Just passing through before I get to Indianapolis. Heading to Philly after we leave here. This town…read moreis small and service oriented. Walmart is the go to store, almost pizza is served and liquor and beer prices are just as expensive as gas in 2022! As you are traveling on Hwy 41 (the highway that drives through the entire city) you will notice that stop lights dominate the flow of traffic. It is a quiet town... most business close around 6pm. Almost fine dining closes shortly after sundown... this place reminds me of a place where you will get a good education, go to church and become a rock scientist! It seems like this place is where people come for school or retirement. We came here for a college graduation - now that this is over, and I am not in retirement yet... I guess it is time to go back to Atlanta GA

The smell is gone? I just pass through...rarely stop unless a family visit forces me to make an…read moreappearance.

In fair disclosure, my involvement with Ryves Hall Youth Center in Terre Haute, Indiana came on two…read moredifferent occasions - the first in which I spoke to children and youth involved with the organization as part of a social justice awareness event and the second due to a fundraiser/awareness event where Ryves received part of the funds from the event. If you know anything about my work as an activist, then you likely know that I gravitate toward grassroots efforts where the modest amounts that I raise will actually make a difference. Ryves Hall Youth Center, a program of Catholic Charities of Terre Haute, is such an operation. Located at 14th & Locust in Terre Haute, Ryves serves children aged 3-17 with services that range from a pre-school to after school supports to a meal, recreational programs, educational supports, mentors, tutors, sports programs, scouting programs and so much more. During my first visit to Ryves, I fell in love with the place as this diverse group of young people listened with focus and enthusiasm as I attempted to plant seeds of hope for some of Terre Haute's most at-risk children and youth. You could tell the staff and volunteers cared about the kids and I promised at the time that I'd return despite being on an event and living nearly 100 miles away. So, as I entered Ryves this past weekend it felt good to have honored that commitment. This was a more casual, less formal visit that involved meeting the kids and learning more about Ryves Youth Center. For example, I learned a fun fact - the first Scout at Ryves to attain Eagle Scout was a youth with Down Syndrome. I loved this. No child is turned down for entering Ryves and the organization serves a diverse population comprised largely of those kids considered "at risk" and many whom are homeless or in circumstances where their only meals are at Ryves or at school. Having had the chance to share a meal with these kids, I can testify that the food is healthy, tasty and well prepared. Ryves offers a program called "TIME for Me," a trauma-informed mentoring program that pairs of children with trained mentors who've also been trained for awareness on the various traumas that impact the lives of these kids. In terms of access, a person in a wheelchair does best if entering through an East entrance that offers a level surface and fewer obstacles. The facility, which is at a building known as Etling Hall, is shared with a food pantry and is housed in an older building that comes with all the challenges of an older building housing a non-profit. Ryves did recently have a grant that paid for some flooring upgrades and the involvement of the community has made the building more accessible than one might expect. Ryves advertises itself with a banner that was created for it proclaiming it the "Miracle on 14th Street" and, indeed, this has been my impression from two visits to the small but mighty youth center. They accomplish a lot with very little and provide stability and healthy role models for kids who truly need it.

I want to know why I get fired for talking about something that a old lady said. But the woman in…read moredaycare Tonya can put a black child in the library and camera but nothing happens to her. They grab on them kids but nothing said. But when I say something that Ms Ruth was mad about they calling me in the office. Great job pinkstaff.

I think most drivers aren't aware of the number of bridges they cross but they would sure be aware…read moreof them if they were missing. Imagine the hassle of trying to drive your vehicle over some stream or creek instead of zipping on by at 40 or more miles per hour. This is one such bridge and if it wasn't for the sign, I wouldn't have been aware of the historic nature. National Road and this bridge were here before US-40 was built nearby and of course, I-70 passes by a few miles away. So think back in time and here we are. The marker reads, "This Bridge was completed by Army Engineers sometime between 1834 and 1837 as part of the Old National Road, between Cumberland, Maryland and Vandalia, Illinois, was authorized by the enabling act of 1803 and was the Nation's first federally financed highway. The Bridge is a prime example of the Stone-building art and early American Engineering. Stones were precisely cut and fitted together without bond or mortar. Many stone arch bridges were built along the Cumberland Road, but this was the only one is still in use at the time of the marker dedication." The marker was erected in 1976 by the Clark County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.. There is not room to pull over on the bridge but there is a nearby crossroad where you can stop and see the bridge from the side. It's an impressive structure especially considering that it is over 150 years old and in constant daily use. [Review 19671 overall - 126 in Illinois - 643 of 2023.]

