July 18, 2026
Donna Snodgrass, of Tecumseh's American Legion Auxiliary, speaks after being sworn in as the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Oklahoma, President. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun
U.S. Senator James Lankford addressed members of Shawnee Forward and the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon held July 9 at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun
Contestants for the International Finals Youth Rodeo wait for their events, as a packed house watches, on opening night, July 12, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. There are 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun
Thursday, July 16, 2026
During the July 14 meeting, Pottawatomie County commissioners took a moment to highlight the International Finals Youth Rodeo, encouraging residents to attend the week’s events.Dist. 1 Commissioner Melissa Dennis said, “The rodeo is in town, and tonight is Pink Out for cancer.
Sixty-seven Red Shield Youth Summer Campers, from Salvation Army's Boys & Girls Club, were the guests of the International Finals Youth Rodeo on the morning of July 14. They sat in the VIP section and received popcorn, drinks and rock candy. Salvation Army Captain Thomas Marion said the camp is for those ages 6 to 17 and runs from June 1 - July 30. See full caption below.
Bethel High School's Class of 2026 toss their caps after graduating on May 16 in the BHS gym. Bethel graduated 81 seniors this year.
McLoud High School 2026 graduates play the "Gotcha" game, as directed by Senior Class President Mayrin Cerda during graduation on May 23 at FireLake Arena. Cerda told them to look to their neighbor and say, "I'm gonna get you," then try to pull their finger away before their neighbor could grab it.
Preston Rodriguez of Clayton, MI, works on taking down a steer in the steer wrestling event of the IFYR on opening night, July 12.
Tecumseh High School incoming junior Alex Hurst and 2026 graduate Maddox Dickson pose with one of the bass they caught in the recent 17th Annual SAF HS Fishing National Championship and World Finals in Kentucky. Photo provided
North Rock Creek baseball coach Keaton Hernandez has a chat with the infield on June 16. NRC beat Cushing 10-9, improving their record to 4-2 in the summer league. Photos Courtesy of Gowin Photography
