Category Archives: Progress

LOS ANGELES -- Oluwole Betiku readily admits that when he arrived on campus at USC a little over a year ago, he didnt care much for the X's-and-O's aspect of football. The thought of spending extra time in the film room just didnt appeal to him.

I didnt really embrace it, he said. I didnt really like it.

That can be a problematic approach for any high school player making the jump to big-time college football, but it was even more so for Betiku, who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 2013 and had played only two years of organized football. He quickly became one of the nations prized recruits at nearby Serra High School, but his immediate success had everything to do with raw, natural ability.

At 6-foot-3 and approaching 250 pounds, Betiku was blessed with size and speed that few high school offensive linemen are equipped to deal with and was primarily tasked with rushing the passer. Its that skill -- getting to the quarterback -- that resulted in scholarship offers from all over the country, but he was so good at it that it masked some real deficiencies.

Dropping in coverage? Forget it. Recognizing formations and blocking schemes? No chance. In spring practice a year ago, he was forced to process so much new information that it became clear very quickly to the coaching staff that if he were to have a chance to play as a true freshman, it would be in a very specialized role.

You think about his background and where he came from, USC coach Clay Helton said. Some kids have been playing since they were 5 years old. He was playing catchup as far as learning the game.

USC kept Betiku out of the first five games of the season, but elected to burn his redshirt against Colorado in early October. The Trojans were 2-3 headed into the game and were in dire need of an improved pass rush. Betiku, the coaching staff figured, could carve out a niche on third downs, but it didnt pan out that way. He did not record a tackle while appearing in five of the final eight games of the season.

Linebackers coach Johnny Nansen says now that he wishes they would have redshirted Betiku or found more ways to get him playing time, but what's done is done. Plus, USC was 8-0 after removing his redshirt, so it would be nitpicking to be too critical of the defensive rotation.

Next year, though, Betiku seems destined for a significant role. Not necessarily as a starter, since he still figures to be behind Porter Gustin and Uchenna Nwosu on the depth chart at outside linebacker, but he has definitely made his case for meaningful snaps. There have been times during spring practice when he has looked like USCs best pass-rusher, and, perhaps not coincidentally, he has become a regular in the film room.

Now I love it, Betiku said of learning the finer points of the game.

In between classes, after classes, whenever he can steal time, Betiku makes his way to the football building to further his understanding of the game. Hes leans heavily on Gustin and Nwosu and is quizzed almost daily by Nansen, who calls what Betiku is still going through Football 101.

It started with formations, knowing when its 12 personnel, 11 personnel, 10 personnel, Betiku said. And now [Nansen] makes me come on the board and draw a play and draw the blocking scheme of the offense and draw a power play. Draw an over formation. Draw a counter against our under defense.

A year ago, those phrases might have seemed foreign to him, but now hes at a point where hes identifying formations to determine what kind of blocking scheme to expect, and how to react accordingly. For him, its all about not having to think so he can start playing fast.

When you look at him when he first got here to now, Nansen said, its like night and day from a technique standpoint and an overall understanding of defenses.

Hes more in tune, as far as the situations were in and what to expect on certain situations. Hes starting to study the game like hes supposed to.

USC concludes spring practice with its spring game on Saturday.

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Still new to the game, Oluwole Betiku making progress at USC - ESPN (blog)

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Progress Industries isl ocally owned by Catalyst Life Services.(Photo: Submitted)

Product: Assembled and repackaged products

Production Description: Progress Industries offers a unique resource to the business community by providing services that businesses dont have the time, people, or space to do. The company provides assembled and repackaged products for other local manufacturers.Progress Industries is a vocational work center that provides job opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment.

Location:741 Scholl Road and270 Sterkel Blvd., Mansfield.

Employment: 60

Ownership: Catalyst Life Services.

Top official: Veronica Groff, president and CEO

Date the company was founded: 1964

Interesting Fact/History:One hundred percentof production laborers are living with disability; 80 percent areliving with a mental health diagnosis,20 percentare in recovery.

Website

Read or Share this story: http://ohne.ws/2ortQzv

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Progress Industries - Mansfield News Journal

By Paola Baker Staff Writer

BARSTOW The Planning Commission discussed new zoning amendments, the progress of the Super Wal-Mart project and the status of the Barstow Area Center for Entrepreneurs during their meeting on Monday night.

