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Local gems make up Shawnee life: See how well you know Shawnee. Do you recognize any of these fun features around town? If you have something to share that’s special and unique to the community, email vicky.misa@news-star.com.

Fat Tires on the Prairie Race No. 2 started in downtown Pawhuska the morning of October 15, 2022. The 50 and 100 km (31 and 62 mile) route threaded through the Oklahoma prairies and a private ranch or two. My son is a member of Cura Racing, the group who hosted this event.

Looking for information on an old town in Pottawatomie County? Or where one of the dozens of former schools might have been? Are there stories about your family you wonder about or do you just want to know more about our county’s history? Are you interested in the background of one of the local tribes? Have you been curious about historical events in Oklahoma? How many former and present local citizens have authored books? All of these questions can be answered in the library at the Pottawatomie County Historical Society Museum. Over the years books have been collected and tucked away on shelves in the Depot.

Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County’s first go at operating Shawnee’s favorite spooky-fest is a wrap. From a mummy-wrapping contest to costume competitions, a carnival, Trick-or-Treating, a DJ and lots of food and retail vendors, the fall event -- newly named Monsters on Main (formerly Boo on Bell) -- entertained residents of all ages.

Initiative now known locally as Pottawatomie Go, or ‘Pogo’ Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County has just announced a new brand identity. The well-being improvement initiative will now be known locally as Pottawatomie Go, or “Pogo.” With its emphasis on well-being and community collaboration, Blue Zones Project was identified by Avedis Foundation in 2017 as a natural fit for investment, expanding the Foundation’s ongoing support of a healthier environment.

Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the appointment of Adam Panter to serve as district attorney for the 23rd Judicial District of Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties. Panter will serve the remainder of the current term, following the vacancy created by the resignation of Allan Grubb.

We love your news! Did you know you can submit news items and photos to the News-Star? If you have an item for the daily community calendar, please email Vicky O. Misa at vicky.misa@newsstar.

We are 28 months into my wife Connie’s battle with cancer. Cancer turns our world upside down and puts us on an emotional roller coaster.

Last Thursday night while rolling down the road with my infamous walker, I looked up to see a fast-moving bright white ball hurling through the northern sky. As it neared the horizon, the globe broke into two dazzling orbs before all disappeared behind the trees. A celestial surprise.