People and Places

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

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.

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

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

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.
Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents a Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin to Ashley Fichtner during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents a Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin to Ashley Fichtner during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Top leaders drive progress and community growth

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
#3 Ashley FichtnerAshley Fichtner is the Director of Partner School Outreach, Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC). She is also deeply involved in community leadership, serving as President of the United Way and serves as Shawnee City Commissioner: Ward 4.
Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun owner and publisher, presents a Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 award to CPN Vice Chair Linda Capps. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun owner and publisher, presents a Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 award to CPN Vice Chair Linda Capps. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Power Ten members impact community daily

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
#4 Linda Capps Linda Capps placed fourth in the Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10, and she considers herself to be a democratic or participative leader.
The #5 spot of the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten leaders for the county is Casey Bell. Photo provided

The #5 spot of the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten leaders for the county is Casey Bell. Photo provided

#5 Casey Bell

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Number five on the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten list is Casey Bell, Regional Executive and President of BancFirst, Shawnee.“It is a real honor to be recognized by my peers as one of the county’s top leaders this year,” said Bell.