People and Places

Nominations are now open for Inspiring Women

Nominations are now open for Inspiring Women

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Nominations are now open for Inspiring Women

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
As the Countywide & Sun prepares for 2026, we decided to launch Inspiring Women, a community feature honoring women of all ages in Pottawatomie County who inspire others.Inspiring Women will put a spotlight on individuals across the county who are shaping Pottawatomie County and inspiring others...
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.
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.
Rep. Dell Kerbs

Rep. Dell Kerbs

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Rep. Dell Kerbs Announces Bid for District 3 County Commissioner Seat

News Staff
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
State Rep. Dell Kerbs announced this week he would be a Republican candidate for County Commissioner, District 3, instead of running for reelection to the House next year.Kerbs said the decision to step away from the legislature and run for county commissioner came after prayerful consideration...
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

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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).
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

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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

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#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.
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

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# 6 Tina Hanna

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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

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Pottawatomie Power: Leaders make an impact

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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.