Pianists from the music studio of Susan Karels presented a recital at Peaceful Pines in Milbank on Tuesday, December 16. Participating musicians:Front Row: Addison VanLith, Sofia Cano, Yanderyn Olivares Zuniga, and Alexa MartinezSecond Row: Jose Sanchez, Uziel Nonoal Mendoza, and Darin HagenNot pictured: Abril Ayala Ramirez Read more
First Baby of 2026 Born at Milbank Hospital Avera
Local News January 5, 2026 0
A bouncing baby girl – the first baby of 2026 – arrived at Milbank Hospital Avera on January 2. Merry Rose Loza Fuentes checked in at 8:28 p.m. She weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and measured 20 inches from the top of her head to her tiny toes.... Read more
Miss Milbank 2026 Olivia Foell feels it is important to be an advocate for literacy. As the guest of the MIlbank Elementary School and Principal Dave Graf, Olivia read stories to the students of Mrs. Lester, Mrs. Huber, Mrs. Scott, and Miss Essington. She also stopped by Mrs. Wagner’s... Read more
State Minimum Wage Increased January 1
Local News January 5, 2026 0
The state minimum wage for non-tipped employees increased from $11.50 per hour to $11.85 per hour. The change became effective January 1, 2026. The minimum wage is adjusted annually based on increases in the cost of living, as measured by the Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Department... Read more
Over 20 Milbank Middle School musicians auditioned for the 2026 SDMEA South Dakota Middle School All-State Band. This year will mark the 27th year of the event sponsored by the South Dakota Music Educators Association. Susan Karels, instrumental teacher for grades 6-12 in Milbank, prepared the students with assistance... Read more
Myla Vander Aarde
Obituaries January 5, 2026 0
Myla (Mogen) Vander Aarde, age 71, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on December 31, 2025. Myla was spicy and generous, always eager to help with any activity, whether it was decorating, gardening, or cleaning out cluttered or overgrown areas. No services are planned at this time. Myla... Read more
Allan Cameron
Obituaries December 28, 2025 0
Allan Cameron, age 94, of Wilmot, SD, passed away on December 25, 2025, at Wilmot Care Center. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmot. Rev. Dr. Peter Reynen will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church... Read more
Milbank Excel at Only Home Meet of the Season
Milbank Area Gymnastics December 26, 2025 0
The Milbank Lady Bulldogs hosted their only home meet of the season on Saturday, December 20. They finished fourth with 127.75 points. The varsity started out on vault with three of six personal best scores. Tenley started with a personal best and her first varsity vault debut with an... Read more
One of the tiniest fans of the Milbank Bulldogs made quite a splash in her sweet and snazzy cheer uniform during the Milbank vs. Dell Rapids basketball game at the Milbank Armory on Saturday, December 13. Head basketball coach Logan Diede and his wife Lauren, the school nurse at... Read more
Free Christmas Day Community Dinner in Milbank
Local News December 23, 2025 0
The 23rd Annual Free Christmas Day Dinner for All will be held at Parkview Church in Milbank from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 25. Everyone is welcome! No reservations are required. Don’t spend the day alone or without a traditional Christmas dinner. If your family is... Read more
