NDOT Announces Winners of the 2025 Annual Snowplow Roadeo
May 22, 2025 (Kearney, Neb.) — Snowplow operators from across the state put their skills to the test in the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) annual Snowplow Roadeo today. The state competition took place at the Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney.
The Snowplow Roadeo is an annual event that starts with local competitions in each of the NDOT’s eight districts. From there, the top two teams in the district advance to the state competition for the chance to move ahead and represent Nebraska at the national level. Participants face a series of challenges mimicking various winter road maintenance situations.
"There’s a lot that goes into knowing how to clear snow and how to attack a winter storm,” said Ben Merchant, NDOT assistant division manager. “Every winter storm is a little different. So they really have to learn how to have good judgement.”
The winners of the 2025 Annual Snowplow Roadeo are Jim Paulsen and Justin Polk, from Chappell in District 5. The runners-up were Ryan Kozal and John Saxton from Gordon, also in District 5. The two teams will represent Nebraska at the national competition, held in conjunction with the APWA Western Snow and Ice Conference, from Sept. 24-26 in Loveland, Colo.
"We did some background things, studying for the test and things like that," stated Justin Polk. "The driving is the easy part; the whole thing is hard to put together.”
“We are proud of all of our teams that participated in this year’s Snowplow Roadeo,” added Director Vicki Kramer.
“Safety is always our top priority, and events like this gives the NDOT the opportunity to showcase that. Every
winter, our crews work tirelessly to make sure the roads are safe and open to drivers traveling to work, school and home. Today, our teams showed just how seriously they take that, while also having a little fun. We’re excited to have our own talented teams representing Nebraska at the national level.”
The NDOT is committed to excellence in winter road maintenance and keeping Nebraskan’s and visitors safe.
The Snowplow Roadeo is just one reminder of the dedication of our snowplow operators, and their vital role cross the state.