Lima, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 has opened applications for its annual Paint-the-Plow contest, inviting students across northwest Ohio to showcase creativity while promoting winter driving safety and community pride. Applications for the popular program will be accepted through Friday, March 13.
The contest is open to area schools and vocational school groups within a nine-county region that includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. Officials have distributed application materials to all eligible schools throughout the district.
Students Combine Art, Safety, and Community Pride
Through the Paint-the-Plow program, students design and paint an ODOT snowplow blade. The decorated plows are displayed at local community events before being put into service during winter operations, typically within the same school district that created the design. The program blends artistic expression with public safety messaging by reminding drivers to share the road safely with snow removal equipment.
This year’s contest theme encourages participants to recognize America’s 250th anniversary. Students are asked to create designs that honor the nation or highlight Ohio’s contributions to the country…