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From left: Bill Anderson,The Railroad Yard; Richey Fink, Pott County District 2; Ryan Fogelman, RRY Services; Greg Rush, County Commissioner; Tom Harders, RRY Services; Dewayne Van-Schuyver, The Railroad Yard; and Josh Gilsdorf, RRY Services. Photo Provided

From left: Bill Anderson,The Railroad Yard; Richey Fink, Pott County District 2; Ryan Fogelman, RRY Services; Greg Rush, County Commissioner; Tom Harders, RRY Services; Dewayne Van-Schuyver, The Railroad Yard; and Josh Gilsdorf, RRY Services. Photo Provided

Bridge Dedication Held

News Staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – A new chapter in local infrastructure was celebrated this week as the recently completed bridge on Propane Road in Pottawatomie County District 2 was formally dedicated.
Welcome Week Workers line the curbs of campus residence centers, cheering and shaking cars as new Bison families arrive for Move-In Day at Oklahoma Baptist University, Aug. 16, 2025.

Welcome Week Workers line the curbs of campus residence centers, cheering and shaking cars as new Bison families arrive for Move-In Day at Oklahoma Baptist University, Aug. 16, 2025.

OBU Welcomes New, Returning Students to Campus

News Staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Oklahoma Baptist University celebrated the arrival of new and returning students on Aug. 16, 2025, during its annual Move-In Day. The day kicks off Welcome Week, a special tradition in which new students are welcomed into the Bison family.
Finley Fry, 17 months, of Shawnee, sits on a Shawnee Police Department motorcycle and points at something, as Corporal Josh Soward, far left, and Fry's father, Matt Fry, keep watch at Cops n' Kids, held on Aug. 24, 2024, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. File photo

Finley Fry, 17 months, of Shawnee, sits on a Shawnee Police Department motorcycle and points at something, as Corporal Josh Soward, far left, and Fry's father, Matt Fry, keep watch at Cops n' Kids, held on Aug. 24, 2024, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. File photo

Cops 'n Kids Coming this Saturday!

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Cops N’ Kids will return to the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center for its sixth incarnation on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Mark Simpson, Photo Provided

Mark Simpson, Photo Provided

Mark Simpson confirmed as City Manager

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
After a one hour and forty minute executive session, the City Commission returned to their open meeting and declared no action on the Fairview Mausoleum matter. However, Commissioner Daniel Matthews made a motion to name Mark Simpson the official City Manager for Shawnee.
Dr. Joe Taron addresses the Bethel School board regarding proposed new Ag Building. Randy Gilbert also spoke about the history of Bethel Ag. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Dr. Joe Taron addresses the Bethel School board regarding proposed new Ag Building. Randy Gilbert also spoke about the history of Bethel Ag. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel has a history

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The Bethel School Board held its August meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14, instead of Monday, Aug. 11, due to a loss of internet connections. This left them with no way to download meeting packets for board members and guests.
Kimberly Holland speaks to the commission about 4-H Hall of Fame photos. Photo by Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Kimberly Holland speaks to the commission about 4-H Hall of Fame photos. Photo by Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

County Purchases Trucks & Tractors

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Dist. 3 received approval to spend $310,694.36 to purchase two trucks and two John Deere tractors during the meeting held Aug. 19, 2025.Dist. 3 Commissioner Abby Thompson said, “We have two of our trucks that are worn out, so we're replacing them.
Wanette Trustee Kristina Brock (standing) closes her agenda notebook and gathers he belongings as she prepares to leave during the heated discussions early in the meeting. She did eventually sit back down and finish the meeting. However, the Wanette receptionist did leave the meeting. Pictured, from left, are trustees Jennifer Sanders, Matthew Goad, Mayor Nathan Gregory, Trustee Brock, and Clerk/Treasurer Angela Larman. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Wanette Trustee Kristina Brock (standing) closes her agenda notebook and gathers he belongings as she prepares to leave during the heated discussions early in the meeting. She did eventually sit back down and finish the meeting. However, the Wanette receptionist did leave the meeting. Pictured, from left, are trustees Jennifer Sanders, Matthew Goad, Mayor Nathan Gregory, Trustee Brock, and Clerk/Treasurer Angela Larman. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Stolen Backhoe Prompts Urgent Action

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Town of Wanette has had a couple of interesting meetings in the last week.On Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, an emergency meeting was called, but there was no indication on the agenda about what the emergency was.
A line of hot air balloons light up on Aug.9, including one shaped like a llama, during the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival at the CPN Festival Grounds. As in the past few years, there were 25 balloons from all over the U.S., but they were unable to offer rides this year due to the wind speeds. Photos By Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

A line of hot air balloons light up on Aug.9, including one shaped like a llama, during the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival at the CPN Festival Grounds. As in the past few years, there were 25 balloons from all over the U.S., but they were unable to offer rides this year due to the wind speeds. Photos By Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Another Successful Balloon Fest!

News Staff
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Check out the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival article at Kids enjoy camel rides, petting zoo, DockDogs® Competition at Balloon Fest ... and click on the camera banner below to see all of the photos from the balloon festival and Outdoor Nation Expo!