Snowplow Naming Contest returns for fifth year
The fifth annual Snowplow Naming Contest hosted by the South Dakota Department of Transportation is now open and will run through Friday, Dec. 6.
Over the past four winters, SDDOT has engaged with thousands of South Dakotans in the annual naming of snowplows. On average, the SDDOT contest draws 700 submissions each year.
"We are truly the primary resource for South Dakota travelers throughout the year. We know that the work we do to advance safety is critical, whether during construction season or during a multi-day blizzard," said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. "To ensure our travelers are informed, we recently added our annually updated winter travel alerts and road conditions resource page on our website to share vital road-related conditions and updates."
Entrants can find the Snowplow Naming Contest graphic on the SDDOT home page at dot.sd.gov . This graphic links to the contest page and the online entry form. Multiple entries can be made through the online form. Once voting closes in early December, the SDDOT will announce one officially named snowplow within each of the 12 SDDOT geographic areas across South Dakota.
The Blizzard Bracket also provides additional opportunities to engage with the public and promote winter safety messaging. More than 70,000 votes were cast during the first Blizzard Bracket competition. The Blizzard Bracket is held in March and April and includes all previously named plows.
In addition to providing the latest press releases for Interstate closures and reopening status, the site features links to SD511. The resource page at dot.sd.gov/winter-info also includes real-time photos and videos of snowplow operators at work to provide a first-hand look at current winter weather conditions.
For the latest on road and weather conditions, please use sd511.org or dial 511. , a free service that allows users to receive text messages and/or email notifications with road closure updates and travel advisories along routes of your choice. You can also download the SD511 app to your smartphone to have the latest information at your fingertips.
A key initiative the SDDOT recently developed is an expanded partnership with South Dakota counties and tribes. This winter, counties and tribes will be able to enter their No Travel Advisories and Road Closures directly into SDDOT's SD511 Traveler Information System. This localized information will further advance communication efforts with South Dakota travelers.
Our best Rapid City staff photos and video of October 2024A collection of some of our best photos from October of 2024.
Scenes from the Wednesday, Oct. 2 Freshman Impact simulated drunk driving car crash. Scenes from Wednesday Oct. 2 Freshman Impact simulated drunk driving car crash. Rapid City Central junior running back Brayden Jackson (24) fights past defenders for a chunk of yardage during the first half of the Friday, ... BHSU redshirt senior Doodle Quinones (26) celebrates after recovering a muffed punt during the fourth quarter of the 139th Black Hills Brawl b... Philip senior quarterback Talan Haynes (12) prepares to chuck the football deep during the first half of a Friday, Oct. 4 contest between the ... Left to right: Barb Schuch, Michele Freed, Kimmy Hayes, Dianne Ellwein, Caran Smith, Apryl Ghents, Lisa Ficek, Ruth Patterson, Stephanie Schon... Rapid City Christian junior Joaquin Petrik (5) attempts to block a kick from Belle Fourche freshman defender Brahnson Brink (2) during the fir... Philip junior running back Tyce Gropper (2) collects a pass during the first half of the Friday, Oct. 4 matchup between the Scotties and Hill ... Spearfish junior Adelyn Bouman (3) throws down the hammer past St. Thomas More senior Alexa Scherr during Tuesday's contest between the Sparta... Spearfish junior goalkeeper Ryder Allbright stops a Rapid City Stevens shot on goal during a matchup between the Spartans and Raiders, held th... Joe Guttierez of Pennington County Juvenile Services poses with his white BHSU helmet, a memento of his time as a Yellow Jacket. Bennett County eighth grader Peyson O'Neill goes up for a kill during the Lakota Nation Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Summit Arena at Th... St. Thomas More freshman outside hitter Lauren Poeppel (12) and Philip sophomore Kale Peterson (10) battle at the net during the first set of ... South Dakota Mines fifth-year quarterback Jake Martinelli (12) fires a pass down the field during the first half of the 139th Black Hills Braw... A local climber tackles a route at Wrinkled Rock near Keystone. Bennett County freshman Reagan O'Neill goes airborne before hammering down a kill during the Lakota Nation Invitational, held on Saturday, Oct... A local climber tackles a route at Wrinkled Rock near Keystone.
