Alex Dalton

Gary will start replacing broken street lights, downed telephone polls and non-LED bulbs in a matter of weeks, city engineer William Allen told the city council during its Tuesday night meeting, but the expected time of completion has been pushed back by a matter of months.

The city has enlisted the services of East Chicago-based contractor Midwestern Electric, which will start work on city-owned lights during the week of December 16, prioritizing those on Gary's main Broadway corridor.

Gary's poor street lighting has long been a concern of city residents. An audit conducted by the contractor TWiG Technologies earlier this year found that of 1,996 municipally-owned lights, 1,293 had less efficient non-LED bulbs, 868 were non-functional, and 77 had been downed by weather or vehicle accidents.

Mayor Eddie Melton, who took office last December, announced plans for an overhaul of the city's lighting infrastructure during his inaugural State of the City address in May.

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The following month, the Gary Common Council voted unanimously to set aside just under $3.5 million from the city's federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace street lights. In a statement released at the time, the Melton administration announced that all of the city's street lights would be repaired and upgraded with LED bulbs "by early 2025."

That timeline has since been revised, Allen told The Times, and the city now expects to see all street lights fixed by the end of next year.

"Once the materials were ordered, the submittal process took longer than anticipated," he wrote in a statement. "We are installing 16 different types of streetlights across the city and needed to make sure we got the requirements right for each streetlight. Confirming details like the anchor bolt pattern dimensions and locations for all the pole variations took some time to finalize. We had to make sure everything would fit perfectly when the materials arrived."

Allen said that work on Broadway's lights should be done by February. The city also plans to repair 58 lighting fixtures at Gleason Park that have been non-functional since a transformer was damaged in a massive 2008 flood. Allen added that the ARPA appropriation will allow the city to purchase reserve materials, including poles and other street light components, to allow the city to more quickly address future damage to lighting infrastructure.

City Council President Tai Adkins, D-4, asked Allen during Tuesday's council meeting to develop a more specific timeline for residential street light repairs that includes benchmarks for certain percentages of completion, "because the council members will be the ones that will be getting that call."

Allen told Adkins that his office will do so and will provide the information to the council.

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TEDxGary will present "ideas worth spreading" this weekend for the seventh time, hosting a series of thought-provoking short talks at the Indiana University Northwest campus.

The married couple Jeffrey and McKenya Smith organize the locally staged TED Talks, short talks about Technology, Entertainment and Design that started in Silicon Valley and have gone viral on YouTube. They've been putting them on since 2020 and have hosted 30 speakers so far.

"TEDxGary is in its fourth year with six events under its belt. It has grown in areas of production and audience. If you were to view earlier TEDxGary videos on TED.com from 2020 and compare them to those in 2022 and even 2023, you will notice a marked improvement in the production quality," she said. "Our speakers are more diverse in both thinking and ethnicity which we believe gives a unique opportunity for Gary audiences to engage with persons who they ordinarily would not have the chance to do so. We went from giving tickets away to have an audience in 2020 to routinely being sold out since 2022."

TEDxGary will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, in Savannah Hall at Indiana University Northwest. This year's theme is "Deferred Not Denied."

"The audience is in for an evening filled with passionate, knowledgeable and innovative speakers who will challenge them to embrace their good ideas and respond to the clarion call to reject deferment as denial," she said. "That theme resonated with each and every one of our speakers and they address the theme of Deferred Not Denied from their areas of experience. They will see strength through vulnerability and an extreme desire to use ideas to make life better wherever you may be."

Speakers include the physician and scientist Dr. Ravi Iyer, the author and podcaster Earnest James, the education advocate Ivy Wilcher, the CEO and founder Nakeisha Washington, the business owner Sunny Lu Williams, the entrepreneur and equity strategist LaShata Grayson, the author Christian Nichles, the education consultant Cedric Washington and the leadership expert Dr. Francine Birgans.

"I am excited to be a part of TEDxGary and share the stage with some many talented and impassioned speakers, " said Iyer, who is traveling from Virginia. The Region has hosted other locally organized TEDx events, including at Valparaiso University and County Line Orchard in Hobart. TEDx Gary, which is open to applications from prospective speakers between March and May aims to move Gary forward.

