News

Entomologist Neil Aker draws a crowd with Beatrice the Emperor Scorpion who turns from black to green under a flashlight during Bugfest at Shawnee Public Library on May 31. Aker is with the OSU Insect Adventure and featured several arachnids and insects which could be held or pet. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Entomologist Neil Aker draws a crowd with Beatrice the Emperor Scorpion who turns from black to green under a flashlight during Bugfest at Shawnee Public Library on May 31. Aker is with the OSU Insect Adventure and featured several arachnids and insects which could be held or pet. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Kids of all ages enjoy BugFest

News Staff
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Dillon Beck, 7, of Shawnee, leads two other bicyclists during the Bike Safety Blitz at the Fun Day at Kidspace Park in Shawnee on May 30. Fun Day was part of Health Week, which is sponsored by the Avedis Foundation, and offered a variety of activities in the morning and evening. Pottawatomie Go (POGO) sponsored the bike safety event and several other events. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Dillon Beck, 7, of Shawnee, leads two other bicyclists during the Bike Safety Blitz at the Fun Day at Kidspace Park in Shawnee on May 30. Fun Day was part of Health Week, which is sponsored by the Avedis Foundation, and offered a variety of activities in the morning and evening. Pottawatomie Go (POGO) sponsored the bike safety event and several other events. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Health Week Offers Football Clinics, Fun Day

News Staff
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James speaks at his first Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education meeting on June 2. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Jason James speaks at his first Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education meeting on June 2. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Renovations begin on three Shawnee Elementary Schools

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Renovations have begun on Horace Mann, Jefferson, and Will Rogers Elementary schools, as promised in the 2024 bond, according to a report from the new Director of Operations Matt Johnson to the Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education on June 2.
Wanette Public Schools (WPS) awards Commissioners plaques of appreciation for their assistance in purchasing the first school buses owned by the school. Pictured from left: WPS Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rodman, WPS Principal Cindy Horn, County Commissioners Abby Thompson, Greg Rush, and Melissa Dennis, and WPS Superintendent Scott Douthit. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

Wanette Public Schools (WPS) awards Commissioners plaques of appreciation for their assistance in purchasing the first school buses owned by the school. Pictured from left: WPS Maintenance Supervisor Mark Rodman, WPS Principal Cindy Horn, County Commissioners Abby Thompson, Greg Rush, and Melissa Dennis, and WPS Superintendent Scott Douthit. Bill Rooth, Countywide & Sun

County Reviews Budget Proposals, Commissioners Recognized

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
County depa r t ments presented budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year during the May 27, 2025, board meeting, with most requesting modest increases to cover rising utility, insurance, and salary costs, officials said.
The $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant received by McLoud Public Schools is used to promote healthy active lifestyles. The funding has been used to purchase balance boards and a large rainbow parachute as pictured above.

The $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant received by McLoud Public Schools is used to promote healthy active lifestyles. The funding has been used to purchase balance boards and a large rainbow parachute as pictured above.

McLoud Public Schools Receives $20,000 Grant to Promote Healthy, Active Lifestyles

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
McLoud, OK – May 27, 2025 – Mc-Loud Public Schools has been awarded a $20,000 Healthy Incentive Grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). This grant will support efforts to encourage physical activity, wellness, and healthy habits among both students and staff.
Hayden Averitt, of McLoud, breaks out of the chute on his bull during the International Finals Youth Rodeo on July 7, 2024. File photo

Hayden Averitt, of McLoud, breaks out of the chute on his bull during the International Finals Youth Rodeo on July 7, 2024. File photo

2025 IFYR entries close June 13

News Staff
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
SHAWNEE, Okla. – Entries are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), returning to Shawnee, Oklahoma, July 6–11. The event brings together youth rodeo’s top competitors for six days of elite action.Competitors can enter at NextGen.com through 5 p.m.
Sister City students recognized at meeting. Pictured with Mayor Eric Stephens (in no particular order) are program chair Jessica Brown, teacher Alanna Baggett, students include Sawyer Bias, Emma Bryan, Chloe Gates, Colin Howard, Matty Newsom, Keiko Sanders, Sullivan Smith, and Benjamin Wahpepah. Photo provided

Sister City students recognized at meeting. Pictured with Mayor Eric Stephens (in no particular order) are program chair Jessica Brown, teacher Alanna Baggett, students include Sawyer Bias, Emma Bryan, Chloe Gates, Colin Howard, Matty Newsom, Keiko Sanders, Sullivan Smith, and Benjamin Wahpepah. Photo provided

Shawnee Commissioners Face Budget Questions

Bill Rooth Bill@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
During the May 22, 2025 city commission meeting, Shawnee resident Fred Turner raised concerns about what he saw as inconsistencies within the city’s one-year and five-year budget spreadsheets. He also requested increased transparency in the presentation of certain line items and fund transfers.