Latest news with #Parr
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intersection painting splits council
May 21—The vote was 5-3 at Monday's City Council meeting when the administration recommended paying Venture Corporation $59,312 to pave the lines at eight intersections on 10th St. Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said the contract will save time and money because the project is being added to other work Venture is doing. The City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) offers federal and state funds to cities for enhancing certain roads projects. The City has a CCLIP project starting on Tuesday, May 27, that includes pavement markings at 10th and Patton and Second and Main. Since Road Safe is already the sub-contractor through Venture Corporation for this work, the City requested a quote from them for additional pavement markings at other 10th Street intersections. Funding will come from the street repair budget. Councilmembers raised several questions before voting to approve the recommendation. Councilman Cory Urban asked if there was a guarantee that the paint would last for a year or two, since City Administrator Logan Burns said, "The paint we have is not lasting." To answer Urban's question, there is no warranty. "We've tried three or four different manufacturers of paint and whatever Road Safe has," Burns said. "It seems to stick a little better, but it seems like a week or two after we put that down, it's already gone." He later singled out the intersection of 10th and Washington, where the paint lasted "two weeks, maybe." Councilman Gary Parr asked if the City has explored what is used on Interstate highways and Mayor Cody Schmidt asked if Great Bend has called other cities to see what paint they use. "Our traffic-control specialists are working on it," Kadiyala said. "We've changed the vendors, we changed the methods, and tried every approach." She said they have spent about a year trying to figure out a solution. Kadiyala said Road Safe has to use state-certified paint for CCLIP projects. "We have that paint as well. ... The materials have changed so much lately that we're just trying to figure out what is going on at this point." However, doing nothing is not a good option, she said. She recommended doing the work now for safety and working on researching the paint issue as well. "It blows me away to pay if we can do it ourselves in-house," Urban said. The city will be painting other intersections this year. Those voting "yes" to the painting contract were Kevyn Soupiset, Rickee Maddox, Alan Moeder, Jolene Biggs and Tina Mingenback. Those voting "no" were Urban, Parr and Davis Jimenez. Councilman Parr contacted the Great Bend Tribune on Tuesday to comment on his vote. "I'm not against painting the intersections," he said. "They absolutely need to be painted." Parr said his "no" vote was based on the cost of the paint and the fact that it might only last two to three weeks. "This is almost $7,000 per intersection," he said. He was also concerned that there is no guarantee. "We're just throwing caution to the wind," he said, adding the city needs to check with other cities and get more data. The intersections that are getting pavement markings are all on 10th St. They are located at Frey Street, Kansas Ave., Main, Washington, Harrison, Grant, Patton Road, and K-96. Markings include crosswalks, stop bars, single white lines, turn arrows and double yellow lines.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Port Talbot's ‘Gotta Banksy' play explores the impact of street art on a proud community
TEGRYN village provides haunting backdrop for First World War drama inspired by poet Hedd Wyn A POWERFUL new short film set during the First World War and filmed in a remote corner of north Pembrokeshire is set to make its premiere later this month, bringing with it a poignant message of peace and remembrance. The film, A Pack of Five, will debut at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival on May 19, and has already drawn attention for its evocative storytelling and strong local connections. Inspired by the life and work of renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, the film depicts a fleeting moment of calm shared between five soldiers amid the chaos of the Battle of the Somme. Hedd Wyn, born Ellis Humphrey Evans in Trawsfynydd, was a pacifist poet who was killed in Flanders on July 31, 1917 – the first day of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele. He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Chair at the National Eisteddfod for his poetry, a ceremony famously marked by an empty seat draped in black. The film delves into the emotional and psychological landscape of war, using Hedd Wyn's poetry as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, loss, and the fragile humanity shared between soldiers. Two of the soldiers are portrayed by local actors Rhodri Evan of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn, with the cast capturing a delicate balance between camaraderie and trauma. Filming took place in Tegryn, a small village in the Preseli Hills, chosen by director John Parr for its raw, elemental landscape. 'The wildness of the wind and the grey skies while we were filming gave the film a special edge,' said Mr Parr, a Grammy-nominated filmmaker whose work often explores historical and cultural themes. 'Hedd Wyn's message of peace is more relevant than ever in today's world,' Parr added. 'The small comfort of a pack of five cigarettes, gallows humour and soldiers' banter create a perfect setting for the quiet wisdom of his poetry.' The film, written and directed by Parr and produced by Simon Howlett and Delyth Lloyd, is already being hailed as a moving tribute to the poet's enduring legacy. Contributions from distinguished Welsh bards Alan Llwyd and Ceri Wyn Jones enrich the script, while the Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Harry Secombe Youth Musical Theatre Company provide a rich musical dimension. Though short in duration, A Pack of Five is layered in meaning. As soldiers reflect on lines of verse amidst the mud and fear of the trenches, the viewer is reminded of the stark contrast between artistic beauty and the brutality of war. 'His is a voice and a message that should be heard today and always,' said Parr. Following its premiere, the film will become available to the public. It is anticipated to resonate with audiences not only in Wales but across the UK, where interest in First World War history and Welsh cultural heritage remains strong.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Poetry and pacifism: Welsh war film ‘A Pack of Five' premieres in Carmarthen
