The Prior Lake News Compass

Reconnect with nature during a guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Led by a certified practitioner in partnership with Scott County, this mindful, sensory experience is designed to reduce stress and boost mood through slow, intentional connection with the outdoors. Unlike a traditional hike, the focus is strictly on presence and relaxation. Check out the event details below. Eligibility: Open to adults ages 18 and older.

Prior Lake music fans and boaters can catch live music right from the water during an upcoming floating concert featuring Mark Miller Band, hosted on Grainwood Bay Aug. 1, beginning at 1 p.m. The outdoor performance is designed specifically as a boat-up event, and community members are encouraged to drop anchor and listen from any watercraft, including motorboats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

On Thursday, July 23, from 3-4 p.m., local teens ages 12-18 can unleash their creativity at the library during a hands-on “Junk Journaling” workshop designed to turn everyday scrap materials into personalized keepsakes. Participants will learn how to design and construct their own custom journals using a wide array of repurposed papers, photos, decorative stickers, and crafty embellishments. The library is providing all necessary supplies for the project free of charge.

This report is based on information submitted by the Prior Lake Police Department. All calls for service may not be included; all subjects arrested and named are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. July 6, 2026 Traffic Criminal: A 41-year-old St. Paul man was arrested for misdemeanor fourth-degree DWI. The arrest was made at 8:31 a.m. near Flandreau Trail and Mystic Lake Boulevard.

Prior Lake High School wrestler Liam Collins earned a second place finish in the U.S. Junior Nationals tournament held July 10-18 in Fargo, N.D. Collins, a senior at PLHS this fall, reportedly dominated the 144-pound Grecco Roman bracket through the semi finals. He also received All-American honors. The top eight finishers in each weight class receive that honor. Collins competed in a bracket with 100 of the best wrestlers in the country, with each representing their state.

A spunky 17-year-old celebrating her birthday with friends at the Casa Loma Ballroom in St. Louis, Mo., had no idea how fate-filled that evening in 1955 would become after meeting one very handsome serviceman. As the young, newly-introduced couple danced to the tunes being performed by Bill Haley and the Comets, Jack VonFeldt, then 18, knew that night he wanted to get to know Beverly Balmer much better.

After a contentious interchange during its regular meeting held July 20, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted to continue the district’s membership with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Membership with the organization allows the district’s students to participate in sports and activities with students from over 500 other high schools throughout the state.

The Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education gave unanimous approval on July 20 to officially place two school funding questions on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The board’s action finalizes the ballot language and is the official step required for the questions to appear on the November ballot. Question 1 will ask voters to consider a new operating levy to help fund day-to-day school operations and programs.

Elizabeth Cibuzar, an incoming fifth-grade student in the SAGE program at WestWood Elementary, captured first place in the Freshman Division at the 2026 International Braille Challenge Finals held June 26-28 in Los Angeles, Calif. The Braille Challenge is the only international academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or visually impaired.

Race for first was between Green Heights and Snell’s Bar; the SMSC announces plans to build new event center next to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Editor’s note: The weekly “Prior Lake in the Past” column contains summary excerpts of news items published in the Prior Lake American during decades from the past.