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Articles by John R. Maxwell
Keith News on hold as Maxwell recovers
The Examiner requests continued prayers for John Ray Maxwell who is recovering from health issues. Mr. Maxwell is a dedicated columnist that values his community. Even while hospitalized, he has called The Examiner and others to ensure his community continues to be recognized. PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
Keith Civic Center receives updates
Keith Civic Club has been working on its building for a couple of weeks. Bob Templeton said they removed the words from the front of the building, painted it and reinstalled them. If anyone needs an event venue, the center is available. The Iola Bulldogs baseball team made history by playing in the state championship Thursday for the first time. Although they lost to New Home 7-2, our town is incredibly proud of their remarkable achievements.
Iola baseball headed to state
In our small community, we are reminded daily of the men and women who served our country with courage and sacrifice. We extend a heartfelt thank you to each veteran and active military member for your service, dedication and love for our nation. Your sacrifices have helped protect the freedom we enjoy. In honor of Memorial Day, our youth at Evergreen Baptist Church placed flags on veterans' graves at the cemetery of EGBC. The Iola Bulldogs baseball team is headed to the state championship.
Evergreen Baptist prepares for VBS
Keep John Ray Maxwell in your prayers. He called the Examiner earlier this week from the hospital and informed us he suffered a stroke. His main concern was ensuring news for the Keith community was published. Barbara Reynolds graciously filled in for him this week. Evergreen Baptist Church celebrated graduating seniors Sunday, including Brody Vaughn, Keller Landry, Matthew Richard and Leah Hurley. Brody and Keller helped Iola win the 2A Regional Championship, 2-1 over Schulenburg Thursday.
Runoff election May 26
Iola hosted a powder puff football game May 6 to raise money for the senior trip. There were multiple players and spectators/ The girls played football while the boys were the cheerleaders. Seniors defeated the juniors 20-7. There was also a guest speaker that brought a wonderful message. Several of our church members recently returned from overseas. The Hansons went on a trip to Italy. They had a wonderful time. It was certainly good to have them back.
Iola Food Pantry open May 16
Iola passed a school bond and will build a new school soon. The old gym built in the 1940s will be demolished. I hate to see it go, but that is progress. Iola Fire Department certainly had a good fundraiser May 2. They sold pulled pork and fish plates, held auctions and brought everyone out for dancing and a wonderful time. The funeral for Joyce Willine Evans was Saturday, May 2, at Iola Worship Center. She was born Dec. 16, 1950, to Herman Roy Hood and Katherine Newell Martin. She died April 25.
Evergreen Baptist honoring seniors May 17
Keith Civic Club held its monthly meeting April 23 with a fair number in attendance. The main discussion topic was the garage sale, which was successful. Now, a number of other items can be taken care of and anything leftover will be donated to SOS ministries. They will be able to make good use of them. Iola High School is hosting a Powderpuff football game May 6 at 6 p.m. All area churches will attend. Admission is $5 and will benefit the senior trip.
Iola Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser May 2
Iola Food Pantry held its monthly food distribution April 18 at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There were 75 families that came for a variety of good food. Distributions will feed around 211 people. The pantry is open every third Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Anyone in need of a helping hand is invited. Volunteers are also needed to help set up the pantry at noon the day before and to help distribute food that Saturday.
Keith Civic Club meeting April 23
The fish fry fundraiser April 11 to help send Evergreen Baptist Church children to summer camp was certainly a big success. Lots of good fish was served with all the trimmings and dessert. The auction also helped raise money. Thanks to everyone that assisted to help make the trip possible. May God bless them. A meal was served at Evergreen Baptist Church April 12 to honor Misti Stanley for all the work she has done for the church children. She and her husband John are moving to East Texas.
Iola Food Pantry open April 18
There was good attendance at the Sunrise Service at Zion Cemetery, April 5. Rev. J. Darren Ely of King Oaks Fellowship oversaw the service. Everyone had a wonderful time even though it was cold. Seven-year-old Lakyn Fleming was baptized during the morning worship service at Evergreen Baptist Church, April 5. She is the daughter of Allen and Candyce Fleming. Several of her family members were present and there was a full house of people for the Easter service. Extra chairs were needed for all the people.