"TEDxGary is yet another platform that we have made available to our city for ideas to provoke, press and even push into action that type of sustainable and radical change that has to occur for Gary to shake off its dormancy and reclaim its greatness," Smith said.

Joseph S. Pete, The Times

TEDxGary will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Savannah Hall at Indiana University Northwest. This year's theme is "Deferred Not Denied."

This year's speakers will include Dr. Cheryl Pruitt, the former superintendent of the Gary Community School Corporation. The Gary native worked to reduce the school district's debt, improve academics and steer students to better outcomes.

She also served as CEO of the Chicago Virtual Charter School.

"Dr. Cheryl Pruitt is a passionate advocate for social justice, inequality in education and health, and entrepreneurship, with nearly 40 years of experience tackling some of the toughest challenges in underserved communities. Her leadership journey spans roles as a substitute teacher, curriculum writer, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, consultant and school board member across urban communities and the U.S. Virgin Islands," TEDxGary speakers said in a press release. "Dr. Pruitt played a pivotal role in assisting the U.S. Virgin Islands in regaining their accreditation, further demonstrating her commitment to improving education systems on a broad scale. Throughout her career, she has worked to close gaps in education and health, bringing innovative solutions to some of the highest-stakes environments. With early research focused on childhood cancers and toxicology, Dr. Pruitt's career evolved toward transforming the educational landscape through advocacy, policy reform, and program development."

Provided

Dr. Ravi Iyer, a physician, author and speaker, will give a TED Talk at TEDxGary.

"I am excited to be a part of TEDxGary and share the stage with some many talented and impassioned speakers," Iyer said. "I have been trying for some years now to do a TEDx Talk and am happy to finally get a chance on the red carpet to share my idea of intentional focus. I am looking forward to staying in an AirBNB in Miller Beach who gave a TEDxGary discount for this momentous occasion."

He's a native of Jamshedpur, India who runs a medical clinic in Herndon, Virginia.

"He is a Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, author, short film actor, transdisciplinary polymath and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several patents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, Dr. Iyer's professional accomplishments include over 41 years of experience spanning the fields of science, medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceuticals, a 9-year Directorship of a Hospice caring for dying patients, and a 4-year Chairmanship of a 225-bed hospital," organizers said in a press release. "His contributions have been recognized worldwide by organizations such as Marqui's Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Top Doctors of America."

Provided

Anthony Hudson, an aspiring sports journalist studying at Indiana University Northwest, is one of the speakers at TEDxGary.

"Doing this TEDxGary Talk about making Gary a college town to attract businesses like coffee shops, galleries and more franchise restaurants is a chance for me to put into action how we can do that," he said.

He's now studying for a degree in communications with minors in business and fine arts. He's slated to graduate in spring 2025.

He works at GreatNews.Life and has interned with Sports Broadcasting Solutions in Chicago.

"He has a passion for sports and runs his own podcast, 'It's My Turn,'" organizers said in a press release. "Additionally, Anthony serves as a social media specialist for the Office of Admissions, a PRoud Council Member on the Public Relations Student Society of America National Team, and a member of the National Honors Society. His diverse background in journalism includes previous work with Gary 411 News and extensive involvement in PRSSA, where he has risen through various roles. Anthony's career aspirations include working for a major sports media organization like ESPN or TNT. He is an e-commerce business owner and an active member of The World Worship Center."

Provided

Christian Nichles, the founder and president of 1st Gen Solutions, also will give a TED Talk that will be filmed and later posted online.

"With nearly three decades of experience, Christian Nichles, D.Ed., has successfully led organizations of various sizes, navigating the challenges of highly diverse workforces across different generations. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Human Growth and Development, specifically focusing on emerging generations," organizers said in a press release. "Christian is not just a leader but a gifted speaker, motivator, and cultural architect. His exceptional ability to analyze, comprehend, and engage in diverse environments distinguishes him in a world saturated with conventional and pre-packaged ideas. Driven by a profound passion for continuous improvement, Christian's mission is to 'help people be 1% better each day.' He achieves this through his roles as a coach, speaker, and trainer."

Provided

Author, podcaster and speaker Earnest James will give a TED Talk.

He's the founder of dealhealfulfill.org who has dedicated his life to inspiring and uplifting others.

"Deal with your problems. Heal from your pain. Fulfill your purpose."

