News

These graduates attended the 2024 Earlsboro Banquet for the first time. Pictured from right: Bob Nettles, Clara (McAfee) Thompson, Donnie Owens, Glenda Sue (Herron) Ortega, Shanda Owens and Keyon Permetter. Photo provided

These graduates attended the 2024 Earlsboro Banquet for the first time. Pictured from right: Bob Nettles, Clara (McAfee) Thompson, Donnie Owens, Glenda Sue (Herron) Ortega, Shanda Owens and Keyon Permetter. Photo provided

Earlsboro Alumni Enjoy Reminiscing At Annual Banquet

The annual Earlsboro Alumni Reunion was held Saturday, June 8, 2024, in the Wes Jeske Auditorium. Earlsboro Days, sponsored by the Town of Earlsboro, was held the same day. There was a car show, silent auction, vendors, food trucks and music on Main Street and at the LaCosta Rawls Park.
David Garrett, Branley Garrett, 6, and Braylon Garrett, 4, all of Shawnee, look over a “Lightning McQueen” 2016 Ford Mustang GT, owned by Mark Wilson of Edmond at the 37th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show, June 22, at Briscoe Boy Scout/Rotary Park in Shawnee.

David Garrett, Branley Garrett, 6, and Braylon Garrett, 4, all of Shawnee, look over a “Lightning McQueen” 2016 Ford Mustang GT, owned by Mark Wilson of Edmond at the 37th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show, June 22, at Briscoe Boy Scout/Rotary Park in Shawnee.

Caught In Action

Pottawatomi Go (PoGo) Executive Director John Bobb-Semple present information about the RETREET Program to the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners during the meeting held June 18. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Pottawatomi Go (PoGo) Executive Director John Bobb-Semple present information about the RETREET Program to the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners during the meeting held June 18. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

County Approves $75,000 For RETREET Program, Tornado Recovery

On Tuesday, June 18, the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved $75,000 for tree removal and planting in the wake of the April 2023 tornado.
Two Shawnee Public Schools employees received awards from the Oklahoma Association of Pupil Transportation at a recent conference. They were recognized at the June 24 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. Sherry Gibson was named the OAPT Support Employee of the Year, and Ron Reser is the OAPT Bus Driver of the Year. Also shown are SPS Director of Operations Ron Stearns, far left, and Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Two Shawnee Public Schools employees received awards from the Oklahoma Association of Pupil Transportation at a recent conference. They were recognized at the June 24 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. Sherry Gibson was named the OAPT Support Employee of the Year, and Ron Reser is the OAPT Bus Driver of the Year. Also shown are SPS Director of Operations Ron Stearns, far left, and Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

SPS Receives $1.42 Million EPA Grant For Electric Buses

The last Shawnee Board of Education meeting for the fiscal year was held on June 24 in the Professional Development Center of the Administration Building since windows were being installed in the second-floor board room.Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt announced that a $1.
Horse Damaged By Unidenti ed Man

Horse Damaged By Unidenti ed Man

Horse Damaged By Unidentified Man

On June 16, an unidentified pedestrian took his anger out on a horse statue displayed at the Pottawatomie County Historical Society. With the help of a great video surveillance camera, Ken Landy has turned over video and stills of the violent act in progress to the Shawnee Police Department.
Asher graduate Jordyn Litson adds another silk flower to Principal Steve Spangler after all the graduates bestowed him with leis before receiving their diplomas on May 11. Asher's commencement included 13 graduates. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Asher graduate Jordyn Litson adds another silk flower to Principal Steve Spangler after all the graduates bestowed him with leis before receiving their diplomas on May 11. Asher's commencement included 13 graduates. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

2024 Graduation Keepsake (Preview)

Here’s a glimpse of memorable photos by Natasha Dunagan, the award-winning photographer from Countywide & Sun, and one from Julie Talton, as well. Keep an eye on your mailbox for the annual Graduation Keepsake Edition, featuring many more unforgettable shots.
Rhema Brynildsen, 3, is held by her mother, Katrina Brynildsen, both of Tecumseh, as she pets Mort the baby Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur during the Tecumseh Pioneer Library Summer Reading Challenge Extreme Animals program on June 13. This is one of 60 species of lemur found in Madagascar, said handler Keeley Knowles, who also spoke on Burmese pythons, bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks, European hedgehogs and armadillos. Holding Mort is CPN/CDC After-School Program teacher Kristen Janway.

Rhema Brynildsen, 3, is held by her mother, Katrina Brynildsen, both of Tecumseh, as she pets Mort the baby Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur during the Tecumseh Pioneer Library Summer Reading Challenge Extreme Animals program on June 13. This is one of 60 species of lemur found in Madagascar, said handler Keeley Knowles, who also spoke on Burmese pythons, bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks, European hedgehogs and armadillos. Holding Mort is CPN/CDC After-School Program teacher Kristen Janway.

Extreme Animals Visit Tecumseh for Library Program

Rhema Brynildsen, 3, is held by her mother, Katrina Brynildsen (photo left), both of Tecumseh, as she pets Mort the baby Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur during the Tecumseh Pioneer Library Summer Reading Challenge Extreme Animals program on June 13.

City of Shawnee Approves Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2025-2029 was heard for the last time before being approved by the Board of Shawnee City Commission at a meeting held on Monday, June 17.Many projects that have been on citizens’ minds were addressed in the plan, and they are now on a timeline.

Pioneer Library System Celebrating 100,000 Active Library Cards

Cleveland, McClain, Pottawatomie Counties, OK. June 2024 – The Pioneer Library System celebrates engaging 100,000 library cardholders this summer. 38% of PLS’s customers actively and routinely use their library card, with 75% of the total service area owning a library card.