The annual scholarships provide opportunities for two members to attend the hearings; one to an individual that has not previously attended an ICC Code Hearing, and one to an individual that has attended a previous ICC Code Hearing in the past. Funds can be used to attend the in- or out-of-state ICC code hearings of their choice.

SDBOA will reimburse the recipients for expenses related to the training including registration, lodging, transportation, and meals not included in the training package. The scholarship winner must keep all receipts and submit them for approval. 

Applicants must be a voting member of the SDBOA as well as a voting member of the ICC (or become one prior to scholarship award).

Apply online at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/buildingofficials. Applications are due June 1.

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This annual tournament brings municipal electric officials and product vendors together in a fun environment.

Personnel from SDMEA member communities participate for free.

Sponsors register for a team and can invite individuals from SDMEA member communities to join them. If you're interested in participating but you haven't been asked to join yet, sign up and we'll match you with a team.

Lunch and a short program will be held once all the teams have finished.

Learn more and register at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events.

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Synova Nicolaisen, Lisa Marso, and Nancy Walker will headline Human Resource School (HR School), which will takes place the afternoon of June 9 through the morning of June 10.

Nicolaisen, owner of Black Hills HR Consulting, will provide a session that helps HR professionals turn their employee handbook into a clear, compliant, and effective tool.

Marso, a partner at Boyce Law Firm and the appointed attorney for the City of Brandon and Split Rock Township, will present “HR Do’s & Don’ts”, providing attendees with valuable information and best practices.

Walker, who serves as the Deputy Director of Southwest Health and Human Services, will present a session on generations in the workplace, which will provide attendees with multi-generational tips and tricks for the workplace.

Finance Officers’ School (FO School), which follows HR School on the afternoon of June 10 to June 12, will be headlined by Leah Braun and Camisha Brown.

Braun, Chief of Staff for the City of Rapid City, will share insights on the “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” based on the book of the same name by Patrick Lencioni, where attendees can explore actionable techniques to “foster an environment where individual strengths empower the collective mission of public service.”

Brown, Executive Assistant to the County Administrator and Clerk to the Board of Supervisors for Dinwiddie County, VA, will present a session called “Difficult Situations, Respectful Solutions: Navigating Unhappy Citizens with Confidence.” Attendees will learn how to de-escalate tense interactions, set clear boundaries, and respond effectively to emotionally charge concerns, all while effectively navigating with transparency, professionalism, and respect.

Both trainings will take place at the Cedar Shores Conference Center in Oacoma during the same week, June 9-12. The consecutive events allow municipal employees who serve in both roles to easily attend both.

To view the full agenda and to register for the trainings, visit the event website.

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Registration: $50 - SoDACE member; $90 Non-member

Annual spring meeting where members learn about and discuss current topics in code enforcement. Includes announcement of Code Enforcement Officer of the Year recipient.

Learn more/register: sdmunicipalleague.org/events

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Registration is now open to city managers and administrators, chiefs of staff, assistant/deputies, and department heads. 

Chad Wright, founder of Forward Partners, will work with participants in a day-long session focused on leadership development and values development. The second half of the conference will focus on the theme and mapping for SDCMA in 2026-27.

Participants will also have networking opportunities both Wednesday evening prior to the conference start, as well as Thursday at the conference location. 

For the full conference details and registration, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events.

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The award recognizes a member of the association who has made significant contributions to their municipality as a finance officer and to their community as a citizen.

“Finance officers serve a crucial role within South Dakota municipalities and are well known for going above and beyond in serving their organizations,” said Association President Michelle DeNeui of Spearfish. “Finance officers are also known for serving their communities through participation in community groups and activities.”

The award will be presented during the association’s annual Finance Officers’ School, held June 10-12 in Oacoma, SD.
Nominations can be submitted online at sdmunicipalleague.org/FinanceOfficers. Nominations are due May 1.

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Police Chiefs' and Sheriffs' Conference

April 15-17, Deadwood

Annual joint conference of the SD Sheriffs' Association and the SD Police Chiefs' Association where members gather to learn about and discuss recent topics in law enforcement.

Learn more/register: sdmunicipalleague.org/events

Due: March 15

Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to their municipality as a code enforcement officer and their community as citizen. Award presented at the association’s spring meeting.

Learn more/submit nominations: sdmunicipalleague.org/CodeEnforcement

Due: April 1

Provides funds for an association member from a second- or third-class municipality to attend the SD Governmental Human Resource School (HR School) in June.

