Watertown Names 2026 Community Builder Award Winners
- Steve Jurrens
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Strong communities aren’t built on blueprints alone—they are built by the people who show up every day with a commitment to making things better. This week, Watertown officially recognized five such individuals as the recipients of the 2026 Watertown Community Builder Awards.
The awards, which celebrate residents who go “above and beyond” in both their professional roles and their civic lives, highlight the backbone of the local workforce. From supporting students to guiding financial futures, this year’s list of honorees reflects the diverse talent and heart found within the city limits.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
This year’s class of Community Builders represents a wide cross-section of Watertown’s professional landscape:
· Kelly Jaderborg – Boys and Girls Club
· Carmen Bakken – Edward Jones (Merle Tschakert / Bailey Van Sickle)
· Morgan Hoff-Nelson – Real Estate Professionals
· Denise Ragels – Beacon Center
· Kevin Lauseng – ESCO-Stein Sign
According to organizers, these individuals were selected for their consistency, character, and the “small things done right” that help local organizations thrive and relationships grow.
Recognition at “Night of Development”
The community is invited to celebrate these recipients during a formal ceremony on March 24th. The presentation will be held on the 4th Floor of the Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Student Union as part of the larger 2026 Night of Development programming.
The evening is designed to be more than just an awards ceremony; it’s an event centered on community growth and personal inspiration.
Event Schedule | Activity |
5:00 PM | Doors Open |
5:45 PM | Featured Speaker: Mike Donahue |
7:00 PM | Community Builder Awards Ceremony |
“These honorees remind us that it is often the everyday efforts—done with pride and purpose—that shape a thriving community,” the announcement noted.
The event is open to the public, and attendees can enjoy snacks and drinks throughout the evening as they network and celebrate the local impact of Jaderborg, Bakken, Hoff-Nelson, Ragels, and Lauseng.
