Latest news with #Penton
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I spent back-breaking days digging a bamboo nightmare out my garden... what my neighbour said after left me stunned
When Jack Penton bought an allotment a couple of years ago, he was following a long-held ambition to tend to his very own garden. Little did Mr Penton know that a bamboo screen - a selling point of the 65-square-metre plot - would lead to several months of back-breaking labour. 'I quite like my own space, so it was a selling point to me to have the bamboo there because it created a really good privacy screen,' Mr Penton explained. 'But there was no forewarning of the extent and the threat that bamboo can pose.' Bamboo grows rapidly and is extremely strong, giving it the ability to punch through walls and turn over entire patios. It can cost thousands to remove, forcing several landowners like 24-year-old Mr Penton to deal with the plant that is stronger than steel, themselves. 'It's all kind of congregated up against the fence into this massive wad of roots, so when you're pulling it out, it's like a full body workout it's really really heavy to get out,' he explained. The five initial bamboos planted on his allotment spread their 10-ft-long roots underneath his plot and onto his neighbours land. Mr Penton said: 'It extends out this really extensive root network and it just keeps popping up near her shed, but it's getting to the point where it keeps growing and could potentially cause structural damage because it can grow into all of the cracks.' Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth and spreads through underground stems called rhizomes. The rhizomes are 'aggressive' and can form a colony, creating new shoots, sometimes meters away from the original plant. Callum Hurst, director of C H Enviro, who specialise in invasive plant removal explained the plant's abilities are significantly more severe than its better-known counterpart, Japanese Knotweed. 'Once it matures it can put out running rhizomes and they can travel on average approximately up to 30 metres sometimes longer,' Mr Hurst explained. Comparing the plant to Japanese Knotweed, he said: 'When you're dealing with bamboo rhizomes, it's a lot more aggressive and it's a lot more hardy and it can cause a lot more damage to concrete and it can manipulate those cracks a lot faster than Japanese knotweed. 'I've been dealing with Japanese Knotweed for about 13 years and there's only been a couple of cases where I've seen it cause structural damage. 'But with bamboo, it will tear up patios, it will break its way through waste pipes and damage underground services it can get into the footings of a building and the cavities it can start growing up in between the wall cavities. 'I've seen it spread from one garden to two properties down, it tore up the whole patio, the waste pipes and it spread all through the lawn, that was about 10 metres of spread. 'If it breaks and damages old clay waste pipes and you need all the drainage replaced it can get under shallow footings or the footings of a wall, you could be looking at tens of thousands just with the damage of the wall.' Mr Penton knew hiring someone to remove the bamboo on his allotment would break the bank, so he spent £70 on a mattock and wrecking bar and removed the plants himself. 'I started on pulling on one of the roots and it must have gone about 10ft out from where it was originally growing,' he explained. 'I cut it all back, cut all the bamboo down to just under a ft high and I used a mattock to just chop straight through the roots.' He cut back the vast amount of bamboo in January and finished the main bulk of the removal in April - physically digging out the bamboo. Bamboo is removed by excavating the root ball from the ground and getting rid of every plant stem, including those that have been severed to prevent new shoots from emerging. And on average costs between three and six thousand pounds per residential property to remove. Mr Penton said: 'I've got some neighbours in the plot opposite and everytime I dig a clump out they're like "oo can we have that" and I'm like you can and then they explained to me what they were going to do with it and they were literally going to plant it seven ft from where I'd dug it out. 'So I wasn't best pleased about that but it's not banned from our allotment so there's nothing we can do to stop them from doing that. 'Aside from that as soon as I've been getting that out, knowing that my neighbours are replanting it, it's been going straight on the bonfire.' Mr Hurst explained that the demand for bamboo removal has skyrocketed in the past couple of years. He said: 'It typically takes up to ten years for a plant to really mature and then start to spread, so the overspill of bamboo enquiries that we're having now is from people who planted the bamboo sort of 10 to 15 years ago. 'It was advertised a lot on garden programmes on the TV sort of 10-15 years ago and recommended as a good screener for privacy. 'Alan Titchmarsh used to promote it a lot and various other celebrity gardeners used to say it was a really good asset to your garden. 'So it became really popular, a lot of people started planting it. 'But they didn't realise it's a nice plant on the mountains of Asia, but it's not well suited to a residential setting or to be planted near structures.' Unfortunately, homeowners are preoccupied with Japanese knotweed, with 73 per cent of people believing it is more harmful than bamboo. And although bamboo is not classified as an invasive species it is by far more intrusive and a growing issue in the UK. So next time you take a trip to the garden centre, let this be a warning - stay well away from the bamboo.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
