People and Places

Tecumseh residents Almeda Dyer and Leota Trice, who both turned 94 last month, pose with AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl during a celebration of Social Security's 90th anniversary, held at the Tecumseh Golden Age Center, in conjunction with Project HEART, on Aug. 12. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh residents Almeda Dyer and Leota Trice, who both turned 94 last month, pose with AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl during a celebration of Social Security's 90th anniversary, held at the Tecumseh Golden Age Center, in conjunction with Project HEART, on Aug. 12. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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AARP celebrates with Tecumseh Seniors

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
On Aug.14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, establishing the Social Security Administration, according to “FDR signs Social Security Act” on the History Channel website.
Helena Cudd throws a toy for Hemi during the DockDogs® competition at the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival on Aug. 9. Hemi won first in the Pro Finals with a 25-foot, seven-inch jump. This is the first year for the competition, which attracted contestants from all over Oklahoma and Texas.

Helena Cudd throws a toy for Hemi during the DockDogs® competition at the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival on Aug. 9. Hemi won first in the Pro Finals with a 25-foot, seven-inch jump. This is the first year for the competition, which attracted contestants from all over Oklahoma and Texas.

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Kids enjoy camel rides, petting zoo, DockDogs® Competition at Balloon Fest

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Eighth Annual FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival was a hub of family entertainment, Aug. 8-9.It was held at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) Festival Grounds and was in conjunction with the Outdoor Nation Expo at FireLake Arena.
Miss Oklahoma Tessa Dorrell shows a picture of her blue pageant dress to three six-year-olds - Sarah Sprague of Tecumseh, Kenya Lightsey of Shawnee and Sibyl Hays of McLoud - during story time on July 29. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Miss Oklahoma Tessa Dorrell shows a picture of her blue pageant dress to three six-year-olds - Sarah Sprague of Tecumseh, Kenya Lightsey of Shawnee and Sibyl Hays of McLoud - during story time on July 29. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Miss Oklahoma Reads for Story time at Shawnee Library

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Two former co-workers with very different jobs now led to Miss Oklahoma Tessa Dorrell reading to children during the afternoon storytime at Shawnee Public Library on July 29.
Leland Melvin and his dogs for his official NASA portrait. (Credit: NASA)

Leland Melvin and his dogs for his official NASA portrait. (Credit: NASA)

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Leland Melvin at the Tecumseh Public Library

News Staff
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Pioneer Library System is thrilled to announce engineer and former astronaut Leland Melvin as the 2025 keynote speaker for the annual Spark a Change series.
SSC Web and Multimedia Coordinator Brooks Nickell (left) and SSC Director of Communications Josh Hutton (right) won Best of Show at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association Annual Conference on July 14 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa. The award-winning entry “Undercover President” was written by Hutton and filmed and edited by Nickell. Photo Provided

SSC Web and Multimedia Coordinator Brooks Nickell (left) and SSC Director of Communications Josh Hutton (right) won Best of Show at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association Annual Conference on July 14 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa. The award-winning entry “Undercover President” was written by Hutton and filmed and edited by Nickell. Photo Provided

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SSC TEAM WINS BEST OF SHOW

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Seminole State College’s Public Relations team earned the Best of Show award at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Annual Conference, held July 13-15 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa.
Class of 1971 - All photos provided

Class of 1971 - All photos provided

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Earlsboro Alumni hold annual reunion

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The annual Earlsboro Alumni Reunion was held Saturday, June 14, 2025 in the Wes Jeske Auditorium. Earlsboro Days, sponsored by the Town of Earlsboro, was held that morning featuring a car show, silent auction, games, vendors and food trucks on Main Street.
Campbell named President of Oklahoma Press Association

Campbell named President of Oklahoma Press Association

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Campbell named President of Oklahoma Press Association

News Staff
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Suzie Campbell, publisher of the Countywide & Sun in Tecumseh, officially assumed the role of president of the Oklahoma Press Association (OPA) on July 1.OPA members elected Campbell during the association’s annual business meeting, held June 6-7 at the OPA Convention in Shawnee.

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Shawnee implements policy for student devices

News Staff
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Shawnee, OK – July 1, 2025 — Shawnee Public Schools is proud to announce the implementation of a new Personal Electronic Device Policy, approved by the Shawnee Board of Education on June 30, 2025, designed to support student focus, engagement, and well-being during the school day.