News

Shawnee Mall Theatre Closes, Cinema 8 Plans Seating Upgrades

Shawnee Mall Theatre Closes, Cinema 8 Plans Seating Upgrades

Shawnee Mall Theatre Closes, Cinema 8 Plans Seating Upgrades

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Jones Theatres announced the closing of Movies 6 at Shawnee Mall earlier this week. The longtime local theatre exhibitor has operated the theatre for the past 12 years. Movies 6 originally opened in 1988 at the mall.

LIHEAP Winter Heating Online Enrollment Now Open

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Oklahoma Human Services began accepting online applications Tuesday, Jan. 10, for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally-funded program helps incomeeligible families with their winter heating utility bills. Applications are accepted online at OKDHSLive. org.
Dr. April Grace, Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent

Dr. April Grace, Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent

Shawnee Superintendent April Grace Announces Retirement

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
After almost 35 years working in public education, including seven years of service as superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, Dr. April Grace submitted her plan to retire during the January Board of Education meeting on Monday.
Kathy Laster, Ph.D. President & CEO Avedis Foundation, presents a check to Tiffany Walker, Executive Director Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty. Also pictured is Avedis Foundation Program Director Tracy Meeuswen. Photo provided

Kathy Laster, Ph.D. President & CEO Avedis Foundation, presents a check to Tiffany Walker, Executive Director Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty. Also pictured is Avedis Foundation Program Director Tracy Meeuswen. Photo provided

Bridges Out Of Poverty Awarded Grant

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty has been awarded a $95,618 grant from The Avedis Foundation. “The Avedis Foundation is pleased to support Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty with this grant,” said Kathy Laster, Ph.D. President & CEO Avedis Foundation.

National Blood Donor Month Spotlights Need Of Donations

News Staff
Thursday, January 12, 2023
January is National Blood Donor Month, and to start the year off on the right foot, Our Blood Institute is asking everyone in the community to make giving blood part of their New Year’s resolution. Donors of all blood types, especially type O negative, are asked to donate today.

County Approves ARPA Funds For Sheriff’s Forensic Lab

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, January 12, 2023
The Sheriff’s Office will be expanding the forensic lab. During the meeting held Monday, Jan. 9, the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of equipment and software using $212,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Shawnee Passes Half-Cent Sales Tax Increase

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Shawnee citizens voted YES for a half-cent sales tax. Of the 1,474 who went to the poles on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1,174 voted yes, while the other 300 voted no. The tax increase was presented to residents as an option to fund the additional $65.
Joshua Ruiz and Carson Hutchcraft, two Sequoyah Elementary third-grade students, tell about the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” before singing it at the Jan. 9 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. They were led by Music Teacher Jana Stelzer. In recognition of Sequoyah Elementary, Principal Kim Paxson introduced fourth-grader Reece Turner who led the flag salute. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Joshua Ruiz and Carson Hutchcraft, two Sequoyah Elementary third-grade students, tell about the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” before singing it at the Jan. 9 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. They were led by Music Teacher Jana Stelzer. In recognition of Sequoyah Elementary, Principal Kim Paxson introduced fourth-grader Reece Turner who led the flag salute. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Grace, Walker Announce Retirement At School Board Meeting

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Two familiar faces will be absent from the Shawnee Board of Education meetings after this school year. Both Superintendent Dr. April Grace and Office 1 Board Member Larry Walker announced their resignations during the Jan. 9 meeting.