People and Places

South Central Industries CEO Tina Hanna (third from right), poses with some of her PEEPs, or clients, during a recent event. Photo provided

South Central Industries CEO Tina Hanna (third from right), poses with some of her PEEPs, or clients, during a recent event. Photo provided

# 6 Tina Hanna

Tina Hanna took the sixth spot in the Pottawatomie Power Top 10, but she has always been an example of initiative.Hanna grew up in Ardmore and graduated from Broken Bow, the daughter of Kaye Steele and the late Mike Steele, sister of Kris Steele.
John Bobb-Semple was voted into the #2 spot in the Pottawatomie Power top ten leaders for the county. Photo provided

John Bobb-Semple was voted into the #2 spot in the Pottawatomie Power top ten leaders for the county. Photo provided

Pottawatomie Power: Leaders make an impact

Number two on the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten list is John Bobb-Semple, Executive Director of Pottawatomie Go (PoGo).Bobb-Semple said this recognition is humbling. “This recognition is not just about me.
American Legion Post 260 Commander and Navy Veteran Tom Snodgrass and Donna Snodgrass, American Legion State Auxiliary 1st Vice President, pose by the 'poppy tree' at the Tecumseh post. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

American Legion Post 260 Commander and Navy Veteran Tom Snodgrass and Donna Snodgrass, American Legion State Auxiliary 1st Vice President, pose by the 'poppy tree' at the Tecumseh post. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

As State Auxiliary 1st VP, Donna Snodgrass creates auxiliary units for Oklahoma American Legion posts

Donna Snodgrass has devoted her life to serving veterans and their families. She has worked with the Naval Sea Cadets for 35 years and with the Tecumseh American Legion Auxiliary for eight years.Most recently, in July, Snodgrass became the American Legion State Auxiliary First Vice President.
Rachael Melot, left, accepts a lapel pin from Countywide & Sun Publisher Suzie Campbell for placing eighth on the Pottawattomie Power Poll, during the Awards Gals on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Rachael Melot, left, accepts a lapel pin from Countywide & Sun Publisher Suzie Campbell for placing eighth on the Pottawattomie Power Poll, during the Awards Gals on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Matthews, Melot, Gilbert share leadership styles as part of the Pottawatomie Power Top 10

Rachael Melot, Vice President of Business Development at Sovereign Bank, is known across Oklahoma. A speaker, author, and business development executive, Melot’s career spans entrepreneurship, economic growth, sports, and advocacy.Her leadership has helped put Shawnee on the map.
Abby Thompson, Photo provided

Abby Thompson, Photo provided

County Commissioner Abby Thompson Announces for State Senate Seat

Pottawatomie County Commissioner (District 3) Abby Thompson announced today she is running for the Republican nomination in the State Senate. Thompson is running for the District 17 Senate seat currently held by Sen. Shane Jett, who is leaving office due to term limits.
Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Matthews, Melot, Gilbert share leadership styles as part of the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten

Randy Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year Pottawatomie Power Poll.Gilbert said he is “very honored and humble” to be included in this "diverse group of people."He traces his leadership roots to lessons learned early in life.
The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

County Celebrates Veterans

Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Bethel Schools celebrate Veterans

Shawnee American Legion Auxiliary Vice President Jamie McCraw offers a necklace to Billy Heavner during the monthly bingo for nursing home residents at American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 on Oct. 15. This is the third time the post has held the special bingo event, which is on the third Wednesday of each month now. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee American Legion Auxiliary Vice President Jamie McCraw offers a necklace to Billy Heavner during the monthly bingo for nursing home residents at American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 on Oct. 15. This is the third time the post has held the special bingo event, which is on the third Wednesday of each month now. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee American Legion Offers Monthly Bingo to Nursing Home Residents

American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 in Shawnee has opened their doors to local nursing home residents to participate in bingo once a month.