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Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

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Tecumseh band teacher receives ECOBDA Band Director of the Year

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
On Jan. 10, Tecumseh Public Schools Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association (ECOBDA) Band Director of the Year at East Central University (ECU).After being a member of the ECOBDA for 26 years, Outon said the experience is “humbling.
Shelter Manager Felicia Brooks-Veazey and Restore Shawnee CEO Rev. David Henry have been pouring their all into helping the homeless and those without heat. They are shown here at the warming center at Higher Ground Church in Shawnee on Jan. 29. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shelter Manager Felicia Brooks-Veazey and Restore Shawnee CEO Rev. David Henry have been pouring their all into helping the homeless and those without heat. They are shown here at the warming center at Higher Ground Church in Shawnee on Jan. 29. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Shawnee warming centers take in more than 91 people during sub-freezing temps

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Between Jan. 24 and 26, the temperatures were brutally cold. The highs were 12, 13 and 24 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, and around eight inches of snow fell in the Norman Forecast Office area, according to the National Weather Service website.

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Community Calendar - Feb. 5-11

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Thursday, 5th Eastern Star — 7:30 pm, Tecumseh Masonic Lodge. Spinning Spools Quilt Guild - 7 pm, Senior Center at 400 N. Bell, Shawnee Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck. 7 pm - 9 pm Karaoke, 201 E. Park, Tecumseh. $5.Grief Support Group every Thurs.
Mary Carter volunteers to fill the Ward 4 seat of the Tecumseh City Council following the resignation of John Collier. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Mary Carter volunteers to fill the Ward 4 seat of the Tecumseh City Council following the resignation of John Collier. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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Tecumseh Council fills Ward 4 Seat

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Tecumseh City Council opened with the resignation of long-time councilman, John Collier. Collier stepped down from his position due to health issues. There, to volunteer to take his place, was life-time resident, Mary Carter.
Corporal Josh Soward, third from left, accepts the 2025 Officer of the Year Award Jan. 30 presented by Shawnee Police Foundation Chairman Melissa Stuteville, 2024 Officer of the Year Dennis Rains, and Shawnee Police Chief Mason Wilson. KOCO Channel 5 News Anchor Kylie Walker, on stage, was the emcee for the evening. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Corporal Josh Soward, third from left, accepts the 2025 Officer of the Year Award Jan. 30 presented by Shawnee Police Foundation Chairman Melissa Stuteville, 2024 Officer of the Year Dennis Rains, and Shawnee Police Chief Mason Wilson. KOCO Channel 5 News Anchor Kylie Walker, on stage, was the emcee for the evening. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Cpl. Soward named Officer of the Year

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Corporal Josh Soward was announced as the 2025 Officer of the Year during the Shawnee Police Foundation Annual Banquet, held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on Jan. 30.

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Commissioners hear economic growth update

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Shawnee Forward’s President and CEO Crystal Romanyszyn presented an update to the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 3.“One of the things that we’re very focused on is things that help our existing businesses thrive and also grow,” said Romanyszyn.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation's new Chief of Police, Kyle Webb. Photo provided by CPN

Citizen Potawatomi Nation's new Chief of Police, Kyle Webb. Photo provided by CPN

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Kyle Webb, CPN’s new chief of police

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
By TINA BRIDENSTINE, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Public Information DepartmentCitizen Potawatomi Nation welcomed Kyle Webb as the new chief of police last fall.Webb grew up in McLoud, Oklahoma, where his mother still lives.

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Feb. 10 Election

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Sample ballots are now available for the February 10th Election. Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Pottawatomie County Election Board during normal business hours.
Shane Blankenship started his internship for the last semester of high school. Photo by Cheyanna Dietz, Intern

Shane Blankenship started his internship for the last semester of high school. Photo by Cheyanna Dietz, Intern

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Intern Chronicles

Shane Blankenship
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Shane Blankenship is a new intern at the Countywide & Sun News. He is a senior at Tecumseh High School and he has been a Tecumseh Public School student since entering the sixth grade.He has a passion for football and has been playing the sport since he was in the second grade.