Castlewood First Graders Meet “Dale” the Snowplow in SDDOT Touch‑a‑Truck Event
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 15
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Castlewood, SD - First graders at Castlewood School got an up‑close look at the machinery that keeps South Dakota’s roads safe during a special Touch‑a‑Truck event organized by the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
Watertown Area Highway Maintenance Worker Brian Burke coordinated the visit, bringing a full‑size SDDOT snowplow to the school and spending time with students to explain how highway crews work through winter storms and summer construction season. The event is designed to help children and families better understand highway safety, road conditions, and tools like SD511, which provides real‑time travel information.
Burke operates the snowplow known as “Dale,” a name chosen during the SDDOT’s 2021–2022 statewide snowplow naming contest. The plow honors Dale Jones, a Watertown tow truck driver who was tragically killed while on the job.
“Dale’s legacy is a tribute to all snowplow operators, tow truck drivers, law enforcement officials, and others who work long hours to keep the traveling public safe throughout our state,” said SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt.
Students had the chance to explore the equipment, ask questions, and learn how crews prepare for severe weather. Castlewood School granted permission for photos taken during the event.
The Touch‑a‑Truck program continues to be one of SDDOT’s most hands‑on ways to connect with young learners and reinforce the importance of safety on South Dakota roads.
