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McLoud Mayor Daniel McClure poses with Pottawatomie County Lieutenant Dakota Black and McLoud officer Corey Martin at the May McLoud City Council Meeting. Black presented Martin, and fellow officer Jones, with a Distinguished Service Award for their response and action during a tragic incident in April. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

McLoud Mayor Daniel McClure poses with Pottawatomie County Lieutenant Dakota Black and McLoud officer Corey Martin at the May McLoud City Council Meeting. Black presented Martin, and fellow officer Jones, with a Distinguished Service Award for their response and action during a tragic incident in April. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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McLoud officers honored at meeting

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Several officers were recognized at the May McLoud City Council meeting. Lt. Dakota Black with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office attended to recognize two officers who recently responded to an emotional situation involving the death of a child.
Robot Team in Shawnee: Dr. Amanda Schovanec and Dr. Danielle Manship (at right in lab coats) and the robotic surgical team at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. Photo provided by SSM

Robot Team in Shawnee: Dr. Amanda Schovanec and Dr. Danielle Manship (at right in lab coats) and the robotic surgical team at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. Photo provided by SSM

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SSM Adds da Vinci Surgical System

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
SHAWNEE, Okla. — SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee is proud to announce the addition of the da Vinci Xi surgical system, bringing advanced robotic-assisted technology to patients in Pottawatomie County and surrounding communities.
Dell Kerbs

Dell Kerbs

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Dist. 3 Candidate Forum for County Commissioner

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
On the evening of May 21, the Pottawatomie Advocates for Voter Education (PAVE) hosted a candidate forum for the Dist. 3 County Commissioner race. All four candidates participated: Dell Kerbs, Tanner Silas, Chad Votaw and Angela Williams. Below are a few of the questions presented during the forum.
Tecumseh firefighters Lt. Eddie Kidney and Dylan Taylor received VFW Life Saving Award medals and certifi cates from Post 1317 Commander Patrick Koch (right). After responding to a vehicle swept away by fl ood waters, they deployed a rescue boat and saved one victim. 'These two fi refi ghters embody the very essence we all strive for with professionalism, and I'm truly proud to recommend them both to the VFW First Responders Recognition Program,' said Koch. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh firefighters Lt. Eddie Kidney and Dylan Taylor received VFW Life Saving Award medals and certifi cates from Post 1317 Commander Patrick Koch (right). After responding to a vehicle swept away by fl ood waters, they deployed a rescue boat and saved one victim. 'These two fi refi ghters embody the very essence we all strive for with professionalism, and I'm truly proud to recommend them both to the VFW First Responders Recognition Program,' said Koch. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Tecumseh firefighters

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Melissa Dennis and Abby Thompson were paired up with SCI PEEP Ronnie Vantine. They, along with all other PEEPs, were excitedly introduced on the neon carpet as they entered a Night to Dream.

Melissa Dennis and Abby Thompson were paired up with SCI PEEP Ronnie Vantine. They, along with all other PEEPs, were excitedly introduced on the neon carpet as they entered a Night to Dream.

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SCI hosts Night to Dream Prom

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, May 28, 2026
On May 15, approximately 215 People Experiencing Exceptional Purpose (PEEP) and an estimated 250 volunteers, were transported back to the 80’s (aka the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort) for a “Night to Dream” prom hosted by South Central Industries (SCI).
North Rock Creek students, Hope Hodges, Irelyn Tiscerno and Kenzie Westscott, pose on the campus of Seminole State College. Photo Provided

North Rock Creek students, Hope Hodges, Irelyn Tiscerno and Kenzie Westscott, pose on the campus of Seminole State College. Photo Provided

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SSC offering free concurrent classes

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
“ This is something truly transformational at Seminole State College,” Reynolds said.“ Beginning in fall 2026, eligible concurrent students in our five-county service area will be able to attend SSC for no cost.

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Free summer meals and snacks program for youth

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program returns this June to provide free meals and snacks for children all summer long.Locations will be available throughout central and western Oklahoma, thanks to a gift from Love’s Travel Stops for the third straight year.
Eighth-grade student Molly Newsom earned second place in the Individual Documentary category for her project, “Documenting the Disaster: How the Oklahoma City Bombing Re- formed and Revolutionized Mental Health Care in the Newsroom.” Her accomplishment also earned her a spot at the National History Day competition in College Park, MD, this June. Photo Provided

Eighth-grade student Molly Newsom earned second place in the Individual Documentary category for her project, “Documenting the Disaster: How the Oklahoma City Bombing Re- formed and Revolutionized Mental Health Care in the Newsroom.” Her accomplishment also earned her a spot at the National History Day competition in College Park, MD, this June. Photo Provided

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Oklahoma History Day for Shawnee Middle School

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Students from Shawnee Middle School showcased outstanding achievement at the 2026 Oklahoma National History Day State Contest, earning top honors, national qualification, and special recognition for their hard work and dedication to historical research.