News

New Undersheriff Marcus May (left) and Sheriff Freeland Wood pose outside the courthouse. Countywide & Sun/ Bill Rooth

New Undersheriff Marcus May (left) and Sheriff Freeland Wood pose outside the courthouse. Countywide & Sun/ Bill Rooth

Commissioners Confirm May As Undersheriff, Okays iPads

Bill Rooth
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
During a brief County Commission meeting on Jan. 14, Commissioners Abby Thompson and Greg Rush approved Deputy Marcus May as the new Undersheriff of Pottawatomie County, effective Jan. 1, when Sheriff Freeland Wood assumed office.Commissioner Melissa Dennis was absent from the meeting.

Bethel 5th Grade Teachers Attend STAR Base Training

Bill Rooth
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools, announced at the Jan. 13th School Board Meeting that the 5thgrade Teachers had successfully attended the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, design, and Mathematics (STEAM) training orientation held in Oklahoma City, OK.
The host for Songwriter Night at Music Unlimited, Kevin Hall, performs one of his songs on Jan. 3, as business owner Jeff Hawkins works the sound and lights. Hall suggested the event to Hawkins in 2022, where singer-songwriters are invited to try out their songs on an audience. They host about eight artists on the first Friday of each month since it resumed in Oct. 2024. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The host for Songwriter Night at Music Unlimited, Kevin Hall, performs one of his songs on Jan. 3, as business owner Jeff Hawkins works the sound and lights. Hall suggested the event to Hawkins in 2022, where singer-songwriters are invited to try out their songs on an audience. They host about eight artists on the first Friday of each month since it resumed in Oct. 2024. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Songwriter Night At Music Unlimited Is Revived

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Songwriter Night at Music Unlimited has returned with its wide variety of original instrumentals and lyrics set to melody from laid-back cowboy songs to driving love songs.
Pottawatomie County Clerk Raeshelle Flewallen swears Macomb Trustee 1 David Griffith and Trustee 2 Tami Perez into office. Perez won the coin toss for the position of Mayor. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Pottawatomie County Clerk Raeshelle Flewallen swears Macomb Trustee 1 David Griffith and Trustee 2 Tami Perez into office. Perez won the coin toss for the position of Mayor. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Macomb Fills Two Of Three Vacant Town Seats

Suzie Campbell
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
In an election held at the Macomb Senior Citizen building on Monday, Jan. 13, two seats of the three-man board for the Town of Macomb were filled.
Mike Booth poses in front of his retirement banner during the party held in his honor Dec. 30, 2024. Booth served as Sheriff for 16 years. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Mike Booth poses in front of his retirement banner during the party held in his honor Dec. 30, 2024. Booth served as Sheriff for 16 years. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Booth Recalls 16 Years As Pottawatomie County Sheriff

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
During his 16 years as Pottawatomie County Sheriff, Mike Booth has seen significant improvements to the Sheriff’s Office.Booth also saw a wide variety of deputies pass through the Sheriff’s Office and some who stayed with their law enforcement family.
Leroy Ellis speaks to the Tecumseh School Board during public comments saying the word “Savage is offensive to me, my kids, grandkids and great-grandkids... its 2025; its time to look at alternatives.” Countywide & Sun/Julie Talton

Leroy Ellis speaks to the Tecumseh School Board during public comments saying the word “Savage is offensive to me, my kids, grandkids and great-grandkids... its 2025; its time to look at alternatives.” Countywide & Sun/Julie Talton

TPS Approves Kinsey As 2025-2026 Superintendent

Julie Talton
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
A vote to select recipients of the Teacher Recognition Awards of the 2024-2025 school year took place at the first Tecumseh School Board Meeting of 2025 on Jan 13. Four candidates were chosen as Lola C. Durham award winners: Amanda Pierce, Kristin Taron, Autumn Kinsey and Gina Sampson.
County Treasurer Rachelle Flewallen and Dist. 2 County Commissioner Greg Rush were also sworn in by Justice Combs. Not pictured, Court Clerk Valerie Ueltzen was sworn in for another term in office, as well. Photo provided.

County Treasurer Rachelle Flewallen and Dist. 2 County Commissioner Greg Rush were also sworn in by Justice Combs. Not pictured, Court Clerk Valerie Ueltzen was sworn in for another term in office, as well. Photo provided.

County Elected Officials Sworn In Monday

News Staff
Thursday, January 9, 2025

Countyline

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Thursday, 9thSHAWNEE LIONS CLUB - every Thursday (noon) at Santa Fe Cattle Company (Shawnee Mall) PCDA — 4:30 pm. 17508 Bethel Road MASONS — 7:30 pm, Tecumseh Masonic Lodge.
After being fully renovated, the Shawnee American Legion Post 16 reopened on Sept. 28, 2024 - 17 months after the April 2023 tornado. They offer Bingo Nights on Saturdays from 6 to 10 pm and are now smoke-free. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

After being fully renovated, the Shawnee American Legion Post 16 reopened on Sept. 28, 2024 - 17 months after the April 2023 tornado. They offer Bingo Nights on Saturdays from 6 to 10 pm and are now smoke-free. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Shawnee American Legion Post 16 is Open for Bingo

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Shawnee’s American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 reopened on Sept. 28, 2024, after being closed for 17 months.The building at 522 W. Saratoga was another casualty of the April 19, 2023, tornado, which blew the roof from the neighboring National Guard Armory into its eastern side.
Tecumseh Police Chief J.R. Kidney addresses attendees of the Jan. 7 County Commissioners meeting about security measures for the IFYR. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Tecumseh Police Chief J.R. Kidney addresses attendees of the Jan. 7 County Commissioners meeting about security measures for the IFYR. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

County Commission Discusses Costs Of Upcoming IFYR

Bill Rooth
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
As Pottawatomie County gears up for the 2025 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), the question of funding looms large. At the Jan. 7 meeting, Commissioner Melissa Dennis stressed the need for a financial plan that does not involve Shawnee’s budget.