The commissioners voted to continue a public hearing on a conditional use permit issued to the Barstow Area Center for Entrepreneurs. According to city records, the continuance was requested to give staff additional time to review the conditions of the project.

Citing technical difficulties, Planning and Environmental Services Administrator Jennifer Riley requested additional time to submit the report on the project. The center, established by Barstow businessman Paul Courtney, boasts classrooms, a computer center and several office spaces for businesses, according to a previous Desert Dispatch report.

Courtney told the Daily Press hes been going through trials and tribulations brought on by traffic concerns near the center that have hindered the centers progress.

Im truly puzzled by (the citys) reaction, Courtney said. This project hasnt been embraced like I thought it would.

With a motion to continue from Commissioner Bea Lint, seconded by Commissioner Marilyn Dyer-Kruse, the vote to continue the public hearing to May 8 was passed unanimously.

The rest of Mondays agenda included the addition of a new zoning amendment to the citys municipal code and a discussion on the citys annual report on the status of the general plan and housing element, which was sent to the Barstow City Council for review. The amendment was implemented to comply with changes to state laws regarding accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats.

A traffic and safety update was presented, with consulting city engineer Brad Merrell discussed the progress of the Super Wal-Mart project. Merrell said construction crews began work on curbs and gutters in the area this week, while paving on E. Main Street is expected to start next week.

Hopefully keeping my fingers crossed E. Main Street will be all done soon, Merrell said.

The Planning Commission will meet again on May 8. Visit http://www.barstowca.org for more details.

Paola Baker may be reached at 760-955-5332 or PBaker@VVDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DP_PaolaBaker.

Continued here:

Zoning amendments, Super Wal-Mart progress discussed - Desert Dispatch

Michelle Homer, KHOU 9:32 PM. CDT April 13, 2017

Tatum Schulte is a funny, sassy 9 year old who has been battling a rare form of bone cancer calledosteosarcomasince 2015. (Facebook)

HOUSTON - A Texas Panhandle family believes in miracles after hearing amazing news from their daughters doctors at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston.

We left Houston last night with huge smiles, grateful hearts, and a story that will rock your world! Shawna Schulte posted on the Team Tatum Facebook page.

Tatum Schulte is a funny, sassy 9 year old who has been battling a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma since 2015. Doctors had to amputate her leg to save her life in 2016. Months later, the family was devastated to learn the cancer had returned.

The Schulte family packed up and headed back to Houston for more chemo. In February, TCH doctors delivered more heartbreaking news.

Unfortunately, Tatum's tumor has doubled in size since we scanned in December so obviously the chemo has not worked, the family posted on Facebook.

Doctors recommended a very risky and difficult surgery as a last resort.

So hard to swallow as parents, but I told them that if it meant keeping Tatum alive and her being with us the rest of our lives then we would do it. It's Tatum..she is a warrior, she is the toughest, and if anyone can conquer this surgery, it's HER!

Surgeons performed the high-risk surgery to remove the tumor in early March.

Weeks of tough physical therapy followed as Tatum continued to prove she is a warrior.

Fast forward to Wednesday and a return visit to Texas Childrens.

Tatum couldnt wait to show her surgeon how well she was doing with a walker. He was speechless.

He proceeded to tell us that there is no way she should be walking, since he cut through 3 nerves that should have left her without feeling in most of her leg!

He then told the Schultes the surgery he performed on Tatum had never been done before because one wrong move could have cost Tatum her life. As word spread, more doctors came into the room to see Tatum walking for themselves. Some snapped photos and videos.

Oh, and thats not all.

Their next appointment was with Tatum's head oncologist. He told the Schultes the tumor had 80% necrosis or dead cancer cells.

He was stunned, speechless... you name it. He kept saying he had no explanation, Shawn Schulte posted.

Along with Tatum's Houston medical team, the family believes homeopathic doctors helped with a special diet and supplements. But they believe the real credit goes to God.

We know God can use any means he chooses for healing!!! We are fully aware that this all comes from Him and we will always give Him the glory through good and bad!

They cite a dream Tatum had back in January.

Tatum Schulte has been battled bone cancer since 2015. (Family photo)

In her dream Jesus told her she was going to go to Houston and she would not have cancer anymore and he told her she was going to be ok!

Tatum will continue therapy and plans to return to school in a few weeks.

Meantime, her family will continue to share her story of their Easter week miracle.

What perfect timing...Holy week! I am again reminded of His amazing grace, His miraculous healing ways, His comforting touch, and His perfect timing!

