People and Places

American Legion Post 260 Commander and Navy Veteran Tom Snodgrass and Donna Snodgrass, American Legion State Auxiliary 1st Vice President, pose by the 'poppy tree' at the Tecumseh post. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

American Legion Post 260 Commander and Navy Veteran Tom Snodgrass and Donna Snodgrass, American Legion State Auxiliary 1st Vice President, pose by the 'poppy tree' at the Tecumseh post. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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As State Auxiliary 1st VP, Donna Snodgrass creates auxiliary units for Oklahoma American Legion posts

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Donna Snodgrass has devoted her life to serving veterans and their families.
Rachael Melot, left, accepts a lapel pin from Countywide & Sun Publisher Suzie Campbell for placing eighth on the Pottawattomie Power Poll, during the Awards Gals on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Rachael Melot, left, accepts a lapel pin from Countywide & Sun Publisher Suzie Campbell for placing eighth on the Pottawattomie Power Poll, during the Awards Gals on Oct. 24. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Matthews, Melot, Gilbert share leadership styles as part of the Pottawatomie Power Top 10

Suzie Campbell Suzie@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Rachael Melot, Vice President of Business Development at Sovereign Bank, is known across Oklahoma. A speaker, author, and business development executive, Melot’s career spans entrepreneurship, economic growth, sports, and advocacy.Her leadership has helped put Shawnee on the map.
Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Countywide & Sun Owner and Publisher Suzie Campbell, right, presents Randy Gilbert with his Pottawatomie Power Poll Top 10 lapel pin during the Awards Gala on Oct. 24. Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year event. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Matthews, Melot, Gilbert share leadership styles as part of the Pottawatomie Power Top Ten

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Randy Gilbert placed ninth in the five-year Pottawatomie Power Poll.Gilbert said he is “very honored and humble” to be included in this "diverse group of people."He traces his leadership roots to lessons learned early in life.
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
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
Shawnee American Legion Auxiliary Vice President Jamie McCraw offers a necklace to Billy Heavner during the monthly bingo for nursing home residents at American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 on Oct. 15. This is the third time the post has held the special bingo event, which is on the third Wednesday of each month now. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

Shawnee American Legion Auxiliary Vice President Jamie McCraw offers a necklace to Billy Heavner during the monthly bingo for nursing home residents at American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 on Oct. 15. This is the third time the post has held the special bingo event, which is on the third Wednesday of each month now. Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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Shawnee American Legion Offers Monthly Bingo to Nursing Home Residents

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
American Legion Gill-Mattox Post 16 in Shawnee has opened their doors to local nursing home residents to participate in bingo once a month.Held on the third Wednesday of the month, these bingo events have happened three times so far, with Jerry Dietrich calling the numbers as he does at their...
Oklahoma Junior Chamber International Senate President Randy Sursa presents Kimberly Rawls with a certificate, lapel pen and name badge, as he declares her to be a JCI Senator, during a meeting held at Van's Pig Stand in Shawnee on Aug. 23. Photo provided

Oklahoma Junior Chamber International Senate President Randy Sursa presents Kimberly Rawls with a certificate, lapel pen and name badge, as he declares her to be a JCI Senator, during a meeting held at Van's Pig Stand in Shawnee on Aug. 23. Photo provided

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Long-time Shawnee Jaycee Member is Designated JCI Senator

Natasha Dunagan Natasha@countywidenews.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
On Aug. 23, Kimberly Rawls was prepared to have lunch with friends at Van’s Pig Stand in Shawnee.