LifeWise Academy shares biblical instruction in Amarillo, across US 'during school hours'
Twice a week, some South Georgia Elementary School students walk with an adult for less than four minutes across Amarillo's Susan Drive to South Georgia Church of the Nazarene. A little more than nine miles to the northeast, students at Forest Hill Elementary stroll an even shorter distance weekly across North Grand Street to No Boundaries International, the home of a Christian ministry. The young boys and girls are taking a break to learn from a book that can't be taught in their schools: the Bible. The free opportunity is offered by LifeWise Academy, which started in Ohio in 2019 and is taking root across the country. Leaders of the organization emphasize three key words: 'During school hours.' The removal of prayer and religious teaching from U.S. schools starting in the 1960s is well known, and many Christians blame it for the resulting philosophical relativism, lack of moral clarity and societal troubles. Courts have for the most part upheld the legal banishment of religion from public schools, but LifeWise has taken hold of a 73-year-old Supreme Court ruling to start a return to Judeo-Christian principles. A LifeWise news release explains: 'Released time religious instruction is a concept outlined by the 1952 U.S. Supreme Court Decision Zorach v. Clauson, which determined the practice was constitutional and therefore legal in all 50 states.' So Joel Penton, now the LifeWise CEO, teamed with parents and educators in Ohio 'to bring God back into public schools' – or at least to a growing number of public school children. According to the Ohio Capital Journal, about 50,000 students in 591 schools in 29 states were taking advantage of voluntary LifeWise classes by the beginning of 2025. Instruction at Forest Hill and South Georgia started in mid-January, and Ashlynn Howell, assistant area program director in Amarillo, said in March that 41 students were enrolled at the two schools. 'We do offer continuous enrollment, allowing any student to join our program at any point in the school year,' she said. 'And they continue to do so.' Howell said the local program has plans to expand into two more elementary schools in August, so more teachers, volunteers and financial support are needed. Teachers are paid for instruction time and preparation time. More information is available at In a Fox News interview with Pete Hegseth – now the U.S. secretary of defense – Penton said LifeWise is 'a plug-and-play program that any community across the country can implement. It often involves as much as 50% of the entire school.' In Columbus, Ohio, where Penton lives, the program operates in areas with high crime rates. 'We're in the most remote and rural communities and in the most affluent suburbs,' he said. For a community to be approved for LifeWise, 'It must be a grassroots effort,' Penton said. Fifty signatures are required before a steering committee is formed. 'Before long, there could be a Bible education program during school hours in every community across the nation,' he said. In Amarillo, Randy Meredith is the area program director, Howell is the assistant area program director, and the leadership board consists of Al Guardino, Mary Dodson, Mike Holloway, Stan Stout and Scott Willis. Although Amarillo's LifeWise has started with elementary students, the nationwide curriculum is designed for the first through 12th grades. Penton said the 1952 Supreme Court verdict determined that public school students can be released from school for religious instruction if the program is off school property, privately funded and students have parental permission. 'It cannot infringe upon core classes,' he said. 'So it can't take the place of English or math or something like that. We work with the schools, usually during part of their specials rotation – things like art, music, gym class; it's built into that rotation. So maybe kids are opting out of an ungraded library time or maybe they're coming during a lunch and recess time.' In Amarillo, the classes – which includes games as well as instruction – are taught during lunch, and the students eat while listening and participating. The Amarillo program 'is designed to provide students with tools for success both inside and outside the classroom, emphasizing values like respect, integrity, responsibility and compassion – all rooted in biblical principles,' says an information sheet. And its done during the children's formative years. Penton pointed out that a 2024 national poll showed 78% of parents support moral and character education in the public schools and 67% of parents support teaching biblical values to students. 