News

Jim Thorpe Academy Principal Debra Watson and JTA Science Teacher Melisa King pose in front of a sign that reads, “Thank you, Teachers!” on May 14. Watson is retiring after 49 years in education, and King was named the Shawnee Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Jim Thorpe Academy Principal Debra Watson and JTA Science Teacher Melisa King pose in front of a sign that reads, “Thank you, Teachers!” on May 14. Watson is retiring after 49 years in education, and King was named the Shawnee Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Watson Looks Back On 49-Year Career

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Jim Thorpe Academy (JTA), Shawnee’s alternative school, has had a year full of challenges and red-letter days.Most recently, Debra Watson, director of alternative education, announced her retirement after 20 years at the school.
Cyndi Berger

Cyndi Berger

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Candidates for Shawnee City Commission, Ward 2 and Ward 3, participated in the PAVE forum on Monday, May 13. The Countywide & Sun chose three questions to publish, as well as closing remarks from each candidate.To see the forum in its entirety, please visit the City of Shawnee YouTube channel.
The Tecumseh Choir seniors sing "Hold Fast to Dreams" by Susan LaBarr during the Spring Concert on May 14. Shown, foreground from left, are Makenzi Stiles, Zoey Edwards, Brody Dunagan, Coalton Reece, Ryley Hogue and Calyn Harris. Both the Tecumseh Middle School and High School choirs performed that evening. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

The Tecumseh Choir seniors sing "Hold Fast to Dreams" by Susan LaBarr during the Spring Concert on May 14. Shown, foreground from left, are Makenzi Stiles, Zoey Edwards, Brody Dunagan, Coalton Reece, Ryley Hogue and Calyn Harris. Both the Tecumseh Middle School and High School choirs performed that evening. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Tecumseh Holds Spring Choir Concert

News Staff
Thursday, May 16, 2024

Tecumseh Waste & Water Increase Approved

Julie Talton
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Tecumseh residents can expect a slight increase to their monthly water and sewer bill (around $4). At the May City Council Meeting, the council unanimously approved the rate increase. City manager, Jimmy Stokes explained that the city has been accruing debt for sewer services since 2007.
Maryl Lewellen (right), a senior at Shawnee High School, receives a Shawnee Association of Classroom Teachers Scholarship from Krista Farris, SACT president, during Monday’s Senior Awards Ceremony. Photo provided by SHS

Maryl Lewellen (right), a senior at Shawnee High School, receives a Shawnee Association of Classroom Teachers Scholarship from Krista Farris, SACT president, during Monday’s Senior Awards Ceremony. Photo provided by SHS

Shawnee High School Seniors Receive A Number of Scholarships

News Staff
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Shawnee High School’s Class of 2024 received a number of scholarships and awards during a special recognition ceremony Monday evening.Shawnee Public Schools staff, members of the Shawnee community and representatives from colleges and universities were on hand to honor the seniors.
McLoud Scholarship Foundation (MSF) Scholarship winners pictured from left: Annette Brown, MSF Secretary, Madalynn Xzylee Ladybug Taylor, Haylee Nicole Wooten, Ciera Judith Dunn, Jaiden Lynn Williams, Paisley Jo Erskine, Coulson Dale Kennedy, Harlee Rae Marchant, Logan Marie Hough, Stacey Angelina Nash and Austin Carroll, MSF President. Not Pictured - Santos Ivan Lujan. Photo provided by MSF

McLoud Scholarship Foundation (MSF) Scholarship winners pictured from left: Annette Brown, MSF Secretary, Madalynn Xzylee Ladybug Taylor, Haylee Nicole Wooten, Ciera Judith Dunn, Jaiden Lynn Williams, Paisley Jo Erskine, Coulson Dale Kennedy, Harlee Rae Marchant, Logan Marie Hough, Stacey Angelina Nash and Austin Carroll, MSF President. Not Pictured - Santos Ivan Lujan. Photo provided by MSF

McLoud Seniors Receive McLoud School Foundation Scholarships

News Staff
Thursday, May 16, 2024
The McLoud School Foundation (MSF) presented ten $1,000 scholarships at the McLoud High School Academic Awards Program held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Norman Veterans Center Recreation Coordinator Darold Lairson, far right, presents American Legion Post #260 Auxiliary President Donna Snodgrass with a belated certificate for Volunteer Appreciation Week on May 8. The Tecumseh American Legion Auxiliary members have hosted the Norman veterans for bingo each month for at least 30 years, said Lairson.

Norman Veterans Center Recreation Coordinator Darold Lairson, far right, presents American Legion Post #260 Auxiliary President Donna Snodgrass with a belated certificate for Volunteer Appreciation Week on May 8. The Tecumseh American Legion Auxiliary members have hosted the Norman veterans for bingo each month for at least 30 years, said Lairson.

American Legion Auxiliary Celebrates Military Appreciation Month

News Staff
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Norman Veterans Center Recreation Coordinator Darold Lairson, far right, presents American Legion Post #260 Auxiliary President Donna Snodgrass with a belated certificate for Volunteer Appreciation Week on May 8.
Retirees from Shawnee Public Schools were honored with a reception before the Shawnee Board of Education regular meeting on May 14, and they also received a clock. Shown, from left, are Debra Watson, Beth Mills, Angela Lindsay, Terri Mastin, Dana Boyer, Mary Cash, Laura Brandherm, Randy Lauderdale and Ray Shaffer. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Retirees from Shawnee Public Schools were honored with a reception before the Shawnee Board of Education regular meeting on May 14, and they also received a clock. Shown, from left, are Debra Watson, Beth Mills, Angela Lindsay, Terri Mastin, Dana Boyer, Mary Cash, Laura Brandherm, Randy Lauderdale and Ray Shaffer. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

SPS Hires New Jim Thorpe Academy Director, Softball Coach

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, May 16, 2024
The Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education held a special session before its regular meeting on May 14.Beginning at 5:15 pm, the Board approved a lease-purchase agreement with RCB Bank and a new electronic scoreboard for Jim Thorpe Stadium.Jordan Smith, from Stephen L. Smith Corp.