Keith Civic Club garage sale April 11
Evergreen Baptist Church had a busy day March 29. The Lord’s supper was celebrated during worship service with a full house of members and visitors. There was an Easter egg hunt and covered dish meal. Everyone had a wonderful time. Paul and Barbara Reynolds recently returned from a cruise, the first vacation they took in years. They went for about a week and had a wonderful time. It’s good to have them back.
Evergreen Baptist Fish Fry April 11
It was certainly a good time at the Iola Food Pantry Saturday, March 21, at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There were 76 people who came out for a variety of food offered including frozen meat, eggs, canned goods, fresh vegetables, bread and more. The food distributed will feed around 217 people. The pantry is open the third Saturday each month. Volunteers are needed to help set up the pantry the day before at noon and the day of distribution.
Evergreen annual fish fry April 11
Keith Civic Club is hosting a garage sale Aprill 11 at the Keith Community Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All sorts of good items will be available for sale. Booth space is open to rent for $25. For more information call Bob Templeton, 979-229-3956. Evergreen Baptist Church is hosting its annual fish fry April 11 at the Iola Volunteer Fire Department, beginning at 5 p.m. There will be live and silent auctions with money raised helping children attend camp this summer.
Keith Civic Club garage sale April 11
The pulpit at Evergreen Baptist Church was filled by the Rev. Matt Carey, associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Madisonville. He covered for the Rev. Jeff Morgan, who was on spring break with his wife and family. The membership was glad to see the stonework that has been done around the baptistry and lobby. It really looks good. Thanks to the donations that made it possible. Concord Cemetery Association held their annual meeting March 7 at the Concord Chapel.
Keith Civic Club meeting March 19
The food pantry at Iola Missionary Baptist Church will be open Saturday, March 21, from 9-11 a.m. Anyone in need of assistance may attend. Volunteers are needed to help set up the pantry at noon the day before and to help distribute. Keith Civic Club will host their monthly meeting at Keith Community Center Thursday, March 19. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with a covered dish meal, followed by the business discussion. All members are urged to attend, as there has been low attendance recently.
Concord Cemetery Association meeting March 7
Jon Harper was the guest speaker at Evergreen Baptist Church Feb. 22. He is the founder of The Word Ministry. His wife Teresa accompanied him. He also spoke that evening at a catered meal in the church fellowship hall. Everyone enjoyed it. There was a big turnout for the food distribution at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Feb. 21. There were 75 people that came for food. The food distributed included frozen meat, canned goods, eggs, vegetables and more and will feed 227 people.
Keith Civic Club meeting Feb. 26
A fence was recently erected for the children at Evergreen Baptist Church. It was paid for by church members and partially dedicated to the memories of: Billy and Anita Carson, Bernard Chesnutt, Mary and Cindy Chesnutt, Tyler Anthony Compian, Clyde and Ruby Vaughn Maxwell, Steven Wayne Morgan, Dale and Jane Robertson, William Travis Tex Stewart, and to honor Alma Esparza, Willie M. Snook and family, Michael Jacobs and family and Talli Faye. The fence looks really good.
Daughtry family welcomes baby boy
There was certainly good attendance at Evergreen Baptist Church Feb. 8. Prior to service everyone enjoyed breakfast tacos provided by members of the church. Instead of the usual service, The Band Reeves led the service. They are a country music duo that have been here before. Several of their family members also attended. Everyone enjoyed the service. A memorial service for Larry Snook was held Saturday, Feb. 7, at Iola Community Center with several family members present.
Food pantry distributes food for nearly 200 people
Iola held its monthly food distribution Jan. 17 at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There were 65 people that came for food. The food distributed will feed around 188 people. Food distributed included eggs, frozen meat, vegetables, watermelon, canned goods and other items. PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
The annual Iola FFA Coon Hunt fundraiser at Iola Volunteer Fire Department Jan. 8-10 was a huge success, with good attendance and food served each night. Thanks to everyone that participated. Evergreen Baptist Church had two new members join Sunday, Jan. 11. Thad and Jessica Wilson have been attending church for a while, and we are glad to have them as members. Keith Civic Club will host its first meeting of the year Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Keith Community Center.
