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Vol. No. Norwalk, Iowa 50211
USPS No. 395-120
Phone 981-0406 email: news@norwalknewspaper.com
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Norwalk Robotics Qualifies for
World Championships
Written Jaden
For the first time ever, a Norwalk robotics team
qualified for world championships. The Norwalk
robotics program is only in its second year of
existence, and has experienced tremendous success
with its rookie single team in 2018 and now expansion
into two teams for the 2019 season. The Norwalk
RoboWarriors Gold and Purple teams both compete
in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics league.
Since October 2018, the teams have been competing
in progressively higher levels of competition from
local league to State. The Purple team was knocked
out of competition in a close finish at league
championships, so only the Gold team was left to
move on. After finishing 2nd at State, the Gold team
earned its spot as'one of 13 Iowa teams to move on to
World Championships in Detroit. A total of 160
teams from throughout the world participate in the
FTC championship event, along With competitors for
all the FIRST programs, First Lego League (FLL),
First Robotics. Competition (FRC) and FLL Junior.
Each program is different and serves different age
groups from Kindergarten through 12th grades.
During the FIRST _Wo.rld Championships in
Detroit, Michigan, the Norwalk RoboWarriors had
an amazing time competing with the best robots in
the world. The focus of the trip was to enjoy the
experience, network with other teams and learn as
much as possible. The team was able to win 3 of
their 9 matches and finished 98th out of 160 teams
at the competition. The Robowarriors got to meet
some exceptional people from lots of different
countries and had an amazing time learning about
them and their robots. The event was held at the
Cobo Convention Center in downtown Detroit, and
included all 4 programs’ competitions, Innovation
Fair (featuring STEM related careers and
companies), hands on STEM activities throughout
the week, college scholarship fairs for various STEM
programs. A huge welcome party for all participants
and the event finals were held at Ford Field, the home
of the Detroit Lions football team. The closing
ceremonies revealed a sneak peek at the theme for
next season’s game, which is a partnership with Star
Wars. It was accompanied by special guest
appearances by R2D2, Darth Vadar and Mark Hamill
doing the promotional video! .
Every student, coach, and parent that attended
agreed that the time spent at the FIRST FTC World
Championships is a time-they will never forget and
they can hold their heads high not only on how well
they competed but how far they have come since the
beginning of the year. Overall, the teams placed 6th
(Gold) and 11th (Purple) out of 182 teams in Iowa!
The RoboWarriors would like to thank all of their
.sponsors and people that have not only donated
money, but time into making the team better. We
couldn’t have done it without the great support of
the Norwalk community, school, and sponsors.
Students that attended Worlds: Nick Bergan, Caleb
Belden, Jamison Bice, Will Clarke, Trevor Fisher,
Sydney Fisher, Hannah Groos, Miranda Lamb (Team
Mascot), Olivia Lamb, Tyler Lamb, Maddy Lepley,
Lex Marshall, Eva Newland, Eli Newland, Tyler
Rewerts, Noah Schumacher, Jaden Smith, Tyler
Wicker. Coaches that attended Worlds: Jeff Bergan
& Tom Lamb. ‘
, Contact info: RoboWarriors@norwalk.k12.ia.us
To keep up with the RoboWarriors and see matches
from this season, find our F acebook page: Norwalk
Robo Warriors.
See photos from the RoboWarriors’ experience
at Worlds on page .9.
2nd Annual
N orwalk State of the City Address
Held June 11th
11180"
Written by Ashley Miller , '
Local officials, special guests, and residents gathered together for the
second
annual Norwalk State of the City address, which highlighted several
upcoming
community and economic development programs — including the 2028 Norwalk
Strategic Vision.
“The City of Norwalk has many exciting new development projects in
progress,
and we remain committed to improving the quality of life for our residents
and
businesses,” said Mayor Phillips. “As the third-fastest growing city in
the metro,
we’re dedicated to increasing the number of opportunities available for
business
development, Whileifostering a community that welcomes new residents and
provides an abundance of activities to choose from.”
Kosovo’s Advisor to the Prime Minister Erolld Belegu and Chief of Mission
Artan Duraku were also present at the address and discussed the
opportunities
available for US. businesses. Earlier this year, Kosovo announced an
exclusive
opportunity for Iowa businesses to expand globally.
The Kosovo American Economic City (KAEC) is offering free land to Iowa
businesses before expanding to all US. businesses. Kosovo has 1,200 acres
of
land set aside for the project. “This partnership gives Iowa companies
the
opportunity to expand into global markets they may not have access to
otherwise,”
said Belegu. The relationship between Iowa and Kosovo began in 2011 With a
partnership between the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force.
Brigadier General Damian Donahoe underscored the importance of expanding
this partnership and the global trade opportunities available to Iowa
businesses.
The City of Norwalk also kicked off the NorWalk of Fame project and
presented
four “Hometown Superhero” awards honoring local celebrities, athletes,
and
military heroes. Matt Dermondy, pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays; Brandon
Routh, actor, famous for his role in Superman; Doug Pierce, F-16 fighter
pilot;
and Clay Garcia, US Marine and Bronze Star medal recipient; all received
the
inaugural awards. '
Highlights from the State of the City address include:
'The Norwalk 2028 vision, which includes increased business and mixed
used development projects.
'International partnerships With Kosovo to benefit Iowa businesses and
increase global expansion. .
' The official kick-off of the NorWalk of Fame project to honor local
celebrities,
professional athletes, and military heroes. ,
Resources and expertise will be available to Iowa companies moving forward
With relevant information and assistance. For more information, please
email
Hollie Zajicek at hzajicek@norwalk.iowa.gov.
Your Country
By Giving
Blood
LifeServe Blood Center
is. urging community
members to roll up a
sleeve to serve their
fellow countrymen this:
summer.
How will you serve
your. country this
Independence Day? Give
blood donation a try at an
upcoming blood drive in.
your community.
Norwalk Comm-
unity Blood Drive,
Thursday, June 27th,
from 1:30-6:30 pm. at St.
John the Apostle Cath-
olic Church, 720 Orchard
Hills Drive.
Sign up to save a life
today online at lifeserve
bloodcenter.org or by
calling 800.287.4903.
Norwalk
Aquatic Center
is Open for the
Season
The Norwalk Aquatic
Center is now open for the
summer! The pool is open ,
daily (weather per-
mitting) until August
let. Pool hours are
Monday through Friday:
1:001 pm. to 5:00 p.111. &
6:30 pm. to 8:30 p.m.; and .
Saturday and Sunday:
1:00 pm. to 5:00pm. &
6:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.
Adult Lap Swim takes
place from 12:00 pm. to
1:00 pm. and 5:00 pm. to
6:00 pm. daily.
For information on
pricing, swimming
lessons, pool passes, and
pool party rental, please
call the Parks and
Recreation office at 515-
981-9206, or visit WWW.
norwalkparks.org.
The Norwalk Aquatic
Center is located at 1 112
' E. 18th Street. The direct .
phone number to, the pool
office is 515-981-4002.
**Be sure to flip the paperover and check out the redesigned
directory'on- the back page!
