Midland residents have spoken! After nearly 250 creative submissions and over 2,000 community votes, the City of Midland proudly revealed the winners of its second “Name the Plow” contest. Five snowplow trucks now proudly display their unique names in bold black letters on both sides of their cabs' hoods.
Residents can spot these newly named plows cruising the streets of Midland all year long, as they also serve as collection equipment for other city services beyond snow removal.
The “Name the Plow” contest was created to encourage community participation and add a touch of fun to the city’s winter services. The first contest was held in 2022 and brought names such as Grace A. Plow and Scoop Dogg to the fleet.
Snow Watch response and removal efforts
From the Sunday after Thanksgiving until April 1, the city’s Snow Watch crew operates 24 hours a day. The team is staffed continuously to monitor weather conditions and take immediate action when light snow or ice appears on the roads.
When snowfall reaches four inches or more, the city escalates its response by deploying additional crews as needed. Teams of four or more trucks focus on plowing state trunk lines, the Business Route 10 expressway, and major streets. Additional trucks are assigned to clear school routes, with salt trucks following each path to reduce icing, especially near stop signs at major intersections.
Once priority routes are cleared, crews transition to residential areas. Plowing begins with the next day's garbage collection route and proceeds sequentially through the week's schedule. Courts and cul-de-sacs are treated like other residential streets, with smaller plows removing snow in these areas.
How you can help this season
Department of Public Services shift supervisor, Chris Owen says keeping clear of trucks, not passing on the right, and not parking on the street are a few ways you can help.
The city’s site also lists many other ways the public can make streets and sidewalks safer for themselves and City workers who provide curbside services:
- Shovel Sidewalks: Clear sidewalks around your home or business to ensure safe paths for neighbors, students, delivery workers, and others.
- No Snow in Roads: Avoid pushing, throwing, or placing snow, slush, or ice onto sidewalks or roads, including across roadways.
- Street Parking Restrictions: Do not park in the street after snowfalls, especially between 3–6 a.m., to allow plows to clear roads effectively. Vehicles parked during this time may be ticketed or towed per city ordinance.
- Keep Hydrants Clear: Clear snow around fire hydrants to keep them visible and accessible for emergencies.
- Garbage Placement: Avoid placing bins or bags on snowbanks. Set them at driveway approaches or cleared areas along the out-lawn for pickup.
- Unblock Catch Basins: Remove snow from catch basins near your property to prevent snowmelt from freezing on streets.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed about snow procedures and to exercise caution during winter weather. For more information, visit the city’s website or call (989) 837-6900
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