Latest news with #Prewitt
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘My kids;' Students celebrate school bus driver on his final route before retirement
Current and former students celebrated 'beloved' school bus driver Charlie Prewitt as he finished his final route before retirement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Prewitt was a bus driver for Springboro Schools for many years. His last ride was 'anything but ordinary,' according to a social media post by Springboro Schools. Students and neighbors lined the streets of his route with handmade signs, standing at the ends of their driveways. Former students who had graduated from Springboro High School had even returned home just to be there for his farewell, according to the post. TRENDING STORIES: 2 men dead after motorcycle goes airborne, hits fence near Dayton International Airport $100M investment to bring hundreds of jobs to Dayton International Airport 1 officer in critical condition, another stable after shooting in Ohio; Suspect on the run 'It was clear that Charlie hadn't just driven a bus—he had built lasting relationships," a spokesperson for Springboro Schools said. During his final drive, parents and children of all ages waved, cheered, and called out his name as a thank you for getting them to school safely for so many years. One student who was riding the bus as Prewitt drove exclaimed, 'Look, everyone is here [for you] today,' according to the post. 'His presence is more than a daily routine—it is part of the fabric of the community. Today's send-off wasn't just a goodbye. It was a thank you for the care, kindness, and steady presence Charlie brought to Springboro families," the spokesperson said. Prewitt was asked what he'd miss most in his retirement. He simply said, 'My kids.' [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2 Your Health: The serious benefits of joking
Sometimes all it takes is a good joke to turn our day around. On this April Fools' Day, psychologist Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, explains why laughter can truly be the best medicine. 'A lot of us hold tension in our bodies, and laughing gives us a chance to actually exhale and release some of that tension,' Dr. Prewitt said. In fact, turning to laughter can help us deal with some of the day-to-day stress we all face. That's because enjoying a joke can release feel-good chemicals in our brains, giving our mood an overall boost. Dr. Prewitt said embracing laughter and not taking everything so seriously can be freeing for our mental health. Humor may also help us get through tough times and find a more positive outlook in difficult situations. It can be a means to connect with others as well. 'When you find something, you can all laugh about, humor is a great thing to enjoy with company. You don't want to laugh at anyone else's expense, of course, but if there's a shared joke or something that most people would find funny–it really can be a good way to connect with someone,' Dr. Prewitt said. Although laughter may come more naturally for some, Dr. Prewitt stressed that's not the case for everyone. She said it's important to find ways to tap into your sense of humor–whether that be watching a funny movie or going to a comedy show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
29-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Gary council committee hears update on jewel parks renovations
Ahead of the Gary Common Council's next meeting, some members learned more about updates to the city's jewel parks project. The council is soon expected to vote on salary and operating budgets for the city's jewel parks construction funds. Gary council's finance committee — overseen by Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd — will first look at the budgets. The council's parks, recreation and culture committee heard an update about the jewel parks project, both from Director Mattiee Fitzgerald and Parks Manager Charles Prewitt. 'Our intention for the city of Gary is to revitalize our parks, to make them more park friendly,' Fitzgerald said, 'not only for our residents, but for visitors who come through the city of Gary.' Council members present at the parks, recreation and culture committee meeting were acting President Lori Latham, D-1st; Parliamentarian Linda Barnes Caldwell, D-3rd; Councilwoman Marian Ivey, D-4th; and Councilman Dwight Williams, D-6th. Gary's jewel parks are spread throughout the city, with one in each district. The locations are Glen Ryan Park in the First District; Brunswick Park in the Second District; Tolleston Park in the Third District; Ironwood Park in the Fourth District; Roosevelt Park in the Fifth District; and Howe Park in the Sixth District. Each of the parks was determined to be a major renovation focus because of activities and recreation for children, according to Post-Tribune archives. Conversations about renovating the city's parks have been had for more than 15 years, and Gary said parks would be in 'workable shape' during the summer of 2012, according to Post-Tribune archives. City leadership and teams have continued work on the six projects in the years since. In former Mayor Jerome Prince's 2021 State of City address, he expressed that his administration was working with the council's district representatives for the jewel parks project. Before Mayor Eddie Melton was inaugurated, he also expressed his commitment to the renovations. Each district received $500,000 to renovate the parks, Prewitt told council members March 20. The renovations are about 60% complete, he also said. 