People and Places

Margaret Davis, Photo provided

Margaret Davis, Photo provided

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Davis inspires through kindness and leadership

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Margaret Davis was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County’s “Inspiring Women” by a fellow businesswoman.Davis has been a realtor in Shawnee for 38 years, as well as a member of several non-profit organizations.“Margaret inspires as a female small-business owner and the first female in the Shawnee...
Dr. Sarah Karnish poses with her therapy dog Teddy at Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry. Karnish was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County's Inspiring Women. Photo provided

Dr. Sarah Karnish poses with her therapy dog Teddy at Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry. Karnish was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County's Inspiring Women. Photo provided

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Karnish leads with compassion and heart

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Dr. Sarah Karnish, DDS, MDS, was nominated as one of Pottawatomie County’s “Inspiring Women.”Her nomination began, “Dr. Sarah Karnish is a shining example of what it means to lead with compassion, dedication and heart.
Samantha Masquat at Scissortail Counseling Services, her mental health and substance abuse counseling center. Photo provided by CPN

Samantha Masquat at Scissortail Counseling Services, her mental health and substance abuse counseling center. Photo provided by CPN

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CPN Services Changed Foster Child’s Life

News Staff
Thursday, March 12, 2026
SHAWNEE, Okla. (March 9, 2026) — For Samantha Masquat, being a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) has positively changed her life in innumerable ways.As a young child, Masquat was made a ward of the state, unable to remain in the care of her parents.
Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, 2025 Miss Seminole Nation, stands in front of the Indian Princesses exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center. Photo Provided

Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, 2025 Miss Seminole Nation, stands in front of the Indian Princesses exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center. Photo Provided

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Wapskineh Represents SSC at Nigh Leadership Academy

News Staff
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, of Mc-Loud, attended the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City Feb. 7-10.Wapskineh joined college students from across the state for the four-day academy, where she participated in leadership development programming, civic...
Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

Tecumseh Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors' Association Band Director of the Year on Jan. 10, after being chosen by 32 of his colleagues. Outon is shown with his award. Photo provided

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Tecumseh band teacher receives ECOBDA Band Director of the Year

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
On Jan. 10, Tecumseh Public Schools Band Director John Outon was named the East Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association (ECOBDA) Band Director of the Year at East Central University (ECU).After being a member of the ECOBDA for 26 years, Outon said the experience is “humbling.”“It means a great...
Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

Music Unlimited Owner Jeff Hawkins poses with his favorite guitar artpiece at the store in Jan. 2025. Hawkins passed away in March 2025, but his wife, Joni Hawkins, is keeping his dream alive and the business running. Singer-Songwriter Night, which was started by Jeff and his friend Kevin Hall, resumed last September. File Photo

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Music Unlimited Owner Remembered

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
On March 20, 2025, the music went silent at Music Unlimited after owner Jeff Hawkins passed away.Fellow musician and friend, Kevin Hall, remembered his first thoughts were for Hawkins’ family.“Of course, my immediate concern was for Joni and the rest of Jeff's family.
Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

Tecumseh FFA Advisor Mara Carmen holds her baby, Shelby, as she helps 4-H member Aurora Colten to get her goat going.

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54th Annual Tecumseh Livestock Show held at THS

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The 54th Annual Tecumseh 4-H & FFA Booster Club Local Livestock Show was held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Tecumseh High School ag barn.According to Randy Gilbert, the Local Livestock Show was begun by Raymond Cockrum in 1972.“The first one was in the old bus barn and stalled in the old Quonset...