The mayor of Bowdle has been recognized for making significant contributions to his municipality and community.
Rick Boschee received the Excellence in South Dakota Municipal Government Award earlier this month (Oct. 2025) from the South Dakota Municipal League.
Boschee was nominated by his colleagues at the City of Bowdle, who also lauded his leadership style. He is known to remain calm under pressure, listen more than he speaks, and treat everyone with dignity. The nomination also noted that “…with a quick sense of humor, he brings levity when it’s needed most, easing tension and reminding us that working together can—and should—be human.”
“I’ve seen others receive this award over the years, and I never really thought I’d be in that category,” said Boschee. “So, to be honored with the Excellence Award from the South Dakota Municipal League is truly humbling. I’m grateful to our City Finance Officer for the nomination and for all the hard work she does for our town. In a small community like Bowdle, it’s really about all of us working together—and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
For more than two decades, Boschee has committed himself to the betterment of his community—first as a council member, then as council president, and for the past 18 years as mayor. Through it all, his leadership has been steady, his commitment unwavering, and his integrity beyond question.
Boschee was recognized not only for his time in office, but for how he leads. Not one to be confined to a city hall desk, he often works alongside the street supervisor during maintenance, attends meetings at the city-owned hospital, and rolls up his sleeves to donate blood. He serves at community fundraisers, volunteers at the library, and steps in to help families in their most difficult moments – all tasks that reflect the heart of true public service.
One of Boschee’s deepest commitments has been to the city-owned hospital. While not involved in daily operations, he has been a steadfast advocate, strengthening communication between hospital leadership and city hall, promoting its value to the community, and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and sustainable for residents.
Boschee’s civic involvement stretches across nearly every corner of community life. He served multiple terms as president of the town celebration board, led the local golf club, and guided his church as board president. He’s been a library Reading Buddy and helped with the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, ensuring resources for programs that keep the library thriving.
Beyond formal roles, his compassion is evident in the quiet ways he serves. He assists with funeral coordination at the local funeral home, approaching this solemn responsibility with empathy and care. He’s been known to deliver flowers, help customers select greenhouse plants, or simply lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
Boschee’s service also extends beyond city limits. As a district chair of the SDML for four years, he’s been a strong advocate for municipalities across the region, working directly with legislators to support bills that strengthen communities statewide. His voice has been an important one for smaller cities, ensuring they remain part of the conversation at the Capitol.
At that same meeting, President of the Board for the City of Roscoe Leland Treichel was elected president of the South Dakota Municipal League.
As president, Treichel will lead 18 other municipal employees and elected officials from across South Dakota to comprise the Board of Directors for the Municipal League, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that facilitates the cooperative improvement of municipal government in the state.
Leland Treichel, President of the Board for the City of Roscoe, was elected president of the South Dakota Municipal League at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 3, 2025.
Courtesy photo.
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