Much-deserved praise for public service excellence
New awards will recognize community pillars
Communities across central Minnesota have a new chance to celebrate their local champions.
Nominations are open through August 7 for Sourcewell’s new Public Service Recognition Awards. These awards will recognize outstanding individuals in regional local government, public safety, and nonprofits who help their regions thrive through bold, creative thinking and dedication.
Eligible individuals must serve Sourcewell’s region of central Minnesota, which includes Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Awards are divided into three categories:
- Local Government: cities, counties, townships, or other government associations
- Public Safety: municipal or tribal police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments, first response teams, or ambulance services
- Nonprofit: 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing services in the region
“We’ve got to celebrate excellence wherever we see it, and when better to start than Public Service Recognition Week?” says Charitie Herbst, Senior Director of Community Solutions at Sourcewell. “Our local leaders keep our communities thriving, but they rarely get the recognition they deserve. These exciting awards will tell just a few of the many, many stories of excellence throughout our region.”
Nominations are now open at the page below and will close on Aug. 7. Recipients will be recognized for their achievements in fall 2026.
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Sourcewell is a local unit of government serving central Minnesota. As a service cooperative, it is a self-funded agency charged by Minnesota state statute to partner with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success.
For more information, please contact community@sourcewell-mn.gov.