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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, April 9, 2026
This week brings significant developments in the Scott County legal system, including a major indictment and a sentencing that hits close to home. Meanwhile, the local landscape is shifting as Prior Lake reevaluates its park plans and our school district faces a potential leadership change at the top. On a lighter note, we’re looking ahead to the Class of 2039 starting their journey and a brand-new girls' flag football clinic hitting the turf this May!
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Top Story
Harvey Muklebust
Daycare worker indicted on first-degree murder charges following infant's death
Theah Loudemia Russell has been indicted on two charges in the death of Harvey Gene Muklebust and two charges of assault against another child, identified in court records as “P. K.,” that occurred at Rocking Horse Daycare in Savage last fall.
Russell, now age 19, was indicted on the following charges: premeditated murder in the first degree; first-degree murder while committing child abuse with a past pattern of child abuse; assault in the first degree (great bodily harm); and assault in the first degree (great bodily harm).
The decision was handed down by a grand jury and unsealed on Wednesday, April 8, according to Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar. It was then announced that afternoon in the courtroom of Judge Christian Wilton at the Scott County Justice Center in Shakopee.
News
 | Credit River woman sentenced in 2024 murder of boyfriendScott County Sheriff Luke Hennen and Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar announced Tuesday that Jennifer Lynn Lieber, 47, of Credit River, was sentenced by Judge Caroline Lennon to 306 months for murdering her boyfriend. |
City
 | City looking at new options following fall park referendum failureCity staff and Prior Lake City Council members have spent the past four months developing an alternative approach to manage the city's extensive park system after voters rejected a parks master plan referendum last November. |
Schools
 | PLSAS superintendent is semi-finalist for same role in HopkinsDr. Michael Thomas is one of six semi-finalists being considered for the superintendent's position for Hopkins Public Schools. Thomas began his role as superintendent within the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District on July 1, 2022. Originally from Minnesota, Thomas served as superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11 before accepting the local position. |
 | PLSAS hosting open house events on May 11 for fall kindergarten enrolleesIt may be hard to believe, but children graduating in 2039 will be starting school in the fall. Parents and guardians of incoming Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools kindergarteners are invited to bring their child to an open house scheduled at their school on Monday, May 11. |
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: March 23-29
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
 | PLAY hosting first-ever girls' flag football clinic on May 2Girls’ flag football is growing fast across the country, and local girls can now learn more about the sport through a flag football clinic for girls in grades 3 through 8 being held through Prior Lake Athletics for Youth. |
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Featured Event
 | April 15 | "Patterns of Grooming in Schools" - Spot's Last Stop Canine RescueThe community is invited to an informative presentation on "Patterns of Grooming in Schools" on Wednesday, April 15, led by Jennifer Mayerle, senior investigative reporter for WCCO-TV. Grooming is a predatory process through which adults solicit children using manipulative behaviors to build a false sense of trust. The process can take months or years. Sexual abuse can follow, and grooming could also lead to human trafficking. |
Events
April 9 and 30 | 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.
April 11 | Beginning Archery class - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Join outdoor recreation school instructors while enjoying a fun archery session filled with beginner instruction, colorful targets and spring-inspired challenges. The class is scheduled to run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The program is open to beginners or those who have tried the sport in the past.
April 13 | “Morning Stretch and Stroll” - Cleary Lake Regional Park
Developed in partnership with Club Prior, the "Morning Stretch and Stroll" is a casual, quick walking club for adults age 55 and older who are looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a paved path at a distance of just over a mile.
April 16 | PL Chamber’s “Spring Showcase” - Shepherd of the Lake
The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce will host a "Spring Showcase" from 5 to 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature local businesses and fresh ideas for the season.
April 17-26 | “Shrek the Musical” - Twin Oaks Middle School
The Prior Lake Players will bring "Shrek the Musical" to the Twin Oaks Middle School stage during multiple scheduled performances.
April 20 | Loon presentation by Stan Tekiela - Club Prior
Local naturalist and professional photographer Stan Tekiela will be at Club Prior from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a presentation on loons. The class fee is $5 if a reservation is made in advance of April 20 and increased to $7 if made the day of the event.
April 25 | Spring book sale - Prior Lake Library
A huge selection of books will be available at the Friends of the Prior Lake Library spring used book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room.
April 28 | Cleyvis Natera book signing - Prior Lake Library
Author Cleyvis Natera will be visiting the Prior Lake Library at 7 p.m. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and she will take time to sign them after the reading.
May 6 | Cook Book Club - Prior Lake Library
The Prior Lake Library's large meeting room will be filled with crockpots and delicious aromas when the "Cook Book Club" meets at 6 p.m. The quarterly gathering has been hosted since the fall of 2024 and is open to all residents who enjoy great food and sharing cooking experiences.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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