Learn more/apply: sdmunicipalleague.org/HumanResource

Due: April 1

Provides funds for continuing education for an association member. Applicants may apply for a scholarship to attend Finance Officers' School (FO School) in June or another professional development class/college course of their choosing.

Learn more/apply: sdmunicipalleague.org/FinanceOfficers

Due: April 1

Provides funds for an association member to attend a training of their choice to enhance their performance of duties as a code enforcement officer.

Learn more/apply: sdmunicipalleague.org/CodeEnforcement

March 18-20, Harrisburg

Brings together city managers, deputies and assistants, and department heads from across the state to share ideas, build connections, and shape the future of municipal leadership in South Dakota. The featured speaker is Chad Wright of Forward Partners who will present Embracing Healthy Leadership and Creating a Thriving Organization.

Learn more/register: sdmunicipalleague.org/events

April 7 in Rapid City; April 9 in Sioux Falls

Registration: $85 SDBOA member; $105 non-member

This seminar introduces critical concepts of the Performance Compliance Method of the 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC). An understanding of the intent of the performance compliance method is built through reviewing the details of the categories for each performance attribute then doing a real-world application of the method.

Learn more/register: sdmunicipalleague.org/events

April 7-8, Flandreau

Registration: $200 SDMEA member; $225 non-member

Annual operations conference that provides a wide range of technical and educational presentations with a vendor expo and networking opportunities.

Learn more/register: sdmunicipalleague.org/events

Nominees must work at a Sheriff’s Office or Police Department that participates in the Office of Highway Safety High Visibility Enforcement program. The nominee must be a sheriff/sheriff’s deputy or police officer who has displayed a well-rounded effort for traffic safety through enforcement, community education, and training. The nominee shall have demonstrated a commitment to enforcing traffic safety laws while promoting and educating their community through significant contributions throughout the year.

Nominations are due by Dec. 31 to robert.weinmeister@state.sd.us and should include the nominee’s name, rank, office, and outstanding efforts. Personnel making the nomination must include their contact information as well.

The timeframe for consideration of the award is the federal fiscal year, Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The announcement of the winner will be made at the Police Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Conference in April.

The award honors Ken Prorok, Chief Deputy Sheriff for Moody County Sheriff’s Office, who died Feb. 2, 2024, while assisting another agency in a traffic related incident. The award keeps Prorok’s memory alive as someone who had a positive impact on his community in a variety of different ways. One of those ways was through his traffic safety efforts.

Corson County Sergeant Mike Varilek was named the recipient of the inaugural award in April 2025.

Learn more about the award at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/PoliceChiefs.

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GOSCMA (Great Open Spaces City/County Management Association) Conference

Aug. 6-8, Kalispell, MT

Registration: $175+

The annual conference of local government managers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-goscma-annual-conference-tickets-1109418032199

HR Department of One: Strategies for Success, SD Dept. of Labor and Regulation

July 10, virtual

Offers practical tools to manage compliance, hiring, and strategy – without losing your mind. Presented by Alternative HR.

Learn more/register: https://dlr.sd.gov/calendar

June 10, Aberdeen

This Wildlife Hazard Management training is required for any airports with Part 139 certificates and commercial operations.
Learn more/register: rhea.ketterling@aberdeen.sd.us

Officer of the Year Award
Sheriff Dave Ackerman, McPherson County

McPherson County Sheriff, Dave Ackerman, was recognized for an investigation he began in 2021 which ended up in federal court after multiple victims were discovered in several states. The individual was convicted in 2024 in federal court and is currently serving a 25-year sentence in federal prison. 

“Sheriff Ackerman takes every opportunity to ensure South Dakotans live in communities where public safety is a priority and the improvement of our communities is a mandate,” said South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations Director Dan Satterlee. “He never seeks the spotlight yet is always at the forefront of every issue with sound advice and the wisdom that comes with his tenure.”

The award recognizes exceptional achievement in any police endeavor, including extraordinary valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community policing, traffic safety, drug control and prevention, juvenile programs, and training programs. It is presented jointly by the SDPCA and SDSA.

Sheriff Ackerman was nominated by the United States Attorneys Office for the State of South Dakota and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations.


Citizen’s Award of Merit
John E. Erpenbach, RN/CNP

John E. Erpenbach, RN/CNP was nominated by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office for his unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to law enforcement in Minnehaha County and across South Dakota. 

Erpenbach has spent 43 years helping individuals by specializing in psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, forensic evaluations, and geriatric mental health. His expertise in psychiatric care and crisis intervention are invaluable not only within the Minnehaha County Jail but also to law enforcement personnel. His skills in hostage negotiations and crisis response have led to collaborations with other law enforcement agencies as well. One area of value has been providing support in officer involved shootings. 

