News

Wanette Public Schools (WPS) awards Commissioners plaques of appreciation for their assistance in purchasing the first school buses owned by the school. Pictured from left: WPS Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rodman, WPS Principal Cindy Horn, County Commissioners Abby Thompson, Greg Rush, and Melissa Dennis, and WPS Superintendent Scott Douthit. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

Wanette Public Schools (WPS) awards Commissioners plaques of appreciation for their assistance in purchasing the first school buses owned by the school. Pictured from left: WPS Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rodman, WPS Principal Cindy Horn, County Commissioners Abby Thompson, Greg Rush, and Melissa Dennis, and WPS Superintendent Scott Douthit. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

County Reviews Budget Proposals, Commissioners Recognized

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
County depa r t ments presented budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year during the May 27, 2025, board meeting, with most requesting modest increases to cover rising utility, insurance, and salary costs, officials said.
The $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant received by McLoud Public Schools is used to promote healthy active lifestyles. The funding has been used to purchase balance boards and a large rainbow parachute as pictured above.

The $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant received by McLoud Public Schools is used to promote healthy active lifestyles. The funding has been used to purchase balance boards and a large rainbow parachute as pictured above.

McLoud Public Schools Receives $20,000 Grant to Promote Healthy, Active Lifestyles

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
McLoud, OK – May 27, 2025 – Mc-Loud Public Schools has been awarded a $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). This grant will support efforts to encourage physical activity, wellness, and healthy habits among both students and staff.
Hayden Averitt, of McLoud, breaks out of the chute on his bull during the International Finals Youth Rodeo on July 7, 2024. File photo

Hayden Averitt, of McLoud, breaks out of the chute on his bull during the International Finals Youth Rodeo on July 7, 2024. File photo

2025 IFYR entries close June 13

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
SHAWNEE, Okla. – Entries are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), returning to Shawnee, Oklahoma, July 6–11. The event brings together youth rodeo’s top competitors for six days of elite action.Competitors can enter at NextGen.com through 5 p.m.
Sister City students recognized at meeting. Pictured with Mayor Eric Stephens (in no particular order) are program chair Jessica Brown, teacher Alanna Baggett, students include Sawyer Bias, Emma Bryan, Chloe Gates, Colin Howard, Matty Newsom, Keiko Sanders, Sullivan Smith, and Benjamin Wahpepah. Photo provided

Sister City students recognized at meeting. Pictured with Mayor Eric Stephens (in no particular order) are program chair Jessica Brown, teacher Alanna Baggett, students include Sawyer Bias, Emma Bryan, Chloe Gates, Colin Howard, Matty Newsom, Keiko Sanders, Sullivan Smith, and Benjamin Wahpepah. Photo provided

Shawnee Commissioners Face Budget Questions

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
During the May 22, 2025 city commission meeting, Shawnee resident Fred Turner raised concerns about what he saw as inconsistencies within the city’s one-year and five-year budget spreadsheets. He also requested increased transparency in the presentation of certain line items and fund transfers.
Linda and David Hendrickson point out where their son's name is on the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Wall at Woodland Veterans Park in Shawnee during the Fifth Annual Gold Star Families Memorial Ride on May 24. Their son, Robert T. Hendrickson, was the last one killed in his unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Feb. 1, 20 years ago. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Linda and David Hendrickson point out where their son's name is on the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Wall at Woodland Veterans Park in Shawnee during the Fifth Annual Gold Star Families Memorial Ride on May 24. Their son, Robert T. Hendrickson, was the last one killed in his unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Feb. 1, 20 years ago. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Memorial Day commemorated in two events

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Memorial Day is all about keeping the memory of those who died in military service alive. There were at least two events this weekend with that in mind.On May 24, the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club (USVMC), out of OKC, held their Fifth Annual Gold Star Families Memorial Ride.

Community Calendar

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Thursday, 29th H ealth Week at SplashFriday, 30th F un Day at Kidspace Park, 9-11am & 5-8pm look on pg A6 for schedule.Saturday, 31st- Shawnee Library B ugfest 10am-1pm L egion Pancake Breakfast – 8 am-11am, American Legion Hall, 201 E. Park. $8..S hawnee Farmers’ Market - 8am - 2pm, 6 W.
Kaden Deleonrodriguez, center, received the HVAC scholarship. Pictured with Deleonrodriguez is the Shawnee Home Builders Association (SHBA) board member April Grant (left) and SHBA president Greg Sebastian (right). Photo provided by Shawnee Forward

Kaden Deleonrodriguez, center, received the HVAC scholarship. Pictured with Deleonrodriguez is the Shawnee Home Builders Association (SHBA) board member April Grant (left) and SHBA president Greg Sebastian (right). Photo provided by Shawnee Forward

Shawnee Home Builders Association recognizes students at Gordon Cooper Technology Center Graduation

News Staff
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Shawnee, OK – May 15, 2025 – The Shawnee Home Builders Association (SHBA) proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 student scholarships and Golden Hammer Award during the Gordon Cooper Technology Center graduation ceremony held on May 14.

McLain earns degree

News Staff
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 20, 2025) - Nebraska Wesleyan University conferred degrees to nearly 400 students during its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10 including a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree conveyed to Baylor McLain of Shawnee, OK.