News

SHAWNEE – Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s (CPN) Family Reunion Festival brought thousands of its members from across the United States together to celebrate CPN culture and tradition.

In June, Shawnee City Commissioners considered whether to donate a handful of long-empty city lots to a nonprofit organization that wants to bring housing to the area but fell short of a vote after commissioners were undecided over how much to charge for the properties. The Tiny Homes Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that serves the state by providing housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income households.

Suzie Campbell, publisher of the Countywide & Sun in Tecumseh, officially assumed the role of president of the Oklahoma Press Association (OPA) on July 1.OPA members elected Campbell during the association's annual business meeting, held June 6-7 at the OPA Convention in Shawnee. She succeeds Shauna Belyeu and will serve a one-year term as president.Other officers elected for one-year terms at the business meeting were Erin Dyer-Thompson, co-publisher of the El Reno Tribune, as vice president; Brian Blansett, publisher of The Lincoln County News, for a second one-year term as treasurer; and Shauna Belyeu, general manager of The Eufaula Indian Journal, as immediate past president.The membership also renewed a three-year term on the OPA Board of Directors for Ed Choate, publisher of the Muskogee Phoenix, Connor Choate, co-publisher of the Marietta Monitor, and Jason Collington, editor of the Tulsa World, were elected to fulfill vacated terms.

WASHINGTON – Kratos Defense is expanding its footprint in Oklahoma with a new jet engine plant in Bristow- an investment state leaders say reinforces Oklahoma’s rising status as a national security hub. The decision to build in Bristow, about 40 miles from Tulsa International Airport and 80 miles from Wiley Post Airport, was based on access to workforce, geography and leadership history within the existing Kratos site, according to Bristow Mayor Kris Wyatt.

Calendar items may be sent to newsroom@news-star.com or to vicky.misa@news-star.com.

NORMAN, OK – The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA), in partnership with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, held the 2025 Oklahoma Conference on Tourism and RedBud Awards Ceremony —Oklahoma’s premier gathering of travel and tourism professionals— on June 24. Held at the Embassy Suites Norman – Hotel & Conference Center, this full-day event brought together leaders from across the state for educational sessions, networking, and the prestigious RedBud Awards ceremony, which recognized outstanding achievements in Oklahoma’s tourism industry.

Shawnee High School is getting a new leader at the helm, and he’s bringing decades of experience and energy with him. Shawnee Public Schools is excited to announce Bobby Cook as the new Head Principal of Shawnee High School.