2017 progress

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PROGRESS 2017

ADAM EWING

Community Market and garden The Community Market of Pottawatomie County Food & Resources Center just last month had another grand opening. In its first spring in operation, the center officially established its own community garden.

On a 7,000 square-foot plot of land just to the south of the market, volunteers worked hard to get it planted and ready for the season, Executive Director Daniel Matthews said.

“We will use the produce for our guests at the market,” he said, “and also do educational classes on growing produce at home.”

The center is a group effort to end hunger in the area.

VICKY O. MISA

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 1C

PROGRESS 2017

2C • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Faith Christian Outreach Construction is wrapping up at Faith Christian Outreach on U.S. 177.

ADAM EWING

I-40 bridge construction continues Bridge construction continues on Interstate 40 near Shawnee. The bridges over Old Town Trail, a county road just west of U.S. 177, are currently being rebuilt, which has impacted lanes on I-40.

According to ODOT, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the $7 million contract for this work to Manhattan Road and Bridge Co. of Tulsa in December.

The contract includes financial incentives for early completion of the project, said Cody Boyd from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Media and Public Relations Division.

ADAM EWING

Community Renewal Now a full year into operation locally, Community Renewal, promoting restoration of relationships from within neighborhoods, is on solid footing and pushing forward to reach the next level.

The program held a banquet in April, celebrating its first birthday and, more importantly, keeping its eyes on the prize.

Community Renewal Director Brandon Dyer — along with Jan Tipton, Care Team coordinator, and Travis Flood, Friendship House director — have for the last year consistently challenged members of the community to make the purposeful effort to reach out to each other.

Though the project is a prototype in this area, the community renewal idea is gaining momentum much faster than some experts had estimated. Associate Coordinator Mike Leonard, Community Renewal International, said when the Shawnee group launched, his team — through experience — had a goal in mind

where Shawnee could be five years down the road.

But, in just a year (and one week), Leonard said the group has already doubled it.

Dyer said the local nonprofit has more than 1,200 members in its We Care. team and almost 80 block leaders, so far.

As Dyer and his team keeps applying the pressure to gather every last resident into its fold, it’s now pushing ahead in a deeper move — Friendship Houses.

“We just bought some property in Kickapoo Park, around 7th and Pottenger, where our first Friendship House will be, and where Flood will reside with his family,” Dyer said.

Community Renewal Pottawatomie County’s office is at 1000 N. Kickapoo.

The next information lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14.

Block Leader trainings is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 20.

VICKY O. MISA

PROVIDED PHOTO

ADAM EWING

Pottawatomie County Museum under construction Construction of the new Pottawatomie County Museum will resume June 1, when Indaco Metals will deliver the structural steel for the project. Once delivered, CBT Steel Building Erectors will construct the building.

The Pottawatomie County Mu-

seum is being built on property to the north of the Santa Fe Depot along Minnesota Street between 9th and 10th Streets in Shawnee.

Museum Director Ken Landry is excited about all the extra room the Paul and Ann Milburn Center will offer.

“The building will be 12,572 square feet. It will have a conference room that will seat about 100 people, a full kitchen and a small genealogy research library,” Landry said. “We turn down so many things that people want to donate because we just

don’t have the space to put them.

It’s going to let us put out so many more artifacts and documents that we have.”

Before he died, the late Paul Milburn, while serving as an executive committee member, offered a $500,000 grant for the

society to match. Due to a struggle by the museum to match the funds, the deadline was extended and the goal was reached in December 2015. More than 200 individuals and organizations have contributed to this project.

Avedis Foundation to build offices

COCAA, Chamber change locations

The Avedis Foundation, after four years of searching, located and signed off on a permanent place to call home in October.

The site — 1500 E. Independence — has been a troublesome issue for neighbors, yielding much opposition as construction companies attempted to develop the property. Area neighbors made it clear they approved, voicing their endorsement of Avedis’ proposal.

