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Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt speaks to the Shawnee Board of Education at the Aug. 5 meeting. The board room was recently remodeled and the windows replaced.

Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt speaks to the Shawnee Board of Education at the Aug. 5 meeting. The board room was recently remodeled and the windows replaced.

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AUGUST

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
The Seventh Annual FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival was a standout event, attracting an estimated 60,000 attendees. With highlights like a Dynamic Skies drone show, camel rides, and a touch-a-truck event, the festival provided fun for all ages.
Dace Dockrey, age 9, drives a garden tractor through the obstacle course of the Peewee and Midget Tractor Operator Contest, as Fair Board Member Lynn Marlow, points to where he needs to go, on Sept. 6 at the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. File photo

Dace Dockrey, age 9, drives a garden tractor through the obstacle course of the Peewee and Midget Tractor Operator Contest, as Fair Board Member Lynn Marlow, points to where he needs to go, on Sept. 6 at the Pottawatomie County Free Fair. File photo

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SEPTEMBER

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
In Shawnee, 2024 marked the dissolution of the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority (SCCDA), which had overseen the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center for 48 years.
Cindy (Cooper) Parsons, far left, and her brother Rodney Cooper compete in BMX racing at one of the two tracks in Shawnee in the late 1970s. Parsons and Cooper will be inducted into the Oklahoma BMX Hall of Fame on Oct. 12. Photo provided

Cindy (Cooper) Parsons, far left, and her brother Rodney Cooper compete in BMX racing at one of the two tracks in Shawnee in the late 1970s. Parsons and Cooper will be inducted into the Oklahoma BMX Hall of Fame on Oct. 12. Photo provided

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OCTOBER

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
One of the standout moments in October was the induction of Cindy Parsons, Shawnee’s first female BMX racer, into the Oklahoma BMX Hall of Fame in October. This honor, shared with her brother Rodney “Hot Rod” Cooper, highlighted their trailblazing roles in the 1970s BMX racing scene.
Miss Frontier Days Jalee Meyers poses with Marco Villa and Miguel Ramirez, with El Malecon, who received Business Renovation of the Year during the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on Nov. 21. File photo

Miss Frontier Days Jalee Meyers poses with Marco Villa and Miguel Ramirez, with El Malecon, who received Business Renovation of the Year during the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, held at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort on Nov. 21. File photo

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NOVEMBER

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, Pottawatomie County and its communities have experienced a year of both progress and challenges.
A large crowd came out to watch the 108 float entries in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 13 amid the cold, mist and wind. File photo

A large crowd came out to watch the 108 float entries in the Shawnee Parade of Lights on Dec. 13 amid the cold, mist and wind. File photo

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DECEMBER

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
In December, the Shawnee City Commission honored four long-serving employees and discussed the half-cent Education Sales Tax. All 14 Pottawatomie County superintendents spoke about its benefits.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. File photo

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. File photo

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JULY

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt, right, wishes Noah “Sonny” Hines a happy 100th birthday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1317, Feb. 5. Hines said he has also had parties at his church and with his fellow “railroaders,” and his family and friends will be celebrating at a Shawnee restaurant later that month. File photo

Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt, right, wishes Noah “Sonny” Hines a happy 100th birthday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1317, Feb. 5. Hines said he has also had parties at his church and with his fellow “railroaders,” and his family and friends will be celebrating at a Shawnee restaurant later that month. File photo

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FEBRUARY

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
In Shawnee, February was a month of celebrations. The community came together to honor Noah “Sonny” Hines on his 100th birthday with a ceremony at the Shawnee VFW Post 1317, where Mayor Ed Bolt proclaimed the day in his honor.
Participants of the Walking Audit in McLoud, held two days before the April tornado, stop to discuss things they have seen that could be changed or could be better. Photo provided

Participants of the Walking Audit in McLoud, held two days before the April tornado, stop to discuss things they have seen that could be changed or could be better. Photo provided

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2024 Year-End Review: JANUARY

News Staff
Thursday, January 2, 2025
The year began with a focus on rebuilding and recovery, especially in Shawnee, following the devastating tornado in April 2023. Shawnee Public Schools saw the relocation of Jim Thorpe Academy to the historic Woodrow Wilson Elementary School.
Dr. Aaron Espolt. File Photo

Dr. Aaron Espolt. File Photo

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Shawnee Superintendent Certification Suspended, Resigns

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, December 26, 2024
After being on paid administrative leave since August 26, Shawnee Superintendent Dr. Aaron Espolt had his teacher certificate and certificate number suspended by the Oklahoma State Department of Education on Dec. 19.The Shawnee Public Schools Board of Education requested more information on the...
Tecumseh Superintendent Robert Kinsey addresses the Shawnee City Commission about the Education Sales Tax which will be on the ballot April 1, 2025. All 14 Superintendents in Pottawatomie County attended the meeting and informed the Commissioners how the tax had been used to benefit each school district. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Tecumseh Superintendent Robert Kinsey addresses the Shawnee City Commission about the Education Sales Tax which will be on the ballot April 1, 2025. All 14 Superintendents in Pottawatomie County attended the meeting and informed the Commissioners how the tax had been used to benefit each school district. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

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Kayak Dock, Education Tax, Hot Topics At Shawnee Meeting

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, December 26, 2024
It was a busy night for the Shawnee City Commissioners, who began the evening with a packed house.The Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) recognizes and honors Oklahoma municipal officials and employees who have completed 25 or more years of public service.