People and Places

Jan Parker, second from left, is shown with her husband, Mayor Eddy Parker, and their grandchildren, from left, Harrison Kinsey, Maxwell Parker, Parker Davis, and Piper Davis. Photo Provided

Jan Parker, second from left, is shown with her husband, Mayor Eddy Parker, and their grandchildren, from left, Harrison Kinsey, Maxwell Parker, Parker Davis, and Piper Davis. Photo Provided

First Lady of Tecumseh serves home town

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Jan Parker is an Inspiring Woman of many hats, and she has lived most of her life in Tecumseh, dedicating herself to the community.Parker said she was born to Gordon “Rabbit” and Ila Lee Miles White, the youngest of four children.
Suzanne Gilbert, Photo provided

Suzanne Gilbert, Photo provided

Leading with heart; Inspiring through service

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 19, 2026
“She does not have any quit in her, only ‘What can I do to help you today or any day?’” That is a direct quote from Suzanne Gilbert’s nominator for Inspiring Women in Pottawatomie County. “No matter what is going on in her life, she always makes time for others,” they add.
Tiffany Truelove, Photo provided

Tiffany Truelove, Photo provided

Truelove empowers others

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 19, 2026
“Tiffany doesn’t seek recognition, but her quiet strength and tireless dedication inspire women every day. She is profoundly deserving to be recognized as an Inspiring Woman in Pottawatomie County,” said a nominator for Tiffany Truelove.
Dr. Sarah Karnish poses with her therapy dog Teddy at Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry. Karnish was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County's Inspiring Women. Photo provided

Dr. Sarah Karnish poses with her therapy dog Teddy at Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry. Karnish was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County's Inspiring Women. Photo provided

Karnish leads with compassion and heart

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Dr. Sarah Karnish, DDS, MDS, was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County’s “Inspiring Women.”Her nomination began, “Dr. Sarah Karnish is a shining example of what it means to lead with compassion, dedication and heart.
Samantha Masquat at Scissortail Counseling Services, her mental health and substance abuse counseling center. Photo provided by CPN

Samantha Masquat at Scissortail Counseling Services, her mental health and substance abuse counseling center. Photo provided by CPN

CPN Services Changed Foster Child’s Life

News Staff
Thursday, March 12, 2026
SHAWNEE, Okla. (March 9, 2026) — For Samantha Masquat, being a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) has positively changed her life in innumerable ways.As a young child, Masquat was made a ward of the state, unable to remain in the care of her parents.
Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, 2025 Miss Seminole Nation, stands in front of the Indian Princesses exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center. Photo Provided

Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, 2025 Miss Seminole Nation, stands in front of the Indian Princesses exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center. Photo Provided

Wapskineh Represents SSC at Nigh Leadership Academy

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, of Mc-Loud, attended the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City Feb. 7-10.
Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

Tecumseh band teacher receives ECOBDA Band Director of the Year

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
On Jan. 10, Tecumseh Public Schools Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association (ECOBDA) Band Director of the Year at East Central University (ECU).After being a member of the ECOBDA for 26 years, Outon said the experience is “humbling.