News

Abby Thompson, Photo provided

Abby Thompson, Photo provided

County Commissioner Abby Thompson Announces for State Senate Seat

Pottawatomie County Commissioner (District 3) Abby Thompson announced today she is running for the Republican nomination in the State Senate. Thompson is running for the District 17 Senate seat currently held by Sen. Shane Jett, who is leaving office due to term limits.
Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Matthews, Melot, Gilbert share leadership styles as part of the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten

Randy Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year Pottawatomie Power Poll.Gilbert said he is “very honored and humble” to be included in this "diverse group of people."He traces his leadership roots to lessons learned early in life.
Pott. Co. Commissioner Greg Rush and Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens judge a 1971 Chevelle SS at the First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show, held at Life. Church in Shawnee on Nov. 8. The car show raised more than $5,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Pott. Co. Commissioner Greg Rush and Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens judge a 1971 Chevelle SS at the First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show, held at Life. Church in Shawnee on Nov. 8. The car show raised more than $5,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Igniting hope, fueling change at Driven for Justice car show

There’s a new car show in town. The First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show was organized by the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma (CACCO), and it attracted 66 entries to the Life. Church parking lot in Shawnee on Nov. 8.
The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

County Celebrates Veterans

At least 30 veterans participated in the 'veteran's parade' where they were announced by Tecumseh High School Assistant Band Director Bailey Vaughn and stood on the THS football field to listen to their service theme songs. This was part of the Veteran's Day Light Show, coordinated by Band Director John Outon, who also invited the Meeker and North Rock Creek High School bands this year. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

At least 30 veterans participated in the 'veteran's parade' where they were announced by Tecumseh High School Assistant Band Director Bailey Vaughn and stood on the THS football field to listen to their service theme songs. This was part of the Veteran's Day Light Show, coordinated by Band Director John Outon, who also invited the Meeker and North Rock Creek High School bands this year. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

OBU Inspires Future Teachers

OBU Inspires Future Teachers

OBU Inspires Future Teachers

On Nov. 4, Oklahoma Baptist University hosted over 70 students who aspire to have a career in education. The event, Discover Teaching, is a hands-on learning opportunity to experience what future careers might look like and was available to freshmen and sophomores.
"Future Egyptologist" Patrick Newpower, age 8, speaks about the Egyptian pyramids during the Fifth Annual Mummy Day, Nov. 8, at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

"Future Egyptologist" Patrick Newpower, age 8, speaks about the Egyptian pyramids during the Fifth Annual Mummy Day, Nov. 8, at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Mabee-Gerrer celebrates Mummy Day

Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Bethel Schools celebrate Veterans

Kirk Bertolet joined the U.S. Air Force in Sept. 1979 and served as an electrician in the 1827 Electronic Installation Squadron. He was originally from Costa Mesa, CA, and now lives in Bethel. Bertolet is also the Activities Director and incoming Sergeant at Arms at Shawnee's Gill-Mattox American Legion Post 16. Photo provided

Kirk Bertolet joined the U.S. Air Force in Sept. 1979 and served as an electrician in the 1827 Electronic Installation Squadron. He was originally from Costa Mesa, CA, and now lives in Bethel. Bertolet is also the Activities Director and incoming Sergeant at Arms at Shawnee's Gill-Mattox American Legion Post 16. Photo provided

Air Force veteran worked as electrician, had help from two mentors

Kirk Bertolet, who now lives in Bethel, joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1979 when he was 22 years old.He graduated from high school in Costa Mesa, CA, and had been working at minimum wage jobs for a few years.