A gofundme.com page has been set up to help the family with medical bills.

Prayers are also welcome.

2017 KHOU-TV

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Tatum's miracle: TCH patient stuns doctors with progress - 12newsnow.com

Mary Mogan Edwards The Columbus Dispatch @MaryMoganEdward

Five years after the Central Ohio Compact was formed to increase the number of people in the area with some education or training beyond high school, progress remains slow. But there is progress, Columbus State Community College President David Harrison told about 300 people gathered Monday for an annual update on the project.

The Compact, which was organized by Columbus State and includes colleges, school districts and area employers, aims to have 65 percent of adults holding post-secondary degrees or credentials by 2025. Ideally, those degrees and credentials should prepare their holders for the thousands of jobs that are going or will go unfilled because too few potential employees have the skills needed.

More than $30 million in grants from industry, government and philanthropic groups support projects to encourage people to enroll in degree programs or training, sometimes tied to specific career opportunities.

Some were highlighted Monday. Scot McLemore, manager of talent acquisition at Honda North America, described how Worthington City Schools graduates who have taken a special set of engineering courses in high school can work at Honda three days a week while pursuing associate degrees at Columbus State. They also can go on to get bachelor's degrees at Miami University. Columbus State coordinates the program with a grant of about $900,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Many of the graduates are hired full time by Honda, McLemore said.

Partnerships between Columbus State, four-year colleges and school districts create programs that can launch a ninth-grader on a prescribed path to an associate or bachelor's degree.

"We're doing what we said we were going to do," Harrison said Monday. "It is not happening as quickly as hoped, but we're still at the table and we're still working."

Compact data show that, if nothing changed in the rates of students who graduate high school and obtain further education, the region wouldn't reach that 65 percent goal before 2060. So Compact members are developing programs that make it easier to get degrees and credentials and help high schools and colleges tailor their instruction to prepare students for the industries that need workers.

One measure of progress the percentage of high-school graduates who enroll right away in a public college or university went backward,dipping to 38 percent, from about 42 percent, between 2010 and 2015. But other measures, especially those that indicate how well graduates are prepared for post-secondary education, have improved.

Most dramatically, in 2014-15, just under 35 percent of central Ohio high-school graduates were enrolled in remedial classes in college, down from about 45 percent in 2010-11. The state overall remains at about 40 percent, and eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming catch-up work has been a top state priority.

In the same time period, the percentage of high-school students earning college credit before graduation has risen by a third, from 3 percent of all graduates to 4 percent. That number likely has gone up significantly since 2014-15 with the advent of College Credit Plus, the state's dual-enrollment program.

Central Ohio also has seen a rise in the percentage of high-schoolers who graduate in four years, from 75 percent in 2010-11 to just under 80 percent in 2014-15.

That's all good, but more central Ohio families need to know about what the Compact is doing, said Steve Dackin, the former Reynoldsburg City School District superintendent who oversees the compact for Columbus State.

"I feel good about the progress we've made, but I feel we've underperformed when it comes to communication," Dackin said. "Families and students are largely unaware of the opportunities for earning college credit that exist in central Ohio."

mcedward@dispatch.com

@MaryMoganEdward

Original post:

Group reports progress in plan to encourage post-high-school education - The Columbus Dispatch

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BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The City of Burlington is making progress on its Greenways and Bikeways Plan.

The project was initiated in 2016 as a way to give people more cycling and walking opportunities that conveniently connect with different areas in Burlington.

The greenways and bike paths could be used for recreational purposes or even as a daily transportation option such as commuting to work.

We found out that we really dont have a lot of safe roads, sidewalks, pathways, to get people around the community, said Lisa Wolff, superintendent of recreation programming.

Supporters are in favor of the project because they believe its a safety issue.

Its going to help new riders feel comfortable getting on the road, I get that a lot, cyclist David Vaughan said. They want to ride, but they dont feel comfortable with the cars and the traffic.

Vaughan is the owner of Spokes Bicycle Company in Burlington and he is also on the citys steering committee for the project.

Vaughan says his customers will often drive to nearby Greensboro or Raleigh to use their greenway systems, and thinks a similar investment will encourage people to stay in Burlington.

The city has hired a design and planning firm, but wants to receive more public feedback on where the community would like to see the greenways and bike paths before the first draft of a plan is developed.

People can visit the citys website and take the online survey or use the interactive map to provide their input.

