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New Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James presents flowers to Interim Superintendent Dr. Teresa Wilkerson following the May 5 Board of Education meeting. James said they were "mistakenly delivered to his office." Wilkerson is retiring this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

New Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James presents flowers to Interim Superintendent Dr. Teresa Wilkerson following the May 5 Board of Education meeting. James said they were "mistakenly delivered to his office." Wilkerson is retiring this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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SPS says goodbye to five retirees including Wilkerson, Canty

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The end of each school year brings changes and new opportunities for those in education.At Shawnee Public Schools, the Board of Education and all in attendance said goodbye to Assistant Superintendent/ Interim Superintendent Dr.

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Election day reminders and tips

News Staff
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the Special South Rock Creek Proposition Election. Pottawatomie County Election Board Secretary, Patricia Carter, offers these important tips to voters— especially those who will be casting a ballot for the first time.
Oklahoma Baptist University’s 2025 nursing graduates were honored Friday during the Pinning and Lamp-Lighting Ceremony at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee. Photo provided by OBU

Oklahoma Baptist University’s 2025 nursing graduates were honored Friday during the Pinning and Lamp-Lighting Ceremony at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee. Photo provided by OBU

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OBU Honors Nursing Graduates During Pinning Ceremony

News Staff
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Oklahoma Baptist University honored its class of graduating nurses during the School of Nursing’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony held Friday, May 2, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee.Dr. Stephanie Parker, chair of the OBU School of Nursing, welcomed the graduates and guests to the ceremony.
Cynda Clary, associate dean for academic programs and Jayson Lusk, dean for the Ferguson College of Agriculture, present Elle Scott with a scholarship Photo provided by OSU

Cynda Clary, associate dean for academic programs and Jayson Lusk, dean for the Ferguson College of Agriculture, present Elle Scott with a scholarship Photo provided by OSU

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Pottawatomie County students awarded OSU scholarships

Sophia Fahleson
Thursday, May 8, 2025
STILLWATER, Okla. – Several Pottawatomie County students were honored by the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture with academic scholarship support for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Pottawatomie County Commissioners proclaim May 4-10 Small Business Week. Pictured from left are Uncommon Threads owner Theresa Cody, Shawnee Forward President and CEO Crystal Romanyszyn, Dist. 2 Commissioner Greg Rush, Dist. 1 Commissioner Melissa Dennis, and Dist. 3 Commissioner Abby Thompson. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

Pottawatomie County Commissioners proclaim May 4-10 Small Business Week. Pictured from left are Uncommon Threads owner Theresa Cody, Shawnee Forward President and CEO Crystal Romanyszyn, Dist. 2 Commissioner Greg Rush, Dist. 1 Commissioner Melissa Dennis, and Dist. 3 Commissioner Abby Thompson. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

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County declares flood emergency

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Pottawatomie County Commissioners declared an emergency proclamation on May 6 in response to ongoing flooding, mirroring a similar state-level declaration.The county’s proclamation was forwarded to state officials as Gov.
Lisa Lempges serves drinks during the First Annual McLoud Historical Society Tea Party, held at the museum on May 3. About 22 people and five historical society members attended. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Lisa Lempges serves drinks during the First Annual McLoud Historical Society Tea Party, held at the museum on May 3. About 22 people and five historical society members attended. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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McLoud Historical Society Holds First Annual Tea Party

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, May 8, 2025
McLoud Historical Society member Gemini Eason has two teenage sons. Were that not a fact, the First Annual McLoud Historical Society Tea Party may not have happened.“I just wanted to try something different,” said Eason. “And … yes, mainly because I don’t get to do the frilly (dresses).

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Community Calendar

News Staff
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Thursday, 8th Shawnee Lions Club - every Thursday (noon) at Santa Fe Cattle Company (Shawnee Mall) PCDA - 4:30 pm, 17508 Bethel Road Masons - 7:30 pm, Tecumseh Masonic Lodge.Pott Co GOP - 7 pm, Pottawatomie County Museum, 207 N Minnesota, Shawnee Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck.
J Cooper discussed possible action on raising the the Tecumseh Cemetery Fee Schedule as recommended by the Tecumseh Cemetery Board with the council Monday night. Cooper assured the board that the new rates were still below the average and that the increase was overdue. The increases were approved. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

J Cooper discussed possible action on raising the the Tecumseh Cemetery Fee Schedule as recommended by the Tecumseh Cemetery Board with the council Monday night. Cooper assured the board that the new rates were still below the average and that the increase was overdue. The increases were approved. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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City Council Approves Repairs and Fee Increases

Adelaide Lack Tecumseh High School Intern
Thursday, May 8, 2025
At this month’s Tecumseh City Council meeting, the council entered into an executive session to discuss Pottawatomie County Case No. CV2024-99.
Shawnee Public Schools Director of Library Services and Middle School Librarian Cherity Pennington pauses for a photo in the United Arab Emirates. Pennington was invited to speak at the first ALA Sharjah School Librarians Conference in April. Photo courtesy of Cherity Pennington

Shawnee Public Schools Director of Library Services and Middle School Librarian Cherity Pennington pauses for a photo in the United Arab Emirates. Pennington was invited to speak at the first ALA Sharjah School Librarians Conference in April. Photo courtesy of Cherity Pennington

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Pennington Represents SPS in United Arab Emirates

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
It was the first conference of its kind and the first time Cherity Pennington got to travel internationally.