People and Places

Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, of Shawnee, helps his grandson, Dale graduate Major Jerame Johnson, to prepare for deployment to Qatar from Fort Sill in Lawton in 2016. Both veterans retired from the Army after at least 20 years. Lawrence's family recently found his memoir and had it published, seven years after his passing — "leaving something behind so we could understand where he came from and what shaped him.” Photos provided

Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, of Shawnee, helps his grandson, Dale graduate Major Jerame Johnson, to prepare for deployment to Qatar from Fort Sill in Lawton in 2016. Both veterans retired from the Army after at least 20 years. Lawrence's family recently found his memoir and had it published, seven years after his passing — "leaving something behind so we could understand where he came from and what shaped him.” Photos provided

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The Snakedoctor’s Story: Late Shawnee resident’s family has Vietnam memoir published

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Vietnam Veteran, Staff Sergeant Timothy J. Lawrence, of Shawnee, passed away on Aug. 24, 2019 - one day before his 78th birthday.But what he left behind has brought his family together in his memory and given them a deeper insight into his life.
Creative Magic Productions, LLC, are nationally recognized entertainers and retired area educators "Jack Spade" (Jeff Hames) and "Annie Heart" (Valarie Hames), of Bethel. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Creative Magic Productions, LLC, are nationally recognized entertainers and retired area educators "Jack Spade" (Jeff Hames) and "Annie Heart" (Valarie Hames), of Bethel. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Making Life Magical: Retired teachers find a new way to make a positive difference as entertainers

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
As teachers across the county are juggling lesson plans and supplies, two retired teachers are actually juggling and face painting in their second career.Even before they retired, Jeff and Valarie Hames of Bethel worked together as entertainers, eventually founding Creative Magic Productions, LLC.
Shawnee High School senior Ally Fitchner is pictured with Dr. Aisha whom she said made a lasting impression. Photos provided

Shawnee High School senior Ally Fitchner is pictured with Dr. Aisha whom she said made a lasting impression. Photos provided

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Shawnee Student Interns at Georgetown

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
For Ally Fichtner, walking onto the Georgetown University campus and finding herself surrounded by doctors, medical students, and students from around the world took a little time to sink in.“Honestly, it didn’t feel real at first,” Fitchner said.
"MilkyWay," owned by Bill and Tiffany Kinser of Guthrie, is lit up during the balloon glow on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival. According to www.planoballoonfest.org, hot-air balloons use liquid propane gas in their burner systems, which shoot out a six- to eight-foot flame and produce up to 12 million BTUs per hour. The website also mentioned that the "envelope" (balloon) is made from rip-stop, flame-resistant nylon. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

"MilkyWay," owned by Bill and Tiffany Kinser of Guthrie, is lit up during the balloon glow on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival. According to www.planoballoonfest.org, hot-air balloons use liquid propane gas in their burner systems, which shoot out a six- to eight-foot flame and produce up to 12 million BTUs per hour. The website also mentioned that the "envelope" (balloon) is made from rip-stop, flame-resistant nylon. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Two generations of OK pilots represented at Balloon Fest

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, August 13, 2026
For two hot-air balloon pilots and their families at the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival in Shawnee, the call of flight is a family tradition.
Rev. Josh L. Trimble, Avedis Foundation Board Chair Photo provided

Rev. Josh L. Trimble, Avedis Foundation Board Chair Photo provided

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Avedis announces new Board Chair

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
SHAWNEE, OK — The Board of Directors for Avedis Foundation has elected Rev. Josh L. Trimble to lead the Foundation’s board as its chair.
Okie Dokie Mercantile won the Paint the Town Western IFYR Best Western Window Display and was chosen as the Overall Paint the Town Western Champion. Pictured holding the Golden Horseshoe awards is owner Christina Hernandez. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Okie Dokie Mercantile won the Paint the Town Western IFYR Best Western Window Display and was chosen as the Overall Paint the Town Western Champion. Pictured holding the Golden Horseshoe awards is owner Christina Hernandez. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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Paint the Town Western celebrates IFYR spirit, looks to grow into countywide tradition

News Staff Info@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Local businesses showed their Western spirit during the first annual #Paint-TheTownWesternIFYR event held in conjunction with the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR).
The Taron Family gathered for a reunion over the July 4th weekend. Five generations are pictured here: Dr. Joe Taron seated in front, then standing from left Joe “Butch” Taron, Jr., Gabby Taron, Astrid Thomas and Doug Taron. Photo provided

The Taron Family gathered for a reunion over the July 4th weekend. Five generations are pictured here: Dr. Joe Taron seated in front, then standing from left Joe “Butch” Taron, Jr., Gabby Taron, Astrid Thomas and Doug Taron. Photo provided

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FAMILY REUNION

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Some of the Team Australia members and parents from the Australian Youth Rodeo Organisation took a moment for an interview and photo on the morning of July 17, the final day for the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. Shown, front row from left, are Kate Todd, Ruby Todd, Cade Ferguson, back row, Leigh Holley and Ruby Ruckwood. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Some of the Team Australia members and parents from the Australian Youth Rodeo Organisation took a moment for an interview and photo on the morning of July 17, the final day for the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. Shown, front row from left, are Kate Todd, Ruby Todd, Cade Ferguson, back row, Leigh Holley and Ruby Ruckwood. Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Team Australia enjoys competing at IFYR

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 23, 2026
“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” was a frequent refrain from announcers Monty Stephens and Rob Smets during the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) in Shawnee when a Team Australia contestant would start their ride.
Donna Snodgrass, of Tecumseh's American Legion Auxiliary, speaks after being sworn in as the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Oklahoma, President. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Donna Snodgrass, of Tecumseh's American Legion Auxiliary, speaks after being sworn in as the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Oklahoma, President. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Snodgrass sworn in as State American Legion Auxiliary President

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Donna Snodgrass served the Tecumseh American Legion Hill-Huett Post 260 as American Legion Auxiliary Post President for eight years. Then, she was American Legion District President for four years and Department of Oklahoma American Legion Auxiliary First Vice President for the past year.
Bethel's new superintendent, Mr. Jerry McCormick, has begun moving into his office. The vintage desk he sits behind has a story to it, and he is happy to share why it is a special piece of furniture. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

Bethel's new superintendent, Mr. Jerry McCormick, has begun moving into his office. The vintage desk he sits behind has a story to it, and he is happy to share why it is a special piece of furniture. Suzie Campbell, Countywide & Sun

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New Superintendent Shares Vision for Bethel

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Bethel Public Schools will begin the 2026-27 school year with new leadership at the helm. Superintendent Mr. Jerry McCormick brings a background rooted in educational leadership.