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- Prior Lake News Compass
Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Spring is officially in the air, and we’re kicking things off with a heartwarming look at how local parents are making our playgrounds more inclusive for every student. Our community is buzzing this week with everything from essential hydrant maintenance to the exciting news of our speech team heading to nationals. Grab a coffee and dive into the latest updates, local sports milestones, and upcoming events around town.
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Top Story
New equipment being selected as part of the "Every Buddy's Playground" project could be used by all elementary students.
Local parents working together to make playgrounds accessible for all children attending Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Tracy Fleming and Michelle Lindell have shared a vision in which all students are playing alongside their classmates on the school's playground.
In the past, that vision was reserved for wishful thinking. Each woman has a child with special needs, and over the years, they have witnessed too many times in which their child was forced to sit on the sidelines due to accessibility issues while watching other children play.
Fleming and Lindell had no knowledge of each other until two years ago, but became fast friends for the common goal of making local elementary playgrounds accessible and inclusive for all students. "Every Buddy's Playground" was soon launched thereafter, and with the help of school personnel, local service organizations and other parents, it's their goal to have a playground area at each elementary school available within the next three years that meets the needs of all children.
City
 | Public Works Department flushing hydrants throughout cityHydrant flushing is done each spring to purge the system of small mineral deposits and to identify hydrants and valves in need of repair. It typically takes several weeks to flush nearly 1,800 hydrants throughout Prior Lake. It’s not unusual for residents to experience discolored water, pressure changes, or increased chlorine odor. |
 | Two members of Prior Lake Fire Department promotedTwo current members of the Prior Lake Fire Department were officially promoted to new positions during the March 24 city council meeting. Dave Ahmann, an 11-year veteran of the department, will serve as the assistant chief. |
Schools
 | Manders named new principal for Five Hawks Elementary SchoolLisa Manders was approved by the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board to serve as the next principal of Five Hawks Elementary. Manders will succeed Katy Schuerman who is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. |
 | PLHS Speech Team members qualify for upcoming national tournamentMembers of the Prior Lake High School Speech Team are headed back to the national stage after earning multiple qualifications for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament being held this summer in Richmond, Virginia. |
More School News
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 10-17
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
 | Keeley Mohling named 2026 Athena Award winner for PLHSPrior Lake High School senior Keeley Mohling has been named the school's 2026 Athena Award recipient. The award is given to one senior female athlete from each participating school who has distinguished herself in special individual athletic achievement or superior achievement in one or more sports. |
Events
March 29 | Prior Lake Lions Club Breakfast - Prior Lake VFW Club
The Prior Lake Lions Club will host an Easter-themed pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prior Lake VFW Club.
April 15 | "Patterns of Grooming in Schools" - Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue
The 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.
April 16 | PL Chamber’s “Spring Showcase” - Shepherd of the Lake
The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce will host a "Spring Showcase" on Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.
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 performances scheduled between April 17-26.
In Case You Missed It
Top clicked stories from last week
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