People and Places

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

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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

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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.
Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

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Music Unlimited Owner Remembered

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
On March 20, 2025, the music went silent at Music Unlimited after owner Jeff Hawkins passed away.Fellow musician and friend, Kevin Hall, remembered his first thoughts were for Hawkins’ family.“Of course, my immediate concern was for Joni and the rest of Jeff's family.
Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

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54th Annual Tecumseh Livestock Show held at THS

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The 54th Annual Tecumseh 4-H & FFA Booster Club Local Livestock Show was held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Tecumseh High School ag barn.According to Randy Gilbert, the Local Livestock Show was begun by Raymond Cockrum in 1972.
Madonna and Child Exhibit Now Open at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

Madonna and Child Exhibit Now Open at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

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Madonna and Child Exhibit Now Open at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
(SHAWNEE, Okla.) – Madonna and Child: Medieval to Modern, is now open through Feb. 15 at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. This exhibit explores the complex and changing imagery of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child from Medieval figures to modern prints.
Santa Claus rides in his sleigh pulled by nine beautiful reindeer in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 12. Santa and fireworks rounded out the two-hour parade with 117 entries.

Santa Claus rides in his sleigh pulled by nine beautiful reindeer in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 12. Santa and fireworks rounded out the two-hour parade with 117 entries.

Merry Christmas! Letters to Santa 2025

News Staff
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Tecumseh Early Childhood Center: Mrs. Litle’s Pre-K ClassDear Santa,I want a real cat that is black and big and a doctor set with a puppy dog.Merry Christmas,Alivia P.Dear Santa,I want a candy cane and a Mickey Mouse toy that dances.   Merry Christmas,Avayah T.
Members of the newly formed Shawnee Peace and Praise Choir include: Back Row; Vista Zidor, Ignace Zidor, David Henry, Fred Smiley, David Haberland and Cyndi Stevens. Middle Row; Dr. Michael Dean, Misti McClendon, Simon Ott, Ashley Armstrong, Beth Hatley, Diane Smith and Cyndi Jackson. Front Row; Pam Chesser, Amanda McGinnis, Dr. Ada Hunter, Rachel Barker, Trina Elliot, Regina McAfee and Esther Bell. Not pictured: Stephen Hunter. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Members of the newly formed Shawnee Peace and Praise Choir include: Back Row; Vista Zidor, Ignace Zidor, David Henry, Fred Smiley, David Haberland and Cyndi Stevens. Middle Row; Dr. Michael Dean, Misti McClendon, Simon Ott, Ashley Armstrong, Beth Hatley, Diane Smith and Cyndi Jackson. Front Row; Pam Chesser, Amanda McGinnis, Dr. Ada Hunter, Rachel Barker, Trina Elliot, Regina McAfee and Esther Bell. Not pictured: Stephen Hunter. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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Peace and Praise Choir is making a joyful noise

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The season of caroling is upon us. Shawnee has a special treat this year with the newly formed Peace and Praise Choir. The Choir has been practicing “a joyful noise” since the beginning of September and have welcomed many new members since then.Created and led by Dr. Ada Hunter with Dr.