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Sue Nelson, second from left, won the Michelle Briggs 'We're Here for Good' Service Award and chose the Salvation Army to receive the charity donation of $5000 that accompanied the award. Shown, during the Avedis Foundation Speaker Series Luncheon on May 28, from left, are Jill Spencer, Nelson, Salvation Army Captain Thomas Marion and Avedis CEO Dr. Kathy Laster. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Sue Nelson, second from left, won the Michelle Briggs 'We're Here for Good' Service Award and chose the Salvation Army to receive the charity donation of $5000 that accompanied the award. Shown, during the Avedis Foundation Speaker Series Luncheon on May 28, from left, are Jill Spencer, Nelson, Salvation Army Captain Thomas Marion and Avedis CEO Dr. Kathy Laster. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Avedis Luncheon honors service

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Dr.
Troy Russ, 7, of Shawnee, plays ping pong, as Russell Tampus, 13, watches during the Health Week 'Fun Day at KidSpace Park' on the morning of May 29. Giant checkers, corn hole, pickleball, 40-yard dash, ninja course and the Roll and Stroll Walk were also available. A rain storm cut the activities short around 11 am. The event returned that evening from 5-8 pm. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Troy Russ, 7, of Shawnee, plays ping pong, as Russell Tampus, 13, watches during the Health Week 'Fun Day at KidSpace Park' on the morning of May 29. Giant checkers, corn hole, pickleball, 40-yard dash, ninja course and the Roll and Stroll Walk were also available. A rain storm cut the activities short around 11 am. The event returned that evening from 5-8 pm. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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"Fun Day at KidSpace Park"

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Jackson Rowell, 12, and Gavin Heath, 10, both of Norman, study a Thorny Devil Walkingstick, which was part of the OSU Extension Insect Adventure during Bugfest at the Shawnee Public Library on May 30. The annual event is part of Health Week and also featured the Okies for Monarchs booth, honey tasting, an opportunity to try fried mealworms and several organization booths. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Jackson Rowell, 12, and Gavin Heath, 10, both of Norman, study a Thorny Devil Walkingstick, which was part of the OSU Extension Insect Adventure during Bugfest at the Shawnee Public Library on May 30. The annual event is part of Health Week and also featured the Okies for Monarchs booth, honey tasting, an opportunity to try fried mealworms and several organization booths. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Shawnee Library's Bugfest

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
North Rock Creek's Alexis Martin and Cooper Lincoln pose with their Kelli O'Hara awards on May 29 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

North Rock Creek's Alexis Martin and Cooper Lincoln pose with their Kelli O'Hara awards on May 29 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

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NRC Student bound for NYC

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
North Rock Creek Drama was well represented at the 2026 Kelli O’Hara Awards. At last year’s awards, Cooper Lincoln was one of 10 finalists for Outstanding Actor, but didn’t win. This year, with his stellar performance as Jack Kelly, in "Newsies," he brought home the trophy!
Seven Lady Savage 2026 graduates have fun leading the audience in the 'THS Fight Song' at the 124th Annual Tecumseh Alumni Banquet, held at the WP Wood THS Alumni Center on May 30. Shown, from left, are Avery Renken, Amy Moreno, Maggie Johnson, Kelsy Nguyen, Cheyanna Dietz, Addison Taron and Adalaide Lack.

Seven Lady Savage 2026 graduates have fun leading the audience in the 'THS Fight Song' at the 124th Annual Tecumseh Alumni Banquet, held at the WP Wood THS Alumni Center on May 30. Shown, from left, are Avery Renken, Amy Moreno, Maggie Johnson, Kelsy Nguyen, Cheyanna Dietz, Addison Taron and Adalaide Lack.

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Kinsey gives school update at Alumni Banquet

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2026
There were 145 alumni in attendance at the 124th Annual Tecumseh Alumni Banquet - the oldest continuous alumni banquet in the state - which was held at the WP Wood THS Alumni Center on May 30.After the invocation by Rev.
McLoud Mayor Daniel McClure poses with Pottawatomie County Lieutenant Dakota Black and McLoud officer Corey Martin at the May McLoud City Council Meeting. Black presented Martin, and fellow officer Jones, with a Distinguished Service Award for their response and action during a tragic incident in April. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

McLoud Mayor Daniel McClure poses with Pottawatomie County Lieutenant Dakota Black and McLoud officer Corey Martin at the May McLoud City Council Meeting. Black presented Martin, and fellow officer Jones, with a Distinguished Service Award for their response and action during a tragic incident in April. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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McLoud officers honored at meeting

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Several officers were recognized at the May McLoud City Council meeting. Lt. Dakota Black with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office attended to recognize two officers who recently responded to an emotional situation involving the death of a child.
Robot Team in Shawnee: Dr. Amanda Schovanec and Dr. Danielle Manship (at right in lab coats) and the robotic surgical team at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. Photo provided by SSM

Robot Team in Shawnee: Dr. Amanda Schovanec and Dr. Danielle Manship (at right in lab coats) and the robotic surgical team at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. Photo provided by SSM

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SSM Adds da Vinci Surgical System

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
SHAWNEE, Okla. — SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee is proud to announce the addition of the da Vinci Xi surgical system, bringing advanced robotic-assisted technology to patients in Pottawatomie County and surrounding communities.
Dell Kerbs

Dell Kerbs

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Dist. 3 Candidate Forum for County Commissioner

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
On the evening of May 21, the Pottawatomie Advocates for Voter Education (PAVE) hosted a candidate forum for the Dist. 3 County Commissioner race. All four candidates participated: Dell Kerbs, Tanner Silas, Chad Votaw and Angela Williams. Below are a few of the questions presented during the forum.