Moving forward, team members hope to have a plan ready to present to city council during its work session in June.

36.095692 -79.437799

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Burlington making progress on greenways, bikeways plan - myfox8.com

The staff of The Daily Progress was honored as the best of its class on Saturday at the Virginia Press Association Awards in Richmond.

The Progress won the VPAs Grand Sweepstakes with 42 awards for the newsroom and advertising teams the most in its division, which includes daily newspapers with circulation under 20,000.

The Progress also won the News Sweepstakes with its news, sports, editorial and photography staff claiming 13 first-place, 12 second-place and 10 third-place awards.

The best part of aspiring as a newspaper is when you see your staff members recognized by experts for their exceptional work, said Daily Progress publisher Rob Jiranek. Our recognition Saturday night demonstrates tremendous achievement by a dedicated and lively team of local journalists. Theyre going to keep doing great work. Thats how theyre wired. I know their mothers are proud of them, and so am I!

Those earning first-place honors were:

Second-place awards went to:

Third-place awards went to:

The advertising department also hauled in seven awards. The three first-place awards were given for:

Two second-place awards were given for:

And two third-place awards were given for:

Excerpt from:

Daily Progress wins 42 awards from Virginia Press Association - The Daily Progress

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Matt Barnes (22) of the Golden State Warriors is seen wearing a brace before his team play against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Matt Barnes (22) of the Golden State Warriors is seen wearing a brace before his team play against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first quarter of his NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first quarter of his NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors dribbles around a screen during the second quarter of his NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors dribbles around a screen during the second quarter of his NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Kevin Durant shows progress in Warriors loss to Jazz

During the Warriors huddle at the end of the third quarter, Steve Kerr told Stephen Curry that his night was done.

It came as a surprise to the two-time reigning NBA MVP. He knew Kerr had all of Golden States core players on a minutes limit, but couldnt circumstances force the head coach to adjust? The game was tied with 12 minutes left.

I actually expected to play a little bit in the fourth, Curry said after the Warriors 105-99 loss to the Jazz at Oracle Arena on Monday. It kind of catches you off guard, but you obviously have to realize the big picture.

Golden State, which last week secured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, entered its penultimate game of the regular season more concerned about the process than the result. By that measure, Monday was as feel-good as a loss that snapped a 14-game winning streak could be.

Curry was sensational, needing only 16 shots and 30 minutes to pour in a game-high 28 points. The bench, led by JaVale McGee (11 points) and David West (eight), again was a worthy complement. Only two nights after making his triumphant return to game action, Durant showed signs of progress.

The eight-time All-Star, though far from dominant, finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in nearly 33 minutes. In his second game since returning from the left knee injury that sidelined him five-plus weeks, he again played more than any of his teammates.

Late in the third quarter, Durant crossed over Utah guard Dante Exum, knifed through the key and threw down a one-handed slam. A capacity crowd erupted as he landed and unleashed a roar.

It was only minutes later when, early in the fourth quarter, Durant drove past Utahs Joe Ingles up the baseline before hammering home a one-handed dunk over 6-foot-9 Joel Bolomboy. In those two highlights, Durant sent an emphatic message: Gone was the timid player worried about re-injuring himself.

It felt really good, man I cant lie, Durant said of the two driving dunks. I was a little hesitant early on in these first few games about just exploding off and making moves that I normally make. It seems like both second halves of these last two games, Ive just been like, Forget it. Go out and try some stuff.

The hope was that, with Curry and Durant playing together for the first time since Feb. 28, Golden State would deliver a cohesive performance as Kerr ironed out his rotation for the playoffs. Kerr rested Klay Thompson, who averages a team-high 34.1 minutes per game. Even a Utah team that is jostling with the Clippers for home-court advantage in the first round seized the opportunity to sit core players.

Rodney Hood rested and Gordon Hayward (left quadriceps contusion) sat for precautionary reasons. George Hill, initially expected to miss the game with a right groin strain, was made available and placed on a minutes restriction but scored 20 points in 19 minutes.

Curry and Draymond Green didnt re-enter after sitting with the score tied at 74-74 at the end of the third. Midway through the fourth, as Golden State nursed an 81-80 lead, Durant joined his fellow All-Stars on the bench. By that point, the Warriors had assuaged Kerrs worries: Curry maintained his brilliance with Durant in the lineup; Durant looked healthy, and the team executed with relative precision on both ends.

