Visit structures from the 1800s and discover how builders relied on the natural environment to provide the materials to create their homes in the Gothic, Victorian and Cottage styles. The program is designed for children age 6 and up. Those who are 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Nov. 15 | ‘Burger Bash’ fundraiser - Prior Lake VFW
A fundraiser for the Prior Lake boys' basketball team will be held with several food and drink options available for sale. Proceeds will be used to support the 2025-26 Prior Lake High School boys' basketball team.
Mondays in November | Senior line dancing classes - Club Prior
Seniors who are looking to find a way to incorporate exercise with a little fun are invited to sign up for a four-week beginner line dancing class being held at Club Prior.
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