News

A sign along the entryway to Serenity Hollow Retreat Center says "Place you burdens here," and the opposite side says "Leave your burdens behind." The 40-acre women's retreat is located at 20425 Kings Road and offers well-being workshops, walking trails, four themed bedrooms with adult bunk beds and an outdoor event area, as well as goats, donkeys and two dogs. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

A sign along the entryway to Serenity Hollow Retreat Center says "Place you burdens here," and the opposite side says "Leave your burdens behind." The 40-acre women's retreat is located at 20425 Kings Road and offers well-being workshops, walking trails, four themed bedrooms with adult bunk beds and an outdoor event area, as well as goats, donkeys and two dogs. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Serenity Hollow Retreat Center offers a place to leave your burdens, salve for the soul

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 11, 2026
In a world full of cell phones, busy calendars and turmoil on the news, there is a peaceful place to escape and set your mind on the right path.
Shawnee Public Library Associate Jessica Perkins stands by their new Seed Library. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Public Library Associate Jessica Perkins stands by their new Seed Library. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Library offers seeds

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Shawnee Public Library Associate Jessica Perkins stands by their new Seed Library. Perkins said a variety of summer seeds, including corn, beans, squash, cucumber and their most popular okra and watermelon, are provided by the OSU Extension and free to those wishing to start a garden.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Freeland Wood decorates the grave of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Sanders, who was in WWII, at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee on May 23. Wood's son, Justin, and grandson, Everett Wood, 13, also helped to place flags, as they have for a few years, before Memorial Day. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Freeland Wood decorates the grave of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Sanders, who was in WWII, at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee on May 23. Wood's son, Justin, and grandson, Everett Wood, 13, also helped to place flags, as they have for a few years, before Memorial Day. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Flag tradition continues at Fairview Cemetery

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Short June meeting for Tecumseh City Council

Julie Talton
Thursday, June 4, 2026
julie@countywidenews.com Sharon Stewart led the June Tecumseh City Council meeting with Chris Abel and Mary Carter. Mayor Eddy Parker and Linda Farris were absent from the gathering.During the short meeting, only a few items were discussed and no public comments were made.
Run for the Wall Founder James "Gunny" Gregory, left, poses with the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marines, Gene Overstreet, during the Run for the Wall food stop at Shawnee VFW Post 1317 on May 16. This is the 36th official year for the cross-country ride, and more than 200 veterans participated on the Midway Route. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Run for the Wall Founder James "Gunny" Gregory, left, poses with the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marines, Gene Overstreet, during the Run for the Wall food stop at Shawnee VFW Post 1317 on May 16. This is the 36th official year for the cross-country ride, and more than 200 veterans participated on the Midway Route. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Exclusive Subscriber Content

36th Run for the Wall stops at Shawnee VFW

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Shawnee VFW Post #1317 welcomed more than 200 veterans, mostly on motorcycles, with the Run for the Wall (RFTW) on May 16.Coming from Ontario, California, on their way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC, they were traveling the Midway Route of the Run.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Candidate filings begin for the City of Tecumseh

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Candidates interested in filing for municipal offices for Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, and Mayor for the City of Tecumseh in Pottawatomie County will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 am June 8, 2026.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Early voting begins June 11

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Early voting begins Thursday, June 11, 2026, for voters in Pottawatomie County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day have the option of voting early at their County Election Board.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

County begins 2026-27 budget process

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
By SUZIE CAMPBELL suzie@countywidenews.com Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners voted to go out for bids on needed security and safety upgrades to long-discussed renovations to the county’s Juvenile Detention Center.
Pictured from left: Tracy Meeuwsen, Sr. Program Director-Data Analyst; Kayxandra Campbell, Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma Executive Director; Kathy Laster, Ph.D., President & CEO Avedis Foundation Photo provided by Avedis Foundation

Pictured from left: Tracy Meeuwsen, Sr. Program Director-Data Analyst; Kayxandra Campbell, Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma Executive Director; Kathy Laster, Ph.D., President & CEO Avedis Foundation Photo provided by Avedis Foundation

Exclusive Subscriber Content

CACCO awarded $95,608

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Avedis Foundation awarded a $95,608 grant to the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma (CACCO) to help expand forensic interviewing, advocacy, and mental health services for children experiencing abuse across Pottawatomie, Lincoln, and Seminole Counties.