"Kim (The Shawnee News-Star)"

The 9th Annual Justin Terney Memorial Poker Run recently donated $4,500 to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, continuing its tradition of supporting causes that meant so much to Terney.Started by Deputy Jesse McCord, who has remained deeply involved since day one, the poker run raises funds for both the Justin Terney Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to students at Tecumseh High School, and to the Sheriff' Office K9 Program, which was born from Terney's dream.Terney had personally purchased Onyx as a pet, with the hope that one day he would serve alongside him as a K9. After Justin’s tragic line-of-duty death in 2017, the Sheriff's Office brought Onyx into service and launched the K9 program in his memory.Since its inception, the poker run has raised over $50,000, preserving Justin’s legacy through education, service, and dedication to public safety."We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supports this event, and to those who help us keep Justin’s spirit alive— both in the community and in the work we do every day," PCSO released.

A new school year presents a wealth of opportunities for students. At the dawn of a new school year, students have a chance to further their academic careers, student-athletes may be given a shot at making a team or moving up to varsity, and extracurriculars provide a chance for personal growth outside the classroom.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are working to lessen the impact of medical debt on their constituents.

As Shawnee students prepare for a new school year, the district has outlined information and resources online at www.shawnee.k12.ok.us/page/back-to-school.