The South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships (SDATAT) held their annual meeting Dec. 7 and 8, at the Arrowwood at Cedar Shores in Chamberlain/Oacoma.

Each year the S.D. Association of Towns & Townships recognizes members of small towns and township boards in South Dakota that have served forty or more years as governing officials. The 40-Year Service Award was presented to John Blomster from Edmunds County, Pembrook Township having served 58 years; Mark Perkins from Brown County, South Detroit Township having served 51 years; Curtis O Rasmussen from Turner County, Swan Lake Township serving 42 years; and Mahlon Spurr from Brown County, Lansing Township served for 41 years.

SDATAT also recognized the 2018 scholarship winners. The $1000 scholarship was awarded to Matthew Sperry who graduated from Aberdeen Roncalli High School. His parents are Scott and Kathy Sperry from Bath Township, Brown County. The second place scholarship award of $500 was given to Faith Crissmann. She graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. She is the daughter of Korey and Wanda Freudenthal from Henry Township in Brown County. Both Matthew and Faith are attending SDSU for their college education.