An advocate for education, he aims to spread a message of hope and healing and aims to bring change into the world.

"We must heal ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we heal our families," he said. "Our families heal our communities. Our communities heal our world."

Provided

Cedric Washington, an educator who founded N.E.R.D. Youth Services, will deliver a TED Talk at TEDxGary.

"A TEDx Talk has been on a list of things that I have wanted to accomplish, so I am grateful for this TEDxGary platform," Washington said.

N.E.R.D. stands for Nurturing Education Rewarding Determination. The nonprofit aims to provide youth services and professional developments for educators.

Provided

Nakeisha Washington, a CEO, founder and entrepreneur, will speak at TEDxGary.

"Nakeisha Washington, founder of Nyla Nova STEMversity, leverages 20 years of educational experience to empower families and students," organizers said in a press release. "She has excelled as an assistant principal, STEM competition coach, and curriculum developer. Her passion for fostering young minds led to the creation of the Nyla Nova Brand where innovative programs nurture Indiana's future STEM leaders. Featured in numerous news segments and podcasts, Washington has won 1st Place in Pitchfeast and Best Education Center three years in a row."

Provided

LaShata Grayson is an equity stategist who will talk at TEDxGary.

"Coming home to be on a TEDx stage is really surreal, I mean, I speak for a living but this is different because my family will be in the audience. I am proud that such a platform is in Gary," she said.

She founded Black Girls who Life, which aims to help young black women become physically and mentally fit.

"LaShatá M. Grayson is a multifaceted national public speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and equity strategist from Gary, Indiana, dedicated to empowering leaders and driving culture change. With over 9 years of experience from practitioner to consultant, she impacts more than 9,000 college students annually and has developed over 100 programs reaching 17,000 adult learners globally. As the founder of a full-service consulting firm Carrying THe Weight, she excels in helping organizations with culture change," organizers said in a press release. "With a track record of implementing impactful programs, building black women to become physically fit, and speaking nationally, she is committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their fullest potential."

Sunny Lu Williams, the president of Techserv Corporation, will give a TED Talk at TEDxGary at IUN.

She's a graduate of Purdue University who was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics and earned an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.

"TechServ is a consulting and project management firm focused on Public Health, Public Safety & Higher Education sectors supporting strategic planning, grants & program management, training and technical assistance, and technology enabled data collection and outcomes measurement," organizer said in a press release. "Sunny has spent twenty years in business management, new venture formation and program design."

Provided

Ivy Wilcher is an educator and advocate who will give a talk at TEDxGary.

"The process was intense, the hardest thing that I have done in the area of speaking but I feel ready to share my idea worth sharing," she said.

She has more than eight years of classroom experience in as a special education teacher in Illinois and Indiana.

"Passionate about serving underserved communities, Ivy has led initiatives like implementing social emotional learning tools with Teach Plus, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Gradient Learning to strengthen teacher-student relationships," organizers said in a press release. "Ivy is also the founder of Next Scholar Up!, an organization that connects youth to educational opportunities, empowers parents to advocate for their children, and provides professional development for educators. She is the author of The Playbook for Parents, offering essential guidance to parents navigating education."

Provided TEDxGary to take place at IUN

TEDxGary will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Savannah Hall at Indiana University Northwest. This year's theme is "Deferred Not Denied."

TEDxGary will present "ideas worth spreading" this weekend for the seventh time, hosting a series of thought-provoking short talks at the Indiana University Northwest campus.

The married couple Jeffrey and McKenya Smith organize the locally staged TED Talks, short talks about Technology, Entertainment and Design that started in Silicon Valley and have gone viral on YouTube. They've been putting them on since 2020 and have hosted 30 speakers so far.

"TEDxGary is in its fourth year with six events under its belt. It has grown in areas of production and audience. If you were to view earlier TEDxGary videos on TED.com from 2020 and compare them to those in 2022 and even 2023, you will notice a marked improvement in the production quality," she said. "Our speakers are more diverse in both thinking and ethnicity which we believe gives a unique opportunity for Gary audiences to engage with persons who they ordinarily would not have the chance to do so. We went from giving tickets away to have an audience in 2020 to routinely being sold out since 2022."

TEDxGary will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, in Savannah Hall at Indiana University Northwest. This year's theme is "Deferred Not Denied."