'It's possible with LifeWise Academy,' he said. Overall attendance goes up and suspensions of students go down with LifeWise, according to a study cited on the program's website, LifeWise leaders stress that lessons promote traditional, orthodox Christianity and don't get into denominational quarrels. The website states, 'The work of LifeWise Academy to reach public school students with the gospel is celebrated and supported by Christians from diverse theological backgrounds. We seek to avoid discussions about denominational differences in the classroom while keeping the focus on what's clearest in Scripture.' Addressing concerns that Bible instruction might not leave time for elective classes such as music, physical education and art, LifeWise responds, 'Many parents hold Bible education in the same high regard as other subjects. For those who can't afford the cost of private religious school tuition or who value the public education their students receive, LifeWise offers a wonderful option that brings religious instruction right into their child's school day.' Leaders summarize the program's beliefs: 'LifeWise Academy maintains a high view of the authority of Scripture, and we align ourselves with historic, orthodox Christian beliefs. We believe the storyline of Scripture that climaxes in the central gospel message, that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead.' The website highlights several parents and students in promotional videos: A woman says, 'There are people in our back yard who have never heard the name of Jesus.' A man says, 'Kids need to be affirmed, they need sports, but more than anything, they need the gospel. The law allows us to do it, so why not do it?' And a young boy sees the value of passing the message on: 'I really want LifeWise to go on until my kids get to do it, and then my kids' kids.' He understands Psalm 78:2-4 (New Living Translation): 'I will teach you hidden lessons from our past – stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.' Mike Haynes taught journalism at Amarillo College from 1991 to 2016 and has written for the Faith section since 1997. He can be reached at. Go to for other recent columns. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: LifeWise Academy shares biblical instruction 'during school hours'
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
LifeWise Academy reports it has surpassed its growth goals for the school year
HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) — LifeWise Academy has surpassed its goals for the 2024 school year, and it has no intention of slowing down. According to the Impact Report released this month, LifeWise is working with more than 600 schools this school year, offering biblical education to over 40,000 students. The Hilliard-based organization offers Christian instruction during the school day to public students with parental permission under religious release time policies. See previous reporting on LifeWise in the video player above. 'We're proud of LifeWise staff, volunteers and supporters for the remarkable success we've had in making Bible-based character education accessible to thousands of kids across the country,' LifeWise CEO and founder Joel Penton said. 'Given Name Act' would restict names, pronouns in schools LifeWise entered the 2024 school year hoping to reach 425 schools, so Penton and Vice President of Advancement Derek Stemen were excited to announce the 600 milestone. The pair hosted a state of the ministry webinar in February where they unveiled LifeWise's 2025 theme: Coast to Coast. LifeWise celebrated other milestones too, including the release of its documentary, 'Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State.' According to LifeWise, the documentary follows the 'historic removal of the Bible from public education' and calls audiences to help reinstate religion in secular government. The film was viewed by a member of the Secular Education Association, which was still named Parents Against LifeWise when member Sarah Paulett attended a screening in Ohio. She said the film was 'ethnocentric, racist and factually inaccurate' in its portrayal of American history. LifeWise and the Secular Education Association interacted many times in 2024, including through a copyright lawsuit after the group's founder published curricula online. Despite community pushback, LifeWise was still able to expand from 340 schools in 15 states in 2023 to its end of 2024 numbers. Not just DEI: Seven things to know about Ohio's sweeping higher ed bill As part of its key initiatives, LifeWise applauded legislation across three states, including Ohio, that passed laws ensuring public schools implement religious release policies. Ohio's new law mandating religious release policies goes into effect April 9. 'We're also thankful to the families and schools who have brought LifeWise to their communities,' Penton said. 'They have consistently told us that Bible education has made a tremendous difference in their children's lives, including improving their behavior and their academic performance.' Financially the group also had a successful year, doubling its revenue in 2024. According to the Impact Report, LifeWise spent just over $18 million last year, one-third to its 'vision fund' and two-thirds to 'program funds.' LifeWise said vision expenses cover growth costs, like marketing, growth initiatives and staff in proactive roles. Program funds cover current operations, including pay for local chapter staff, transportation from public schools and supplies. LifeWise's financial report for fiscal year 2024 shows five employees make more than $100,000 per year. Four of them are listed as part of the organization's eight-person leadership team: NAME TITLE SALARY Joel Penton* CEO/President $111,824 Steve Clifton* COO/CFO/Secretary/Vice President $183,532 Derek Stemen* Vice President of Advancement $113,381 Jeffrey Peterson* Vice President of Operations $101,800 Kurt Snedecor Director of Strategic Partnerships $100,500 The remaining leadership are Sara Spath (Vice President of Program Health), Nate Lundquist (Vice President of Creative), Emily