News

Bethel School Approves Raises

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, July 6, 2023
All para-professionals, support staff, and bus drivers will receive across-the-board raises, as per the board’s decision. This was approved by the Bethel School Board during the meeting held June 26.
Olivia Hill, summer volunteer at the Tecumseh Public Library, paints a nature landscape at the library’s Summer Learning Event on Wednesday, June 21. Countywide & Sun/Valerie Scott

Olivia Hill, summer volunteer at the Tecumseh Public Library, paints a nature landscape at the library’s Summer Learning Event on Wednesday, June 21. Countywide & Sun/Valerie Scott

Library Learning Fun Continues

Valerie Scott
Thursday, July 6, 2023
On Wednesday, June 21, the Tecumseh Public Library hosted an art class for teenagers as part of their Summer Learning Challenge. Lizzy Brady, the owner of SageBrush Designs, led the class. Brady has painted several pieces of window art in Mcloud, Shawnee, Tecumseh, Harrah, Earlsboro, and more.
Lula Dailey, 2, turns a crank on a hand corn sheller owned by Mike Rooker of Dale, as Eli Dailey, 5, and Leila Dailey, 3, all of Earlsboro, watch during the Farming Heritage Festival at Shawnee Feed on June 17. Hosted by the Shawnee Tractor and Engine Club, the event is in its 24th year and also included several farming demonstrations, tractor pulling and an antique tractor parade on June 16 and 17. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Lula Dailey, 2, turns a crank on a hand corn sheller owned by Mike Rooker of Dale, as Eli Dailey, 5, and Leila Dailey, 3, all of Earlsboro, watch during the Farming Heritage Festival at Shawnee Feed on June 17. Hosted by the Shawnee Tractor and Engine Club, the event is in its 24th year and also included several farming demonstrations, tractor pulling and an antique tractor parade on June 16 and 17. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Caught in Action - Shawnee Tractor & Engine Club Farming Heritage Festival

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Lula Dailey, 2, turns a crank on a hand corn sheller owned by Mike Rooker of Dale, as Eli Dailey, 5, and Leila Dailey, 3, all of Earlsboro, watch during the Farming Heritage Festival at Shawnee Feed on June 17.
Tecumseh freshman Camryn Medley and junior Raistlin Stout assist Flavil Sosa of Shawnee in selecting fireworks at Tecumseh High School Band's fireworks stand on June 24. Band Director John Outon said they are raising money for a small band trip this year and their big Washington, DC and New York City trip in three years. This is the fourth year for them to sell fireworks, and the stand is open by Thunderbird Casino on Gordon Cooper Drive through July 5 every day, 9 am-10 pm, & 9 am-11 pm, starting June 30.

Tecumseh freshman Camryn Medley and junior Raistlin Stout assist Flavil Sosa of Shawnee in selecting fireworks at Tecumseh High School Band's fireworks stand on June 24. Band Director John Outon said they are raising money for a small band trip this year and their big Washington, DC and New York City trip in three years. This is the fourth year for them to sell fireworks, and the stand is open by Thunderbird Casino on Gordon Cooper Drive through July 5 every day, 9 am-10 pm, & 9 am-11 pm, starting June 30.

Tecumseh High School Band Selling Fireworks Through July 5

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Tecumseh freshman Camryn Medley and junior Raistlin Stout assist Flavil Sosa of Shawnee in selecting fireworks at Tecumseh High School Band's fireworks stand on June 24.
Retiring Superintendent Dr. April Grace talks to the Shawnee Board of Education during their June 26 meeting - her last meeting. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Retiring Superintendent Dr. April Grace talks to the Shawnee Board of Education during their June 26 meeting - her last meeting. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

School Board Pays Tribute To Dr. April Grace

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The Shawnee Board of Education held their last meeting of the fiscal year on June 27. And it was also Superintendent Dr. April Grace’s last meeting before her retirement. There were a few people who spoke about Grace and shared the impact she has had in her seven years as superintendent.
From left to right: Presented the award: Gregg Dodd, Chair of the John Cotton Dana Award Committee and Director of Marketing & Communications for Columbus Metropolitan Library; Representing PLS: Kelly Sitzman, Kevin Mix, Drew Hooper; Not pictured: Diana Ring, Lunden England.

From left to right: Presented the award: Gregg Dodd, Chair of the John Cotton Dana Award Committee and Director of Marketing & Communications for Columbus Metropolitan Library; Representing PLS: Kelly Sitzman, Kevin Mix, Drew Hooper; Not pictured: Diana Ring, Lunden England.

Pioneer Library System Receives Award

News Staff
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Pioneer Library System (PLS) was named a 2023 John Cotton Dana (JCD) Award winner at this year’s American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago.

County Connect Designed To Teach About County Government

Valerie Scott
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Pottawatomie County’s elementary schools will soon benefit from County Connect, presented by Daniel Shaughnessy during the County Commissioner meeting on June 26. “This will be a program for the public to have education on how county government works. This will include a variety of communication.
Rush Takes Oath of O ce, Gets To Work

Rush Takes Oath of O ce, Gets To Work

Rush Takes Oath of Office, Gets To Work

News Staff
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Dist. 2 Pottawatomie County Commissioner Greg Rush took his oath of office at 12:30 Tuesday, June 20; spent over three hours in his first meeting as a commissioner; and began overseeing his first project. Dist.
Incoming Bethel Freshman Wins State AIM Shoot

Incoming Bethel Freshman Wins State AIM Shoot

Incoming Bethel Freshman Wins at State AIM Shoot

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
In the last eight months, Corley Steward of Bethel turned 14 and started shooting in trap competitions for both AIM and the junior high FFA Shooting Team. And, earlier this month, Steward won first in the AIM State Shoot Handicap Sub-Junior Division with a 97.
Master Teacher Alicia Lamb, left, and Coordinator Jerri Mayer stand with many of the CPN after school program’s new toys.

Master Teacher Alicia Lamb, left, and Coordinator Jerri Mayer stand with many of the CPN after school program’s new toys.

CPN After School Program Sees Many Changes

Tina Bridenstine
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Public Information Department Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s After School Program looks a little different these days. Jerri Mayer, originally hired as a master teacher in spring of 2022, took on the position of program coordinator in November 2022.