“While we may never fully know the extent of the lives he has changed, we are profoundly grateful for his dedication to those who serve and protect,” said Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead.

The Citizen’s Award of Merit is presented to a citizen, company, or group who performed an exceptional act or demonstrated a continued pattern of actions that furthered the missions and goals of the SDPCA and SDSA, or who have made a significant contribution to the law enforcement profession in the State of South Dakota. It is presented jointly by the SDPCA and SDSA.


Ken Prorok Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award
Sergeant Mike Varilek, Corson County

Corson County Sergeant Mike Varilek was named the recipient of the inaugural Ken Prorok Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award.

Sergeant Varilek was nominated by Corson County Sheriff Alan Dale for the invaluable contributions he makes to keep South Dakota highways safe. 

Sergeant Varilek is a K9 Handler, K9 Instructor, drug recognition evaluator (DRE), DRE Instructor, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Instructor, and Radar Instructor, all of which assist other law enforcement and the community to keep our roads safe. 

He also participates with a multijurisdictional criminal enforcement team, which requires travel to six other counties to assist with highway safety and drug interdiction efforts. 

The Ken Prorok Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award will be given out annually by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Highway Safety to recognize the outstanding efforts of a South Dakota law enforcement officer who has made significant impacts in highway safety in their community.

The award honors Ken Prorok, Chief Deputy Sheriff for Moody County Sheriff’s Office, who died Feb. 2, 2024, while assisting another agency in a traffic related incident. The award keeps Prorok’s memory alive as someone who had a positive impact on his community in a variety of different ways. One of those ways was through his traffic safety efforts. 

Prorok wore many hats in his law enforcement role. He was a supervisor, mentor, and co-worker. He supervised the Moody County Sheriff’s Office Highway Safety grant program, taking an active role in working many of the hours available to make a difference on traffic safety through High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) efforts. 

Prorok was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, coaching baseball, volleyball, and softball. His efforts have impacted all members of his community, regardless of age. He built many relationships and was a strong role model. 

For photos of the award winners, see the June issue of South Dakota Municipalities magazine.

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Learn more and apply online.

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The scholarship provides funds for two association members to attend an in- or out-of-state ICC Code Hearing of their choice. One scholarship will go to an individual that has not previously attended an ICC Code Hearing, and one will be awarded to a previous attendee. 

Applicant must be a voting member of the SDBOA and a voting member of the ICC or become one prior to scholarship award.

Apply online at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/BuildingOfficials.

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The scholarship provides funds for an association member to attend a training of their choice to enhance their performance of duties as a code enforcement officer. Learn more and apply on the scholarship application webpage.

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This annual tournament brings municipal electric officials and product vendors together in a fun environment.

Sponsors register for a team and can invite individuals from SDMEA member communities to join them. If you're interested in participating but you haven't been asked to join yet, sign up and we'll match you with a team.

Personnel from SDMEA member communities participate for free.

Lunch and a short program will be held once all the teams have finished.

Learn more and register at www.sdmunicipalleague.org/events.

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Attorney Lisa Marso will headline Human Resource School (HR School), which will take place the afternoon of June 10 through the morning of June 11.

Marso, a partner at Boyce Law Firm and the appointed attorney for the City of Brandon and Split Rock Township, will present sessions on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Workers’ Compensation/leave.

Life Coach Nikki Johnsrud will be the keynote speaker for Finance Officers’ School (FO School), which will take place the afternoon of June 11 to June 13.

Johnsrud will present two sessions:

• Joy Reinvented - Johnsrud will share her incredible story of discovering self-worth, joy and peace. She will discuss how many of us fall into the trap of believing that everything is our responsibility, as a woman, mother, and self-diagnosed people pleaser. Learn how to rectify that belief and set yourself free. Johnsrud will help you feel less alone and connected to one another. For an experience where you may find yourself saying, “me too” and “I thought I was the only one who thought that.”
• The Real-Life Struggle Between Work and Home and How to Find Your Compass - Johnsrud will share her personal story of this struggle. How she went from doing it all and never saying no. She will take you into the depths of the negative self-talk that many of us have when we are trying to be all things for all people. Show you tools that are beneficial for helping find your compass and stay the course of a better work-life balance.

Both schools will take place at the Ramkota Convention Center in Pierre during the same week from June 10-13. The consecutive events allow municipal employees who serve in both roles to easily attend both.

To view the full agenda and to register for each of the trainings, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org.

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