TEGRYN village provides haunting backdrop for First World War drama inspired by poet Hedd Wyn A POWERFUL new short film set during the First World War and filmed in a remote corner of north Pembrokeshire is set to make its premiere later this month, bringing with it a poignant message of peace and remembrance. The film, A Pack of Five, will debut at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival on May 19, and has already drawn attention for its evocative storytelling and strong local connections. Inspired by the life and work of renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, the film depicts a fleeting moment of calm shared between five soldiers amid the chaos of the Battle of the Somme. Hedd Wyn, born Ellis Humphrey Evans in Trawsfynydd, was a pacifist poet who was killed in Flanders on July 31, 1917 – the first day of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele. He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Chair at the National Eisteddfod for his poetry, a ceremony famously marked by an empty seat draped in black. The film delves into the emotional and psychological landscape of war, using Hedd Wyn's poetry as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, loss, and the fragile humanity shared between soldiers. Two of the soldiers are portrayed by local actors Rhodri Evan of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn, with the cast capturing a delicate balance between camaraderie and trauma. Filming took place in Tegryn, a small village in the Preseli Hills, chosen by director John Parr for its raw, elemental landscape. 'The wildness of the wind and the grey skies while we were filming gave the film a special edge,' said Mr Parr, a Grammy-nominated filmmaker whose work often explores historical and cultural themes. 'Hedd Wyn's message of peace is more relevant than ever in today's world,' Parr added. 'The small comfort of a pack of five cigarettes, gallows humour and soldiers' banter create a perfect setting for the quiet wisdom of his poetry.' The film, written and directed by Parr and produced by Simon Howlett and Delyth Lloyd, is already being hailed as a moving tribute to the poet's enduring legacy. Contributions from distinguished Welsh bards Alan Llwyd and Ceri Wyn Jones enrich the script, while the Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Harry Secombe Youth Musical Theatre Company provide a rich musical dimension. Though short in duration, A Pack of Five is layered in meaning. As soldiers reflect on lines of verse amidst the mud and fear of the trenches, the viewer is reminded of the stark contrast between artistic beauty and the brutality of war. 'His is a voice and a message that should be heard today and always,' said Parr. Following its premiere, the film will become available to the public. It is anticipated to resonate with audiences not only in Wales but across the UK, where interest in First World War history and Welsh cultural heritage remains strong.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Full of magic and menace: The Royal Opera's Die Walküre comes to the Torch
TEGRYN village provides haunting backdrop for First World War drama inspired by poet Hedd Wyn A POWERFUL new short film set during the First World War and filmed in a remote corner of north Pembrokeshire is set to make its premiere later this month, bringing with it a poignant message of peace and remembrance. The film, A Pack of Five, will debut at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival on May 19, and has already drawn attention for its evocative storytelling and strong local connections. Inspired by the life and work of renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, the film depicts a fleeting moment of calm shared between five soldiers amid the chaos of the Battle of the Somme. Hedd Wyn, born Ellis Humphrey Evans in Trawsfynydd, was a pacifist poet who was killed in Flanders on July 31, 1917 – the first day of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele. He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Chair at the National Eisteddfod for his poetry, a ceremony famously marked by an empty seat draped in black. The film delves into the emotional and psychological landscape of war, using Hedd Wyn's poetry as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, loss, and the fragile humanity shared between soldiers. Two of the soldiers are portrayed by local actors Rhodri Evan of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn, with the cast capturing a delicate balance between camaraderie and trauma. Filming took place in Tegryn, a small village in the Preseli Hills, chosen by director John Parr for its raw, elemental landscape. 'The wildness of the wind and the grey skies while we were filming gave the film a special edge,' said Mr Parr, a Grammy-nominated filmmaker whose work often explores historical and cultural themes. 'Hedd Wyn's message of peace is more relevant than ever in today's world,' Parr added. 'The small comfort of a pack of five cigarettes, gallows humour and soldiers' banter create a perfect setting for the quiet wisdom of his poetry.' The film, written and directed by Parr and produced by Simon Howlett and Delyth Lloyd, is already being hailed as a moving tribute to the poet's enduring legacy. Contributions from distinguished Welsh bards Alan Llwyd and Ceri Wyn Jones enrich the script, while the Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Harry Secombe Youth Musical Theatre Company provide a rich musical dimension. Though short in duration, A Pack of Five is layered in meaning. As soldiers reflect on lines of verse amidst the mud and fear of the trenches, the viewer is reminded of the stark contrast between artistic beauty and the brutality of war. 'His is a voice and a message that should be heard today and always,' said Parr. Following its premiere, the film will become available to the public. It is anticipated to resonate with audiences not only in Wales but across the UK, where interest in First World War history and Welsh cultural heritage remains strong.
