Caughtcha being Good!
Harrison ConradJerry Suminski was playing ball with his dog, Piper, at Veterans Memorial Park in Elk Rapids recently when the 25-pound Jack Russell saw some ducks on the river and gave chase. The dog fell through the ice and began to struggle. “I was in a panic,” said Jerry. “Piper was clinging to the ice shelf. I kept trying to reach for her, but she would have none of it.”
Suddenly a young boy who had been sledding on the library hill came running to help. “The young man Harrison Conrad was unbelievably brave,” said Suminski. “We both were laying side by side on the ice, calling out to Piper, trying to reach out and grab her.” At one point, Harrison fell into the water and was yanked back onto the solid ice by Jerry. The family friend who was with 10-year-old Harrison tried to help by pushing out their sled towards Piper, again to no avail. Finally, Jerry was able to shift and slide enough across the ice and grab the shivering and very wet dog. “I am so grateful to that concerned young boy and his friend. I don’t think I would have been able to rescue Piper without their help.” Afterwards, Suminski said he was in such a panic to get Piper home and warmed up that he left without really saying how much appreciation and gratitude he felt. “Harrison was very brave and a very enthusiastic rescuer! I can’t say enough about him and all the help he gave to me and Piper. CORRECTION:Last week’s cover story “Coming soon in 2025,” included an incorrect spelling for Elk Rapids District Library Capital Campaign Co-Chair Paula Jorge’s last name. We apologize for the error. – Editor
Smoke alarm saves a lifeAt 2:40 a.m. Christmas morning a gentleman was sleeping in his fifth wheel RV when he was awakened by the piercing sound of an activated smoke alarm. The man exited the RV fighting through smoke and flames and called 911. Within minutes of the phone call the fifth wheel was engulfed in flames. By the time firefighters arrived the RV was a total loss.
The man credits his smoke alarm for alerting him of the impending fire and smoke and helping him escape unharmed. Remember when you are asleep you cannot smell smoke. Home Fire Safety Checklist Have smoke alarms – Install one in every bedroom or sleeping area and one on every level of your home. Test your alarms – Press the smoke alarm test button once a month to assure your alarms work. Change batteries – For 9-volt battery alarms change batteries once a year or when alarm chirps. Did you know – Most fires happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke inhalation that could save your life. This incident occurred in Milton Township. The Milton Township Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to the residents of the township who do not have them. You can call the fire station at:1-231-264-6694, or call Fire Chief Jeremy Ball at 1-231-499-1720. Roboherd gears up for the 2025 seasonBy Ava Beller, Elk Rapids News intern
Roboherd, the Elk Rapids High School Robotics team is gearing up for an exciting new season filled with challenges and opportunities. The team is more motivated than ever to succeed with a new robotics room and a complex competition ahead. However, despite these advancements, they still face financial and resource challenges that require support from the local community. For the first time, Roboherd has a spacious, dedicated room for building, designing, and programming robots. The new room is a tremendous upgrade from the cramped space the team has used in previous years. For Olivia Williams, a senior and four-year team member, this change is a game-changer. “Having a dedicated room feels like a real workshop. It’s a productive environment where we can work at our own pace on different tasks, whether it’s building, programming, or public relations,” she said. Team Captain Devin Melton also shared his excitement for the new room. “The space allows us to divide and conquer tasks, which makes everything more efficient. It’s a positive environment that motivates us to push harder,” Melton explained. The new room is a significant step forward, not only for the team but for the school’s broader vision of promoting STEM education. “This new space aligns perfectly with our school’s commitment to providing students with the best opportunities to explore STEM careers. The robotics team is better showcased in the new room rather than being tucked behind closed doors,” said Elk Rapids School District Superintendent Bryan McKenna. “The robotics program is a key part of the vision, and this room will serve as a hub for innovation and hands-on learning.” Despite the excitement, the team knows that having the space is only part of the equation. “We still need to fully equip the room with tools and resources to reach our full potential,” said Coach Tim Hibbard, highlighting that while the new room is a major step forward, it’s not enough on its own to ensure the team’s success this season. Each year, the Roboherd competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where teams design and build robots to complete a series of tasks