SDML Elects New Leadership

TOP: Steve Allender addresses the membership as 2021-2022 SDML president. BOTTOM: Allender accepts the gavel from outgoing president Debbra Houseman Oct. 8 in Spearfi sh.

A possible record crowd attended the annual business meeting Oct. 8 in Spearfi sh, where SDML members approved incoming leadership for 2021-2022.

Steve Allender, mayor of Rapid City, accepted the role of president. In his address, he encouraged members to be involved, be heard, and be passionate.

"I believe that city government is the most important level of government," he said. "The League is here to amplify the city voice in South Dakota."

Allender also stressed the importance of working together - with each other, but also with other government entities - in order to make a difference.

Allender succeeds Debbra Houseman, Lake Andes, as president after an unprecedented twoyear term. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all 2020-2021 League positions were carried over from the previous year, the only time that has occurred in the history of the League.

Duties for new positions began immediately. The full list of the 20212022 SDML leadership can be found online and on page three of this publication. ■

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY...

In addition to meetings and professional development sessions, the SDML conference offered several opportunities for participants to interact in a more casual setting. TOP LEFT: Opening entertainment for the President's Reception Thurs. night was provided by SDML staff David Pfeifl e and Yvonne Taylor, Abigail Nold (daughter of Lisa), and SDML staffer Lisa Nold. The group entertained with classic songs like Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" and several sing-alongs, including a South Dakota version of Willie Nelson's and Merle Haggard's "It's All Going to Pot" with lyrics customized by Pfeifl e. TOP RIGHT: Comedian Brad Upton closed out the entertainment Thurs. night with relatable jokes covering everything from teenagers to marriage to aging not-so-gracefully. BOTTOM RIGHT: A group takes the "party bus" downtown to the Passport to Spearfi sh event Wed. night. Just out of frame is Michelle DeNeui, Spearfi sh, who rode the bus throughout the night to play tour guide to participants. ■