Live Breaking News & Updates on 102 5 fm+will ferrell

Stay informed with the latest breaking news from 102 5 fm+will ferrell on our comprehensive webpage. Get up-to-the-minute updates on local events, politics, business, entertainment, and more. Our dedicated team of journalists delivers timely and reliable news, ensuring you're always in the know. Discover firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews, all in one convenient destination. Don't miss a beat — visit our webpage for real-time breaking news in 102 5 fm+will ferrell and stay connected to the pulse of your community

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

In an announcement Friday morning, the Big Rapids Dial-A-Ride busing service will now be offering on-demand busing outside of the traditional busing network.

The app, named “Ride Pingo,” will help riders of all ages schedule the most convenient pick-up location and the quickest route to their desired location in the city of Big Rapids. 

Dial-A-Ride will be offering free rides from Wednesday, May 8, to Saturday, May 11 as a part of the collaboration. Following May 11, fees for general riders ages 17-59 will be $2.50 for one-way travel and $1.25 for kids ages 5-16, patrons ages 60 and older, and disabled riders. Children under four years old can ride for free with a guardian.

If a rider doesn’t have the app, rides can still be booked via dialing the call center at 231-796-8675. Operation hours for the service will be 6:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. on the weekdays and 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Saturdays.

(Graphic provided by the City of Big Rapids Communications).

Big-rapids-diala-ride , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary , Ot-ac , C , Op-40 , Ig-rapids , Ichigan , I , Ybr-fm

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Scooter’s Coffee® is honoring healthcare heroes in our communities with a free drink for any nurses and healthcare workers, with ID, on May 3, 2024.

The offer is redeemable only on Friday, May 3, 2024 for any drink on the Scooter’s Coffee menu of any size for customers who present a valid healthcare ID. The first 50 customers who redeem the free drink offer at each Scooter’s Coffee location will also receive a special Healthcare Heroes sticker.

Customers can Scoot On Around™ for their favorite beverages including our signature Caramelicious® drinks and any of our espresso drinks served hot, iced, or blended. This offer can also be redeemed for one of our cold brew coffees, Scooot! Energy™ Infusions, fruit smoothies, and more!

Pair your free drink with our delicious Tomato & Feta or our Bacon & Gouda Omelet Bites! These flavorful protein-packed bites are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Need something sweeter? Our fresh-baked Cinnamon Rolls are made by hand in our bakery, and each swirl is brimming with cinnamon and spices. Each roll is topped with a cream cheese icing and served warm.

This offer for a free drink is redeemable by any nurse or healthcare worker who presents valid healthcare ID upon ordering on Friday, May 3, 2024. No additional purchase is necessary. Limit one free drink per customer. Not eligible for mobile order ahead. Find your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location.

Healthcare-heroes , Scoot-on-around , Gouda-omelet , Cinnamon-rolls , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary , Ot-ac , C , Op-40 , Ig-rapids

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

On Wednesday, May 1 at approximately 08:47 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle personal injury crash at the intersection of Northland Drive and 23 Mile Road in Green Township. 

The investigation revealed that a 70-year-old male from Hersey was turning east bound onto 23 Mile Road, when the male driver turned in front of a 26-year-old female from Hersey headed northbound and caused a collision. The female driver was transported to Big Rapids Corewell Health with non life-threating injuries.

Deputies on scene were assisted by Mecosta County EMS, Big Rapids Towing, Currie's Towing, Big Rapids Fire/Rescue, and Meceola Central Dispatch.

Mecosta-county-sheriff-office , Big-rapids-corewell-health , Mecosta-county-sheriff , Northland-drive , Mecosta-county , Big-rapids-towing , Big-rapids , Meceola-central , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Students from Ferris State University’s Shimadzu Core Laboratory for Academic and Research Excellence participated in research looking into the cause of Escherichia coli readings in a Wexford Count recreation site.

Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli, are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

The Shimadzu Core Lab coordinated with Wexford County Drain Commissioner Michael Solomon since 2016, attempting to determine the source of fecal contaminants impacting access to Billings Lake’s “Kiddie Beach,” a body of water fed by Manton Creek. 

Shimadzu Director Schuyler “Sky” Pike indicated there was no evidence of human or swine waste in samples taken following large rain events, with that testing pointing to E. coli contamination from canines, such as foxes and coyotes, ruminants such as or deer or other animals.

“The data showed conclusively that the fecal source was not from humans,” Pike said. “That is, the E. coli issue that closes ‘Kiddie Beach’ does not come about from leaky sewer or septic systems in that area. Additional studies to further reduce incidences of closure because of high E. coli levels will thus require the knowledge of wildlife experts and managers as well as further investigation with microbial source tracking methods to identify whether other livestock, such as cows, or wildlife are the fecal origin of the E. coli.”

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy funding supported polymerase chain reaction testing conducted by Ferris students connected with the Shimadzu Core Lab over a seven-year period. 

That indicated the likely geographic origin of animal E. coli detected in 2022 and other years was near the headwaters of Manton Creek, several miles north-northwest of Billings Lake.

Billings-lake , Michigan , United-states , Wexford-county , Manton-creek , Great-lakes , Michael-solomon , Research-excellence , Michigan-department-of-environment , Shimadzu-core-lab , Us-centers-for-disease , Ferris-state-university

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Standout Ferris State All-America defensive back Shon Stephens and Bulldog two-sport alum Mason Pline are hoping to take their game to the highest level after connecting the National Football League teams following this week’s NFL Draft.

Stephens accepted a rookie minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles and Pline agreed to a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers.  

In his lone season as a Bulldog, Stephens was named to the 2023 American Football Coaches Association All-America squad as announced by the national coaches organization.

The Bakersfield, Calif. native was chosen as an AFCA All-America Second Team choice, representing the ninth consecutive year the Bulldogs had at least one AFCA All-America selection - the longest active streak in the country.

Stephens also was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award presented to the nation's top small college defensive player.

Stephens was chosen this year to the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association All-Super Region Three First Team along with the All-GLIAC First Team in addition to being tabbed as the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year.

Stephens, who transferred from West Liberty University prior to this season, intercepted eight passes in 2023 and scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return. He ranked second nationally in interceptions per game with 0.7 and finished with 12 passes defended, including four breakups. He finished tied for fourth among the team leaders with 43 total tackles in his lone season as a Bulldog.

Pline competed as a graduate transfer this past fall at FCS member Furman University. He began his collegiate career as a men's basketball student-athlete under head coach Andy Bronkema, appearing in 83 games for the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2021. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the GLIAC Championship on the hardwood during the 2019-20 season.

Pline then joined the Bulldog football squad in 2021 and appeared in 25 games for head coach Tony Annese during back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championship seasons in 2021 and 2022 while scoring a pair of touchdowns.

This past season, Pline hauled in 32 catches for 287 yards while claiming all-conference honors and helping lead Furman to a 10-3 record as a graduate transfer, including a run to the FCS National Quarterfinals. Pline earned opportunities to showcase his skills following this past season in both the Hula Bowl and the Shrine Bowl collegiate all-star events.

The Bulldogs last year reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the ninth-straight season, the longest active streak in the country. The Bulldogs went 8-3 overall this past year following back-to-back NCAA D2 National Championship campaigns in 2021 and 2022.

Six years ago, former defensive tackle Zach Sieler became Ferris State's first-ever NFL Draft choice when he was picked in the seventh round as the 238th overall selection by the Baltimore Ravens.

