Good News: Watertown’s Cruz Russell Wins Snowplow Naming Contest with 'Hans Snowlo’ - KXLG
{KXLG – Watertown, SD} Cruz Russell of Watertown got an up-close look at the snowplow bearing the name he chose in the 2025 Snowplow Naming Contest for the Watertown Area. Cruz, along with his father, Brad Russell, and grandmother, Wendy Russell, recently visited the Watertown SDDOT (South Dakota Department of Transportation) shop to see "Hans Snowlo" in person.
Inspired by the Star Wars character Han Solo, Cruz submitted the name "Hans Snowlo," hoping it would help battle northeast South Dakota's winter storms. His entry was selected as the winner, earning him a hands-on tour of the newly named plow.
Craig Christeson, Watertown Area Lead Highway Maintenance Worker, gave Cruz a firsthand look at the inner workings of the snowplow. "I enjoyed showing Cruz the truck with all its technology and computers that we use to operate this piece of equipment," Christeson said. "He was all smiles sitting in the big rig! It is a great opportunity for the public to have a chance to see a plow up close.” Cruz got to start the truck, operate the plow, take a short ride, and even honk the horn.
Cruz was impressed to learn that his name adorns a brand-new snowplow. When asked how much he thought a new snowplow would cost, Cruz guessed, "About one million dollars!" While the actual price tag isn't quite that high, a fully equipped snowplow costs over $400,000.
"Hans Snowlo," driven by Bill Huffman, will operate along SD Highway 20 between Watertown and Florence.
The Snowplow Naming Contest is designed to raise awareness about safe driving during winter. For the latest road and weather conditions, closures, construction updates, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.