A historic all-legislators' reunion set for Saturday
They're coming together to celebrate the 100th regular session of the South Dakota Legislature. A special committee spent time during the past year on organizing the gathering.
There promises to be plenty of reminiscing throughout the big day. A 2 p.m. CT ceremony in the Capitol's spacious rotunda will be followed by music from the South Dakota National Guard Band and food later that afternoon at the Ramkota Convention Centre.
LIST: $9.1M in federal spending cuts in SD
Gov. Larry Rhoden, who served Meade County for 16 years as a state lawmaker, will be one of the Capitol program's speakers. The emcee is former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels of Yankton, who holds a rare distinction of serving as a two-term speaker of the House.
Others on the program are former Sen. Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton, who will read a commemorative poem titled 'The One Hundred and Five' which he wrote for the occasion, and Spearfish artist Dick Termes, who was commissioned to portray the Legislature's history so far with a Termesphere that will be unveiled and hang in the Capitol.
Former lawmaker Larry Tidemann of Brookings will speak about the history of the Legislative Research Council, the non-partisan professionals who work year-round providing support to lawmakers, and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls, who served on the planning committee while still a legislator, will recap that group's work.
The Capitol's first floor has temporary displays from the South Dakota State Historical Society collection, highlighting items used during the 100 sessions and featuring biographies of some of the lawmakers who accomplished 'firsts' during their service in the Legislature.
Venhuizen told KELOLAND News that about 400 men and women have purchased tickets for the big day.
'This is the culmination of a lot of great work by our committee. I think legislators enjoyed celebrating history during the 100th session and it will be fun to commemorate this milestone with many current and former legislators,' Venhuizen said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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