Overall, the Bulldogs have had 11 players in a NFL Preseason Camp over the past three summers, which is the most of any D2 school in the country. The Bulldogs who took part in NFL camps from 2021 to 2023 have included former DB Tavierre Thomas, (Houston Texans), DL Zach Sieler (Miami) Dolphins), DT Justin Zimmer (Buffalo Bills), WR Jake Lampman (New Orleans Saints), WR Malik Taylor (Green Bay Packers and New York Jets), DL Austin Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs), DT Chris Okoye (Los Angeles Rams), receiver Jared Bernhardt (Atlanta Falcons), offensive tackle Zein Obeid (Detroit Lions), offensive tackle Dylan Pasquali (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive end Caleb Murphy (Tennessee Titans).

Four Bulldog alums are currently still with NFL organizations, including Thomas, now with the Buccaneers; Sieler; Taylor, now with the Jets; and Murphy, which is among tops of all D2 schools. Several other Bulldog alums are competing professionally in other indoor and outdoor leagues.

The recent Bulldog alums in the NFL have also included former linebacker Brady Sheldon and former two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner Jason Vander Laan. A total of 10 of the alums have played in at least one NFL regular-season game since 2016. Three former Bulldogs were part of team's that made the NFL Conference Championship Games in 2020 in Taylor, Zimmer and Edwards.

While Sieler is the only Ferris State football player to ever be drafted by an NFL team, several other former Bulldogs have inked NFL contracts as free agents and played in the league.

The Bulldogs have now had at least one NFL free agent pickup following the draft each of the past nine seasons in which they've played a campaign. A total of 16 alumni have now earned camp invites over the past five years as offensive tackle Devon Johnson and receiver Keyondre Craig also competed in training camps in 2019.

Over the past nine seasons, Sieler, Vander Laan, Sheldon, Zimmer, Thomas, Lampman, Taylor, Edwards, Bernhardt, and Murphy have all seen NFL regular-season action after Lampman became the first to do so in 13 years back in 2016.

At least 27 former Ferris State players have previously inked NFL free agent deals. Former defensive back Marvin Robinson signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 with defensive tackle Marcus Cribbs signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. Those two represented the first since free agent cornerback Angelo Williams with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010.

Previously, in 2013, former defensive end Jordan Morgan received a rookie tryout with the New York Giants but did not sign. In 2016, Vander Laan, Lampman and Zimmer all signed and reached NFL camps while Sheldon did likewise in 2017 before Sieler, Thomas and Okoye joined NFL organizations in 2018

In 2019, the trio of Taylor, Johnson and Craig all were signed following the draft while Bernhardt, Obeid, and Pasquali garnered opportunities in 2022 followed by Murphy in 2023.

The select group also consists of running back Dave Gagnon (1974-Chicago Bears), outside linebacker Monty Brown (1997-New York Jets), defensive tackle Ed Philion (1994-Buffalo Bills), defensive end Dave Zuiderveen (2001-Atlanta Falcons), flanker Clarence Coleman (2002-Buffalo Bills), tackle Matt McCoy (2004-Detroit Lions), wide receiver Carlton Brewster (2006-Cleveland Browns) and defensive tackle Jake Visser (2009-Houston Texans).

Two other former Ferris State players, offensive guard Bill Bourdlais and safety Patrick Wells, received tryout invitations from the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and participated in the team's rookie minicamp, but did not ink a deal. Several others have also had NFL tryouts including wide receiver Andre Johnson (1989), quarterback Dave DenBraber (1987), tight end Scott Alward (1984-Detroit Lions/NY Giants) and receiver/returner Fred Kirkland (1981). Defensive back James Skodak (2006) also had tryouts with several NFL organizations among other past Bulldog standouts.

Minnesota , United-states , San-francisco , California , Texas , New-york , Kansas , Dallas , Chicago , Illinois , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

In May, staff members from the office of Congressman John Moolenaar will host meeting times across the district where constituents can sit down to discuss personal casework issues they are having with a federal agency.

