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From left to right; ECU Provost Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, ECU Senior Advancement Officer Gerald Williamson, and ECU President Wendell Godwin Photo Provided

From left to right; ECU Provost Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, ECU Senior Advancement Officer Gerald Williamson, and ECU President Wendell Godwin Photo Provided

East Central University awarded TSET Legacy Grant

News Staff
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
ADA, Okla. – The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has approved a $13M Legacy Grant to East Central University (ECU) for the purpose of completing The Dan Hays STEM Center and School of Nursing in Ada., Okla.
Several children and teens enjoy the ice-skating rink made of synthetic ice in front of the Santa Fe Depot in Shawnee during the Safe Events for Families "Winter Wonderland" on Nov. 28. Oklahoma Representative Dell Kerbs, with SEFF, said they had about 1,000 visitors to the free event in their opening weekend. Kerbs added that ice skates are available for those who need to borrow them. See full cutline below.

Several children and teens enjoy the ice-skating rink made of synthetic ice in front of the Santa Fe Depot in Shawnee during the Safe Events for Families "Winter Wonderland" on Nov. 28. Oklahoma Representative Dell Kerbs, with SEFF, said they had about 1,000 visitors to the free event in their opening weekend. Kerbs added that ice skates are available for those who need to borrow them. See full cutline below.

Shawnee Parks and Recreation & Winter Wonderland

Amy Riggins
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Hello Shawnee! December is certainly chilly so far, as the cold front rolled in right at the start of the month! That means the holiday season is not far off, as you can see Christmas lights up around town, especially in the downtown area.
Madisyn Castaneda, 10, serves drinks to Jimmy and Unity Alas of Maud during the 20th Anniversary Tecumseh Family Thanksgiving Dinner, held at the Tecumseh City Hall Auditorium on Nov. 27. U. Alas said she used to come to the dinner with her father and grandmother, and decided to introduce her husband to it this year. Castaneda was volunteering for the first time with her two sisters and her parents, Daniel and Amber Castaneda. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Madisyn Castaneda, 10, serves drinks to Jimmy and Unity Alas of Maud during the 20th Anniversary Tecumseh Family Thanksgiving Dinner, held at the Tecumseh City Hall Auditorium on Nov. 27. U. Alas said she used to come to the dinner with her father and grandmother, and decided to introduce her husband to it this year. Castaneda was volunteering for the first time with her two sisters and her parents, Daniel and Amber Castaneda. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh Thanksgiving Turns 20

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The Tecumseh Family Thanksgiving Dinner was held for the 20th year on Nov. 27, serving 1,250 people - either at Tecumseh City Hall Auditorium or with to-go meals.The event was begun by Randy and Suzanne Gilbert after S.

School Board Filings

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The candidate filing period for school board elections closed Wednesday, Dec. 3, after the Tuesday evening print deadline for the Countywide & Sun. We will update this story in next week’s edition with information on those who are running unopposed and those who will hold elections.
Okie Dokie Mercantile & Co. Owner, Christina Hernandez, hands Gayla Roberts of Prague her purchase, including a wooden spoon Roberts won by spinning a prize wheel. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Okie Dokie Mercantile & Co. Owner, Christina Hernandez, hands Gayla Roberts of Prague her purchase, including a wooden spoon Roberts won by spinning a prize wheel. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Gift shop celebrates nine years

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
One of Shawnee’s unique, locally-owned gift shops celebrated their ninth anniversary on Nov. 28 and 29.Okie Dokie Mercantile & Company offered samples of Bedré chocolate-covered gummy bears, Nardello’s chocolate and Navarro’s gourmet salsa, as well as pecan oil and jelly - all products of Oklahoma.

Community Calendar - Dec. 4-11

News Staff
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Thursday, 4th Carols & Cocoa @ Woodland Veterans Park, 7 pm Spinning Spools Quilt Guild - 7 pm, Senior Center at 400 N. Bell. Legion Karaoke - 6 pm, Pot Luck. 7pm - 9 pm Karaoke, 201 E. Park, Tecumseh. $5.Grief Support Group - 6:30, Open to Public at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Shawnee.

Filing Opens for School Board Seats

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for 23 Pottawatomie County school districts.Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candidacy to the Pottawatomie County Election Board Dec. 1, 2025 -Dec.