Reviewing historical structures like this can be difficult, but for any Historic National Road…read moreenthusiast - it's a must-do! If you are heading west out of town, be sure to check out the Old Stone Arch Bridge. No, you can't pull over and look but you can turn left on Oak Crest Road and pull off there. That way, you get a nice view of the bridge. If you want to read the historical marker, then you gotta walk up a-ways. By the way, did you know Abraham Lincoln went across this bridge many times during his lawyer days?

Club Soda has been a great place to live and continue my recovery. I have been a resident for over…read morea year, During that time i have stayed sober and received a ton of support. The staff are understanding, helpful and have always supported me with anything I needed. They provided breakfast, lunch and dinner, helped me get to all my doctors appointments, and even helped me find work. Them providing transportation to and from work was a huge relief and made my life a lot easier. Overall, I would definitely recommend going to Club Soda if you are trying to get your life together and stay sober.

I would not recommend this sober living facility under any circumstances. Based on my direct…read moreexperience, the conditions and management practices raise serious concerns regarding safety, ethics, and accountability. Management appears to prioritize financial gain over resident welfare. Residents are reportedly subjected to intimidation tactics, including threats intended to prevent them from leaving the program. This creates a coercive environment that is not conducive to recovery. The men's residence has had a documented bed bug infestation, posing a clear health and sanitation concern. Additionally, there are unresolved financial matters, including $420 owed to a resident for work performed, which remains unpaid. There are also concerns regarding basic necessities. The facility has run out of food, and residents have been told they are not allowed to eat if they are not present at a specific time, resulting in individuals being denied meals. This practice is inappropriate and raises serious concerns regarding resident care and well-being. The owner, Kevin, made an unsubstantiated and inaccurate claim regarding a former staff member's termination, stating it was due to failure to pass a drug screening. This statement is false and misleading. There have also been serious concerns regarding honesty and transparency among staff. Personal property belonging to me--a ring purchased by my partner--went missing while on the premises. Staff initially denied knowledge of its whereabouts; the item was later recovered without explanation. Overall, the facility is poorly managed, lacks transparency, and fails to provide a safe or supportive recovery environment. Individuals seeking sober living arrangements for themselves or loved ones should proceed with extreme caution. To add I would never send my dog here if that means anything.

To many, if you walk in to a social security office and are told "you need an appointment," it can…read moreseem non-welcoming and abrasive. I get it. It is almost a non-positive experience and you have not even engaged with anyone other than the security guard telling you "you need an appointment." So with that, knowing the rolling turd that the SS system can be in our country, do yourself a favor to simply call and make an appointment before you show up. Some offices allow "walk-ins," but this office seemed questionable on this to me, but maybe late day they do based on the other Yelp review (not sure on this and rolling the dice a bit to assume they will take you as a walk-in). Also note, it probably took me being on hold for 45 minutes before I could get through on the phone to make the appointment, but scheduling for the Terre Haute SS location seemed pretty wide open, like even next day. The Terre Haute Social Security office is almost like a boutique experience versus larger metropolitan areas where the appointment takes weeks to book and there are dozens of people waiting when you do show up for your appointment. So Terre Haute, consider yourself lucky. I needed to help my mom and dad change their addresses and also update deposit info. Jessica who is helping us for our appointed time, could not have been nicer. Like sincerely so. Between arrival, check in at the Kiosk machine and actually getting called to Jessica's desk, maybe 15 minutes. So this experience was pretty good, all things considered. Come prepared and have your stuff organized and it will help to ensure a positive outcome for yourself.

