Left to right: Merry Lee Powell, National WCTU President; Margaret Ostenstad, World WCTU President; Loreta Jent, National WCTU Education Director; Larry Jent, Honorary WCTU Member.
150th Annual National WCTU Convention Held in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, August 7-11, 2023. The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held its 150th Annual National Convention at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Attending from this area were Loreta and Larry Jent of rural Fort Scott.
WCTU delegates and members took a step back in time during a pre-convention event. They traveled to Virginia City which was a Mining Town in the 1880’s.
The opening ceremony began with all State Presidents, dressed in their white gowns, marching into the convention hall carrying their state flag, which has always been their tradition. It was an honor to have World President Margaret Ostenstad travel from Norway to participate.
The national winners of the kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade coloring contests were announced, as well as the winners of the national poster and essay contests. Ribbons and prize money was awarded.
On Thursday evening the elected officers were sworn into office and given the “White Ribbon Salute” during a formal banquet.
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization. For 150 years, the united “mother’s love” has educated against the use of alcohol and other drugs. It’s “Do Everything Policy”, allows for national, local and state unions to work on any issue they believe necessary to protect the family. Please visit WCTU.org for more information.
The baseball players, attendees at the weekly Chapel service, all raised their hands.
“Who believes God can do a miracle in your life?”
Same response.
“Who believes God will do one right now?”
The athletes looked at one another, unsure what to do. If they didn’t raise their hands, were they denying the possibility that this speaker had a special connection with God? If they did raise their hands, was the miracle dependent upon their faith being powerful enough to make it happen?
The guest evangelist, sensing their confusion, removed a banana from a plastic bag and asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that God can split the fruit of this banana into thirds without altering the peel in any way?”
The ballplayers were dumbfounded. After all, God could do anything He wanted, so He certainly “could” perform such a miracle. Slowly the men raised their hands.
“Good,” the speaker continued. “I’m going to pray that God does just that. I’m going to ask Him to slice the meat of this banana into thirds without making a mark on the skin. How many of you are confident God will answer my prayer?”
Surely it was a trick. Or was it? No one moved.
The speaker spoke to their doubts. “You probably think I’m messing with you, right? To prove I’m not, I’m going to pass this banana around the room. Check it carefully. See if there are any external marks on its skin.”
Each ballplayer took his time studying the banana. No one could find any puncture or marking. While the players sat on the edge of their seats, the preacher took the banana, raised it high, and prayed for it to be cut into thirds when peeled. As he broke the top portion of the banana’s skin and pulled it back, one piece—approximately a third—fell onto the table. The same scene replayed itself as the skin was peeled further. Three pieces. Just like the miracle worker said.
My son Adam, a player in that room, phoned me from the clubhouse.
“Mom, I just saw a miracle.” Adam proceeded to tell me what had happened. Although somewhat skeptical—only because I wasn’t sure why God cared about a banana dividing itself into thirds—I was thrilled for my normally unexcitable son to be so pumped about what he had witnessed.
A few days later I relayed Adam’s story to my friend. “Patty, that’s an old trick,” she said. “A threaded needle is pushed through the banana by working in a circular motion. With enough punctures, it creates a cut, and the skin heals itself so the pin marks can’t be detected.” I couldn’t believe it. The ballplayers had been deceived. My friend was as bothered by this evangelist’s tactic as was I.
I shared my findings with Adam so he could discuss what had happened with the chapel leader who organized the visiting speakers. I told him what bothered me most was that God doesn’t need any help in the miracle department. Jeremiah 10:12 speaks to His authority: But God made earth by his power; He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. His abilities are endless. For starters, He produced ten plagues to force Pharoah’s hand, provided manna for millions of Israelites wandering in the desert, saved Daniel and his friends from a fiery furnace, and made Himself man to redeem a lost humanity.
In retrospect, I hope the intention of the pastor was to excite his audience about God’s power and not to draw attention to his own ability to be used by God. I feel bad that he was so desperate to prove God is still in the miracle business. On the other hand, I would like to think my friend was wrong; there was no needle and thread and this man’s prayer was answered.
