The South Dakota Department of Transportation is unveiling the winners of this year’s snowplow naming contest.
Each year, the DOT names a snowplow in each of the state’s 12 districts based on suggestions from the public. The contest closes in mid-December. DOT staff vote on the winners.
Officials say the goal is to engage with the public while also encouraging driving safety awareness during the winter season.
“I want to thank our SDDOT winter maintenance staff members for their dedicated efforts to keep our roads clear and travelers safe during winter weather,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “We truly strive to be the primary resource for South Dakota travelers throughout the year, and I appreciate those who regularly use SD511 to guide their travel decisions, whether during the height of a winter storm or summer construction.”
Winners of this year's contest include:
Aberdeen area: Iceorilla, named by Trinity Lutheran 4th and 5th graders in Aberdeen
Belle Fourche area: Rhinestone Plowboy, named by Lantis Enterprises in Spearfish
Custer area: Sleddy Roosevelt, named by Hill City Elementary 3rd graders
Huron area: Cutting Edge Express, named by Hand County Auditor's Office
Mitchell area: Plowverine, named by Armour Elementary 4th graders
Mobridge area: White Warrior, named by McIntosh Elementary 5th graders
Pierre area: Buzz Ice Clear, named by Jordana Sayler of Pierre
Rapid City area: Mount Slush NO More, named by Drive Safe South Dakota/Office of Highway Safety
Sioux Falls area: Frost Force One, named by Nolan Allen of Harrisburg
Watertown area: Scraping By, named by Mike Marshall of Bryant
Winner area: Scoopy Scoopy Doo, named by Jones County preschool class
Yankton Area: Stormin Norman, named by Troy Rosenbaum of North Sioux City
This is the sixth year of the contest. All named snowplows from the previous five contests are in active service within the DOT fleet across the state, official said. Additional information, including past winners, is on the DOT's website.