2019 Hall of Fame Inductees
The SDML Hall of Fame honors those elected and appointed officials and employees who have served municipalities in South Dakota for 20 or more years.
Mike Wendland, Baltic, 21 Years Mike grew up in Baltic. Graduating from Baltic High School and then Augustana College with a B.S in Business Administration. Mike served on the Baltic City Council for 4 years prior to becoming Mayor. Mike served as the Mayor of Baltic for 18 years. Mike worked for Citibank for 31 years. Currently Mike is the City Administrator and Economic Development Director for the City of Baltic. Mike and his wife Dawn have three children: Jadin, Connor and Jacie.
Nora Erhart, Belle Fourche, 20 Years Nora, the treasured baby of her family, her mother's miracle and apple of her daddy's eye, grew up in Platte, South Dakota. She graduated Platte High School as salutatorian and went on to study at the University of South Dakota at Springfield. It was there she met Cal, and after obtaining their degrees they were married and began their life together. While growing their family, they settled a few times in eastern South Dakota and Minnesota before finally finding their home in Belle Fourche in 1987. Before beginning her work with the city, Nora was secretary of the United Methodist Church and valued employee of Office Emporium as well as occasional part-time gig driving a bus. During this time perhaps her most appreciated (and challenging) job was raising her 4 children, who have now all re-settled in the area with their families, including her 5 grandsons and 4 granddaughters for whom Nora will gladly do anything. In her spare time, she loves camping (with her furry friends Molly, Maddy, and Misha), reading, baking, and watching (and collecting) movies.
Rick Boschee, Bowdle, 20 Years In Rick Boschee’s 20 years of serving the City of Bowdle, he has filled the roles of both Alderman and Mayor within the city, as well as serving as the District 6 Vice President. In Bowdle, the City owns our hospital so our City Council also serves as the Hospital Board of Directors. During the last 20 years that Rick has been in public service, he has helped guide the facility from a three million dollar revenue facility to an eight million dollar revenue facility. Both the City and Hospital are thankful for all of Rick’s hard work!
Diane Haivala, Buffalo, 42 Years Diane Haivala retired on June 30, 2019 after serving the Town of Buffalo, SD for 42-years. She is deserving of the Hall of Fame award not only because she excelled in her position as Finance Officer, but because her love and dedication to Buffalo is something truly special and unique. She would spend time after work and on weekends pulling weeds around town. When the recently hired Finance Officer needed to spend time with her husband during his final days, Diane willingly came out of retirement for a month to ensure Buffalo's office was able to remain open and running.
Karen Leffler, Canton, 26 Years Karen has worked for the City of Canton for 26 years as the Deputy Finance Officer. In that time she has helped navigate the City through growth and several changes. She has been integral part of Planning & Zoning. Karen has learned nearly every aspect of the City in her time here. Karen has lived in Canton for 50+ years. She enjoys playing cards and spending time with her family and friends.
Dan Bridenstine, Deadwood, 20 Years Dan began his employment with the City of Deadwood Parks Department as a laborer on January 29, 1999. He transferred to the Street Department as an equipment operator on April 9, 2001 and still holds that position today. Dan is married to Renee and they have two children and six grandchildren. Dan looks forward to retiring someday.
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SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