Unveiling a Bipartisan Breakthrough on NIL Legislation On April 4, 2022, the University of Kansas Jayhawks defeated the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship. An average of 18.1 million people watched the Jayhawks comeback victory, making it the most viewed NCAA championship game in cable television history. This game was broadcast by Turner, which, along with CBS, agreed to an $8.8 billion contract extension with the NCAA to broadcast March Madness on their networks. It is no secret that college athletics have grown into an increasingly profitable, billion-dollar industry. However, the rules surrounding athlete compensation have not been modernized.
On Thursday, I released bipartisan proposal draft legislation that would make certain college athletes can benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness without hurting their eligibility to compete. The College Athletes Protection & Compensation Act would set national standards for name, image, and likeness, while also prioritizing athletes’ health and education. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J) and I released this proposal to empower student athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love. Athletics teach young men and women many valuable skills that serve them throughout their life, and it’s important to protect their ability to pursue an education while allowing them to capitalize on their name, image and likeness as a college athlete.
Recognizing Senator Bob Dole’s 100th Birthday
One of Kansas’ most beloved sons, Senator Bob Dole, who would have turned 100 on Saturday. The legacy of Senator Dole is one of service, sacrifice and love for country. He dedicated his life to his fellow Kansans and to his country, working to create a more perfect union for all. He was a friend to all and embodied what it means to be a statesman, a public servant and most importantly, a Kansan.
Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of Washburn University Law School Robert J. Dole Hall I was pleased to be in Topeka on Friday to honor the legacy of Bob Dole and to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Washburn University’s new state-of-the-art law school building. The Robert J. Dole Hall is a $33 million-dollar project which includes a courtyard, an advocacy area, law clinic, more than 12,000 feet of classroom space and an 11,000 square foot library. Washburn leadership announced earlier this spring their plans to move the education department to this new building to serve more students as Washburn’s competitive law program continues to grow.
I want to extend my thanks to Washburn University President Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, Dean of Washburn’s School of Law Jeffrey Jackson, and Washington University Alumni Foundation President Marshall Meek for inviting me to join them on Friday and for their efforts to make certain that Senator Dole’s memory lives on at Washburn. Washburn University’s School of Law continues to offer Kansans a premier institution to learn and study law while also developing their network in the state for future employment. I look forward to countless years of Washburn School of Law graduates, now studying in the Robert J. Dole Hall, honing their legal skills and staying in our state to serve their fellow Kansans.
Dwight Lester Driver, age 52, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born October 11, 1970, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Dwight Adams Driver and Karen Marie Sampson Driver.
Dwight worked as a wood cutter and enjoyed doing carpentry work.
Survivors include his mother, Karen Sampson Farmer of Bronson, Kansas and two children, Dwight Justin “D.J.” Conway Driver and Brynn Marie Driver.
He was preceded in death by his father and step-father, Fred Farmer.
There was cremation and no public service is planned. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.
The community is invited to join a food truck gathering at Woodland Hills Golf Course this Wednesday, June 7 from 5-9 p.m.
In addition, Sharky’s Pub will be selling mixed drinks, said Diane Striler, coordinator of the event. For more info, Striler can be reached at 248.568.7790.
Without fail, I am in awe and moved to inexpressible admiration when I read about King David’s mightiest warriors in the Old Testament. The heroic achievements of “The Three” were beyond astonishing and quite deserving of a bronze star. The Bible makes it clear that their impressive accomplishments were made possible only through God who provided the strength to be successful in battle. David said, “In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall” (2 Samuel 22:30 NLT). The battles that were continuously won under King David’s rule will live in infamy just like the attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
King David’s “Elite Three” were briefly described in the Bible as follows: Jashobeam was the leader of the three and he once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle. Next in rank was Eleazar who stood with valiant courage against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army fled. “but he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so cramped that he could not let go of his sword. The Lord won a great victory that day“ (2 Samuel 23:10 GNT). Next in rank was Shammah and, once again, the Israelite army fled, “but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:12 NLT). In each recorded incident, God worked through one willing and brave man to bring an astounding victory.