Iola Food Pantry open Jan. 17
The monthly distribution at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall is Saturday, Jan. 17., from 9-11 a.m. All those in need of a helping hand are invited to attend. There will be a variety of food distributed including canned goods, eggs and more. Volunteers are needed to help set up the pantry around noon the day before and to distribute food the day of. The Passion 2026 trip, Jan. 1-3, that met in Arlington was certainly a success.
Honoring those that died last year
Evergreen Baptist Church held its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service Dec. 24. I don’t know how many people attended, but it was a full house. Songs were sung and scripture was read, and everyone had a wonderful time. Poinsettias were placed to honor the following: Clyde and Ruby Maxwell, Homer and Lillie Vaughn, James and John Sanford, Steven Morgan, Travis Stewart, Rhonda Bouillion, Michael Richards, Tatum Ray and Elwyn Trant. May those that passed always be remembered.
Iola food pantry open Jan. 17
Dear friends, Merry Christmas to all of you. Do hope that all is well. The year 2025 was a wonderful year for me and I fully intend for 2026 to be even better. I wish the same for all of you. May God bless you all. Iola food pantry distributed food to 87 people, Dec. 20. Food distributed will feed 251 people. There was all sorts of good food offered including canned goods, eggs, frozen meat and more. Evergreen Baptist Church and other churches donated to make the benefit a success.
Evergreen children present a Christmas program
Evergreen Baptist Church had a very special Christmas celebration for their morning worship service, Dec. 14. Children presented a program. They had baby Jesus and there was singing and scripture reading. They did a wonderful job. Around 160 people attended. There was a catered meal served in the fellowship hall and an ugly sweater contest. Rosie Chesnutt and Roger Johnson won the contest. Other games were played and prizes won.
Evergreen hosting Christmas Eve candlelight service
Evergreen Baptist Church will have a candlelight service on Christmas Eve beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend — come celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Keith Civic Club will not have a meeting in December. The next meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 22. Hope everyone has a blessed Christmas. God bless all of you. Iola Food Pantry will host its monthly distribution Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9-11 a.m. at the Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Congratulations to Iola volleyball
Do hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. The weather was nice. Several area residents attended the funeral of David Hugh Pyle at Magnolia Funeral Home. He was the son of Hugh and Dorothy Pyle and passed away Nov. 18. He was buried in Frische Cemetery in Cypress. His parents are buried in Concord Cemetery near Iola. Do remember his loved ones in your prayers. Another old building in Iola has been torn down.
Civic Club fundraiser a sweet success
The membership of Evergreen Baptist Church celebrated their 130-year anniversary Sunday, Nov. 23, with a full house. There was a Thanksgiving meal after the service with lots of good food and desserts. The history of Evergreen, established in 1895, was also printed and handed out for attendees. May God grant the church many more years. Keith Civic Club held its monthly meeting Nov. 20 at Keith Community Center with good attendance.
Happy Thanksgiving
The monthly distribution of food was held Nov. 15, at Iola Missionary Baptist Church with around 97 people receiving food. Food distributed will feed around 270 people. With Thanksgiving approaching, I am sure the food will be well used. Food distributed included turkeys, frozen meat, canned goods, vegetables, watermelon, desserts and bread. The pantry is open the third Saturday of the month from 9–11 a.m. Some people received food for the first time.
Keith Civic Club meeting Nov. 22
Do hope you did something special on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Hope those that died in various wars will always be remembered. Local veterans that died in war are Robert C. Crenshaw (WW1), Weymon Boney Blount (Pearl Harbor), Tommy T. Rice and Elton L. Gomillion (WW2), John Walker and Joe Michael Moran (Vietnam). Do hope their memories will always be remembered. The Carlos Fellowship Baptist Church enjoyed a time of fellowship with a covered dish meal, Nov. 9, after service.