Local meeting times include:


Evart City Hall - Tuesday, May 7 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM (200 South Main Street, Evart, MI 49631)
Pathfinder Community Library - Tuesday, May 7 from 11:00 - 12:00 PM (812 Michigan Avenue, Baldwin, MI 49304)
Newaygo Area District Library - Tuesday, May 7 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM (44 North State Street, Newaygo, MI 49337)
Big Rapids Community Library - Tuesday, May 7 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM (426 South Michigan Avenue, 
Big Rapids, MI 49307)
Mount Pleasant City Hall - Thursday, May 16 from 11:00 - 12:00 PM (320 West Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858)
Cadillac City Hall - Friday, May 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM (200 North Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601)


Constituents who cannot attend one of the meetings can call Moolenaar's office at (616) 528-7100, or visit Moolenaar.House.gov to receive assistance with their issue.

Moolenaar's office has helped thousands of constituents who needed assistance with a federal agency, including the VA and the IRS. The office helped them cut through red tape and reclaim millions of dollars owed to them by the federal government.

John-moolenaar , Newaygo-area-district-library , Big-rapids-community-library , Pathfinder-community-library , Congressman-john-moolenaar , City-hall , Main-street , Community-library , Area-district-library , State-street , Rapids-community-library , Michigan-avenue

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

On Friday at approximately 6:15 P.M., deputies were dispatched to Northland Drive at 8 Mile Road in Mecosta Township for a two vehicle accident.

Investigation found that a 19-year-old female from Morley was travelling northbound on Northland Drive when a 19-year-old male from Ada failed to yield while going eastbound on 8 Mile Road and caused the collision.

The 19 y/o female was transported to Corewell Hospital in Big Rapids for non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecosta Township Fire/Rescue, Mecosta County EMS and Meceola Central Dispatch.

Northland-drive , Mecosta-township , Corewell-hospital , Big-rapids , Mecosta-county , Meceola-central , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary , Ot-ac , C

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

The 89th annual National Football League Draft takes place this weekend in Detroit and former Ferris State University football standouts are hoping to hear their names called or be contacted as potential free agent pickups following the annual event.

The Bulldogs have several players who completed their eligibility this past fall, leading FSU to a nation-leading ninth consecutive playoff appearance and hoping to make the jump to professional football.

Defensive back Shon Stephens, defensive end Olalere Oladipo and wide receiver Xavier Wade are receiving the strongest attention. All have either spent the past several months training for an opportunity, taken part in pro day events or been pegged on various draft boards.

Former quarterback Mylik Mitchell has already started his pro career in the Indoor Football League while other alums such as defensive end Ian Hall and slot receiver CJ Jefferson have also been listed among players competing for training camp opportunities.

Several lists have Stephens featured among the top players in the small college ranks leading into the draft and tabbed as either a potential late round or preferred free agent pickup by various sources. He has drawn significant interest from NFL organizations. Both Wade and Oladipo have also garnered interest from professional football teams.

The NFL Draft will take place in Detroit this year and be aired across ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network from Thursday to Saturday. The opening round begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. with rounds two and three set for Friday starting at 7 p.m. The final day will consist of rounds four thru seven on Saturday beginning at noon.

Six years ago, former defensive tackle Zach Sieler became Ferris State's first-ever NFL Draft choice when he was picked in the seventh round as the 238th overall selection by the Baltimore Ravens.

Overall, the Bulldogs have had 11 players in a NFL Preseason Camp over the past three summers, which is the most of any D2 school in the country.

The 'Dawgs who took part in NFL camps from 2021 to 2023 have included former DB Tavierre Thomas (Houston Texans), DL Zach Sieler (Miami Dolphins), DT Justin Zimmer (Buffalo Bills), WR Jake Lampman (New Orleans Saints), WR Malik Taylor (Green Bay Packers and New York Jets), DL Austin Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs), DT Chris Okoye (Los Angeles Rams), receiver Jared Bernhardt (Atlanta Falcons), offensive tackle Zein Obeid (Detroit Lions), offensive tackle Dylan Pasquali (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive end Caleb Murphy (Tennessee Titans).

