LHTAC has announced winners in the Pioneer and Innovative Idea Categories.

• Pioneer – John McCracken, West Point Highway District, Aerosol Tack Applicator
• Innovative Idea – City of Nampa, Name That Snowplow

Aerosol Tack Applicator

John McCracken of the West Point Highway District saw how inefficient it was to patch asphalt roads. He developed a all-in-one system that uses an air compressor to blow out debris, spray tack, and clean the lines. This idea has the potential to save significant time, improve the performance of patches with a better application of tack, and increase safety by reducing the time crews are on the road. Check out John’s video to see how his invention works.

Name That Snowplow

The City of Nampa had an idea to engage with local elementary students with their winter operations and bring a little fun to the doldrums of the season. They held a competition to name their snowplows. With a little seeding for name ideas, the following winners were chosen:

• Kindergarten: Plowy McPlowface
• 1st: Lightning McClean
• 2nd: Frosty the Snowplow
• 3rd: Baby Snowda
• 4th: Darth Blader
• 5th: Fast and Flurryous

The city teamed up with its GIS department to provide a live tracking map of the plows, allowing residents to see the newly-named plows in action.

The winners will be presented a trophy at their relevant association’s annual conference. Winners will also receive a free class through the T2 Center.

LHTAC will also submit winning entries to the national Build a Better Mousetrap competition.