In April, the Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club hosted a ribbon cutting for Central Oklahoma Community Action at their new office located at 131 N. Bell.

COCAA moved to the chamber’s former building at 131 N. Bell and the Chamber is now located at 231 N. Bell. An open house was held at the new chamber offices in November.

PROGRESS 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 3C

Blue Zones Over the past several months, the Blue Zones Project (BZ) team has collected data about Shawnee and Pottawatomie County and gathered insights from residents to learn about the area for the purpose of addressing problematic health statistics plaguing the community — and the state.

After its launch in January — thanks to the Avedis Foundation, BZ has organized several opportunities for the public to share input.

BZ Senior Vice President Tony Buettner said he’s never seen a community so poised to do extraordinary things.

The BZ team recently organized several public focus-group meetings, as well as some tours of the city and county during its Discovery Phase to learn more about the community and its residents.

In April Shawnee’s Blue Zones Project LLC announced that a lease had been signed for office space and members of the local team are on the job.

Touting three staff members so far, the project now has an office headquartered at 420 E. Main Street — which, until recently, had been home to Ed Bolt’s business, Main St. Photo Studio & Gallery. A handful of locals have been hired as part of the local Blue Zones Project team.

A kickoff is planned for early August, when the Blue Zones Project intends to share the blueprint of where Shawnee is at, what the group is doing to improve it and why.

PROVIDED PHOTO

ADAM EWING

Apartment complex being built north of I-40

ADAM EWING

Life.Church constructing new building The expansion for Life.Church Shawnee is underway. Construction for the congregation’s new building is underway at 5113 N. Harrison Avenue, not too far from the current location on the other side of the road. Construction on

the new Shawnee building began in March 2017.

The 37,055 square foot building sits on 13.62 acres of land and will seat about 750 people for weekly services.

Zimmerman Properties, LLC has been constructing a new 60-unit multi-family housing development known as Shawnee Park Apartments, LP, just east of Denny’s and north of Interstate 40.

In November, the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) approved federal reservations of affordable housing tax credits to build or rehabilitate affordable housing in Oklahoma.

Zimmerman Properties, LLC received an award of $440,290 in state tax credits allocated for the construction of 60 apartments to be known as Shawnee Park Apartments.

Zimmerman received an award of Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds — $500,000 — at the September board meeting that was contingent upon being awarded tax credits at the November meeting.

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Granite panels complete Veterans Memorial in Shawnee The Veterans Memorial project, 11 years in the making, to honor all Oklahomans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America was completed in Shawnee in December when several large granite panels with the names of fallen Oklahoma soldiers were unveiled as the final, crowning element of the memorial.

The latest addition to the Veterans Memorial at Woodland Veterans Park was 10 black granite panels that are 6 feet wide, 6 feet tall and about eight inches thick.

Bill Ford, with the Veterans Memorial Committee, said there are five panels on the north side, and five to the south.

He said each panel weighs 5,400 pounds — 2.5 tons collectively — and the grouping displays the names of Oklahoma military members who have died in combat since the Spanish-American War. He said the names were compiled and verified by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense, then the list was given to the committee.

“Names are engraved on both sides of

the panels, representing more than 7,000 Oklahomans who died in combat,” Ford said.

The Veterans Memorial, at 407 N. Broadway, is on the southwest corner of Woodland Park — just north of the old Carnegie Library building and Pottawatomie County Courthouse.

Veterans’ names are engraved on brick pavers purchased by donors. These pavers form a walkway in the shape of a five-pointed star, with each point representing one branch of the military. The park is a place of solitude and reflection where one can remember those who are serving our country or have served in the past. Dedicated benches, two memorials representing each of the world wars, and an archway over the entrance are carved from black, polished granite. Displays in the park include a (1965 UH-1 “Huey”) helicopter once used during the Korean Conflict. Flags are flown for each of the military branches.

