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Get the drift: 2024 ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest winners revealed
The winning entries range from “Taylor Drift” (of course) to “Clark W. Blizzwald” and “You’re Killin’ Me Squalls.”
RICHFIELD, Minn. — Since the Vikings didn’t come close to making the playoffs this year, maybe we should consider the unveiling of MnDOT’s 2024 “Name a Snowplow” Contest winners in Minnesota’s Super Bowl.
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan joined MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger at the Cedar Truck Station in Richfield Tuesday to reveal the year’s eight winners, each of which will adorn a plow door in one of Minnesota’s eight MnDOT highway districts. More than 8,000 names were submitted to the agency’s website and then whittled down to the eventual chosen eight by state residents. In all, 32,500 people voted online.
With no further delay, here they are.
- Dolly Plowton-District 1 (Northeast Minnesota)
- Clark W. Blizzwald-District 3 (Central Minnesota)
- Taylor Drift-District 2 (Northwest Minnesota)
- You’re Killin’ Me Squalls-District 6 (Southeast Minnesota)
- Beyonsleigh-District 4 (West Central Minnesota)
- Waipahinte (Dakota word for Snowplow)-District 8 (Southwest Minnesota)
- Fast and Flurrious-District 7 (South Central Minnesota)
- Barbie’s Dream Plow-Metro District (Twin Cities)
“Rain or shine, blizzards or clear skies, we have a fleet of snowplows and drivers ready to clear the roads and make our lives easier and safer in the winter,” reflected Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “From Beyonsleigh to Barbie’s Dream Plow, Minnesotans’ creativity was on full display for this contest that celebrates the important work of our snowplow drivers.”
“Whether it’s a November election or a snowplow naming contest, you can count on Minnesotans to turn out and vote,” added Governor Walz
This was the fourth annual “Name a Snowplow” contest. Previous winners include Plowy McPlowFace, Han Snowlo, Betty Whiteout, The Big LePlowski, Blizzo, The Truck Formerly Known as Plow and Blader Tot Hotdish.
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Charles McMillian was one of the first to observe George Floyd’s arrest and eventually his death on May 25, 2020.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — As most around the world saw the video of George Floyd‘s death, Charles McMillian witnessed it in-person. He went on to give an emotional testimony during the murder trial of former Minneapolis Police office Derek Chauvin.
He’s seeking $30,000 for emotional distress. On Monday, the Minneapolis City Council’s Administration and Enterprise Oversight Committee passed the settlement claim through to a full council vote.
“My client observed and experienced a very emotional, traumatic experience that changed his life,” McMillian’s attorney, William Walker said.
A spokesperson for the city said Monday it is not commenting.
McMillian isn’t the first resident to file a claim against the City for emotional distress from witnessing George Floyd’s murder. The City Council is expected to discuss McMillian’s claim at the next meeting.
University officials say the protestors entered the building and are causing property damage and restricting people from entering and exiting the building.
MINNEAPOLIS — Officials with the University of Minnesota are urging people to avoid the area around Morrill Hall after protestors entered the building and started damaging property, according to an alert sent to students.
The alert also says the protestors are restricting people from entering and exiting the building.
Multiple Palestinian flags were being flown outside the residence hall. A large sign being held in front of the doors says “Money for education not for bombs and occupation.”
University officials are asking people to avoid the area “until further notice.”
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says 21-year-old Quintin Leon Hudson agreed to a sentence of 165 months for causing the death of Emily Gerding in July of 2023.
MINNEAPOLIS — A young man agreed to a plea deal that will result in a prison sentence of nearly 14 years after he fled from police, struck a vehicle and killed a woman.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says 21-year-old Quintin Leon Hudson admitted his guilt on one count of fleeing a police officer resulting in death, and on one of fleeing police resulting in great bodily harm. In return for his pleas, Hudson will be sentenced to 165 months in prison or 13.75 years.
Court documents say Hudson was fleeing police in Robbinsdale on the evening of July 9, 2024, when he crashed into a vehicle carrying Emily and John Gerding at nearly 100 mph. Emily, a 34-year-old mother of three, was killed and John was badly injured. Records check showed Hudson didn’t have a valid driver’s license, only an operator’s permit.
At the time of the crash, law enforcement said there was reason to believe Hudson was under the influence of a controlled substance.
The Gerdings both worked as special education teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and were preparing to celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary that August.
“Emily should still be alive,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Mr. Hudson’s actions took her from our community, devastated her family, and left her husband, John, with life-threatening injuries. This resolution holds Mr. Hudson accountable and is necessary to protect our community.”
Hudon will be officially sentenced in a hearing currently set for Dec. 12.
