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Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, of Shawnee, helps his grandson, Dale graduate Major Jerame Johnson, to prepare for deployment to Qatar from Fort Sill in Lawton in 2016. Both veterans retired from the Army after at least 20 years. Lawrence's family recently found his memoir and had it published, seven years after his passing — "leaving something behind so we could understand where he came from and what shaped him.” Photos provided

Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, of Shawnee, helps his grandson, Dale graduate Major Jerame Johnson, to prepare for deployment to Qatar from Fort Sill in Lawton in 2016. Both veterans retired from the Army after at least 20 years. Lawrence's family recently found his memoir and had it published, seven years after his passing — "leaving something behind so we could understand where he came from and what shaped him.” Photos provided

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The Snakedoctor’s Story: Late Shawnee resident’s family has Vietnam memoir published

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sergeant Timothy J. Lawrence, of Shawnee, passed away on Aug. 24, 2019 - one day before his 78th birthday.But what he left behind has brought his family together in his memory and given them a deeper insight into his life.

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Election Day laws and reminders

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Voters in Pottawatomie County are reminded to keep the integrity of the election system in mind when going to the polls next week.
Creative Magic Productions, LLC, are nationally recognized entertainers and retired area educators "Jack Spade" (Jeff Hames) and "Annie Heart" (Valarie Hames), of Bethel. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Creative Magic Productions, LLC, are nationally recognized entertainers and retired area educators "Jack Spade" (Jeff Hames) and "Annie Heart" (Valarie Hames), of Bethel. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Making Life Magical: Retired teachers find a new way to make a positive difference as entertainers

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
As teachers across the county are juggling lesson plans and supplies, two retired teachers are actually juggling and face painting in their second career.Even before they retired, Jeff and Valarie Hames of Bethel worked together as entertainers, eventually founding Creative Magic Productions, LLC.

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SSC to Offer Math Refresher Course for Parents

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Seminole State College will offer “Math 4 Parents,” a community course designed to help parents and grandparents build confidence when assisting children with math homework, Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Room 102 of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.
Shawnee High School senior Ally Fitchner is pictured with Dr. Aisha whom she said made a lasting impression. Photos provided

Shawnee High School senior Ally Fitchner is pictured with Dr. Aisha whom she said made a lasting impression. Photos provided

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Shawnee Student Interns at Georgetown

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
For Ally Fichtner, walking onto the Georgetown University campus and finding herself surrounded by doctors, medical students, and students from around the world took a little time to sink in.“Honestly, it didn’t feel real at first,” Fitchner said.

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Pioneer Library System's Spark a Change

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Pioneer Library System invites residents across Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties to participate in Spark a Change 2026, a community initiative that uses the power of stories to inspire understanding, encourage action and connect individuals and families with local resources.
PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

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PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Pioneer Library System is celebrating a major community achievement as participants in the 2026 Summer Learning Challenge surpassed the goal of 20 million minutes of reading and learning across Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties.
Pottawatomie County 4-H Club member Gavin Klippenstine sews a lanyard during the "Fair Project Day" meeting, held at North Rock Creek High School on Aug. 4. Kortni Perkins, 4-H educator, said they had 27 members working on projects to enter in the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. Photos courtesy of State 4-H Secretary Mason Luka

Pottawatomie County 4-H Club member Gavin Klippenstine sews a lanyard during the "Fair Project Day" meeting, held at North Rock Creek High School on Aug. 4. Kortni Perkins, 4-H educator, said they had 27 members working on projects to enter in the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. Photos courtesy of State 4-H Secretary Mason Luka

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4-H Fair Project Day

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Community Calendar - Aug. 20-27

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Thursday, 20thLions Club noon at Santa Fe Cattle Company (Shawnee Mall)Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck. 7 pm - 9 pm Karaoke, 201 E. Park, Tecumseh. $5.Poetry Reading - 7 pm, The Lunch Box - 217 E. Main.