We didn't have a appointment but a gentleman still helped us by providing us with a print out and…read moreanswered a few questions that we had and this was actually on a Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning with the square completely quiet gave me time to walk the perimeter and take in…read morethe full look of the Putnam County Courthouse in Greencastle. The building was completed in 1905 in an obvious Neo-Classical design. It is a four story Indiana limestone structure with a rusticated first level, Corinthian columns rising across the facade, a wide pediment with a clock and a central skyline dome. It was designed by John W. Gaddis of Vincennes, who also designed several other Indiana courthouses. Putnam County itself was created in 1821 and named for Israel Putnam, a hero of the French and Indian War and a general in the American Revolutionary War. Greencastle has been the county seat since 1823. The most striking object on the grounds is a German V-1 flying bomb displayed out front. It's a World War II "buzz bomb" mounted on a limestone V-shaped base and it was dedicated in 1948. It is believed to be the only publicly displayed V‑1 in the United States. And a personal tidbit - this is the fourth Putnam County Courthouse I have reviewed after Winfield WV, Palatka FL, Cookeville TN. [Review 1038 of 2026 - 242 in Indiana - 26217 overall]

The Courthouse in Greencastle was undergoing a power wash when I arrived. Streets around the Square…read morewere being replaced and sidewalks renewed. The Square is small with war memorials on the corners and thoughtfully landscaped. The Neoclassical structure was commissioned in 1903 and designed by notable architect, John W. Gaddis of Vincennes, Indiana. The limestone building was commissioned in 1905 at a final cost of $144,997.38, according to a plaque inside. Inside, the atrium floor is tiled. Marble staircases ascend up two flights with incredible alabaster carved bannisters. The building is immaculate and well preserved with plaques memorializing the Revolutionary War and Spinach American War fallen soldiers. There are several important murasl in the building. One of Lady Justice that hangs on the second floor outside the court rooms. A leaded glass dome overhead is the centerpiece of the atrium. The highlight of my visit was seeing the mostly original 1905 courtroom. A deputy made the visit possible, as court was not in session. The courtroom was filled with original oak chairs for jurors and iron/oak benches for spectators. A powerful mural of King Solomon passing judgement on a child claimed by two women was on a front wall. An antique harp stood in the corner ready for weddings. The courtroom has been maintained incredibly. I felt like I had taken a step back in time. Two deputies, a clerk and even a judge took time out of their day to speak with me about the courthouse. There was a strong sense of pride as they described various parts of the courthouse and recommended places to see. My heart is warmed when I meet people as friendly as I met in Greencastle. The Square outside is interesting with little shops. A vacant bank on the corner was the site of John Derringer's robberies. There is street parking around the Square. The Putnam County Courthouse is well worth a visit if you like architecture, history and Midwest hospitality.

The Mansfield Covered Bridge is one of the few covered bridges that is still opened to traffic in…read moreParke County. A nice park on the north side of the bridge offers lovely views of the bridge over Big Raccoon Creek. The double Burr Arch truss bridge was built by J. J. Daniels in 1867. At 247 feet, the bridge is one of the longer ones in Parke County. We walked and drove across the bridge. There is quite a bit of traffic that uses the one lane bridge, so we had to be careful crossing. A large sign acknowledging contributions for painting the bridge hangs inside. Several windows offer view of the creek below. As with many of the bridges, vandals have left graffiti inside. We found easy parking in the north side of the bridge.

Built by Joseph J. Daniels in 1867 and still in use, this is the second longest surviving covered…read morebridge in Parke County with a footprint of 279 feet (#5 on the Covered Bridge Map). The unusual Double Span Double Burr Arch Truss carries Mansfield Road across Big Raccoon Creek. There is a picnic table alongside the creek, but if you come during the festival, be prepared to pay for parking, and to cope with large crowds. We came a week after the festival closed, to find the site utterly deserted. If you are a photography buff, we strongly recommend visiting the bridges a week before or a week after the festival. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this is one of nine covered bridges erected by Daniels in Parke County.

The best OMS shop in the state of Illinois hands down. Call me biased because I used to work in…read morethis shop, but these good ol' boys definitely know how to turn a wrench in record time. They hold themselves accountable for their work too, which was always good work at that. I wouldn't work for any other OMS shop in the state or want my vehicles serviced by any other..."the dumb bastards." Furthermore, if I were to trust the work of any OMS shop to service a vehicle that I was relying on in combat this would be my shop of choice. True, tested and combat proven to have your ass in gear and ready to lay down some fire without worrying about being stranded in a country that doesn't do the AAA thing. Which reminds me, OMS 10 DOES offer some phenomenal roadside and wrecker recovery assistance, complete with a traveling mechanic for the big problems...just don't ask him to change a tire for you if he's not the driver. It's not his job and you should know how to change a damn tire.