News

Citizens of McLoud held a debate between the candidates for the McLoud City Council Ward 4 seat on Tuesday, Mar. 25 at the First Baptist Church in McLoud. Pictured from left is candidates Thomas (Tom) Morris and Roger White. Benny Milam (far right) moderated the debate. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Citizens of McLoud held a debate between the candidates for the McLoud City Council Ward 4 seat on Tuesday, Mar. 25 at the First Baptist Church in McLoud. Pictured from left is candidates Thomas (Tom) Morris and Roger White. Benny Milam (far right) moderated the debate. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

April 1 Election Nears: McLoud Ward 4 Candidates Face Off

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Pottawatomie County Election Board Secretary Patricia Carter reminds voters that the polls will be open Tuesday, April 1, from 7 am to 7 pm for the special county tax question and municipal and primary board of education elections.
A new Oklahoma Literary Sites Register plaque for the late author Tony Hillerman is unveiled during a dedication ceremony at Shawnee Public Library on March 15 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth year. Shown, from left, are Anne Hillerman, author and daughter of Hillerman; Lisa Wells, Pioneer Library Systems Director; Mary Sims, Shawnee library branch manager; Dr. Bill Hagen, Emeritus Professor of English at OBU; and, Angie Lewis, President of Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma.

A new Oklahoma Literary Sites Register plaque for the late author Tony Hillerman is unveiled during a dedication ceremony at Shawnee Public Library on March 15 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth year. Shown, from left, are Anne Hillerman, author and daughter of Hillerman; Lisa Wells, Pioneer Library Systems Director; Mary Sims, Shawnee library branch manager; Dr. Bill Hagen, Emeritus Professor of English at OBU; and, Angie Lewis, President of Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma.

Anne Hillerman speaks for Oklahoma Literary Site Plaque Dedication at Shawnee Library

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Shawnee Public Library is now an Oklahoma Literary Site, through the Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO). After a plaque dedication ceremony on Mar. 15, it will always be linked to the memory of author Tony Hillerman.

County approves Sheriff's surplus sale

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office sold 11 surplus vehicles for $34,700 through Brown and Sons Auctions, Capt. Jared Strand reported at the county commission meeting on Mar. 18. The vehicles, in varying conditions, were reviewed and approved for sale by the commission.

Shawnee water rates, garbage rates increase July 1

Bill Rooth
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Shawnee City Council approved increases to water, sewer, and solid waste rates during its March 17 meeting, citing rising operational costs. The council also received a report confirming the Twin Lakes Dam “fair condition rating” which meets current safety standards.
After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

After working hard to douse the fires, a Red Cedar bursts into flames reaching far above the surrounding trees. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Heroes in the flames

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The gale-force winds, combined with the dry vegetation, made for a perfect storm on Friday, Mar. 14.
Eighth grader, Jaydi Peacock, poses with the Tecumseh School Board as they recognize her as a State Powerlifting Champion for Tecumseh Middle School. Adelaide Lack, Intern, Countywide & Sun

Eighth grader, Jaydi Peacock, poses with the Tecumseh School Board as they recognize her as a State Powerlifting Champion for Tecumseh Middle School. Adelaide Lack, Intern, Countywide & Sun

Two School Board Seats Open, Again

Adelaide Lack High School Intern, Tecumseh
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Tecumseh Board of Education March meeting began Thurs., a couple of days late, due to the power outages across the city on Monday. Multiple presentations were made and included High School Wrestling coach, Billy Don Sigman, telling the accomplishments of three seniors.