"The audience is in for an evening filled with passionate, knowledgeable and innovative speakers who will challenge them to embrace their good ideas and respond to the clarion call to reject deferment as denial," she said. "That theme resonated with each and every one of our speakers and they address the theme of Deferred Not Denied from their areas of experience. They will see strength through vulnerability and an extreme desire to use ideas to make life better wherever you may be."

Speakers include the physician and scientist Dr. Ravi Iyer, the author and podcaster Earnest James, the education advocate Ivy Wilcher, the CEO and founder Nakeisha Washington, the business owner Sunny Lu Williams, the entrepreneur and equity strategist LaShata Grayson, the author Christian Nichles, the education consultant Cedric Washington and the leadership expert Dr. Francine Birgans.

"I am excited to be a part of TEDxGary and share the stage with some many talented and impassioned speakers, " said Iyer, who is traveling from Virginia. The Region has hosted other locally organized TEDx events, including at Valparaiso University and County Line Orchard in Hobart. TEDx Gary, which is open to applications from prospective speakers between March and May aims to move Gary forward.

"TEDxGary is yet another platform that we have made available to our city for ideas to provoke, press and even push into action that type of sustainable and radical change that has to occur for Gary to shake off its dormancy and reclaim its greatness," Smith said.

Joseph S. Pete, The Times

TEDxGary will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Savannah Hall at Indiana University Northwest. This year's theme is "Deferred Not Denied."

This year's speakers will include Dr. Cheryl Pruitt, the former superintendent of the Gary Community School Corporation. The Gary native worked to reduce the school district's debt, improve academics and steer students to better outcomes.

She also served as CEO of the Chicago Virtual Charter School.

"Dr. Cheryl Pruitt is a passionate advocate for social justice, inequality in education and health, and entrepreneurship, with nearly 40 years of experience tackling some of the toughest challenges in underserved communities. Her leadership journey spans roles as a substitute teacher, curriculum writer, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, consultant and school board member across urban communities and the U.S. Virgin Islands," TEDxGary speakers said in a press release. "Dr. Pruitt played a pivotal role in assisting the U.S. Virgin Islands in regaining their accreditation, further demonstrating her commitment to improving education systems on a broad scale. Throughout her career, she has worked to close gaps in education and health, bringing innovative solutions to some of the highest-stakes environments. With early research focused on childhood cancers and toxicology, Dr. Pruitt's career evolved toward transforming the educational landscape through advocacy, policy reform, and program development."

Provided

Dr. Ravi Iyer, a physician, author and speaker, will give a TED Talk at TEDxGary.

"I am excited to be a part of TEDxGary and share the stage with some many talented and impassioned speakers," Iyer said. "I have been trying for some years now to do a TEDx Talk and am happy to finally get a chance on the red carpet to share my idea of intentional focus. I am looking forward to staying in an AirBNB in Miller Beach who gave a TEDxGary discount for this momentous occasion."

He's a native of Jamshedpur, India who runs a medical clinic in Herndon, Virginia.

"He is a Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, author, short film actor, transdisciplinary polymath and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several patents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, Dr. Iyer's professional accomplishments include over 41 years of experience spanning the fields of science, medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceuticals, a 9-year Directorship of a Hospice caring for dying patients, and a 4-year Chairmanship of a 225-bed hospital," organizers said in a press release. "His contributions have been recognized worldwide by organizations such as Marqui's Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Top Doctors of America."

Provided

Anthony Hudson, an aspiring sports journalist studying at Indiana University Northwest, is one of the speakers at TEDxGary.

"Doing this TEDxGary Talk about making Gary a college town to attract businesses like coffee shops, galleries and more franchise restaurants is a chance for me to put into action how we can do that," he said.

He's now studying for a degree in communications with minors in business and fine arts. He's slated to graduate in spring 2025.

He works at GreatNews.Life and has interned with Sports Broadcasting Solutions in Chicago.

"He has a passion for sports and runs his own podcast, 'It's My Turn,'" organizers said in a press release. "Additionally, Anthony serves as a social media specialist for the Office of Admissions, a PRoud Council Member on the Public Relations Student Society of America National Team, and a member of the National Honors Society. His diverse background in journalism includes previous work with Gary 411 News and extensive involvement in PRSSA, where he has risen through various roles. Anthony's career aspirations include working for a major sports media organization like ESPN or TNT. He is an e-commerce business owner and an active member of The World Worship Center."