'The main focus of our work to be done will be asphalt paving of the basketball courts, tennis courts and pickleball courts,' Prewitt said. Prewitt gave updates on the six parks and what updates still need to be done, most of which included repaving of the courts. Glen Ryan Park has received new signage, a new playground and shelter upgrades, which include a new concrete pad, an electrical system with outlets and picnic tables. The parks department is still working to resurface and pave the basketball courts, which have received quotes of $150,000 and are awaiting a contractor selection. Prewitt hopes to have all asphalt paving completed by Memorial Day. Brunswick Park has received new signage and a new playground. The city is still resurfacing and paving the basketball court, which has received the same quote as Glen Ryan Park. Brunswick's pavilion is at 'ground zero' due to vandalism, and a roof has not been installed because of a leak at the gym. The shelter's architectural shingles also have not been installed. Tolleston Park has received a new pavilion, signage, shelter and playground area. The park is still resurfacing and updating its basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, which also received a $150,000 quote. In the Fourth District, Ironwood Park has received sidewalk repairs and a new playground installation. The city is still resurfacing and paving the park's basketball, pickleball and tennis courts. Roosevelt Park is still in progress, with a tennis court being converted into a roller rink, astro turf replacement at the pool area, new ADA entrances, decorative lightpoles in the center of new picnic tables and basketball court resurfacing and paving. Howe Park in the Sixth District has received new concrete in its shelter areas, pavilion renovations and a new playground area. The city is still focused on basketball court resurfacing and paving at the park. Council members asked questions about what can still be added to the parks, with multiple members wanting an emphasis on programs for senior residents. Ivey asked if a walking track could be added at Ironwood Park. Ivey first asked about updates to the track at Tolleston Park. Latham told her the track is now owned by the Boys and Girls Club, which is located next to Tolleston Park. Williams asked about Roosevelt Park's pavilion, which has been renovated through the project, and if a local senior group was meeting there like before. Prewitt and Fitzgerald told Williams that they're no longer meeting there, but that the pavilions at Roosevelt and Tolleston have 'some type of event' there each weekend and are generating revenue. Latham told Williams that the group, which focused on exercise and socialization, wasn't funded by the parks department and received a grant that is no longer funded. Pavilions at Glen Ryan, Roosevelt and Tolleston parks have all been completed, Fitzgerald told council members. 'I must say myself, those are really nice, so those are available for rental and community events as well,' she added. Williams asked Fitzgerald if any senior projects are focused at the three pavilions yet. The parks have nothing on the calendar, Fitzgerald said, but they're open for senior residents to use pavilions. Gary's Age-Friendly Advisory Council, which was announced in February, could help with senior events at the parks, Latham said. The council will vote on the parks construction fund at a later meeting, which is expected to be in April.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Virginia motel provides housing to flood victims
BREAKS, Va. (WJHL) – Flooding throughout southwest Virginia and southeast Kentucky displaced hundreds of residents, but one motel is reaching out to those affected and saying, 'We've got you.' As waters began to rise as storms entered the region on February 15, many found themselves unable to stay in their homes. 'It just came so fast,' Elkhorn, Kentucky resident Stephen Woolwine said. 'It was just unbelievable.' GALLERY: Flooding impacts Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee 'Within the time I seen it come from the creek to the main road up to where we lived there in a park to the mailbox,' Pikeville, Kentucky resident Jonathan Holstein said. '[In] the time I got in and got my dog and woke my brother up and got an outfit or two, it was already knee-deep in my home.' Holstein and his brother were rescued as the water reached chin-level. But when things calmed down, many said they struggled to find placement. 'I tried calling the two local motels, hotels,' Shelbiana, Kentucky resident Faith Walters said. 'I asked them, pretty much begged them, to give me a discount. And I told them, 'I don't have a place to go back to.'' Walters spent the first night after the flood in her car. Carl Prewitt is the general manager of the Gateway to the Breaks Motel, located in Breaks, Virginia, on the border of Virginia and Kentucky. When he saw the devastation caused by the flooding and heard about his community's needs, he felt compelled to help. 'I started putting up a couple of Facebook posts for people if they wanted to come take a hot shower at no charge,' Prewitt said. 'Just come up and clean up and feel fresh again.' The motel also began offering discounted rates. Soon after his post, Prewitt was contacted by someone looking to help. 