Jericho Jones Crowned Miss Milbank 2025 at Snow Queen Festival

Jericho Jones was crowned the new Miss Milbank during the 2024 Snow Queen Festival presented by The Valley Express. Jericho, a senior at MHS, is the daughter of Jenette Benscoter and Dion Jones. She was sponsored by First Bank & Trust, BNJ Electric, and Core 24 Fitness. 

Ella Sandvig, daughter of Brian and Janel Sandvig, was selected as the first runner-up. Gemma Street, daughter of Jesse and Nikki Street was named the second runner-up. Each of the three winners receives a scholarship. Ella was also selected as Miss Congeniality. 

Little Miss Milbank for 2025, Hawley Kirchberg, is the daughter of Craig and Brianna Kirchberg. Little Miss Milbank was chosen (by chance) from a bevy of 27 kindergarten princesses. Kimber Downes, daughter of Justin and Brigette Downes was announced as the co-Little Miss Milbank. Kimber is currently undergoing cancer treatment and was unable to participate in the Festival.

The event marked the 61st Anniversary of the Snow Queen Festival in Milbank. Olivia Wendland, Miss Milbank 2024, and Brooklyn Gertsema, Little Miss Milbank 2024, crowned their successors. Wendland also presented her farewell address. 

The Mystery Snowman was revealed to be Pat DeFea, a native of Milbank and owner of DeFea Transportation. Melody Kunde was the first reader to identify DeFea as Frosty and submit her guess to The Valley Express. She won $150 in Ol’ Mill Bucks.

Jenna Schulte and Paula Tobin entertained the Festival guests with vocal selections to start the holiday season and celebrate America. They were accompanied by pianist Miriam Schwenn, who also played throughout the evening. Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker served as the emcee.

Jericho, as Miss Milbank 2025, advances to compete in the 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen Festival. The Festival is held in Aberdeen in January.

Coming soon! More photos and highlights of the 2024 Snow Queen Festival!