Obviously, one person can make a world of difference when God is providing His supernatural strength to him/her. On Memorial Day, let’s remember with honor and reverence all the military who stood for their Country and ultimately gave his/her all. “No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 CJB). Jesus proved His love for us when He willingly gave His all on the cross. TPT reads, “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”
When prompted, my father would talk about his 1944-46 tour of duty on the frontline in Germany during World War II. With clarity, he stated that he was drafted; he did not volunteer as some young men did. He was a newlywed and leaving the USA was not on his personal agenda. Nevertheless, Dad was willing to leave every thing and everyone he loved to fight for the freedom of people he didn‘t know.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who willingly gave their lives in military service for their Country. We can’t personally thank the deceased, but we can honor them in our hearts and attitudes. We can take the time to visit the hallowed grounds where their bodies have been laid to rest. We can also shake the hands of living veterans and thank them for their service, commitment, and sacrifice.
We give honor to all veterans who served and died in uniform while endeavoring to bring freedom and democracy. Without them, our lives in this Nation and our world would be a dark and frightening place to live.
The Key: May this one Nation, under God, never forget the elite men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road, between Liberty Bell Road and Richards Road, will be closed tomorrow, 4-26-2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow BNSF to perform track maintenance.
Donna Lea Jacquinot Warehime, age 91, a resident of Stroud, Oklahoma died Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Stroud Health Care Center. Donna was born August 25, 1931 to Pete and Alta Herron Jacquinot in Greenbush, Kansas.
Donna met and married Dorwin R. Hall in 1951 at Fort Scott, Kansas. To this union six children were born. Dorwin preceded her in death in 1979. She later married Donald Greenfeather, he preceded her in death in 1992. She then married Ivan Warehime in 1997, he preceded her in death in 2001.
Donna was a wonderful loving wife, mother, sister, granny, nanny, and friend to countless loved ones. During her lifetime Donna sold real estate, owned a very successful business and raised six amazing children, Gary, Debbie, Randy, Robin, Troy, and Roger.
Donna loved to dance and have a goodtime, she never met a stranger and loved with all that she was. She lived in many places and had a wanderers heart. At one point she bought and remodeled many houses in Columbus, Kansas. Donna loved to take trips, especially to Las Vegas. She loved her slot machines and went to play whenever she had the chance. Donna was well loved and will be terribly missed in this world, by all that loved her. She has left an enormous void. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Stroud Health Care Center for their love and devotion, and Traditions Hospice for their loving care at the end.
Donna is survived by her children, daughters, Debbie Nash (Dale) Waxahachie, Texas, Robin Cox (Kevin) Collinsville, Oklahoma, sons Randy Hall (Kathleen) Grove, Oklahoma, and Roger Hall (Becky) Bristow, Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren, 3 grand fur babies, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by three husbands, Dorwin Hall, Don Greenfeather, and Ivan Warehime; two sons, Gary and Troy Hall; her parents; two sisters, Margina Harris and Pat Hawkins, and a brother, Peter “Bud” Jacquinot.
Cremation was performed. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Centerville Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.
A casual visitation and dinner will proceed following the graveside service at the Carriage House in Fort Scott, Ks located at 301 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Larry “Chipper” Dean Parnell, Jr., 51, resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. He was born June 16, 1971, in Santa Clara, California, the son of Larry Dean Parnell, Sr. and Judith Ann (Abildgaard) Parnell.
Chipper was a client of Tri Valley Developmental Services. He loved all things Star Wars.
Chipper is survived by his mother, Judy Parnell, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Carrie Thomas, and Mykie Parnell, both of Fort Scott; one brother, Robbie Parnell, also of Fort Scott; a nephew, Nathan Thomas; three nieces, Hope Sheriff (Andrew) Faith Holtz (Shane Harper), and Grace Thomas (Kailie Morgan); two great-nieces, Isabel Sheriff, and Katerina Harper; and three great-nephews, Mason Sheriff, Hunter Sheriff, and Conner Harper.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Parnell, Sr.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct graveside services for Chipper at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The visitation will be 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday evening, April 3, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Tri Valley Developmental Services, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
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