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Pictured from left: Tracy Meeuwsen, Senior Program Director-Data Analyst Avedis Foundation; April Grant, Community Engagement Coordinator Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity. Randall E. Gardner, President & CEO Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity; and Kathy Laster, Ph.D., President & CEO Avedis Foundation. Photo provided by Avedis Foundation

Pictured from left: Tracy Meeuwsen, Senior Program Director-Data Analyst Avedis Foundation; April Grant, Community Engagement Coordinator Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity. Randall E. Gardner, President & CEO Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity; and Kathy Laster, Ph.D., President & CEO Avedis Foundation. Photo provided by Avedis Foundation

Rose Rock awarded $85,000

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity has been awarded an $85,000 grant from Avedis Foundation to establish an Emergency Repair Fund, which will address urgent health and safety repairs for low-income homeowners.
Ann Benson, SSC, Director of Nursing Photo provided

Ann Benson, SSC, Director of Nursing Photo provided

Benson Named Director of SSC Nursing Program

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Seminole State College has named Ann Benson as the new director of the College’s Nursing Program. Benson began her duties Jan. 5.Benson has worked at SSC for four years. During her time at the College, she has taught Psychosocial Nursing and the Nursing Leadership capstone course.
Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

Music Unlimited Owner Remembered

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
On March 20, 2025, the music went silent at Music Unlimited after owner Jeff Hawkins passed away.Fellow musician and friend, Kevin Hall, remembered his first thoughts were for Hawkins’ family.“Of course, my immediate concern was for Joni and the rest of Jeff's family.
Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

54th Annual Tecumseh Livestock Show held at THS

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The 54th Annual Tecumseh 4-H & FFA Booster Club Local Livestock Show was held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Tecumseh High School ag barn.According to Randy Gilbert, the Local Livestock Show was begun by Raymond Cockrum in 1972.
School Board members and superintendents from Shawnee, Gordon Cooper and Wanette, who were in attendance, pose with the County Commissioners who declared January School Board Recognition Month at the Commission meeting on Jan. 20. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

School Board members and superintendents from Shawnee, Gordon Cooper and Wanette, who were in attendance, pose with the County Commissioners who declared January School Board Recognition Month at the Commission meeting on Jan. 20. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

United Acts of Kindness Month proclaimed for February

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Pottawatomie County Commissioners proclaimed January as School Board Recognition Month during their Jan. 20 meeting. Many school board members, as well as a few superintendents, were in attendance and had their photo taken with the commissioners.
Dr. Jacob Borgsmiller spoke against the rezoning of the property on Independence Street, across from Sequoyah school. He sited traffic concerns and worried the public might not have been properly notified of the rezoning request. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Dr. Jacob Borgsmiller spoke against the rezoning of the property on Independence Street, across from Sequoyah school. He sited traffic concerns and worried the public might not have been properly notified of the rezoning request. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee defers and denies rezoning items

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Glenn Peck gave a report on the Salvation Army bell ringers during public comments. He was happy to report they raised $106,560 this past year, versus $23,000 in 2024.A request for a preliminary plat for Northcreek Villas, a replat of Northcreek Manor Case No.
Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm Watch

Winter Storm Watch

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Friday afternoon through early Sunday, along with an Extreme Cold Watch late Friday night through Saturday morning.Heavy mixed precipitation is possible, with snow accumulations of four inches or more likely in some areas.

Community Calendar - Jan. 22-29

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Thursday, 22nd McLoud City Council 6:30, City Hall Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck. 7 pm - 9 pm Karaoke, 201 E. Park, Tecumseh. $5.Grief Support Group every Thurs. 6:30, Non-Denominational/Open to Public, held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Shawnee. Q?: Contact Karen @ 405-627-6470.
Superintendent Robert Kinsey passes out certificates of appreciation to Tecumseh School Board members for School Board Appreciation Month during the January meeting. Present were: Nicole Sanchez, Iva Bingham, Dylan Hayes and Lance Phelps. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Superintendent Robert Kinsey passes out certificates of appreciation to Tecumseh School Board members for School Board Appreciation Month during the January meeting. Present were: Nicole Sanchez, Iva Bingham, Dylan Hayes and Lance Phelps. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Lola C. Durham recipients selected

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A vote to select recipients of the Teacher Recognition Awards for the 2025-2026 school year was tallied at the Jan. 12 Tecumseh School Board meeting. A representative from the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce and the Tecumseh Alumni Association also had the opportunity to participate in the selection.