Meet the 9 organizations being recognized during the Acts of Excellence celebration in Watertown
Every day, South Dakotans do extraordinary things. Founded in 1974 and named by the SD Legislature as the “Official State Hall of Fame,” the South Dakota Hall of Fame Champions a Culture of Excellence in South Dakota by honoring the impact of individual excellence, one act at a time; and inspiring young people to chase their dreams; while all striving to improve the quality of our lives in South Dakota.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame's Acts of Excellence program recognizes the individuals and organizations who are helping young people chase their dreams in building a culture of excellence in South Dakota. A celebration will be held on Thursday, April 15th at the Lake Area Tech College Event Center Level 4 in Watertown from 4:30 - 6:00 pm CT. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend the celebration and recognition of 9 new Acts of Excellence Recipients in the region. Thank you to Sanford Health for sponsoring this event!
Meatball Ministry not only fills stomachs but also feeds the soul
It has been said that the fastest way to someone's heart is through their stomach. Gene and Betty Torness of rural Big Stone City have taken that concept and expanded upon it to create the Meatball Ministry. What started as a thoughtful gesture towards aging parents, this idea has turned into a community fellowship program, providing meatballs to those in need of a good meal and a boost of spirits. Averaging 12 dozen meatballs each week, the kind act now goes beyond the traditional church family reaching the ecumenical community and outlying areas of NE South Dakota. Read more.
Restoration of Goss Opera House an Act of Historic Preservation
Through the generosity of donors and the hard work of the Watertown community, the decade-long project to restore the 130-year-old Goss Opera House to its rightful place as a community centerpiece is nearing completion. The renovation project, begun in 2008, was scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2020. More than $2.85 million has been committed to the project, a noble effort to preserve and restore for future generations. It is envisioned as a main gathering place for the community, housing businesses, and special events such as concerts, and performances. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has called the Goss a cultural landmark. Read more.
Lake Area Tech Students Reach for the Stars
Securing internships are program requisites for many students in higher education, and Lake Area Technical College uses partnerships and collaborations to give its students the best possible educational experiences. Over the last five years, students in Lake Area Technical College’s Electronic Systems Technology, Robotics, and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs have successfully participated in competitive internships with NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, at sites across the nation. Navigating the intricate application process and being accepted into Internships like these show that the sky really is the limit for students enrolled in programs at Lake Area Tech in Watertown. Read more.
Mellette Memorial Association Preserves State History and First Governor’s Home
Back in 1943, a group of Watertown area citizens faced a daunting task – save and restore the Mellette House. The Mellette House was home to Arthur C. Mellette, last governor of Dakota Territory and first governor of the state of South Dakota. Although the house had been an elegant structure when the Mellettes lived in it, after they left Watertown in 1895, the house slowly deteriorated. By 1943 the house was in such sad shape that the fire department condemned it. That’s when concerned citizens stepped in. The Mellette Memorial Association was formed and continues their work to this day. Read more.
SDSU Extension Offers Lakota - Dakota Games Guide
The Extension Service at South Dakota State University is providing a resource guide to a series of traditional Lakota and Dakota games. Content for the resources was provided by Jeremy Red Eagle of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Mike Marshall, a Sicangu Lakota artist. The goal is to restore and re-introduce traditional games, which were once taught for survival but now are played for fun. The resource, including photos and instructions on how to play and how to construct game pieces, is easy to use and promotes physical activity for families, teachers in classrooms, tribal programs and museum presenters, among others. Read more.
Terry Redlin Center Showcases Artwork, Encourages Aspiring Artists
The Terry Redlin Art Center is a magnificent complex that showcases the South Dakota native’s masterpieces. Terry Redlin’s works of art are well known and admired throughout the country, and his story and legacy are captured in the Art Center. But besides the focus on the art that Redlin created, the Terry Redlin Art Center is a place where the facilities and the programs expose young people to the world of creativity and encourage them to explore their own artistic passion. The Art Center also includes 30 acres of park and wetlands areas surrounding the center, called Redlin’s Living Painting. Read more.
Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1054 continues helping others
Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1054 continues to help Vets in need and salutes Hospital Personnel and First Responders. In 2020 this chapter gave $26,000 to Vets in Need and organizations that support Vets in addition to money for ROTC scholarships, the State Veteran Cemetery in Sioux Falls, and the Salvation Army. In addition to serving veterans of NE SD and their families, the chapter recognizes the "unsung" heroes of today–Healthcare workers and First Responders. Taking every effort to be responsible and generous, this group donates their time and support beyond the Color Guards and Honor Guards to outreach in 9 counties of NE SD. Read more.
Watertown Coalition Champions Programs for Healthy Youth
A coalition in Watertown is showing it’s serious about making the community a safe and nourishing place for its youth. Watertown Healthy Youth organized a few years ago as a community coalition to focus attention on educating young people and parents on the risky behaviors and choices that can affect the health and safety of children and teens. As the WHY website puts it, "We identify specific concerns affecting our youth, and organize/promote ways the community can work together to make Watertown a healthy and safe place for our youth." Watertown Healthy Youth is the measure of a community’s heart. Read more.
WW Tire Shows Relentless Drive to Satisfy Customers
After years of working for other employers in the tire business, Wayne Weelborg took the challenge in 1975 of starting his own business. What began as a modest tire shop has grown into a sustainable family operation. Each of the Weelborg children, along with their spouses, work for WW Tire, and the business has locations in several South Dakota cities. Customer satisfaction has always been the driving force for WW Tire from the day it opened. Local folks say Wayne’s relationship with customers and his relentless desire to provide outstanding customer service represent a daily pursuit of excellence worthy of recognition. Read more.