MassDOT Announces Name A Snowplow Contest for Elementary, Middle Schools

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BOSTON—- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest for statewide elementary school and middle school students in Massachusetts. 

The contest seeks to solicit names for 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service for the upcoming 2025/2026 winter season.  The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season, recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors, and raise awareness about the vital role they play in keeping our roads safe during winter weather events. Winning selections will be announced by Friday, Dec.19. 

"Winter is coming and the Name A Snowplow contest is a fun way to engage with students and the communities we serve. It gives our future leaders a chance to show their appreciation for the vital role our workforce plays as we plan and prepare for potential snow and ice events," said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng." Under the leadership of Healey-Driscoll administration, safety of our transportation system will always be a priority. ?I’m proud of the dedication our crews show year-round and especially during the winter months. Operating a snowplow during winter storms is no easy task, so join us in celebrating their hard work by helping name the snowplows that keep the roads safe for everyone." 

Applications for the Snowplow Naming Contest are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec.5, and can be submitted by using an online portal:  https://www.mass.gov/forms/name-a-snowplow-contest-submission. There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted per school. The contest winners will be invited to participate in a scheduled snowplow unveiling event. 

A selection panel composed of MassDOT employees will choose two elementary school classroom winners that are located within each of the six Highway Division districts.  The winning submissions will be evaluated based on two grade-level categories: 1) kindergarten through fourth grade; and 2) fifth grade through eighth grade.  

During the third annual snowplow naming contest last winter, the winning names were: Snowana, Control-Salt-Delete, Taylor Drift, Ice S’now More, Ice Ice Baby, It’s Snow Problem, Mac N’Freeze, Blizzard Buster, C 3 P Snow, Snow Force One, Abominable Plowman, and Meltin’ John.  These names, which were placed on the sides of plow trucks a year ago, remain on those vehicles. 

For more information on the contest, please visit https://www.mass.gov/name-a-snowplow-contest-2025-26  

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Two Injured in Onota Street Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Two men were injured on Tuesday night after multiple shots were fired near the intersection of Onota and Walnut Streets.

The Pittsfield Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 200 block of Onota Street around 9:20 p.m.  People in the area also called 911.

"Responding officers located evidence including shell casings on Onota Street and intersecting streets," PPD wrote on Wednesday.

"Two adult male victims were treated at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) for non-life-threatening injuries."

Police said they will provide no further information at this time.

About 15 minutes after the police responded, it was posted on a local scanner Facebook page that an innocent bystander was hit. Police did not disclose in today's press release if one of the injured was a bystander.

PPD told the Berkshire Eagle that about 25 rounds were fired.  Police canvassed the area on Tuesday night for suspects, blocking off the area of Onota Street between Linden and Walnut streets during the search.

This incident currently under investigation and anyone who wishes to report information is asked to PPD at 413-448-9700. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411.)

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