Four Bulldog alums are currently still with NFL organizations, including Thomas with Tampa Bay, Sieler with Miami, Taylor with the Jets, and Murphy with the Titans, which is among tops of all D2 schools.

Several Bulldog alums are also competing professionally in indoor and outdoor leagues.

The recent Bulldog alums in the NFL have also included former linebacker Brady Sheldon and former two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner Jason Vander Laan.

Ten of the alums have played in at least one NFL regular-season game since 2016. Three former Bulldogs were part of team's that made the NFL Conference Championship Games in 2020 in Taylor, Zimmer and Edwards.

While Sieler is the only Ferris State football player to ever be drafted by an NFL team, several other former Bulldogs have inked NFL contracts as free agents and played in the league.

The Bulldogs had at least one NFL free agent pickup following the draft each of the past eight seasons in which they've played a campaign. Fifteen alumni have earned camp invites over the past five years as offensive tackle Devon Johnson and receiver Keyondre Craig also competed in training camps in 2019.

Over the past nine seasons, Sieler, Vander Laan, Sheldon, Zimmer, Thomas, Lampman, Taylor, Edwards, Bernhardt, and Murphy have all seen NFL regular-season action after Lampman became the first to do so in 13 years back in 2016.

Unofficially, nearly 30 former Ferris State players have inked NFL free agent deals.

Former defensive back Marvin Robinson inked with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 with defensive tackle Marcus Cribbs signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. Those two represented the first since free agent cornerback Angelo Williams with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010.

In 2013, former defensive end Jordan Morgan received a rookie tryout with the New York Giants but did not sign. In 2016, Vander Laan, Lampman and Zimmer all signed and reached NFL camps while Sheldon did likewise in 2017 before Sieler, Thomas and Okoye joined NFL organizations in 2018. In 2019, the trio of Taylor, Johnson and Craig all were signed following the draft while Bernhardt, Obeid, and Pasquali garnered opportunities in 2022 followed by Murphy in 2023.

The select group also consists of running back Dave Gagnon (1974-Chicago Bears), outside linebacker Monty Brown (1997-New York Jets), defensive tackle Ed Philion (1994-Buffalo Bills), defensive end Dave Zuiderveen (2001-Atlanta Falcons), flanker Clarence Coleman (2002-Buffalo Bills), tackle Matt McCoy (2004-Detroit Lions), wide receiver Carlton Brewster (2006-Cleveland Browns) and defensive tackle Jake Visser (2009-Houston Texans).

Two other former Ferris State players, offensive guard Bill Bourdlais and safety Patrick Wells, received tryout invitations from the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and participated in the team's rookie minicamp, but did not ink a deal.

Others with NFL tryouts including wide receiver Andre Johnson (1989), quarterback Dave DenBraber (1987), tight end Scott Alward (1984-Detroit Lions/New York Giants) and receiver/returner Fred Kirkland (1981). Defensive back James Skodak (2006) also had tryouts with several NFL organizations among other past Bulldog standouts.

The Bulldog standouts awaiting the draft all played key roles this past fall in leading Ferris State to a ninth consecutive playoff berth this past fall and many were part of back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championship teams in 2021 and 2022. FSU also ranks as the country's winningest program over the past nine full seasons in D2 Football.

Bulldog NFL Fact List:

1 - Alum was chosen in the NFL Draft (Zach Sieler - 2018)

4 - Alums currently on NFL rosters

6 - Alums received NFL training camp invites in 2022

10 - Alums have played in NFL regular-season action since 2016

10 - Alums playing professionally in NFL, XFL or USFL in 2023

15 - Alums have earned NFL training camp invites since 2019

15 - Alums all-time have played in an NFL regular-season game

27 - Alums all-time have signed NFL free agent contracts

 

(Photo provided by Ferris State University).