Chicago Tribune
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Gary bike documentary to premiere Saturday
Ten years ago, a Gary program was created to bring bikes to the city. Now, a Gary woman's film company is premiering 'Take Bike the Streets,' a documentary focused on bicycle advocacy across Northwest Indiana. '(We learned) about 19% of the Gary population depending solely on public transit, and there was no bike shop at all within the city,' said Jessica Renslow, a Gary resident and creator of 'Take Bike the Streets.' From 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, 'Take Bike the Streets' will premiere at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts in Gary's Miller neighborhood. Tickets can be bought online or at the door and are $5 or 'whatever you can donate,' according to a news release. All proceeds will go to the Ken Parr Build a Bike program. Parr, who died in 2016, was one of the original volunteers, a local science teacher and cycling advocate. The program helps build and repair bikes from June to August, according to the 'Take Bike the Streets' website. Since 2021, the program has hosted virtual courses and met for bimonthly workshops, which are free and available to people of all ages. 'Ken was our bike guy,' Renslow said. 'I was like, 'Oh my gosh. We have to keep this going in his honor.'' 'Take Bike the Streets' originally premiered in Italy, but Gary's Saturday showing is the documentary's U.S. premiere, Renslow said. 'I was saving the U.S. premiere for this, so that we could do it as a little fundraiser for Build a Bike because all proceeds go to help run the program and get kids and adults to learn about bikes,' Renslow said. 'This is a good way to bridge all things bike.' Gretchen Sipp is a longtime Gary resident and volunteer with Build a Bike. She is one of the people interviewed for the film and said she helped participate in the inception of the idea, by surveying community members and taking part in brainstorming sessions. Sipp wanted to volunteer with the program because she thinks it's important to educate people of all ages about bike safety. She's happy to say she was part of the documentary. ''Take Bike the Streets' was something that everyone could do — regardless of skill, ability, mobility — everyone could have a part, whether you're taking a bike ride, fixing one or volunteering to help on the administrative side,' Sipp said. ''Take Bike the Streets' was one of those all-inclusive things that everybody knew that we needed. We needed some active transportation in our vast community.' The film premiere is bittersweet, Sipp said, especially because Parr can't witness it and the work that's highlighted. After 10 years, Build a Bike has become a longstanding Gary initiative, Sipp said, and she thinks Parr would be proud to see what it turned into. 'He was a quiet, reserved man, but he was a staple in our community,' Sipp said. 'He did his part, and no one had to ask him. … He took the initiative to take pride in where he lived, and it affected many people.' Second-year students at the Hammond Area Career Center helped edit 'Take Bike the Streets,' Renslow said. Renslow has known the career center teacher who oversees the radio and television production program since high school. Stephanie Reiser said six students were originally involved in the editing, but three finished the film. 'Part of my curriculum in the second-year program is strictly client work,' Reiser said. 'I'm always looking for clients for my students to get real world experience with. So working with (Renslow) was a great opportunity to do client work and have them work independently.' Reiser hasn't seen the finished product of 'Take Bike the Streets,' but it makes her proud to know that her students played a part in its production. 'My students did something amazing, and it's nice to know I had a hand in that,' Reiser said. 'As a teacher, it's pretty amazing for me to watch my students become involved in stuff like this.'
