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Alivia Cook gets a hug from her father, Shawnee High School Principal Bobby Cook. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Alivia Cook gets a hug from her father, Shawnee High School Principal Bobby Cook. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Your Story Is Just Beginning

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Dear Shawnee High School Class of 2026, Congratulations on your graduation! Today, we celebrate an incredible accomplishment and the successful completion of an important chapter in your life. Your diploma represents years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and determination.
The Dale High School Valedictorians - Andrew Collins, Aidan Taylor, Kamren Wilson, Easton Howe, Gael Ramirez, Ford Hampton, Denton Forsythe, Kaylyn Solis, Zairek Chavez, Audrina 'Boo' Herber, Paul Potts and Aimee Rogers - are recognized during graduation on May 21 at FireLake Arena. Collins and Taylor addressed their class. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

The Dale High School Valedictorians - Andrew Collins, Aidan Taylor, Kamren Wilson, Easton Howe, Gael Ramirez, Ford Hampton, Denton Forsythe, Kaylyn Solis, Zairek Chavez, Audrina 'Boo' Herber, Paul Potts and Aimee Rogers - are recognized during graduation on May 21 at FireLake Arena. Collins and Taylor addressed their class. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
To the Dale High School graduating class of 2026, To be a Dale Pirate graduate is to know greatness. Dale High School is founded on such things as tradition, character, high expectations and family values. Dale is a special place.
Tecumseh Valedictorian Adalaide Lack speaks about the fruits of the spirit and thanked her grandmother, Tecumseh Teacher Myrna Lack, during the Tecumseh High School graduation, held at FireLake Arena on May 20. Lack was one of four valedictorians, and she is a former Countywide & Sun intern. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh Valedictorian Adalaide Lack speaks about the fruits of the spirit and thanked her grandmother, Tecumseh Teacher Myrna Lack, during the Tecumseh High School graduation, held at FireLake Arena on May 20. Lack was one of four valedictorians, and she is a former Countywide & Sun intern. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Built Through Challenge

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
To the Class of 2026, It is hard to put into words what this class means to me. Although this was my first year serving as head principal, my journey with the Class of 2026 began long before that.
Contestants for the International Finals Youth Rodeo wait for their events, as a packed house watches, on opening night, July 12, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. There are 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Contestants for the International Finals Youth Rodeo wait for their events, as a packed house watches, on opening night, July 12, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. There are 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Commissioners tout rodeo attendance, approve payments for new Sheriff ’s vehicles

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 16, 2026
During the July 14 meeting, Pottawatomie County commissioners took a moment to highlight the International Finals Youth Rodeo, encouraging residents to attend the week’s events.Dist. 1 Commissioner Melissa Dennis said, “The rodeo is in town, and tonight is Pink Out for cancer.
The 2026 International Finals Youth Rodeo begins Sunday, July 12, with the first performance at 7:30 pm at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. - Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

The 2026 International Finals Youth Rodeo begins Sunday, July 12, with the first performance at 7:30 pm at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. - Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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County approves IFYR contract, school tax use requests

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners approved an increased contract for the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) during its July 7 meeting, while also voting not to renew the county’s economic development contract with Shawnee Forward.
2025 IFYR contestants practice and wait before their runs. File photo

2025 IFYR contestants practice and wait before their runs. File photo

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IFYR prepares for record participation

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) returns to Shawnee next week with strong participation, expanded entertainment and a full schedule of activities as organizers put the final touches on the annual event.
Louis Hopper and his son, Rod Hopper, both of Tecumseh, sit between their rare cars during the 39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show at Boy Scout Park on July 27. L. Hopper bought the white 1952 Henry J in 1982, and R. Hopper, who was 15 then, helped to restore it. The red 1932 Hupmobile was purchased by L. Hopper in 1987, and he searched for parts and worked on it for 16 years before he was finally able to drive it. See full caption below results.

Louis Hopper and his son, Rod Hopper, both of Tecumseh, sit between their rare cars during the 39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show at Boy Scout Park on July 27. L. Hopper bought the white 1952 Henry J in 1982, and R. Hopper, who was 15 then, helped to restore it. The red 1932 Hupmobile was purchased by L. Hopper in 1987, and he searched for parts and worked on it for 16 years before he was finally able to drive it. See full caption below results.

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39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The Knights Auto Club of Shawnee held their 39th Annual Car Show at Boy Scout Park on June 27, with 151 entries and six club cars, according to Lisa Schultz with the club.