Iola Food Pantry to open Nov. 15
Evergreen Baptist Church had a wonderful Fall Fest Oct. 29. Around 250 people attended. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks and other good food. Everyone enjoyed the games and other fun activities too — everyone had a wonderful time. Iola football beat Bartlett 50-14 Friday, Oct. 31. Keep up the good scores, Iola. There will be several more games before the end of the school year. Evergreen Baptist Church is hosting a Thanksgiving meal after service Sunday, Nov. 23, in the fellowship hall.
Frisko Freeze’s owner isn’t to blame. Here’s how to preserve Tacoma’s tree canopy | Opinion
Walkers pass the remaining stump of a 100-year-old Catalpa tree behind the Frisko Freeze restaurant on Division Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Dry rot throughout the center, a large overhanging limb, as well as root intrusion into a natural gas line prompted the removal for safety reasons.
Evergreen Baptist to host Christmas Eve service
The annual Stewart Family Reunion was held Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Keith Community Center with a good number in attendance. The meal was enjoyed by all. Everyone had a wonderful time visiting and catching up since last years reunion. Among those present were twins Sewell Stewart and Sue Ellen Huehner and Luann Halford. They are all children of Willie Stewart. Around 25 people attended, and they plan to get together again next year.
Iola Food Pantry open Dec. 16
The annual reunion for the family of Kenny Watson was held at the Keith Community Center Saturday, Dec. 2, with around 35 family members and guest in attendance. A good time was enjoyed by all. There was a bounce house for the children to have fun on. Everyone had a good time and plans to come back next year. The anniversary of Pearl Harbor was Dec. 7. We had one person that died at that time. Waymon Honey Blount from Keith died in Battleship Arizona.
Keith Civic Club meeting Sept. 28
Evergreen Baptist Church had a guest speaker Sept. 10. Jon Harper filled in for Rev. Jeff Morgan who was out of town with his wife, Diana, and son, Tanner. They were visiting their daughter Baylei. Harper is the founder of Word Ministries and is the co-author of Minute of Marriage. He was accompanied by his wife Teresa. Sunday evening the church provided a catered meal. Around 41 people attended. Everyone had a wonderful time. Iola lost their home game Sept. 8, to Lovelady, 55-12.
Iola Food Pantry open Sept. 16
The Keith Civic Club monthly meeting was held a week later due to work being done on the Keith Community Center. The meeting began with a covered dish meal that was enjoyed by all present. The new sign in front of the building was certainly admired by all. Work done on the ceiling really looks good. Lots of work has been done and there is still work that needs to be done. The 75th annual meeting of Martins Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery Association was held Sept. 3.
Civic Club meeting rescheduled to Aug. 31
Iola Food Pantry monthly food distribution was held at the Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Aug. 19. It was certainly a success. Around 92 people showed up for a variety of food including meat, canned food, produce and more. There were even watermelons. Food distributed will feed around 235 people. The pantry is open the third Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. This month Iola Church of Christ were among the workers assisting the pantry.
Baptism held at Evergreen Baptist
A baptism for Steven Chavez was held at the end of service at Evergreen Baptist Church Aug. 13. The baptism was performed by the church’s pastor, Rev. Jeff Morgan. Ray and Kathy Chapman also joined the church. It is good to have them as members. Bobby and Darlene Trant recently returned from a visit to Colorado. They visited their son Blane, his wife Amber and their two sons, Maddox and Ryan. They had a wonderful time with all of them. They said temperatures were in the 40’s.
Keith Civic Club meeting July 27
Iola Food Pantry monthly distribution was held at Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall July 15. Approximately 64 families, 184 people, received food. Workers from Zion Methodist Church and other workers assisted those that came by. Others came the day before to help set up for distribution. The pantry is open the third Saturday each month for anyone needing a helping hand. There was one new person this time. Elizabeth Ashley was baptized at Evergreen Baptist Church.
A story of survival
Editor’s note: This article, reprinted with permission, originally appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Phoenix Law Enforcer, the official publication of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA). In May, it was selected for a Communicator Award of Excellence from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), the largest and most competitive awards program honoring outstanding work in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and design.
