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The Farrall Park Town Hall, held on July 14, drew in a small crowd, but the overall message was to spread the word that the entire community needs to be involved. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

The Farrall Park Town Hall, held on July 14, drew in a small crowd, but the overall message was to spread the word that the entire community needs to be involved. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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Farrall Park receives $3.5 million from Avedis

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Avedis Foundation announced Tuesday, to community members at the Farrall Park Town Hall, that they have committed to donating $3.5 million to fully fund a new park.“We will fund it,” said Avedis President/CEO Dr. Kathy Laster. “We are not the ones that will plan and build this park.
Bronson Armitage receives his diploma from Principals Justin MacDonald and Chad Brooking. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Bronson Armitage receives his diploma from Principals Justin MacDonald and Chad Brooking. Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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Character Defines This Class

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
To the Class of 2026, Some of you have spent 14 years at North Rock Creek. Others just one. However long you’ve been here, you’ve gained far more than what’s covered in a classroom.
Farewell to the Class of 2026

Farewell to the Class of 2026

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Farewell to the Class of 2026

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Dear Class of 2026, It’s hard to believe your time at Macomb is coming to an end. I’ve watched many of you grow up over the years, and I’m proud of the people you’ve become.This class has represented Macomb well in basketball, baseball, softball, track, cross country, esports, and in the classroom.
Alivia Cook gets a hug from her father, Shawnee High School Principal Bobby Cook. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Alivia Cook gets a hug from her father, Shawnee High School Principal Bobby Cook. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Your Story Is Just Beginning

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Dear Shawnee High School Class of 2026, Congratulations on your graduation! Today, we celebrate an incredible accomplishment and the successful completion of an important chapter in your life. Your diploma represents years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and determination.
The Dale High School Valedictorians - Andrew Collins, Aidan Taylor, Kamren Wilson, Easton Howe, Gael Ramirez, Ford Hampton, Denton Forsythe, Kaylyn Solis, Zairek Chavez, Audrina 'Boo' Herber, Paul Potts and Aimee Rogers - are recognized during graduation on May 21 at FireLake Arena. Collins and Taylor addressed their class. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

The Dale High School Valedictorians - Andrew Collins, Aidan Taylor, Kamren Wilson, Easton Howe, Gael Ramirez, Ford Hampton, Denton Forsythe, Kaylyn Solis, Zairek Chavez, Audrina 'Boo' Herber, Paul Potts and Aimee Rogers - are recognized during graduation on May 21 at FireLake Arena. Collins and Taylor addressed their class. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
To the Dale High School graduating class of 2026, To be a Dale Pirate graduate is to know greatness. Dale High School is founded on such things as tradition, character, high expectations and family values. Dale is a special place.
Tecumseh Valedictorian Adalaide Lack speaks about the fruits of the spirit and thanked her grandmother, Tecumseh Teacher Myrna Lack, during the Tecumseh High School graduation, held at FireLake Arena on May 20. Lack was one of four valedictorians, and she is a former Countywide & Sun intern. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh Valedictorian Adalaide Lack speaks about the fruits of the spirit and thanked her grandmother, Tecumseh Teacher Myrna Lack, during the Tecumseh High School graduation, held at FireLake Arena on May 20. Lack was one of four valedictorians, and she is a former Countywide & Sun intern. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Built Through Challenge

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
To the Class of 2026, It is hard to put into words what this class means to me. Although this was my first year serving as head principal, my journey with the Class of 2026 began long before that.
Contestants for the International Finals Youth Rodeo wait for their events, as a packed house watches, on opening night, July 12, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. There are 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Contestants for the International Finals Youth Rodeo wait for their events, as a packed house watches, on opening night, July 12, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee. There are 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries this year. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Commissioners tout rodeo attendance, approve payments for new Sheriff ’s vehicles

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 16, 2026
During the July 14 meeting, Pottawatomie County commissioners took a moment to highlight the International Finals Youth Rodeo, encouraging residents to attend the week’s events.Dist. 1 Commissioner Melissa Dennis said, “The rodeo is in town, and tonight is Pink Out for cancer.
Erin Dyer

Erin Dyer

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Third-generation Publisher Erin Dyer Thompson begins presidential term

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Erin Dyer Thompson, co-publisher of the El Reno Tribune, officially became president of the Oklahoma Press Association on July 1, beginning a one-year term leading the state’s newspaper and online news media organization.OPA members elected Dyer Thompson during the association’s annual business...