New-york , United-states , Minnesota , Kansas , Dallas , Texas , Chicago , Illinois , Texans , Andre-johnson , Clarence-coleman , Carlton-brewster

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

A team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) will arrive on Thursday, May 9, 2024, to examine all aspects of the Big Rapids Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Danielle Haynes announced yesterday.

“Verification by the team that the Big Rapids Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Chief Haynes said.

As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 231-527-0018 on May 10, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Email comments can be sent to brpdcomments2024@bigrapidsdps.org.

Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, 435 N. Michigan Ave. Please contact Sgt. Liz West, Accreditation Manager at 231-527-0005 ext. 1218.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Big Rapids Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at rwiles@michiganpolicechiefs.org or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Big Rapids Police Department must comply with 108 standards to achieve accredited status. Chief Haynes indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”

The Accreditation Program Director for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Chief Ron Wiles (Ret.). “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency
members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.

Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”, Ron Wiles stated.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at: MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864, or email at rwiles@michiganpolicechiefs.org.

Please contact Officer William Sell with any questions. He can be reached at 231-527-0005 ext. 1036 or wsell@bigrapidsdps.org.

Michigan , United-states , Big-rapids-police-department , Okemos , Danielle-haynes , Law-enforcement-accreditation-commission , Michigan-association-of-chiefs-police , Assessment-team , Big-rapids-department-of-public-safety , Michigan-law-enforcement-accreditation-commission , Accreditation-program , Chief-danielle-haynes

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

More than 200 teenage competitors will converge on Ferris State University’s Swan Technical Arts Building Friday, May 3 as a 20th State Secondary Welding Competition and a fourth year of contests for student machinists will be held in laboratories of the School of Manufacturing and Design.

This is the 40th anniversary of Ferris’ Welding Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree program, which is the largest of its kind in the nation.

Professor and Welding Engineering Technology coordinator Jeffrey Carney is an alumnus and co-founder of the welding competition. 

He points out more than 100 graduates of Ferris State’s Bachelor of Science degree in Welding Engineering Technology participated in these categories as high schoolers.

“Our goal in this competition is to see every student guest gets full exposure to our facilities, along with complimentary gifts made possible through collaborative efforts of Ferris’ Academic Affairs office, the College of Engineering Technology and very supportive industry partners,” Carney said. “It is a pleasure to see t-shirts given out in past years worn into our labs by students whose first campus visits came about in this competition. Ferris scholarships are also available to champions of our competition.”

Carney said judges assess skills in five welding processes, with more than 140 students from 35 schools, intermediate districts or regional educational service agencies set to participate this year. 

Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program Coordinator Mark Rusco said more than 60 students from 16 institutions will test their abilities in milling, working with grinders or lathes, or metrology, the practice of precision measurement.

“Industry sponsors donate tools that are distributed to our guests, helping with short-term learning and when they return as Ferris students,” Rusco said. 

He said because the demand for machinists is so strong, sponsors will staff tables to recruit prospects that day for their own training programs and career opportunities. 

“There will be teachers on hand who have brought students each year of the competition, some whose relationships with Ferris go back several decades,” Carney said. “We are glad to help supply their labs with materials to continue their learning and knowledge of the skills their students can master by pursuing Associate or Bachelor of Science degrees in the field.”

A $30 million renovation and expansion of the Swan Technical Arts Building was completed in 2018, accentuating world-class instructional and laboratory facilities for several College of Engineering Technology programs.

Jeffrey-carney , Manufacturing-engineering-technology-program-coordinator-mark-rusco , Ferri-academic-affairs , Welding-engineering-technology , Ferris-state-university-swan-technical-arts-building , School-of-manufacturing , Ferri-welding-engineering-technology-bachelor-of-science , College-of-engineering-technology , Ferris-state-university , Swan-technical-arts-building-friday , State-secondary-welding-competition , Ferri-welding-engineering-technology-bachelor