The South Dakota Department of Transportation is accepting submissions for its sixth annual Snowplow Naming Contest. Names can be submitted to the SDDOT website, https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot/of-interest/sddot-snowplow-naming-contest/ and multiple entries may be submitted. The submission deadline is Dec. 12, 2025. Once the contest closes, SDDOT staff will vote for their favorite entries. In January, SDDOT will announce one officially named snowplow within each of its 12 geographic regions across the state. To date, 60 plows have officially been named through the contest and all of them remain in active service. Over the past five winters, the contest has averaged 700 submissions from individuals, classrooms and businesses. As part of the contest, SDDOT also creates snowplow and winter driving awareness coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and word finds for families and classrooms. New materials are available for download on the contest page at https://dot.sd.gov/snowplow. A few years ago, SDDOT added the Blizzard Bracket competition during the March Madness season. The Blizzard Bracket provides additional opportunities to engage with the public and promote winter safety messaging during the often snow-filled spring months. The Blizzard Bracket includes all named plows. In 2025, SDDOT partnered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) to co-host the Dakota Battle of the Blades, featuring top snowplow names from each state. When the final votes were tallied, “Thaw Patrol” (named by the first-grade class at Winner Elementary) was crowned champion over North Dakota’s “Plower Ranger.” SDDOT hosted a celebration at Winner Elementary for “Thaw Patrol” with Governor Larry Rhoden to celebrate the victory for South Dakota. Find photos and videos from the celebration here. SDDOT Winter Weather Hub: The SDDOT offers a one-stop web page for all winter-related road conditions at https://dot.sd.gov/winter-weather-hub. This web page provides press releases for South Dakota Interstate closures, links to SD511 services, real-time photos and videos of snowplow maintenance operations, downloadable safety posters, and additional travel resources. Interstate Closure Texts: To receive South Dakota Interstate winter-related closure updates, subscribe to a free text-in service. To subscribe, text SDInterstates to 605-836-8836. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time. SD511: For the latest road and weather conditions, please use https://www.sd511.org or dial 511. Sign up for customized notifications, a free service that allows users to receive text messages and/or email notifications about road closures and travel advisories along routes of their choice. The SD511 app is also available for download, providing travelers with real-time information at their fingertips. County and Tribal Information: Counties and tribes are able to enter No Travel Advisories and Road Closures directly into the SD511 traveler information system. This localized information further enhances communication efforts with South Dakota travelers. Social Media: Stay up-to-date with winter-related travel conditions by following SDDOT on Facebook, (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn. ...read more read less