News

Wayne Trotter served as the president of the Oklahoma Press Association in 1999. Photo provided by OPA

Wayne Trotter served as the president of the Oklahoma Press Association in 1999. Photo provided by OPA

Wayne Trotter never chased headlines; he chased the truth

Suzie Campbell
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
This past week, Pottawatomie County lost not only a journalist but a man whose devotion to truth and fairness defined his work and his life. His absence leaves a void in Tecumseh, throughout Pottawatomie County, and among journalists who strive to follow his example.
Bill Ford of Shawnee shakes hands with Captain Aaron Stutzman, Commanding Officer for the USS Oklahoma submarine during a namesake visit at the Woodland Veterans Park and Museum on Sept. 9. Also shown are Rocky Goins, Chairman of the USS Oklahoma Commissioning Committee; Nancy Ford; and CDR Jay Kim, Relieving Commanding Officer. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Bill Ford of Shawnee shakes hands with Captain Aaron Stutzman, Commanding Officer for the USS Oklahoma submarine during a namesake visit at the Woodland Veterans Park and Museum on Sept. 9. Also shown are Rocky Goins, Chairman of the USS Oklahoma Commissioning Committee; Nancy Ford; and CDR Jay Kim, Relieving Commanding Officer. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Fords donate to scholarship in memory of father lost in WWII

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Lieutenant Commander William H. Mendenhall was 25 years old. His wife, Jayne, had moved back to Edmond, OK, and their baby daughter, Nancy, was only two months old.
Cherity Pennington, Shawnee Middle School Librarian and Director of Library and Media Services, speaks about SMS students Elinor Crane and Molly Newsom during the Shawnee Board of Education Meeting on Sept. 15. Crane and Newsom traveled to Washington, DC, and competed in National History Day with their documentary, "The Life of Lola Baldwin." Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Cherity Pennington, Shawnee Middle School Librarian and Director of Library and Media Services, speaks about SMS students Elinor Crane and Molly Newsom during the Shawnee Board of Education Meeting on Sept. 15. Crane and Newsom traveled to Washington, DC, and competed in National History Day with their documentary, "The Life of Lola Baldwin." Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Two SMS Students Compete at National History Day

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Shawnee Middle School was recognized during the Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Sept. 15.SMS Principal Keely Tolin introduced Cherity Pennington, school librarian and Director of Library and Media Services, who spoke about National History Day.
Cast members, pictured from left are: (front row) Ginny Stewart; (second row) Kirby Rodman, James Coplen, and Josh Craig; (third row) Logan Jennings, Riley Herring, Aubrey Herrin, Philip Newcomer, Austin Mould, Cierra Farris, Cassidy McGovern, Emilie Lange, Maggie Sherman, Aubrey Jo Hoag, Bailyn Gatlin, Alyx Sabina, AJ Garrett, and Caroline Deen. Photo provided

Cast members, pictured from left are: (front row) Ginny Stewart; (second row) Kirby Rodman, James Coplen, and Josh Craig; (third row) Logan Jennings, Riley Herring, Aubrey Herrin, Philip Newcomer, Austin Mould, Cierra Farris, Cassidy McGovern, Emilie Lange, Maggie Sherman, Aubrey Jo Hoag, Bailyn Gatlin, Alyx Sabina, AJ Garrett, and Caroline Deen. Photo provided

SLT Presents Heathers: The Musical

News Staff
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Shawnee Little Theatre begins its 58th year of producing live community theatre this week with the opening of the Broadway musical “ Heathers” on Friday.
Officer Meyers gave the monthly Shawnee Animal Shelter report and showed off Teeny, a two-year-old male Wheaten Terrier mix up for adoption. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Officer Meyers gave the monthly Shawnee Animal Shelter report and showed off Teeny, a two-year-old male Wheaten Terrier mix up for adoption. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

New Four-Way Stops going up on N. Kickapoo

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
A request to reduce the speed limit on N.Kickapoo Ave. from Westech Rd to Garrett’s Lake Rd from 45 mph to 35 mph, and to establish 4-way stop intersections on N. Kickapoo at Wolverine Rd, and at Garrett’s Lake Rd.