Feb. 16, 2026:
The woman who submitted the winning entry for the Pierre Region in the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s annual Snowplow Naming Contest had the opportunity to “meet” the piece of equipment Friday afternoon (Feb. 13, 2026).
Jordana Sayler of Pierre said the name “Buzz Ice Clear” came to mind because of her two sons, Bauer age 4 and Madden age 1.
Sayler said she’s entered names in previous years, but this is her first win.
Pierre Region Engineer Jason Humphrey said the annual contest is a fun way to engage people of all ages about winter driving safety and preparedness.
The fun doesn’t end with the Snowplow Naming Contest, though. Humphrey said the Blizzard Bracket competition with the North Dakota Department of Transportation is happening again this year.
SDDOT says all previously named snowplows are in still being used within their snowplow fleet across the state.
SDDOT staff with Pierre Region Snowplow Naming Contest winners John, Madden, Jordana and Bauer Sayler.
Feb. 13, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Pictured from left to right are Les Winsel, Dean VanDeWiele, Thomas Viktora, John Sayler, Bauer Sayler, Madden Sayler, Jordana Sayler, Jason Humphrey, and Kallie Poss.
Feb. 13, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Jan. 16, 2026:
The Hand County Auditor’s Office, McIntosh Elementary 6th graders, Jordana Sayler of Pierre and the Jones County Preschool Class submitted four of the 12 winning entries in the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s sixth annual Snowplow Naming Contest.
The winning names in central South Dakota are Cutting Edge Express submitted by the Hand County Auditor’s Office for the Huron Area; Whiteout Warrior entered by the McIntosh Elementary 6th graders for the Mobridge Area; Buzz Ice Clear from Jordana Sayler of Pierre for the Pierre Area; and Scoopy Scoopy Doo submitted by the Jones County Preschool Class for the Winner Area.
Department of Transportation staff voted on submissions once the contest closed to the public in mid-December. Other winning snowplow names this year are listed below.
SDDOT Region, winning name and individual or group that submitted the winning name:
Over the next couple of months, each area winner will meet and take photos with their locally named snowplow. All named snowplows from the previous five contests remain in active service within the SDDOT fleet across the state.
While the snowplow naming contest is all in good fun, the job of the snowplow drivers is a challenging one. Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt thanked the SDDOT winter maintenance staff for their dedicated efforts to keep South Dakota roads clear and travelers safe during winter weather. Additionally, Jundt said he appreciates members of the public who regularly use the various SD511 platforms to guide their travel decisions, whether it be during a winter storm or the summer construction season.
Additional information is available on the SDDOT contest website at SDDOT Snowplow Contest, https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot/media/press-releases/sddot-snowplow-contest-winners-like-a-rhinestone-plowboy-riding-out-in-a-plow-on-a-snow-filled-roadeo/.
Dec. 12, 2025:
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 today (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.
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