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Prior Lake News Compass
Thursday, March 19, 2026
As spring continues its glacial approach, Prior Lake City Council has been busy with decisions on ordinances and franchise agreements. Looking ahead to next school year, the Prior Lake-Savage School District is set to rename two buildings and a young adult program. Local sports fans can also celebrate former PLHS head coach Joe Block, who will be inducted into the Wrestling Association Hall of Fame for his 25-year career.
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Top Story
Casey Adams, director of Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue, is joined by her young son, Wally, building manager Catie Leisure and two puppies that were recently put up for adoption.
Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue has foster opportunities, aims to get homeless dogs placed in forever homes
More than 10,000 four-legged friends have been adopted into new homes in the past decade, thanks to the efforts of Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue.
The rescue center was chosen as the winner of Prior Lake Rotary's "Signature Project" grant in 2024 that had five local organizations vying for one award of up to $1 million. The funding enabled the foster-based operation to purchase and renovate an existing building located near Eagle Creek Avenue and 170th Street.
The building is not used as a shelter facility, and no dogs live on site. It is now, however, in a position to expand services beyond facilitating pet adoptions and short-term foster placements. Micro chip scanning services are available. Nail clipping and dog grooming are future options being considered, as well as the offering of canine vaccine clinics.
Its mission has always been to place homeless dogs into caring homes within the Twin Cities area through offering quick and easy adoptions to qualified persons and families, according to Casey Adams, director of Spot's Last Stop.
City
Cable franchise agreements extended for Nuvera, Mediacom
The Prior Lake City Council approved the extension of two cable franchise agreements with Nuvera and Mediacom for the next five years at its March 10 meeting. A memo drafted by City Manager Jason Wedel referenced state franchise laws created in the 1980s that addressed only cable television.
 | Election sign, portable toilet ordinances amended by Prior Lake City CouncilThe fall election season is right around the corner, and based on the complaints received in years past about where candidate and voting signs were placed, city officials recommended it was time the existing ordinance addressing that issue was changed. |
Schools
 | Two PLSAS buildings and one program to be renamedTwo buildings within the Prior Lake-Savage School District will be renamed at the start of the 2026-27 school year, along with a program for young adults. The changes will be needed when one elementary ceases to be used as a neighborhood school, the current District Services Center building is sold, and the Transitions program is updated to reflect current goals. |
 | Achievement, Integration plan approved by PLSAS board in a 4-3 split voteDeans at Glendale and WestWood elementary schools shared their experiences working with students during the board’s discussion regarding the district’s proposed three-year Achievement and Integration (A&I) plan to increase student achievement and reduce academic disparities. |
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 4-10
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
 | Former PLHS coach being inducted into Wrestling Association Hall of FameJoe Block, head coach of the Prior Lake High School wrestling team from 2001 through 2025, will be recognized next month, both as a former top high school athlete and for the many records he earned during his 25-year coaching career. |
Nature
 | Tekiela: Native to North America, coyote is close relative of gray wolfOn my recent photo tour to Yellowstone National Park, we had a hard time finding any wolves. The gray wolf is always our main species that we want to find and capture images, but on this year’s trip, it just wasn’t happening. |
Featured Event
March 23 | Free Cyber Scams Class - Club Prior
Reports of people getting scammed through telephone calls or using their computer continue to grow in frequency. A free class is being offered on Monday, March 23, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The class will be led by Kindahl Larson, who will outline the top scams hitting the area right now, real-life Minnesota cases and statistics, how to spot red flags before it’s too late, what to do if you or a loved one gets scammed, resources for victims and steps for recovery. The class is open to all, and no registration is required.
Events
March 20 | World Down Syndrome Day - Twin Oaks Middle School
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at Twin Oaks Middle School. The free event will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to all ages. Games, prizes, crafts, music, face painting, inflatables and other activities are planned. Food vendors will also be on site.
March 21 | PL Band Mattress Sale - Prior Lake High School
A mattress sale to benefit Prior Lake Band activities will be held on Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Prior Lake High School.
March 21 | PLAY 'Try-It' Cheerleading Clinic - Twin Oaks Middle School
Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (PLAY) will host a cheerleading "try-it" clinic on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Twin Oaks Middle School.
March 21 | Party in the Club - Club Prior
Kids and families are invited to the "Party in the Club" being hosted at Club Prior from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21.
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 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.
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