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Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason James poses a question about his smart watch while speaking on the new "bell-to-bell no personal wireless electronic device" policy during the SPS Board of Education meeting on June 30. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason James poses a question about his smart watch while speaking on the new "bell-to-bell no personal wireless electronic device" policy during the SPS Board of Education meeting on June 30. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Shawnee Board of Education gets ball rolling on Tennis Center

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
A guaranteed maximum price of $2,231,949.63 was approved by the Shawnee Board of Education on June 30 for Wynn Construction Co., Inc. to build the Paul Duffield Tennis Center.“We’re really excited that it came in, I think about $300,000 ...

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County approves Education Tax requests

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Pottawatomie County Commissioners approved temporary appropriations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during their July 1 meeting, allocating sales tax funds to local schools for various expenses and preparing for the upcoming International Finals Youth Rodeo.
Joseph Craven

Joseph Craven

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SPS welcomes new band leadership team

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Shawnee, OK – June 22, 2025 — Shawnee Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Joseph Craven as Band Director and Desireé Whiteman as Assistant Band Director.
During the Dunbar Heights Community Group Juneteenth Celebration, 'An Evening of Legacy & Light,' Anice Young speaks and sings about growing up in the Dunbar Heights neighborhood on June 17 at the Shawnee Communtiy Center. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

During the Dunbar Heights Community Group Juneteenth Celebration, 'An Evening of Legacy & Light,' Anice Young speaks and sings about growing up in the Dunbar Heights neighborhood on June 17 at the Shawnee Communtiy Center. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Shawnee's Juneteenth Celebration Highlights Community and History

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Dunbar Heights Community Group (DHCG) celebrated Juneteenth early on June 17 at the Shawnee Community Center. The event was called “Juneteenth 2025: Evening of Legacy & Light,” with a theme of “The Rhythm of Freedom: Our Story, Our Strength, Our Celebration.
Justin Wood Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma Senate

Justin Wood Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma Senate

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Justin Wood Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma Senate

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
SHAWNEE, OK — Former State Representative and Sac and Fox Nation Chief Justin Wood, a Republican, is officially running for Oklahoma Senate District 17, and he’s bringing a legacy of bold, effective leadership back to the Capitol.
Shelby Smith feeds hay into a 1922 McCormick-Deering separator, as Dylan Smith and Ricky Hostetter oversee operations during the 26th Annual Farming Heritage Festival, held at Shawnee Feed Center on June 20-21. John Marlow said they had trouble finding wheat to separate this year due to wet conditions. The separator, made in Canada, was brought to the festival by the Silver City Antique Tractor Club in Tuttle. This year, the event doubled as the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association National Show.

Shelby Smith feeds hay into a 1922 McCormick-Deering separator, as Dylan Smith and Ricky Hostetter oversee operations during the 26th Annual Farming Heritage Festival, held at Shawnee Feed Center on June 20-21. John Marlow said they had trouble finding wheat to separate this year due to wet conditions. The separator, made in Canada, was brought to the festival by the Silver City Antique Tractor Club in Tuttle. This year, the event doubled as the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association National Show.

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Farming Festival was EDGE&TA National Show this year

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 26, 2025
This was the 26th year for the Farming Heritage Festival, held at Shawnee Feed Center on June 20-21, but it was the first year for it to be an Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association (EDGE&TA) National Show.
Educational Coalition Welcomes New Member

Educational Coalition Welcomes New Member

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Educational Coalition Welcomes New Member

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Shawnee Educational Coalition welcomed a new member during a luncheon hosted by Seminole State College at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on June 16. Dr.
Adeline Tushka

Adeline Tushka

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Top Grads of the 2025 McLoud Redskins

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Valdictorian Adeline Tushka is the daughter of David and Leigh Tushka. She has attended McLoud Public Schools since Kindergarten and graduated with a 4.16 (weighted) GPA.