'It started with one lady who called and made an anonymous donation for a night stay for someone that was displaced,' Prewitt said. 'And I posted that someone had done that. And the next thing you know, the phone starts ringing and donations started coming in. And we were able to finally put it out that we're offering a free place to stay to someone who truly needs it.' Since the post, the motel had 26 people make donations for at least one night, which soon totaled 55 nights. 'We are matching every donation that's made,' Prewitt said. 'So someone calls up and makes a one-night donation or a two-night donation, then we match that.' But the matching doesn't stop at the donations. The motel also matches any nights paid for by impacted guests. 'We had a couple come in the other night,' Prewitt said. 'They paid for two nights. And I talked to them a little bit, they were affected by the flood. And I said, 'I'm going to tell you right now, we're going to match your two nights and make it four nights.'' Motel guests found themselves shocked by the generosity and support given to them by a community of strangers. 'To be honest, I took it in when I was told that, 'Don't worry about this night coming up, you're good,'' said Holstein. 'I knew another neighbor of mine who suffered. I, as a community person, offered to pay for him a room because [the motel was] going to match a room.' 'All I could do was cry,' said Walters. 'Because when you're hit below the belt like that and somebody offers to help you that doesn't know you. And that night when we got here, that was the first night I really slept.' Guests like Woolwine said they're grateful to see the community's impact. 'When something like this happens,' said Woolwine. 'Everybody can come together and put their differences aside and actually do what needs to be done for everybody. I mean, that's just truly amazing.' Prewitt said the motel is prepared to help as long as they are needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bridge, causeway lighting project set to begin in March
Feb. 14—The city finally has a date, in less than a month, for the Hudson Memorial Bridge/U.S. 31 causeway lighting project to begin. City Engineer Carl Prewitt on Thursday said Shoals Electric expects to begin the $1 million project during the second week of March. The project includes replacing the lights, starting at Market Street Northeast on the south end of the Hudson Memorial Bridge and stretching half a mile to a point just north of Riverwalk Marina. The project does not include the northernmost portion of the causeway. "The completion date on the contract is for up to 60 days, but they tell us they don't think it will take that long," Prewitt said. "They expect the work to take about a month." Prewitt said he does not yet know what lane disruptions the work will cause. Shoals Electric won the project contract in June, but the contractor has been waiting months for materials. "This has taken forever, so I'm glad to see we've got a date," Mayor Tab Bowling said. Dewayne Hellums, director of the Decatur-area Metropolitan Planning Organization, said the MPO is contributing $814,978 in carbon-reduction funds to the project, and this requires a city match of $203,745. The existing lights, installed more than 25 years ago, are not working due to rodents chewing on the wiring. Bowling said the city hired Cook's Pest Control to fight the problem. "The rodents were eating the copper in the wires to sharpen their teeth," Bowling said. The city hired AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, to handle the project's engineering in 2022. The plan is to replace the conduit, wiring and some of the junctions. The city also plans to use pull boxes for the replaced junctions. Pull boxes used in conjunction with conduits will make wire installation easier. The boxes are designed to also help keep rodents away from the wiring. City officials have not been happy with the Alabama Department of Transportation because, they said, the state refuses to contribute funding to the lighting project. In July, Councilman Billy Jackson was the one "no" vote for this reason. "I think all of us here understand we need lighting on that bridge," Jackson said at the time. "But I've always felt this is a state highway; it's a state project that should be funded by the state of Alabama. This is not our responsibility per se." The 78 pole lights along the bridges and causeway were installed in 1998 by the Alabama Department of Transportation and the city took over responsibility for maintenance. From 2002 until 2020, DU maintained the lights, charging the city for its time and materials. On Feb. 1, 2020, an accident seriously injured four DU workers at the north end of the southbound bridge. The driver of a Chevrolet Silverado plowed into DU pickups which in turn collided with a boom truck. Two of the workers were ejected from the boom bucket, and two others were injured at street level. All four were there to work on the bridge lights. Soon thereafter, DU General Manager Ray Hardin advised the city that the utility would no longer maintain the lights "due to safety concerns for our employees and the increasing maintenance requirements of obsolete facilities." Decatur Development Director Dane Shaw on Thursday said a private contractor will be hired to do maintenance on the new lighting. — or 256-340-2432
