By Robert Williams

Editor

Three of the five award winners at the 2026 United Way of Becker County’s Celebration of Heroes have ties to Frazee. The event honors individuals or groups who go above and beyond to make Becker County thrive.  ¶  Steve Daggett, Madison Olson and the Frazee-Vergas High School youth group My Voice is Powerful (MVP) were joined by retiring Sheriff Todd Glander and Eagle Scout Peyton Malecka Thursday, April 23 at the Holmes Ballroom of the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center (DLCCC).  ¶  Olson received the Individual Community Spirit Award; MVP got the same award as a team and Daggett was the recipient of the 2026 Bob and Michelle Harris Award. United Way of Becker County began awarding the Bob & Michelle Harris Memorial Award in 2002 to select individuals in the community who embody the spirit of leadership, community involvement, and hometown spirit. Named for Bob and Michelle Harris, tireless and enthusiastic supporters of United Way of Becker County, this award honors the kind of extraordinary heroism personified by Bob and Michelle.

Thursday’s event was emceed by the United Way of Becker County’s Executive Director Terry Haus.

Below are significant portions of the award introduction speeches, followed by comments from the winners. One of the unique aspects of the event is the award winners do not know they have been awarded anything until their introduction leading to unprepared acceptance speeches that range from the humorous to emotional and inspiring. The Harris Award is the last awarded of the evening.

Community Spirit Team Award

MVP was introduced by Positive Community Norms Grant Coordinator Karlie Lehmann and represented by students Selene Tieden, Sophie Wiseman and Haylee Bladow as the Frazee-based youth group was honored for their outstanding dedication, service and powerful voice in building a stronger, more vibrant community.

“I am honored to acknowledge a group that displays what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead with purpose, creativity, and heart,” Lehmann said. “Composed of 35 students in grades 7 through 12, this remarkable group has made a lasting impact not only within their school, but throughout the entire Frazee community.

“Over the past year, these youth have gone beyond simply participating—they have led. From enhancing local spaces like Wannigan Park and Hank Ludtke Park, to bringing art, kindness, and Positive Community Norms messaging into classrooms and hallways, these students have worked tirelessly to create a culture of connection, inclusion, and positivity. Their efforts span environmental initiatives, youth mentorship, community events, and meaningful partnerships with local organizations.

“Whether organizing events, supporting their peers, or meeting real needs through service projects, this group continues to demonstrate that leadership has no age requirement. Their commitment to making a difference reflects the very best of Frazee.”

Wiseman spoke on behalf of the group highlighting MVP’s efforts to combat student alcohol and drug use in the Frazee community by providing alternatives and positive messaging. She highlighted MVP leading the upcoming tree planting at Wannigan Regional Park. Over 7,000 trees are expected to be planted in the coming weeks.

“I’m really happy that our group got this award because we’ve been working really hard,” Wiseman said.

Haus followed by discussing the decision-making process of how the committee receives nominations noting it can be overwhelming reading about all the good that is being done in the area.

“If you lift kids up and give them an opportunity to shine, they really do,” he said. “I think what stood out about the MVP group is…it’s not only what they are doing inside their school but it’s what they’re doing outside their school.”

2026 Bob and Michelle Harris Award

Hause gave an emotional introduction to Daggett, calling Steve a true champion of community, whose passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment helped shape Detroit Lakes into the vibrant place it is today. 

“As President and CEO of Midwest Bank, he has fostered a culture where giving back is not optional—it is a core value,” said Haus. “He leads by example, inspiring employees, businesses, and community members alike to invest their time, talents, and resources into making a meaningful difference.

“His impact can be seen throughout the community. From his leadership on numerous boards and committees to his hands-on volunteer work with organizations like the Salvation Army, Becker County Food Pantry, and Rotary. He consistently shows up and gets involved. Steve has played a key role in initiatives that enhance quality of life, support economic development, and bring people together—from Music on the Mountain to helping build the DLCCC Backyard.

“One of his most remarkable achievements came in 2025, when his leadership helped secure $1 million in funding for local nonprofits through the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Member Impact Fund—creating lasting impact across the region.

“What truly sets him apart is the heart behind his leadership. He builds relationships, listens deeply, and believes that strong communities are created when people come together with purpose. His vision has inspired others to step up, give back, and help create the “wow factors” that make Detroit Lakes such a special place to live, work, and play.

“Steve and his wife Michelle have raised their three children, Adam, Maren, and Helena in Detroit Lakes and are proud to call this community home. His passion for Detroit Lakes is evident in everything he does.”

After recovering from surprise, Daggett gave a moving speech off the cuff making several important points through stories such as raising money for Detroit Mountain with Mark Fritz. He also gave a couple nods to Madison Olson for her fundraising abilities at such a young age.

“Maddie, she’s crushing it, so she’s got this figured out,” he said.

Daggett also lauded the Detroit Lakes area for the giving nature of the people in it.

