News

January

January

JANUARY

News Staff
Thursday, January 1, 2026
busy start to the year in Pottawatomie County, as Sheri Freeland Wood was sworn in-the . rst new sheri in 16 years—by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Douglas L. Combs Justice Combs also swore in County Treasurer Rachelle Flewallen, and Dist.
Santa Claus rides in his sleigh pulled by nine beautiful reindeer in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 12. Santa and fireworks rounded out the two-hour parade with 117 entries.

Santa Claus rides in his sleigh pulled by nine beautiful reindeer in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 12. Santa and fireworks rounded out the two-hour parade with 117 entries.

Merry Christmas! Letters to Santa 2025

News Staff
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Tecumseh Early Childhood Center: Mrs. Litle’s Pre-K ClassDear Santa,I want a real cat that is black and big and a doctor set with a puppy dog.Merry Christmas,Alivia P.Dear Santa,I want a candy cane and a Mickey Mouse toy that dances.   Merry Christmas,Avayah T.
Titus Hancock, 6; Malachi Hancock, 5; and Emersyn Hancock, 7, all of Meeker, pet Rose the Reindeer, as Jamie Hancock and reindeer wrangler, Nick Ledbetter, watch and supervise at The McLoud Mercantile on Dec. 20. Rose comes from the Reindeer Club in Bristow, and Mercantile co-owner Samantha Sessums said in a video on their Facebook page that she has been trying for three years to get the live reindeer there. This year, there was a cancellation and a last-minute opportunity. See full cutline below.

Titus Hancock, 6; Malachi Hancock, 5; and Emersyn Hancock, 7, all of Meeker, pet Rose the Reindeer, as Jamie Hancock and reindeer wrangler, Nick Ledbetter, watch and supervise at The McLoud Mercantile on Dec. 20. Rose comes from the Reindeer Club in Bristow, and Mercantile co-owner Samantha Sessums said in a video on their Facebook page that she has been trying for three years to get the live reindeer there. This year, there was a cancellation and a last-minute opportunity. See full cutline below.

McLoud Mercantile brings Rose the Reindeer to town

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
After a rough year, it was a bit of a Christmas miracle.The McLoud Mercantile, at 113 N. Main Street, held a Christmas event on Dec. 20, the last Saturday they would be open until after the holiday.It included familiar faces like Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, a few elves and the Grinch.
Greyson Diaz, 5, found a stack of gifts during the Fourth Annual Shawnee Police Department Toy Drive on Dec. 18.

Greyson Diaz, 5, found a stack of gifts during the Fourth Annual Shawnee Police Department Toy Drive on Dec. 18.

Shawnee PD provides for 200 kids’ Christmas wishes

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Fourth Annual Shawnee Police Department Toy Drive brought smiles to the faces of 200 children whose parents registered them online.There were tables of toys, games and blankets, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were available to visit and pose, as well.
Last week, Tecumseh High School students in the Fall Internship Program presented their analysis of the experiences over the last few months. Eleven students made slide shows covering their internship, including Countywide & Sun Intern Cheyanna Dietz. Program coordinator Justin Wood is shown in the background assisting with the slides. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Last week, Tecumseh High School students in the Fall Internship Program presented their analysis of the experiences over the last few months. Eleven students made slide shows covering their internship, including Countywide & Sun Intern Cheyanna Dietz. Program coordinator Justin Wood is shown in the background assisting with the slides. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh High School Interns Present Slide Shows

News Staff
Thursday, December 18, 2025
The Shawnee Veterans Memorial Committee and Pottawatomie County Commissioners pose with artist Joyce Marsh. See full cutline below. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

The Shawnee Veterans Memorial Committee and Pottawatomie County Commissioners pose with artist Joyce Marsh. See full cutline below. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Veterans Memorial Committee Honors Artist Joyce Marsh

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Shawnee Veterans Memorial Committee and Pottawatomie County Commissioners pose with Tecumseh artist Joyce Marsh, front row, third from left, at the Pottawatomie County Veterans Educational Museum on Dec. 9. Marsh painted eight of the battle-themed prints, hanging in three rooms of the museum.
A line of veterans, Sheriff's deputies and a Gold Star father, David Hendrickson, far right, prepare to place wreaths in honor of those lost in each military branch, POW-MIAs, and Gold Star Families during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony, held at Macomb High School gymnasium on Dec. 13. Also shown are members of the Rolling Ambassadors motorcycle club who would place wreaths on the graves of veterans at Prairie View and Romulus cemeteries following the event. See full cutline below.

A line of veterans, Sheriff's deputies and a Gold Star father, David Hendrickson, far right, prepare to place wreaths in honor of those lost in each military branch, POW-MIAs, and Gold Star Families during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony, held at Macomb High School gymnasium on Dec. 13. Also shown are members of the Rolling Ambassadors motorcycle club who would place wreaths on the graves of veterans at Prairie View and Romulus cemeteries following the event. See full cutline below.

Local ceremony honors military service and sacrifice

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Shawnee High School Cross Country team was recognized for competing at the state competition, during the Dec. 15 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. From left, they are Ayden Ringwald, Jack Timmons, Kain Nenaikita, Conner Brantley, Colby Jones, Joseph Bevel, Booker Dahlman, Emersen Byers, Izayiah New, Coach Bobby Licklider. and Coach Jaylin Stapleton. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

The Shawnee High School Cross Country team was recognized for competing at the state competition, during the Dec. 15 Shawnee Board of Education meeting. From left, they are Ayden Ringwald, Jack Timmons, Kain Nenaikita, Conner Brantley, Colby Jones, Joseph Bevel, Booker Dahlman, Emersen Byers, Izayiah New, Coach Bobby Licklider. and Coach Jaylin Stapleton. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Schools Task Force working to meet state graduation requirements

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The Dec. 15 Shawnee Board of Education meeting included about one hour and 40 minutes which were packed with information, and one and a half hours of executive session wait time.