Watertown Community Hall of Fame Names Dave Wolsky and Dr. Clark Likness as 2026 Inductees
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Community Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 inductees, honoring two longtime leaders whose contributions have shaped athletics, healthcare, economic development, and public service across the community. This year’s honorees are Dave Wolsky and Dr. Clark Likness.
The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, lasting contributions to Watertown through leadership, service, and dedication.
Dave Wolsky: Athletic Pioneer, Public Servant, Business Leader
Wolsky’s impact spans youth athletics, civic leadership, and local business.
As a varsity basketball and golf coach at Watertown High School, he led the Arrows to state runner‑up finishes in 1978 and 1980 and brought Harlem Globetrotters‑style excitement to local sports. He founded and coached the “Little Arrows” ball‑handling team from 1977 to 1981, a choreographed youth performance group remembered fondly in the community.
Wolsky also served as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown, co‑founding the Interstate Basketball Tournaments that brought nearly 300 youth teams to the region. His leadership helped drive major building and expansion campaigns.
In economic development, Wolsky led the Watertown Development Corporation, championing growth in the Airport Industrial Park and strengthening partnerships with Lake Area Technical College. He later served as a South Dakota State Representative, known for door‑to‑door engagement with constituents.
Wolsky and his wife Charlene owned Taco John’s in Watertown from 1975 to 1995, growing it into one of the top‑performing locations nationwide.
Dr. Clark Likness: Visionary Physician, Educator, and Advocate
Dr. Clark Wayne Likness, M.D., is being honored for more than four decades of service in medicine, education, and community advocacy.
Dr. Likness practiced family medicine in Watertown from 1981 to 2019, serving as Chief of Staff for Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Medical Director of Brown Clinic. He has held leadership roles on the Avera Health Board, Avera Health Insurance Board, and Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation Board, where he serves as president in 2026.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Likness taught at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, directed the South Dakota Family Medicine Rural Residency Program, and instructed EMT and paramedic courses. He spearheaded the rollout of Automated External Defibrillators across northeastern South Dakota and was named South Dakota Family Physician of the Year in 2003.
His advocacy includes co‑founding the Lake Area Child Protection Team, instructing state and federal child protection professionals, and establishing the South Dakota Legislature’s “Doctor of the Day” program—where he has volunteered for more than 40 years.
Dr. Likness has also served as Medical Advisor for Codington County Search & Rescue, volunteered during the COVID‑19 pandemic, supported Honor Flights, mentored youth at the Boys & Girls Club, and served as a Wish Granter for Make‑A‑Wish South Dakota & Montana.
He is also known for bringing joy to the community through music and decades of volunteer clowning with the Northeast Shrine Club.
Induction Ceremony Details
The 2026 Watertown Community Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held:
Friday, October 9, 2026 11:20 a.m.
2nd Street Station – 15 2nd St. SW, Watertown
Tickets are available at watertownsd.com or by calling the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce at 605‑886‑5814.
About the Hall of Fame
The Watertown Community Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements have made a meaningful impact on the community from 1960 to the present. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving local history and celebrating leadership, service, and excellence.
More information is available at watertownsd.com/watertown-hall-of-fame.
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