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Brandon Bussell (pictured left) is presented a plaque by Superintendent Dr. Matt Posey (right) for his 10 years of service on the Bethel School Board. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Brandon Bussell (pictured left) is presented a plaque by Superintendent Dr. Matt Posey (right) for his 10 years of service on the Bethel School Board. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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Bethel approves key funding decisions for 2026-27

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The Bethel Public Schools Board of Education approved a series of financial decisions, service agreements and program updates during its March meeting, while also recognizing a longtime board member for his service.
The Tecumseh School Board poses with students honored at the April meeting. Shown, from left, are unknown, Dylan Hayes, Nicole Sanchez, Iva Bingham, Rayleigh Hopkins, Olivia Rawlins, Landyn Seaton, Blake Wright, Kimberly Holland, Channing Goodson, Maci Peacock and Malachi Deatherage. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

The Tecumseh School Board poses with students honored at the April meeting. Shown, from left, are unknown, Dylan Hayes, Nicole Sanchez, Iva Bingham, Rayleigh Hopkins, Olivia Rawlins, Landyn Seaton, Blake Wright, Kimberly Holland, Channing Goodson, Maci Peacock and Malachi Deatherage. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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Board Seat Declared Vacant, Again

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Editor's Note: We reported in this article that Tecumseh School Board member Nicole Sanchez made a motion to table the graduation cord discussion until next month's meeting. However, the agenda item was discussion only, and no action was taken.
Harmony and Jeremy Brock of Shawnee help their 13-month-old daughter, Talli Brock, to collect eggs on March 28 at Boy Scout Park. The Community Renewal Easter Block Party featured more than 30,000 filled plastic eggs, including those left over from last year when the event was rained out twice, said C.R. Executive Director Brandon Dyer. After being started by local churches, Dyer said one of their members continued the event, which is in its sixth year. See full caption below.

Harmony and Jeremy Brock of Shawnee help their 13-month-old daughter, Talli Brock, to collect eggs on March 28 at Boy Scout Park. The Community Renewal Easter Block Party featured more than 30,000 filled plastic eggs, including those left over from last year when the event was rained out twice, said C.R. Executive Director Brandon Dyer. After being started by local churches, Dyer said one of their members continued the event, which is in its sixth year. See full caption below.

Community Renewal Hosts Easter Block Party

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Harmony and Jeremy Brock of Shawnee help their 13-month-old daughter, Talli Brock, to collect eggs on March 28 at Boy Scout Park.
State Rep. Dell Kerbs poses with December Nanaeto. Photos provided.

State Rep. Dell Kerbs poses with December Nanaeto. Photos provided.

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Nanaeto serves as page for Rep. Kerbs

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
December Nanaeto, a sophomore at Jim Thorpe Academy, served as a page during the ninth week of the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She was sponsored by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee.Nanaeto, of Shawnee, is a 3.

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CVEC awards Sharing Success Grants

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
SEMINOLE, OK — Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC), in partnership with its lending partner CoBank, has awarded a total of $15,000 in grants to three local nonprofit organizations: Graham-Dustin Public Schools, May May’s Homes, and Gateway to Prevention.
Earlsboro Police Chief Christopher Bayless, with the Hoof Patrol team, looks to pass during the Third Annual Earlsboro Donkey Basketball fundraiser on April 4 at the EHS Gym. Shown, from left, are Anthony Glasgow, Bayless, Bayless's son, Easton Barnes, and firefighter Caleb Inman. See full cutline below.

Earlsboro Police Chief Christopher Bayless, with the Hoof Patrol team, looks to pass during the Third Annual Earlsboro Donkey Basketball fundraiser on April 4 at the EHS Gym. Shown, from left, are Anthony Glasgow, Bayless, Bayless's son, Easton Barnes, and firefighter Caleb Inman. See full cutline below.

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Fun for the family at Earlsboro's Third Annual Donkey Basketball Fundraiser

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Earlsboro Police Chief Christopher Bayless, with the Hoof Patrol team, looks to pass during the Third Annual Earlsboro Donkey Basketball fundraiser on April 4 at the EHS Gym. Shown, from left, are Anthony Glasgow, Bayless, Bayless's son, Easton Barnes, and firefighter Caleb Inman.
SHS Students are pictured with the Recharge-OK team at the March 25 kickoff. Photo Provided by SPS

SHS Students are pictured with the Recharge-OK team at the March 25 kickoff. Photo Provided by SPS

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Shawnee co-launches Recharge-OK STEM initiative

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Shawnee Public Schools is proud to colaunch Recharge-OK, a new community-centered initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. The project focuses on electric school buses, energy resilience, disaster preparedness, and STEM engagement for students.
Pictured from left, CPN Health Services Director Chris Skillings, Gateway Board of Directors President Kara Robinson, Gateway CEO Jon Greenwood, and CPN Vice-Chairman Linda Capps hold a donation from CPN to Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Phoro provided by CPN

Pictured from left, CPN Health Services Director Chris Skillings, Gateway Board of Directors President Kara Robinson, Gateway CEO Jon Greenwood, and CPN Vice-Chairman Linda Capps hold a donation from CPN to Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Phoro provided by CPN

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CPN donates $1.7 million to Gateway for Recovery

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation recently agreed to make a $1.7 million donation to Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. to help the local agency continue to serve people after state funding cuts threatened to cripple their operation.

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PLS connects teens to college, career resources

News Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Cleveland, McClain, Pottawatomie Counties, OK. April 2026 – This April, Pioneer Library System (PLS) is spotlighting resources designed to support teens and recent graduates as they plan what comes next after high school.

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McLoud, Maud pass school bonds

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Voters in two school districts in Pottawatomie County approved bond measures during the April 7, 2026, election, funding facility improvements and transportation needs.With 434 YES votes (68.45 percent) over 200 NO votes (31.55 percent), McLoud Public Schools passed a $20.