News

Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James speaks with the Shawnee Board of Education about Board Recognition Month before presenting a video of 'thank-yous' from the district during the Jan. 12 meeting. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James speaks with the Shawnee Board of Education about Board Recognition Month before presenting a video of 'thank-yous' from the district during the Jan. 12 meeting. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

SPS Board hears audit, events, and construction updates

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The annual Audit Report for 2024-2025 was presented during the Jan. 12 Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education meeting.Jeff Jenkins, of Jenkins & Kemper CPA, PC, gave the report, which found no significant problems and was approved.
Tecumseh City Attorney Nic Atwood swears in new Ward 3 Councilman Christopher Abel after the special meeting held on Jan 12. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh City Attorney Nic Atwood swears in new Ward 3 Councilman Christopher Abel after the special meeting held on Jan 12. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh fills Ward Three seat

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Tecumseh City Council welcomed a new councilman to the table during a 10-minute special meeting held on Jan. 12.After a brief interview by the council, Christopher Abel was appointed to the Ward 3 seat previously held by Don Bradley.The seat's term is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.
Seventh-grade teacher team: (Back) Derek Wellman; 2nd Row: Jaden Wiley, Jordan Knutson, Emily Barbosa, Natalie Manion, Stephanie Murray, Mikayla Brannam, Morgan Shaefer; (Front) Lila Lindsay, Kayla Hutcheson, Brock Partain and Hannah Mehlhaff. Photo Provided

Seventh-grade teacher team: (Back) Derek Wellman; 2nd Row: Jaden Wiley, Jordan Knutson, Emily Barbosa, Natalie Manion, Stephanie Murray, Mikayla Brannam, Morgan Shaefer; (Front) Lila Lindsay, Kayla Hutcheson, Brock Partain and Hannah Mehlhaff. Photo Provided

Shawnee Middle School Continues Holiday Giving Tradition

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Shawnee, OK – December 29, 2025 — What began more than a decade ago as a simple idea to make the last day before Christmas break more fun has grown into a powerful tradition of generosity and community spirit at Shawnee Middle School.

Community Calendar - Jan. 8-14, 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Thursday, 8th Shawnee Lions Club noon at Santa Fe Cattle Company (Shawnee Mall) PCDA — 4:30 pm, 17508 Bethel RoadLegion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck.Grief Support Group every Thurs. 6:30, Non-Denominational/Open to Public held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Shawnee. Q?: Contact Karen @ 405-627-6470.
The devastating damage to Shawnee Hall is evident the morning after the April 19, 2023, tornado tore through Shawnee. Photo provided by OBU

The devastating damage to Shawnee Hall is evident the morning after the April 19, 2023, tornado tore through Shawnee. Photo provided by OBU

Through the storm, the Bison spirit guides OBU

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
It has been almost three years since the April 19, 2023, tornado ripped through Shawnee and the surrounding areas. At Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), the tornado recovery was only the beginning of the “flex toward the future.”The focus immediately after the storm was clear. OBU President, Dr.
The House of Health Health Food Store, at 314 W. MacArthur in Shawnee, closed at the end of Dec. 2025, after being in that location for 25 years. Owner Patricia Ortega opened the House of Health on Kickapoo 51 years ago. They have also had locations on Main Street, as well as in Tecumseh, Ada, and Pauls Valley. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

The House of Health Health Food Store, at 314 W. MacArthur in Shawnee, closed at the end of Dec. 2025, after being in that location for 25 years. Owner Patricia Ortega opened the House of Health on Kickapoo 51 years ago. They have also had locations on Main Street, as well as in Tecumseh, Ada, and Pauls Valley. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

House of Health closes after 51 years

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
On Dec. 10, the House of Health Health Food Store in Shawnee announced on their Facebook page that they would be closing at the end of the month after 51 years.