It was of little consequence that Golden States reserves couldnt stave off the Jazz down the stretch as the NBAs longest winning streak this season came to an end. Golden State views its regular-season finale Wednesday against the lowly Lakers as a dress rehearsal.

Its going to take some time, Kerr, laying on the sarcasm, said when asked for his reaction to Mondays loss. Maybe a summer. Just try and get away for a little bit. Somehow, someway try and regroup.

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron

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Kevin Durant shows progress in Warriors' loss to Jazz - SFGate

The scene at 9443 S. Forest Ave., where Cook County Associate Judge Raymond Myles was fatally shot behind his home. View Full Caption

DNAinfo/Erica Demarest, Provided

ROSELAND Police have made "considerable progress" in the investigation of Cook County Associate Judge Raymond Myles' murder, a police spokesman said Tuesday evening.

The spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, also said via Twitter that in edition to gathering evidence, "persons of interest" had been identified.

Detectives said Monday they were investigating the crime as a possible botched robbery of the 66-year-old judge and the 52-year-old woman just before 5 a.m. behind Myles' two-story brick home home in the 9400 block of south Forest Avenue.

Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples said Monday investigators were reviewing video from multiple cameras in the area, both public and private. The judge reportedly had a surveillance system watching his property.

Police said the woman left the house that borders an alley first and encountered the gunman. The two exchanged words, and then he shot her in the leg, police said. The judge heard gunfire and went out to investigate, where he also exchanged words with the man before the gunman shot him at least four times, police said. The slaying happened on a large cement parking pad between the judge's home and his garage.

The shooter ran away, police said, though it's possible he fled to a getaway car nearby.

The woman called 911, and officers found the two victims outside the house at 4:51 a.m.

Myles was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The woman was taken to Advocate in serious condition.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel called Myles "a distinguished public servant and pillar of the community" and said police were working to determine what led to his "senseless" killing. "Judge Raymond Myles was a well-respected and long-serving jurist, and we mourn his tragic loss."

The judge was a described as demanding but fair by court personnel.

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Judge's Murder Investigation Making 'Considerable Progress," Police Say - DNAinfo

Vermont does well compared with the rest of the country on measures of the well-being of children in poverty, but it is slipping in some categories, according to a new report released by Voices for Vermonts Children.

The percentage of Vermont families in poverty is lower than in most states, and poor children do better than the national average on standardized tests, according to the report from the advocacy group.

The state also rates well on access to health care for children in poverty, the report says.

But the document indicates that many Vermonters are struggling with an increasingly high cost of living, stagnant wages and obstacles to getting ahead.

Researchers create a snapshot of Vermont in the report using state and county data on economic security, education, health, family and community. They also set goals for the state on many of the indicators.

The report says the rate of child poverty in Vermont dropped during the 2014-2015 year by 2.6 percentage points, to 13 percent. There are now 3,350 fewer children living in poverty. But most households havent recovered from the Great Recession, and the number of kids living in low-income families 36 percent is still higher than it was in 2007.

Homelessness continues to rise, with more than 1,000 school-age kids who are homeless, in addition to 1,000 children younger than 6.

Sarah Teel, research director for Voices for Vermonts Children, said the report shows that childrens lives are interconnected. We know what every child needs equitable access to the building blocks of healthy development: quality education, nurturing child care, healthy and adequate nutrition, safe and stable housing, health care, safety, economic security and positive nurturing relationships, she said.

The report says that problems in the community show up in the schools.

More than 3,800 students 5 percent of the states public school enrollment were suspended or expelled between 2014 and 2016, according to data from the Agency of Education.

Nearly one-fifth of the students excluded were in elementary school. In 2016, 177 students were suspended or expelled from kindergarten. Nearly half of the students were disciplined for violating a school policy, according to the report.

Income inequality in Vermont continues to grow, according to the report, which advocates for state policies that will contribute to quality public education and economic safety nets. Specifically, the authors support the earned income tax credit, a livable wage and paid family leave.

Equity means correcting for the injustices that are sometimes built into our systems, said Carlen Finn, executive director of Voices for Vermonts Children. Policy changes would reduce the impact of poverty, she added.

The success of future generations depends on the policies we fight for today, Finn said.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation supports an annual report card called the KIDS COUNT Data Book on child well-being that analyzes each state based on 16 indicators. Vermont ranked sixth nationally in 2016; the 2017 rankings will come out in June.

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Poverty analysis sees room for progress as well as pride - vtdigger.org