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Elinor Peters, 5, Izaiah Peters, 8, and Zaden Peters, 7, all of Shawnee, cool off in front of a misting fan beside the Vision Bank tie-dye tent at Cops N' Kids on Aug. 23. An estimated 2,000 people attended the event at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, said Founder and Coordinator Shawnee Police Cpl. Vivian Lozano-Stafford in an email. It offered more than 30 emergency response agencies and about 25 organization booths.

Elinor Peters, 5, Izaiah Peters, 8, and Zaden Peters, 7, all of Shawnee, cool off in front of a misting fan beside the Vision Bank tie-dye tent at Cops N' Kids on Aug. 23. An estimated 2,000 people attended the event at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, said Founder and Coordinator Shawnee Police Cpl. Vivian Lozano-Stafford in an email. It offered more than 30 emergency response agencies and about 25 organization booths.

Tecumseh residents Almeda Dyer and Leota Trice, who both turned 94 last month, pose with AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl during a celebration of Social Security's 90th anniversary, held at the Tecumseh Golden Age Center, in conjunction with Project HEART, on Aug. 12. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Tecumseh residents Almeda Dyer and Leota Trice, who both turned 94 last month, pose with AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl during a celebration of Social Security's 90th anniversary, held at the Tecumseh Golden Age Center, in conjunction with Project HEART, on Aug. 12. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

AARP celebrates with Tecumseh Seniors

On Aug.14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, establishing the Social Security Administration, according to “FDR signs Social Security Act” on the History Channel website.

Sample Ballots available for Sept. 9th election

Sample ballots are now available for the September 9, 2025, Town of Macomb & Town Of Asher OG&E Franchise Special Election. Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.
From left: Bill Anderson,The Railroad Yard; Richey Fink, Pott County District 2; Ryan Fogelman, RRY Services; Greg Rush, County Commissioner; Tom Harders, RRY Services; Dewayne Van-Schuyver, The Railroad Yard; and Josh Gilsdorf, RRY Services. Photo Provided

From left: Bill Anderson,The Railroad Yard; Richey Fink, Pott County District 2; Ryan Fogelman, RRY Services; Greg Rush, County Commissioner; Tom Harders, RRY Services; Dewayne Van-Schuyver, The Railroad Yard; and Josh Gilsdorf, RRY Services. Photo Provided

Bridge Dedication Held

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – A new chapter in local infrastructure was celebrated this week as the recently completed bridge on Propane Road in Pottawatomie County District 2 was formally dedicated.
Welcome Week Workers line the curbs of campus residence centers, cheering and shaking cars as new Bison families arrive for Move-In Day at Oklahoma Baptist University, Aug. 16, 2025.

Welcome Week Workers line the curbs of campus residence centers, cheering and shaking cars as new Bison families arrive for Move-In Day at Oklahoma Baptist University, Aug. 16, 2025.

OBU Welcomes New, Returning Students to Campus

Oklahoma Baptist University celebrated the arrival of new and returning students on Aug. 16, 2025, during its annual Move-In Day. The day kicks off Welcome Week, a special tradition in which new students are welcomed into the Bison family.
Finley Fry, 17 months, of Shawnee, sits on a Shawnee Police Department motorcycle and points at something, as Corporal Josh Soward, far left, and Fry's father, Matt Fry, keep watch at Cops n' Kids, held on Aug. 24, 2024, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. File photo

Finley Fry, 17 months, of Shawnee, sits on a Shawnee Police Department motorcycle and points at something, as Corporal Josh Soward, far left, and Fry's father, Matt Fry, keep watch at Cops n' Kids, held on Aug. 24, 2024, at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. File photo

Cops 'n Kids Coming this Saturday!

Cops N’ Kids will return to the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center for its sixth incarnation on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Mark Simpson, Photo Provided

Mark Simpson, Photo Provided

Mark Simpson confirmed as City Manager

After a one hour and forty minute executive session, the City Commission returned to their open meeting and declared no action on the Fairview Mausoleum matter. However, Commissioner Daniel Matthews made a motion to name Mark Simpson the official City Manager for Shawnee.
Dr. Joe Taron addresses the Bethel School board regarding proposed new Ag Building. Randy Gilbert also spoke about the history of Bethel Ag. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Dr. Joe Taron addresses the Bethel School board regarding proposed new Ag Building. Randy Gilbert also spoke about the history of Bethel Ag. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel has a history

The Bethel School Board held its August meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14, instead of Monday, Aug. 11, due to a loss of internet connections. This left them with no way to download meeting packets for board members and guests.