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Pioneer Library System's Spark a Change

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Pioneer Library System invites residents across Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties to participate in Spark a Change 2026, a community initiative that uses the power of stories to inspire understanding, encourage action and connect individuals and families with local resources.This year's...
PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

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PLS Summer Learning Challenge surpasses goal

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Pioneer Library System is celebrating a major community achievement as participants in the 2026 Summer Learning Challenge surpassed the goal of 20 million minutes of reading and learning across Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties.Thousands of children, teens and adults spent the summer...
Pottawatomie County 4-H Club member Gavin Klippenstine sews a lanyard during the "Fair Project Day" meeting, held at North Rock Creek High School on Aug. 4. Kortni Perkins, 4-H educator, said they had 27 members working on projects to enter in the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. Photos courtesy of State 4-H Secretary Mason Luka

Pottawatomie County 4-H Club member Gavin Klippenstine sews a lanyard during the "Fair Project Day" meeting, held at North Rock Creek High School on Aug. 4. Kortni Perkins, 4-H educator, said they had 27 members working on projects to enter in the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. Photos courtesy of State 4-H Secretary Mason Luka

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4-H Fair Project Day

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Community Calendar - Aug. 20-27

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Thursday, 20thLions Club noon at Santa Fe Cattle Company (Shawnee Mall)Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck. 7 pm - 9 pm Karaoke, 201 E. Park, Tecumseh. $5.Poetry Reading - 7 pm, The Lunch Box - 217 E. Main.
Tecumseh was officially designated as a Purple Heart City by Master Chief Larry VanSchuyver, Chapter 902 Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, on Aug. 18 at Tecumseh City Hall. Shown, from left, are Natalie Arnett with State Farm Insurance; Ambassador Jessie Newell with Global Production Solutions; City Manager Jimmy Stokes; Master Chief Larry VanSchuyver; Mayor Eddy Parker; Coordinator Kacy Kinsey; and John Fletcher with Define Boutique. Arnett, Newell and Fletcher donated toward the signs.

Tecumseh was officially designated as a Purple Heart City by Master Chief Larry VanSchuyver, Chapter 902 Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, on Aug. 18 at Tecumseh City Hall. Shown, from left, are Natalie Arnett with State Farm Insurance; Ambassador Jessie Newell with Global Production Solutions; City Manager Jimmy Stokes; Master Chief Larry VanSchuyver; Mayor Eddy Parker; Coordinator Kacy Kinsey; and John Fletcher with Define Boutique. Arnett, Newell and Fletcher donated toward the signs.

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Tecumseh designated as Purple Heart City

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Tecumseh, OK, is now a Purple Heart City, after a ceremony held at Tecumseh City Hall on Aug. 18, and it will be listed on the national registry.Master Chief Larry Van-Schuyver, Oklahoma City Chapter 902 Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented City Manager Jimmy Stokes and...
Kyia Robison, with Legacy Parenting Center (LPC) spoke to the City about the Diaper Drive they are working on. Their current goal is to establish 100 drop-off sites for diaper donations. As of the meeting time, they were at 88. Since January of this year, LPC has given out 382,000 diapers to the community. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Kyia Robison, with Legacy Parenting Center (LPC) spoke to the City about the Diaper Drive they are working on. Their current goal is to establish 100 drop-off sites for diaper donations. As of the meeting time, they were at 88. Since January of this year, LPC has given out 382,000 diapers to the community. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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City warns citizens about latest scam

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
At the August Shawnee City Commissioner meeting, the City learned of a scam happening to Shawnee citizens, and wants to warn the public.

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Burn ban issued

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
A 14-day burn ban is currently in effect after the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved it during its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18.Emergency Management reported the county remains in severe drought, with above-normal temperatures expected to persist through the week.

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Early voting opens Aug. 20, 2026

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Voters in Pottawatomie County have the opportunity to vote early, beginning Thursday, Aug. 20. There is something on the ballot for everyone, starting with State Questions 844 and 846.
Shawnee Ward 5 City Commission Candidate Joey Ward

Shawnee Ward 5 City Commission Candidate Joey Ward

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Ward Shares Priorities at Candidate Forum

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Voters heard from Shawnee City Commission Ward 5 candidate Joey Ward at the forum hosted at Shawnee City Hall Monday evening by PAVE (Pottawatomie County Advocates for Voter Education).Joey Ward attended the forum and answered questions on issues ranging from taxes and transparency to development...
State Senate District 17 candidate Justin Wood

State Senate District 17 candidate Justin Wood

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Wood Answers Questions on State Issues

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Voters heard from one of the two Republican candidates for State Senate District 17 during a recent candidate forum hosted by PAVE, Pottawatomie County Advocates for Voter Education.Justin Wood answered questions on issues ranging from property taxes and state spending to education and...