Olivia Foell was crowned the new Miss Milbank in front of a sold-out crowd during the 2025 Snow Queen Festival presented by The Valley Express. Olivia, a senior at MHS, is the daughter of Dr. Matt and Heather Foell. She was sponsored by Chiropractic In Motion, Pivotal Joy Dance, and Schmidt’s Landing. Kalli Grong, daughter of Evan and Angela Grong, was selected as the first runner-up. Yanderyn Olivares, daughter of Carlos Olivares and Isela Zuniga was named the second runner-up. Each of the three winners receives a scholarship. Elyssa Tomac, daughter of Scott and Nikki Stengel, was selected as Miss Congeniality.
Little Miss Milbank for 2026, Leighlah Sheperd, is the daughter of Rebecca and Tyler Ruhr. Little Miss Milbank was chosen (by chance) from a covey of 23 kindergarten princesses. Alicia and Tenley Adelman assisted the Little Miss candidates.
The event marked the 62nd Anniversary of the Snow Queen Festival in Milbank. Miss Milbank 2025 Jericho Jones and Hawley Kirchberg, Little Miss Milbank 2025, crowned their successors. Jones and Kirchberg also each presented a farewell address.
The Mystery Snowman was revealed to be John Trevett, a native of Milbank and Food Services Director in the Milbank School District. Bre Schwandt was the first Valley Express reader to identify Trevett as Frosty. She won $100 in Ol’ Mill Bucks.
Gillian Mattice entertained the Festival guests with vocal selections to start the holiday season and celebrate America. Gillian was accompanied by pianist Miriam Schwenn, who also played throughout the evening. Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker served as the emcee. Jody and Brody Ninneman served as special assistants on the day of the Festival.
Olivia as Miss Milbank 2026, advances to compete in the 2026 South Dakota Snow Queen Festival. The Festival will be held in Aberdeen in January.
Staff
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