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New McLoud Police Chief Arlin Kocher introduced himself to the McLoud City Council at July's meeting. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

New McLoud Police Chief Arlin Kocher introduced himself to the McLoud City Council at July's meeting. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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McLoud introduces new Police Chief

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
For the Police Department Update at the McLoud City Council Meeting, City Manager Cody Roe introduced the council to Arlin Kocher, the new Police Chief by saying, “He comes to us with some excellent experience. He hit the ground running.
Some of the Team Australia members and parents from the Australian Youth Rodeo Organisation took a moment for an interview and photo on the morning of July 17, the final day for the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. Shown, front row from left, are Kate Todd, Ruby Todd, Cade Ferguson, back row, Leigh Holley and Ruby Ruckwood. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Some of the Team Australia members and parents from the Australian Youth Rodeo Organisation took a moment for an interview and photo on the morning of July 17, the final day for the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. Shown, front row from left, are Kate Todd, Ruby Todd, Cade Ferguson, back row, Leigh Holley and Ruby Ruckwood. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Team Australia enjoys competing at IFYR

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” was a frequent refrain from announcers Monty Stephens and Rob Smets during the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee when a Team Australia contestant would start their ride.This year, Team Australia, which has been competing in the IFYR since 2017, includes...
Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens poses with re-elected commissioners, Lauren Richter (Ward One) and Daniel Matthews (Ward Six) after their swear-in at the July 20 City Council Meeting. Photo provided.

Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens poses with re-elected commissioners, Lauren Richter (Ward One) and Daniel Matthews (Ward Six) after their swear-in at the July 20 City Council Meeting. Photo provided.

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Shawnee Commissioners address flock cameras

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
At the July Shawnee City Council meeting, Certificates of Election to Ward One Commissioner Daniel Matthews and Ward Six Commissioner Lauren Richter were presented by Mayor Eric Stephens for their renewed four-year terms.Mark Sehorn will be vacating his seat after the August run-off assigns either...
Legacy Parenting Director of Operations Kyia Robison speaks to the County Commissioners about the mission of Legacy Parenting and asks that they be a drop-off site for diaper donations. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Legacy Parenting Director of Operations Kyia Robison speaks to the County Commissioners about the mission of Legacy Parenting and asks that they be a drop-off site for diaper donations. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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County approves technology purchase for Bethel Schools

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners spent more time in executive session than on the other 25 agenda items combined.During the meeting, commissioners approved the use of the education sales tax for Bethel Public Schools to purchase 25 Lenovo computers, 25 Logitech keyboard and...
Cooper Lincoln of North Rock Creek High School performs as Jack Kelly from Newsies during the Kelli O'Hara Awards on May 29, 2026. As a sophomore, this was Lincoln's second time to compete for the coveted spot at the Jimmy Awards in NYC, and this year, he took home the prize. Photos provided.

Cooper Lincoln of North Rock Creek High School performs as Jack Kelly from Newsies during the Kelli O'Hara Awards on May 29, 2026. As a sophomore, this was Lincoln's second time to compete for the coveted spot at the Jimmy Awards in NYC, and this year, he took home the prize. Photos provided.

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Local Teen Earns Broadway Spotlight

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Cooper Lincoln, 16, will be entering his junior year at North Rock Creek (NRC) High School, where he has attended since pre-k.Growing up, he was encouraged to play sports, but it never really took hold. “I played soccer and T-ball, and I hated it.

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Voter registration deadline is July 31

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Aug. 25, 2026, Town of St. Louis OG&E Proposition, Town of Wanette OG&E Question, City of Tecumseh Primary, Dale Special School Bond, &Little Axe School Proposition elections, Board...

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Search for Tecumseh stabbing suspect continues

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
A Tecumseh woman was hospitalized following a domestic stabbing Friday evening, and authorities continue searching for the suspect.Tecumseh Police Chief JR Kidney said officers responded to a reported stabbing at 5:14 p.m. July 17 at 19505 N. 13th St.According to Kidney, the incident began as an...