Royalty strikes the Ho-Chunk Nation this year. Karner Blue princess was named July 1, during the Karner Blue Festival in downtown Black River Falls. Kaylee Youngthunder, daughter of Seth and Tara Hoffman and Michael and Miranda Youngthunder, took the reign as Karner Blue princess this year.
“I ran because I wanted to be more involved in my community, and I wanted to be a good role model to kids.” said Youngthunder.
The Karner Blue princess participates in both the Karner Blue Butterfly Festival and Olde Fashioned Christmas parades put on by the Black River Falls Downtown Association, also participates in Black River Falls Downtown Association promotional events and Melrose, Taylor, Alma Center, and Merrillan parades.
Youngthunder is involved in many sports like dance, skating, basketball, volleyball, and softball. She enjoys activities like going to the local pool with friends and shopping at the mall. 
This year there was a total of five girls that ran for the crown, and two of them got on court. This year Youngthunder is accompanied by a first attendant, Mackenzie Dougherty, daughter of Justin and Danielle Dougherty.