“We’re so lucky to live here,” he said. “This is a powerful night. It’s powerful to see the program partners and the great job that they do but it’s also powerful to know there is a need for those program partners. You guys are all heroes and it’s just fun to be a part of. This is a recognition I will never forget.”

Community Spirit Award – Individual

Madison Olson was introduced as a young leader whose vision, determination, and heart for community have already made a lasting impact by Shelly Blauert.

“In August of 2025, Madison set out to turn an idea into something tangible for the City of Frazee, a place where people could gather, connect, and build community,” said Blauert. “What began as a spark during her time as Miss Frazee, inspired by her platform ‘Disconnect to Connect: Building Community Beyond Screens,’ quickly grew into an ambitious capital fundraising campaign to bring pickleball courts to life.

“She didn’t just share her idea; she put in the work. By building relationships, joining local committees, and meeting face-to-face with donors, she transformed vision into momentum. In just eight months, she raised over $206,000, more than double the anticipated pace, through sheer persistence, passion, and belief in what this project could mean for her community. 

“With the coaching from Creating Community Consultants and the Frazee Area Community Club, construction will continue as soon as weather permits. The hope is to finish the project before Turkey Days at the end of July.

“Her efforts are about more than courts, they’re about connection. She has recognized an opportunity to support local businesses, enhance community spaces, and contribute to the broader Frazee Forward revitalization efforts.

“Thanks to her leadership, this project is now well underway, with completion in sight.

And she’s not stopping there. This young woman is already looking ahead, with hopes of continuing to serve Frazee through future projects like a community splash pad and ongoing involvement with the Frazee Area Community Club.”

Olson told the crowd she was “completely shocked” to receive the award before describing how the pickleball court fundraising began.

“I had an idea to bring pickleball courts to Frazee, but I didn’t think it was really a thing that was going to happen,” Olson said. “I kind of threw it out there and thought this dream is bigger than me. We started last fall and it’s been really exciting.”

Haus thanked Olson for her efforts.

The cool thing when you see young people doing amazing things you know the future is bright,” said Haus.

Everyday Hero Award

Haus introduced Sheriff Todd Glander.

“This year our Everyday Hero recipient has dedicated 38-years of service to his community, proudly wearing the uniform and badge,” he said. Born and raised in Becker County, he began his law enforcement career there in 1989 when he was hired as a full-time corrections officer.

“While working full time at the jail, he also pursued his degree and served as a part-time licensed officer with the Becker County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, assisting full-time officers throughout the city and county. 

“In 1993, he joined the Detroit Lakes Police Department as a patrol officer, continuing his commitment to public safety. In 2006, he felt called to return to where his career first began and became a deputy with the Becker County Sheriff’s Office. His leadership and dedication led him to be elected Sheriff in 2014, a role he has proudly held for the past 11 years.

“Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of serving alongside many outstanding individuals. Together, they have consistently gone above and beyond the call of uty—something he not only exemplifies himself but also expects from his deputies and staff.

“After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations, he has decided that this will be his final term, and he will soon hang up his badge.

“To me, Todd is not only my hero, but he is also a hero to the citizens of Becker County, someone who has served every day with respect, integrity, and professionalism.”

Glander was emotional and taken aback for beginning his speech.

“I’m just a hometown boy that was able to live out their dream,” said Glander. “It’s been an honor to put this badge on every day starting as a corrections officer, auxiliary officer, DL Police, Deputy Sheriff and finally Sheriff. Talk about heroes, I’m humbled because the heroes are the ones that are out there right now—those working in dispatch, working in the jail, the deputies that are out on the road right now. They are the heroes and along with that are the heroes that watched their loved ones go out the door every day not knowing if they’re going to come back. I pray every night that I don’t get a phone call. They are the true heroes—the ones that watch their family members go out that door. I’m going to miss this profession; it will always be a part of me.”

Youth Everyday Hero

Troop 674 Scoutmaster Lance Akers gave an emotional introduction to Peyton Malecka, stopping twice to collect himself before continuing. After Malecka’s acceptance speech, Akers was also involved in a special honoring of Haus for his efforts.

“Peyton Malecka earned the rank of Eagle Scout with 17 palms—an extraordinary accomplishment demonstrating years of perseverance and excellence,” said Akers. “He has also earned the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, the highest honor in Scouting. 

“He led major projects including the cleanup of a 4.5-mile stretch of the Otter Tail River and the creation of an outdoor classroom and pollinator garden at the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes—projects that will benefit the community for years to come.

“As a leader, Peyton leads by example—working alongside others, building teamwork, and inspiring those around him. He has also brought together diverse organizations like the Izaak Walton League, the American Legion, and the Becker County Food Pantry to create meaningful partnerships and do great things for others.”

Malecka opened by thanking Akers and his family.

“I couldn’t have done this without you,” he said. 

He closed by discussing his three projects, including building the platform for the Howitzer that sits outside the Becker County Museum on the DLCCC complex.

For more information on the United Way of Becker County visit: uwbcmn.org