Funeral held for Harley Stabler
The Evergreen Baptist children who attended camp at Pineywoods certainly had a wonderful time. Around 900 children statewide and 100 from our area attended camp. They returned home July 8. Several children were saved, and several made other decisions. On June 9, around 25 of the children spoke at church during morning service. Rev. Jeff Morgan will baptize around nine of the children later. That will be an extra special service. Bedias Masonic Lodge No. 651 held their installation of officers July 8.
Farmer's market draws many
The monthly meeting of Keith Civic Club was held Thursday, June 22, with a small number in attendance. The meeting began with a covered dish meal that was enjoyed by all present. The meeting had a variety of business discussed and acted upon. The main item discussed was work that needs to be done inside the building. Bids will be received and acted on. Ethan E. Brown and his friend Allison Vanhook came down from Tennessee to celebrate his grandmother Connie Davis on her birthday Friday, June 23.
lola Food Pantry open June 17
Well folks it’s once again time for area Vacation Bible Schools. Iola Missionary Baptist Church will host VBS June 18-22 beginning at 6 p.m. The following week, June 25-29, Cross Baptist Church will host VBS beginning at 6 p.m. Evergreen Baptist Church VBS is July 16-19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Do hope all kids will make plans to attend. There was a good turnout of workers at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Carlos recently. Lots of good workers helped and a good amount of work was accomplished.
Evergreen Baptist honors seniors
Around 82 people or families received food from the Iola Food Pantry at Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Saturday, May 20. There were all sorts of food available – canned goods, meat, baked goods, milk, eggs and vegetables. The pantry is open the third Saturday each month for those in need of a helping hand. Evergreen Baptist Church honored three seniors that will be graduating from Iola High School. They are Gabriel Landon, Carri Mosher and Brandon Perez.
Civic Club meeting May 25
Funeral services for our neighbor, David Joe Moore, were held at Connecting Point Church in College Station Saturday, May 13, with a full house of family and friends present. He was born Oct. 3, 1943 in California, the son of Joseph Isaac and Nola Mae Thornhill Moore. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jenni Ann Foster, and four children. David lived a life of service, learning and educating. His pastor Jason DeVerna conducted the service. There were many that spoke during the service.
Keith Civic Club meeting May 25
The monthly food pantry at Iola Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall will be open Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Anyone in need of a helping hand, are invited to attended. Volunteers are needed the day before around noon to help set up the pantry. Baccalaureate service for Iola High School students is Wednesday, May 24, at Cross Baptist Church beginning at 6 p.m. Many Iola churches will dismiss their service for this event.
Iola Baccalaureate service May 24
The monthly meeting of Keith Civic Club was held at Keith Community Center April 27, with a fair number in attendance. The covered dish meal was enjoyed by all. A variety of business was discussed and acted upon. The main discussion was the garage sale that was hosted April 29. A good amount of money was raised. There are several inside jobs that need to be tended to. Thanks to all that bought items or assisted in any way.
Community center garage sale April 22
Home / Community center garage sale April 22 Time to read 1 minute Published 35 min ago Last updated 33 min ago Keith News By John R. Maxwell April 12, 2023 - 10:00 Evergreen Baptist Church had a full house of members and visitors for Sunday morning worship services April 2. There was an Easter Egg Hunt and lunch afterwards with lots of good food and desserts. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Transforming health needs into action
“If there is hope in the future, there is power in the present.” — John Maxwell Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code.Promotional Rates were found for your code.
John Maxwell column: Answering the call to duty
John Maxwell column: Answering the call to duty 1 of 2 The Clan MacLeod Pipes and Drums and the Benedictine Cadets Pipes and Drums played after the Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day ceremony in 2019. James Miles Jr. (left), a retired Army veteran, and Paul Giusti, whose son was serving in the Navy, stood as the National Anthem was played during the Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day ceremony in 2019. By John Maxwell Each year on Nov. 11, we commemorate Veterans Day.
Goleta Police Department Receives $78,000 Traffic Safety Grant
Source: Sgt. John Maxwell for Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office The safety of everyone traveling is the focus of a $78,000 grant awarded to the Goleta Police Department from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to assist in the Police Department’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on Goleta roads. “These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety,” said Sgt. John Maxwell, who leads the Goleta Police Department’s traffic unit.
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