News

Voter Registration Deadline Jan. 17

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Feb. 11, 2025, Board of Education Prague Primary Election, said Pottawatomie County Election Board Secretary Patricia Carter.
Planned Power Outage Announced By CVEC

Planned Power Outage Announced By CVEC

Planned Power Outage Announced By CVEC

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is announcing a planned power outage near the Wannette area, scheduled for the week of January 20, weather permitting.

Amazon Driver Dumps Packages

News Staff
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Undelivered packages have been found at multiple locations in Tecumseh.According to an incident report obtained from the Tecumseh Police Department (TPD), Officer Aaron McCormick responded in reference to Amazon packages being dropped on the side of the road.
Tecumseh Public School Superintendent, Robert Kinsey, requested the Tecumseh City Council’s support of continuing the education sales tax that will be voted on April 1, 2025. Countywide & Sun/ Julie Talton

Tecumseh Public School Superintendent, Robert Kinsey, requested the Tecumseh City Council’s support of continuing the education sales tax that will be voted on April 1, 2025. Countywide & Sun/ Julie Talton

No Foolin’ Around, Education Tax Vote Set For April 1, 2025

Julie Talton
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
There was a presentation by the Tecumseh Public School Superintendent, Robert Kinsey, regarding the education funding and the proposed April 1, 2025, election for the continuation of the Pottawatomie County sales tax of 0.00495 which is set to expire in June 2026.
Pastor David Henry with Higher Ground Church works to prepare space to house those in need during the subzero temperatures. Countywide & Sun/Bill Rooth

Pastor David Henry with Higher Ground Church works to prepare space to house those in need during the subzero temperatures. Countywide & Sun/Bill Rooth

Local Church Steps Up Amid Cold Blast

Bill Rooth
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Higher Ground Church in Shawnee was informed it would be the main warming location during the subzero weather this week. Pastor David Henry opened his doors, recruited volunteers, received donations of pillows, blankets, clothing, and was loaned temporary beds to accommodate those in need.
Former Shawnee school board member Larry Walker thanks the present school board during their meeting on Jan. 6. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Former Shawnee school board member Larry Walker thanks the present school board during their meeting on Jan. 6. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Public Voices Opinions on Espolt, Shawnee School Board Approves Resignation

Natasha Dunagan
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Three people expressed their opinions concerning the recent resignation of former Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt at the Shawnee Board of Education meeting on Jan. 6. All three agreed that the Board should not accept the resignation and fire him instead.
The Thomas Arnold Conference room, located inside the Pottawatomie County Administration Building is where the photo above (taken by Rachel Cleere Photography) will hang in honor of Arnold and his many years of service to Pottawatomie County. File photo

The Thomas Arnold Conference room, located inside the Pottawatomie County Administration Building is where the photo above (taken by Rachel Cleere Photography) will hang in honor of Arnold and his many years of service to Pottawatomie County. File photo

MARCH

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
March brought a sense of momentum across Pottawatomie County, particularly in Shawnee, where the city continued to recover from the tornado. Shawnee’s Civic & Cultural Development Authority worked on preparing for the 32nd International Finals Youth Rodeo, which was set to take place in July 2024.
Everyone applauds as Shawnee YMCA CEO Mike Jobe cuts the ribbon, with the help of board members, employees, and others, to officially reopen the Troy and Dollie Smith Family YMCA on April 6, almost a year after it was hit by the April 19, 2023 tornado. Jobe later said approximately 1,800 people attended the Grand Reopening party. File photo

Everyone applauds as Shawnee YMCA CEO Mike Jobe cuts the ribbon, with the help of board members, employees, and others, to officially reopen the Troy and Dollie Smith Family YMCA on April 6, almost a year after it was hit by the April 19, 2023 tornado. Jobe later said approximately 1,800 people attended the Grand Reopening party. File photo

APRIL

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
April was marked by several key developments across Pottawatomie County, with the focus on community investment and infrastructure upgrades. Shawnee’s ongoing tornado recovery efforts remained a top priority, with the Shawnee Board of Education working on $1.
The Oklahoma Honor Society Top Ten Percent Award went to, back row, seniors Coalton Reece, Conner Murray, Andrea Knight, Serenity Jacoway, Sami Schweighardt, Julian Borromeo, Oliver Daugherty, front row, Sarah Miller, Harley Scott, Jay Ahlstrom, Karsyn McDonald, Darcee Souders and Calyn Harris during the Tecumseh High School Academic Awards on May 7. Photo provided

The Oklahoma Honor Society Top Ten Percent Award went to, back row, seniors Coalton Reece, Conner Murray, Andrea Knight, Serenity Jacoway, Sami Schweighardt, Julian Borromeo, Oliver Daugherty, front row, Sarah Miller, Harley Scott, Jay Ahlstrom, Karsyn McDonald, Darcee Souders and Calyn Harris during the Tecumseh High School Academic Awards on May 7. Photo provided

MAY

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
May ushered in even more community-driven efforts, particularly in the field of education. Shawnee Public Schools celebrated the completion of a $1.045 million bond project, which helped fund security upgrades and facility repairs across several schools in the district.
Anise Young sings “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans at the Juneteenth Reception, held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on June 21. Other musical entertainment at the event included the Alpha Phi Alpha and Beta Eta Lambda Stomp Show, Cletis Lowe, and the trio of Barbara Cooks, Galian Murphy and Willie Huffman. File photo

Anise Young sings “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans at the Juneteenth Reception, held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on June 21. Other musical entertainment at the event included the Alpha Phi Alpha and Beta Eta Lambda Stomp Show, Cletis Lowe, and the trio of Barbara Cooks, Galian Murphy and Willie Huffman. File photo

JUNE

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
The month of June was marked by festivities and a collective sense of pride across the county. Shawnee, Tecumseh, and Earlsboro all hosted major celebrations that brought their communities together.