in a highly competitive environment. This year’s game, REEFSCAPE, involves manipulating various objects and completing complex tasks. The objectives of this year’s game present many obstacles that the team has to overcome. “The biggest challenge this year is the complexity of the game,” Melton explained. “We need to design a robot capable of picking up objects, using an elevator mechanism, and placing them at different heights. There are a lot more moving parts than in previous years.” Lucas Hibbard, a junior team member, described the unique design challenges, “The game pieces are completely different in size and material compared to previous years. Designing a mechanism that can handle these diverse pieces and extend to three times its height is a huge challenge.” Despite the difficulties, the team is optimistic about their strategy. “We’re focusing on making the robot reliable and versatile,” Devin said. “We want it to tackle every challenge and manipulate the game pieces effectively.” While the new room and the challenging game bring excitement, Roboherd continues to look for support. Each season, the team relies on sponsorships and donations to cover the costs of building their robot, purchasing tools and materials, and attending competitions. Leah Nicholson, one of the team’s mentors, emphasized the importance of community support. “It costs about $20,000 to build the robot and enter the two competitions, with an estimate of 75% being from sources outside the school. Without Elk Rapids Schools and our generous sponsors, it simply wouldn’t be possible,” she said. Melton added, “More sponsors would allow us to explore innovative design concepts and make us more competitive at higher levels. Every dollar makes a difference.” To meet these financial needs, Roboherd is reaching out to local businesses and individuals for support. Sponsors receive recognition at competitions and community events, making it a great way to showcase local businesses and support the next generation of innovators. Though the new room provides a much-needed upgrade, Roboherd still lacks the essential equipment to take full advantage of the space. The team needs tools such as precision machines, like mills and routers, and more advanced materials for building their robot. “We’re especially in need of machining capabilities,” said Coach Hibbard. “Having these tools in-house would save us time and allow the students to develop critical skills. We’re also hoping to acquire 3D printing equipment and additional storage solutions to enhance our efficiency.” The team’s mentors are working hard to secure these resources, but they need help from the local community to fully equip the room. As Coach Hibbard put it, “We can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of our sponsors and the community to make this all happen.” While monetary donations are always greatly appreciated, the team also seeks other forms of support. Local experts in robotics, engineering, and programming are invited to volunteer to mentor students or offer advice on design and fabrication. Anyone interested in contributing their knowledge is welcome to visit the room and offer suggestions and help. Roboherd encourages those interested in contributing or learning more about the team to contact Coach Hibbard or Elk Rapids High School’s robotics program for more information. The Roboherd isn’t just about building robots, it’s about building future leaders. For many team members, the experience has shaped their academic and career aspirations. Williams, who plans to pursue aerospace or chemical engineering, credits the program with solidifying her career goals. “Robotics has shown me the real-world applications of engineering and introduced me to incredible people. It’s been life-changing,” she said. For Melton, the experience has fostered a passion for STEM and leadership. “Robotics has taught me teamwork, project management, and problem-solving,” he explained. “It’s prepared me for group projects and engineering challenges outside of school. It’s more than just building a robot; it’s about building skills that will last a lifetime.” Team members like Lucas Hibbard also take pride in their work. “At the end of the season, you can look at the robot and say, ‘I built that.’” As the Roboherd enters its most ambitious season yet, the team is excited to show what they can accomplish with the right support. “We’re grateful for everything our sponsors, parents, and mentors have done for us so far,” said Melton. “But there’s so much more help needed.” With the new robotics room, a challenging competition ahead, and the determination of a talented team, the Roboherd is ready to tackle the season. Now, they need your help to make it happen. Whether through sponsorships, donations, or volunteering, your support can make all the difference in helping these young innovators reach their full potential. To learn more or to join the Roboherd, contact [email protected], or visit the website: roboherd5110.com. Elk Rapids District
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