Warner (Vice President of IT) and Jesse Vohwinkel (Vice President of Growth). Ohio group asks U.S. Supreme Court to allow student opt outs for LGBT+ lessons The report also celebrated LifeWise's new headquarters, where construction is nearing completion. LifeWise unveiled the headquarters' floor plan earlier this year, which includes a number of rooms and workspaces. According to site plans, the building has six primary spaces: Reception offices for visitors and program leaders arriving for training sessions Tressel Coaching Hall, named for Penton's former football coach at Ohio State, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, will be an event space large enough for 300 people Smaller workspaces, including conference rooms and a coworking space for casual use Executive offices A multimedia studio to film movies and media appearances A patio for outdoor use The LifeWise Skestos Center is asking for large sponsorships for portions of the building, offered as 'giving opportunities.' These include $250,000 for a prayer room and $10,000 per event patio picnic table. Personalized patio bricks are also for sale, ranging from $250 to $1,000. Although LifeWise surpassed its 2024 goals, the organization said it has no intention of slowing down. LifeWise said it hopes to be in 10% of U.S. schools by 2030 and more than 90% within the next 35 years. 'We look forward to advancing our mission to make Bible-based character education available to every child,' Penton said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Jim Tressel, DeWine's pick for Lt. governor, has been a 'champion' of LifeWise
Jim Tressel, DeWine's pick for Lt. governor, has been a 'champion' of LifeWise Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel, who Gov. Mike DeWine tapped to be Ohio lieutenant governor Monday, also has connections to LifeWise, the Hilliard-based program that teaches the Bible to public school students during school hours. DeWine has nominated Tressel to replace Jon Husted, who DeWine appointed to fill now-Vice President JD Vance's seat last month. Tressel, a Mentor native, served as Youngstown State University's president from 2014 to 2023 in addition to his role as Buckeye football coach from 2001 to 2011. LifeWise plans to name a room in its headquarters after Tressel. The program buses students off school property, often during an elective class period. It is privately funded and parent-permitted. For Tressel to become Ohio's next lieutenant governor, a majority of lawmakers in the Ohio House and Senate must approve him. Joel Penton, founder and CEO of LifeWise, said in a statement that LifeWise was "pleased" to learn Tressel was nominated and believes "he will be a tremendous asset to Buckeye families in that role." "Coach Tressel has been a personal inspiration and encouragement to me for many years, including since the launch of LifeWise Academy," Penton said. Room in new LifeWise HQ to be called 'Tressel Coaching Hall' Last year, LifeWise purchased the former Aquatic Adventures building located by Interstate 270 off Cemetery Road in Hilliard for nearly $3 million, with plans for a renovated training facility named the Skestos Center to help power the organization's national ambitions for the future. The building is scheduled for completion this spring. More: LifeWise taking over Hilliard scuba facility as religious nonprofit sees rapid growth The building will feature a "Tressel Coaching Hall," named in honor of the former OSU coach, to train LifeWise teachers from across the country. Penton is a former OSU defensive lineman and played under Tressel. Penton said he asked him if he would allow his name on the room for training. "(Tressel has) been an encouragement and a champion to a degree," Penton said in 2024. "He's not super publicly tied to (LifeWise) but I asked him, I said, 'Can we honor you by putting your name on the training room,' and he said "Sure, but call it a coaching room.'" Tressel also helped raise funds for LifeWise in 2023 and has spoken at LifeWise events. What is LifeWise? LifeWise, founded in 2018, is an an event-based nonprofit ministry with a mission to reach public school students. It offers Bible education during school hour that is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted, often during an elective class period. In the United States, school districts may offer the option of released time for religious instruction in compliance with the 1948 U.S. Supreme Court case, McCollum v. Board of Education and the 1952 decision, Zorach v. Clauson, The Dispatch previously reported. More: Ohio school Bible program LifeWise raised $35 million, tripled profits last year The curriculum promises to teach students the entire Bible in five years, according to the LifeWise website. Governor signs bill requiring districts to allow religious release time In January, DeWine signed into law a requirement that schools let students leave for off-site religious classes with their parents' approval. The change was added into the "Parents' Bill of Rights" during a flurry of last-minute lawmaking. The new law takes effect in less than three months. The legislation comes after two central Ohio school districts, Worthington City and Westerville City school districts, rescinded their existing policies allowing religious release. Members of both school boards said that religious release was potentially disruptive and questioned whether the policy would add additional strain to the districts if it were scaled up by more programs. Cbehrens@ @Colebehr_report
