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A covered wagon and carriage from Crossroads Cowboy Church in Harrah make their way east on Broadway Ave. during the McLoud Blackberry Festival Parade on June 21, 2025. File photo

A covered wagon and carriage from Crossroads Cowboy Church in Harrah make their way east on Broadway Ave. during the McLoud Blackberry Festival Parade on June 21, 2025. File photo

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McLoud Blackberry Festival set for June 19-20

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The “longest-running food-related festival in Oklahoma,” according to the McLoud Chamber of Commerce website, will return June 19-20.
Nick Waters with American Storytellers, LLC, tells the story of Clarence "Ducky" Nash, the voice of Donald Duck for 50 years, on June 8 at the McLoud Museum and Historical Society. Presented by the McLoud Public Library, Waters told how Nash was born in Watonga, OK, where he imitated the animals on their farm as a child, including a baby goat which he voiced. His family moved to Mt. Washington, MO, when he was 10, and at 15, he performed in a talent show. Nash became a milkman before working for Disney.

Nick Waters with American Storytellers, LLC, tells the story of Clarence "Ducky" Nash, the voice of Donald Duck for 50 years, on June 8 at the McLoud Museum and Historical Society. Presented by the McLoud Public Library, Waters told how Nash was born in Watonga, OK, where he imitated the animals on their farm as a child, including a baby goat which he voiced. His family moved to Mt. Washington, MO, when he was 10, and at 15, he performed in a talent show. Nash became a milkman before working for Disney.

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Summer at the Library

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
As summer reaches its midpoint, Pioneer Library System (PLS) is encouraging participants in the Summer Learning Challenge (SLC) to keep the momentum going by logging their daily reading and learning minutes.
Lisa Wells Honored

Lisa Wells Honored

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Lisa Wells Honored

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The American Library Association has named Lisa Wells, Executive Director of Pioneer Library System, as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, one of the profession’s highest honors recognizing extraordinary contributions to the public...
Mary Carter

Mary Carter

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Tecumseh candidacies announced

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Mary Carter announced Tuesday that she is seeking election to a full term in the Ward 4 Tecumseh City Council seat she has held since February.She was appointed to the position after the resignation of longtime council member John Collier, who passed away in March.
Shawnee Parks and Recreation staff members Jane Wright, Kerri Foster, and Cord Bender celebrate the opening of Optimist Park Splash Pad. Photo Provided

Shawnee Parks and Recreation staff members Jane Wright, Kerri Foster, and Cord Bender celebrate the opening of Optimist Park Splash Pad. Photo Provided

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Splash around Shawnee

Amy Riggins
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Happy Summer, Shawnee! Okay, I know it technically isn’t summer season just yet, but it sure feels like summer! I hope you have a plan for staying cool during these hotter months.The Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department has some fun options to help you cool off!
Photo provided by MGMoA

Photo provided by MGMoA

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June Concerts in the Courtyard Series

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art invites the community to enjoy music under the summer sky during its annual June Courtyard Concert Series. Held every Thursday evening in June at 6:30 p.m., the free concerts offer a variety of musical performances in the museum’s picturesque courtyard.
Bethel High School Principal Jeremy Stewart gives a history of how the current policy to select Valedictorians was reached. The Bethel Board held a lengthy discussion, eventually voting unanimously to continue to look at alternatives and have this settled so it would be printed in the new handbooks. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel High School Principal Jeremy Stewart gives a history of how the current policy to select Valedictorians was reached. The Bethel Board held a lengthy discussion, eventually voting unanimously to continue to look at alternatives and have this settled so it would be printed in the new handbooks. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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Valedictorian policy discussed at length

Suzie Campbell By Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, June 11, 2026
A discussion that began with student handbooks quickly evolved into a broader debate about academic achievement, fairness, scholarships, and what it means to be named valedictorian at Bethel Public Schools.