Provided

Christian Nichles, the founder and president of 1st Gen Solutions, also will give a TED Talk that will be filmed and later posted online.

"With nearly three decades of experience, Christian Nichles, D.Ed., has successfully led organizations of various sizes, navigating the challenges of highly diverse workforces across different generations. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Human Growth and Development, specifically focusing on emerging generations," organizers said in a press release. "Christian is not just a leader but a gifted speaker, motivator, and cultural architect. His exceptional ability to analyze, comprehend, and engage in diverse environments distinguishes him in a world saturated with conventional and pre-packaged ideas. Driven by a profound passion for continuous improvement, Christian's mission is to 'help people be 1% better each day.' He achieves this through his roles as a coach, speaker, and trainer."

Provided

Author, podcaster and speaker Earnest James will give a TED Talk.

He's the founder of dealhealfulfill.org who has dedicated his life to inspiring and uplifting others.

"Deal with your problems. Heal from your pain. Fulfill your purpose."

An advocate for education, he aims to spread a message of hope and healing and aims to bring change into the world.

"We must heal ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we heal our families," he said. "Our families heal our communities. Our communities heal our world."

Provided

Cedric Washington, an educator who founded N.E.R.D. Youth Services, will deliver a TED Talk at TEDxGary.

"A TEDx Talk has been on a list of things that I have wanted to accomplish, so I am grateful for this TEDxGary platform," Washington said.

N.E.R.D. stands for Nurturing Education Rewarding Determination. The nonprofit aims to provide youth services and professional developments for educators.

Provided

Nakeisha Washington, a CEO, founder and entrepreneur, will speak at TEDxGary.

"Nakeisha Washington, founder of Nyla Nova STEMversity, leverages 20 years of educational experience to empower families and students," organizers said in a press release. "She has excelled as an assistant principal, STEM competition coach, and curriculum developer. Her passion for fostering young minds led to the creation of the Nyla Nova Brand where innovative programs nurture Indiana's future STEM leaders. Featured in numerous news segments and podcasts, Washington has won 1st Place in Pitchfeast and Best Education Center three years in a row."

Provided

LaShata Grayson is an equity stategist who will talk at TEDxGary.

"Coming home to be on a TEDx stage is really surreal, I mean, I speak for a living but this is different because my family will be in the audience. I am proud that such a platform is in Gary," she said.

She founded Black Girls who Life, which aims to help young black women become physically and mentally fit.

"LaShatá M. Grayson is a multifaceted national public speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and equity strategist from Gary, Indiana, dedicated to empowering leaders and driving culture change. With over 9 years of experience from practitioner to consultant, she impacts more than 9,000 college students annually and has developed over 100 programs reaching 17,000 adult learners globally. As the founder of a full-service consulting firm Carrying THe Weight, she excels in helping organizations with culture change," organizers said in a press release. "With a track record of implementing impactful programs, building black women to become physically fit, and speaking nationally, she is committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their fullest potential."

Sunny Lu Williams, the president of Techserv Corporation, will give a TED Talk at TEDxGary at IUN.

She's a graduate of Purdue University who was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics and earned an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.

"TechServ is a consulting and project management firm focused on Public Health, Public Safety & Higher Education sectors supporting strategic planning, grants & program management, training and technical assistance, and technology enabled data collection and outcomes measurement," organizer said in a press release. "Sunny has spent twenty years in business management, new venture formation and program design."

Provided

Ivy Wilcher is an educator and advocate who will give a talk at TEDxGary.

"The process was intense, the hardest thing that I have done in the area of speaking but I feel ready to share my idea worth sharing," she said.

She has more than eight years of classroom experience in as a special education teacher in Illinois and Indiana.

"Passionate about serving underserved communities, Ivy has led initiatives like implementing social emotional learning tools with Teach Plus, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Gradient Learning to strengthen teacher-student relationships," organizers said in a press release. "Ivy is also the founder of Next Scholar Up!, an organization that connects youth to educational opportunities, empowers parents to advocate for their children, and provides professional development for educators. She is the author of The Playbook for Parents, offering essential guidance to parents navigating education."

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