The Watertown Community Hall of Fame exists to recognize individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the Watertown, South Dakota community.

Through this honor, we celebrate leadership, service, innovation, and dedication — ensuring the stories of those who helped shape Watertown are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Our Mission

The mission of the Watertown Community Hall of Fame is to:

• Honor individuals whose achievements and service have made a meaningful impact on Watertown beginning in 1960 to present day
• Preserve local history by recognizing community leadership and excellence
•  Celebrate the people who have helped the community grow, thrive, and succeed in modern day Watertown

The Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization and is dedicated solely to recognition, not profit.

Who We Honor

Hall of Fame inductees are individuals who beginning in 1960 to today:

• Have demonstrated noteworthy accomplishments that benefited the Watertown community
• Have made contributions recognized by community leaders and peers
• Represent excellence in leadership, service, business, education, civic involvement, or philanthropy

Inductees may be current or past residents whose impact on Watertown today is clear and enduring.

DAVE WOLSKY

Dave Wolsky’s multi-faceted contributions have shaped both Watertown’s youth and its commercial growth for decades.

DR. CLARK LIKNESS

Dr. Clark Likness’ lifelong commitment to compassionate care has left an indelible mark on Watertown and the surrounding region.

The induction process

Inductees are selected through a formal, confidential voting process governed by the Hall of Fame’s Articles and By-Laws.

VOTING STRUCTURE

An 11-member Board of Directors evaluates all candidates. The Board includes:

• Five Executive Committee members representing key community leadership roles
• Six volunteer Community Voting Members with staggered terms

VOTING REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must receive at least seven (7) votes (64%) to be inducted
• Votes are cast by secret ballot and tallied by an independent local CPA firm
• Candidates not selected remain on the active candidate list for future consideration
• If no candidate meets the minimum vote threshold, an induction event is not held.

Executive Committee Members include:

• Melissa Herrboldt, KXLG Radio
• Ried Holien, City of Watertown
• Brad Johnson, Executive Member At Large
• Cammie Mengwasser, Watertown Area Community Foundation
• Tim Sheehan, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

Hall of Fame Legacy

Any surplus funds from induction events are used to:

• Support scholarships honoring Hall of Fame inductees
• Benefit qualified Watertown High School graduates pursuing education at Lake Area Technical College
• This ensures each inductee’s legacy continues to impact future generations.

The Watertown Community Hall of Fame is a celebration of community pride, history, and leadership. By attending the induction ceremony, submitting nominations, or sharing the stories of our inductees, you help keep Watertown’s legacy alive.

Community Nominations

The Watertown Community Hall of Fame welcomes community-submitted nominations.

If you know someone who has made a significant contribution to Watertown, we encourage you to submit a nomination for consideration.

MAKE A NOMINATION

Nominations may be submitted:

By mail: PO Box 1113, Watertown, SD 57201

By email: coc@watertownsd.com

In person at the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce office (Kemp & Broadway)

All written nominations are reviewed and considered by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

The 2028 Hall of Fame Nomination Deadline is March 31, 2028. 

Community Partnerships

The Watertown Community Hall of Fame proudly partners with organizations that support and strengthen its mission, including:

Watertown Area Community Foundation – founding support and financial stewardship

Redlin Art Center – permanent Hall of Fame display location

Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce – operational and event coordination

Local media partners, including KXLG Radio – storytelling and promotion

These partnerships ensure the Hall of Fame remains a respected, community-centered tradition.  

Watertown Community Hall of Fame Inductees