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Pott. Co. Commissioner Greg Rush and Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens judge a 1971 Chevelle SS at the First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show, held at Life. Church in Shawnee on Nov. 8. The car show raised more than $5,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Pott. Co. Commissioner Greg Rush and Shawnee Mayor Eric Stephens judge a 1971 Chevelle SS at the First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show, held at Life. Church in Shawnee on Nov. 8. The car show raised more than $5,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Igniting hope, fueling change at Driven for Justice car show

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
There’s a new car show in town. The First Annual Driven for Justice Car Show was organized by the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma (CACCO), and it attracted 66 entries to the Life. Church parking lot in Shawnee on Nov. 8.
The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

The Dunbar Heights Community celebrated their first Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 2025. The four Veterans honored in attendance were Lt. Colonel James Keel, Timmy Young, Kyle Winrow and Frank Kelly. Young led the celebration; Kelly was the guest speaker; Winrow and Keel spoke to the crowd, as well. Anice Young was invited to sing praise, and Shirley Campbell read the names of each veteran with roots in the Dunbar Heights community. See full cutline below. Julie Talton, Countywide & Sun

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County Celebrates Veterans

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
At least 30 veterans participated in the 'veteran's parade' where they were announced by Tecumseh High School Assistant Band Director Bailey Vaughn and stood on the THS football field to listen to their service theme songs. This was part of the Veteran's Day Light Show, coordinated by Band Director John Outon, who also invited the Meeker and North Rock Creek High School bands this year. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

At least 30 veterans participated in the 'veteran's parade' where they were announced by Tecumseh High School Assistant Band Director Bailey Vaughn and stood on the THS football field to listen to their service theme songs. This was part of the Veteran's Day Light Show, coordinated by Band Director John Outon, who also invited the Meeker and North Rock Creek High School bands this year. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Band trio glows for Veterans Day celebration

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
OBU Inspires Future Teachers

OBU Inspires Future Teachers

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OBU Inspires Future Teachers

Cheyanna Dietz, Ths Intern
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
On Nov. 4, Oklahoma Baptist University hosted over 70 students who aspire to have a career in education. The event, Discover Teaching, is a hands-on learning opportunity to experience what future careers might look like and was available to freshmen and sophomores.
"Future Egyptologist" Patrick Newpower, age 8, speaks about the Egyptian pyramids during the Fifth Annual Mummy Day, Nov. 8, at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

"Future Egyptologist" Patrick Newpower, age 8, speaks about the Egyptian pyramids during the Fifth Annual Mummy Day, Nov. 8, at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Mabee-Gerrer celebrates Mummy Day

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Father Peter Shults speaks about his 10 years in the U.S. Army where he served as a Medic and a Procurement Specialist and about his calling into the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey.

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Bethel Schools celebrate Veterans

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Kirk Bertolet joined the U.S. Air Force in Sept. 1979 and served as an electrician in the 1827 Electronic Installation Squadron. He was originally from Costa Mesa, CA, and now lives in Bethel. Bertolet is also the Activities Director and incoming Sergeant at Arms at Shawnee's Gill-Mattox American Legion Post 16. Photo provided

Kirk Bertolet joined the U.S. Air Force in Sept. 1979 and served as an electrician in the 1827 Electronic Installation Squadron. He was originally from Costa Mesa, CA, and now lives in Bethel. Bertolet is also the Activities Director and incoming Sergeant at Arms at Shawnee's Gill-Mattox American Legion Post 16. Photo provided

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Air Force veteran worked as electrician, had help from two mentors

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Kirk Bertolet, who now lives in Bethel, joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1979 when he was 22 years old.He graduated from high school in Costa Mesa, CA, and had been working at minimum wage jobs for a few years.
David Walker

David Walker

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Conditional Use Permits in question

Julie Talton Julie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
During his City Manager’s report, Jimmy Stokes explained that DEQ required them to send notice to those with galvanized water lines, suggesting the customers replace them. The City, nor DEQ, can mandate the change, but if citizens are interested in funding assistance, they will need to contact DEQ.
Child Advocacy Center of Central OK Executive Director KC Campbell (left) and Worrel's Haven Founder and Director Rachael Cole both won the Live United Director of the Year Award, in a tie, during the United Way of Eastern Frontier Country "Havana Nights" Gala on Nov. 8. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Child Advocacy Center of Central OK Executive Director KC Campbell (left) and Worrel's Haven Founder and Director Rachael Cole both won the Live United Director of the Year Award, in a tie, during the United Way of Eastern Frontier Country "Havana Nights" Gala on Nov. 8. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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United Way honors two at annual gala

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The United Way of Eastern Frontier Country honored two of the nonprofit executive directors during its annual Havana Nights Gala. For the first time, the Live United Executive of the Year Award resulted in a tie.