News

The 2026 International Finals Youth Rodeo begins Sunday, July 12, with the first performance at 7:30 pm at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. - Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

The 2026 International Finals Youth Rodeo begins Sunday, July 12, with the first performance at 7:30 pm at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. - Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

County approves IFYR contract, school tax use requests

The Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners approved an increased contract for the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) during its July 7 meeting, while also voting not to renew the county’s economic development contract with Shawnee Forward.The contract with OakView Group for use of...
2025 IFYR contestants practice and wait before their runs. File photo

2025 IFYR contestants practice and wait before their runs. File photo

IFYR prepares for record participation

The International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) returns to Shawnee next week with strong participation, expanded entertainment and a full schedule of activities as organizers put the final touches on the annual event.Shawnee will welcome 937 contestants from 38 states and three countries to this year’s...
Louis Hopper and his son, Rod Hopper, both of Tecumseh, sit between their rare cars during the 39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show at Boy Scout Park on July 27. L. Hopper bought the white 1952 Henry J in 1982, and R. Hopper, who was 15 then, helped to restore it. The red 1932 Hupmobile was purchased by L. Hopper in 1987, and he searched for parts and worked on it for 16 years before he was finally able to drive it.  See full caption below results.

Louis Hopper and his son, Rod Hopper, both of Tecumseh, sit between their rare cars during the 39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show at Boy Scout Park on July 27. L. Hopper bought the white 1952 Henry J in 1982, and R. Hopper, who was 15 then, helped to restore it. The red 1932 Hupmobile was purchased by L. Hopper in 1987, and he searched for parts and worked on it for 16 years before he was finally able to drive it. See full caption below results.

39th Annual Knights Auto Club Car Show

The Knights Auto Club of Shawnee held their 39th Annual Car Show at Boy Scout Park on June 27, with 151 entries and six club cars, according to Lisa Schultz with the club.The following are “The Knights Best of Awards”:People’s Choice – Entry # 154 – Joe Buckhanon – 1972 Chevy TruckMayor’s Choice –...
American Legion Post 16 Past Commander Keith DiPatri shows one of the many historic newspapers which have been donated to the post's collection. Several documents, photographs and military items have been preserved and displayed since the April 2023 tornado. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

American Legion Post 16 Past Commander Keith DiPatri shows one of the many historic newspapers which have been donated to the post's collection. Several documents, photographs and military items have been preserved and displayed since the April 2023 tornado. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

American Legion Past Commander restores history, reviews changes, recalls memories

With the 250th anniversary of the USA, Shawnee American Legion Post 16 Past Commander Keith DiPatri has been thinking a lot about history.History restored at the Shawnee American Legion Since the April 2023 tornado blew the front windows out of the Gill-Mattox Post and left a path of destruction,...
Hours before folks began to arrive for the show, Tracy Climer and his crew (primarily made up of his wife, son, and daughter-inlaw) begin unloading the gear, securing the tubes and clearing any trash from inside each tube. Photos by Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Hours before folks began to arrive for the show, Tracy Climer and his crew (primarily made up of his wife, son, and daughter-inlaw) begin unloading the gear, securing the tubes and clearing any trash from inside each tube. Photos by Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Before the fireworks begin

A spectacular fireworks finale lit up the skies on July 3, but for the man behind the show, the true goal reached far beyond dazzling colors and booming salutes.With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year, veteran pyrotechnician Tracy Climer said the anniversary called for something extra...
Oklahoma Baptist University graduates Linnea Malmberg, left, and Abigail Ryan pose by a community tile artwork, which they coordinated since May, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at Shawnee Public Library on June 29.  - Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Oklahoma Baptist University graduates Linnea Malmberg, left, and Abigail Ryan pose by a community tile artwork, which they coordinated since May, during the "Pop In to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with Popcorn and Ice Cream" event at Shawnee Public Library on June 29. - Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee library, city, casinos, jazz band, veterans celebrate 250th Independence Day

On Saturday, July 4, America celebrated its 250th Independence Day.But, in Shawnee, the celebration lasted almost a week.Shawnee Public Library threw a three-day party.On Monday, June 29, Shawnee Branch Manager Mary Sims offered popcorn and ice cream sandwiches during “Pop In to Celebrate America’s...
Barbara Harrison, site manager for the Tecumseh Senior Center, spoke to the council.  -  Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Barbara Harrison, site manager for the Tecumseh Senior Center, spoke to the council. - Photos by Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Sept. 26 set for Frontier Days, Dec. 17 to be Tecumseh Christmas Parade

Tecumseh City Council met, July 6, for their regular meeting. Mayor Eddy Parker, and Council members Mary Carter and Sharon Stewart were in attendance. Future Mayor Randy Gilbert and future replacement council for Linda Farris, Tim Underwood, were both in the audience.
Bethel School Board Vice President Kevin Roland discusses his views regarding the number of valedictorians and salutatorians. The board spent some time reviewing the pros and cons of having multiple or just one of each. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel School Board Vice President Kevin Roland discusses his views regarding the number of valedictorians and salutatorians. The board spent some time reviewing the pros and cons of having multiple or just one of each. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel revisits valedictorian issue

The Bethel Board of Education approved the district’s 2022 valedictorian policy previously approved in 2024.