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PROGRESS 2017

4C • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

SHAWNEE MILLING COMPANY 1906-2017

The mill J. Lloyd Ford bought for $10,500, his life savings, on April 20, 1906. He immediately renamed it Shawnee Milling Company and opened its doors for business on Tuesday, April 24, 1906.

Several additions had been made to the original mill by 1908 two years after J. Lloyd Ford opened for business. Ford is shown in horse and buggy near building with “Shawnee Chief Flour” painted on its side. A wagon loaded with mill products is at far left.

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Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 1D

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PROGRESS 2017

2D • Saturday, May 27, 2017

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Clinic brings hope, healing to community Transforming lives – a key component of Oklahoma Baptist University’s mission – is powerfully demonstrated by the University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) graduate program. The students and faculty of the MFT program apply their skills to bring healing to families, couples and individuals.

As part of its MFT master’s degree program, the University currently houses an MFT Counseling Clinic on campus, providing high quality therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families. OBU, in partnership with Avedis Foundation, recently announced the clinic will be moving to a new location on Kickapoo, in the former Pizza Hut facility. A first nail ceremony was held Friday, May 19, to kick off its remodeling.

The new clinic will serve not only the OBU community but also the greater Shawnee community as well, and will feature graduate level therapists in the Marriage and Family Therapy program, who are supervised by faculty.

The MFT Clinic commonly treats a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, faith concerns, self-harm, addiction and a variety of other health issues.

The building will be modified to include eight counseling rooms and an office for the counseling clinic’s director. It will also include space for faculty members and students in the university’s MFT program. The remodel of the new MFT clinic was made possible by a $200,000 grant from Avedis Foundation, a local charitable organization with a “vision to measurably improve the health, wellness and quality of life” for local citizens.

Dr. Canaan Crane, director of the marriage and family therapy graduate program and associate professor of psychology, looks forward to benefits the new facility will bring to his students as well as members of the community.

“I know that this remodeled space will provide a welcoming place for individuals, couples and families to work towards

Construction of Tecumseh school underway On Aug. 23, voters in Tecumseh passed a $12.4 million school bond issue.

The measure passed with 65.68 percent of the vote.

Partial funds from the $12.4 million bond will cover the construction of the childhood center. For every $100 paid in property taxes last year, it will cost residents an additional $12.91 for the year.

Once completed, the building will include a safe room large enough to accommodate the students and staff.

Superintendent Tom Wilsie hopes the project will be completed around the summer of 2018 and expects students to start in the fall of the same year.

Oklahoma Baptist University is remodeling the former Pizza Hut on North Kickapoo to transform it into a University-run counseling clinic. The facility will offer serves to both the OBU community and the general public. Remodeling began with a first nail ceremony May 19, with work scheduled over the summer. The clinic will feature therapists who are students in the University’s Marriage and Family Therapy master’s degree program. Pictured, left to right: Dr. Camille Lafleur, assistant professor of marriage and family therapy; Dr. Jonathan Wilson, assistant professor of psychology/ marriage and family therapy; Dr. Tara Signs, marriage and family therapy clinical director; and Dr. Canaan Crane, director of the marriage and family therapy graduate program and associate professor of psychology. healing,” he said. “Our therapists are dedicated to working collaboratively with clients on developing ways to pursue emotional and relational health. We believe that people, working together, can find healing and renewal. We are very grateful for the Avedis Foundation’s investment in this community. We are excited to be a part of making Shawnee a better and healthier place to live.”

Dr. Tara Signs, MFT Clinic director, is excited to bring the clinic into its new home and out into the greater community.

“I think it’s important to recognize the stigma that only individuals with a mental illness or those experiencing a severe interpersonal crisis may benefit from therapy,” she said. “The reality is that we all experience life’s challenges and stresses. It’s inevitable. Sometimes those problems and demands be-

come overwhelming and at times difficult to manage.

When this happens, the OBU MFT Clinic is available to provide a safe and confidential space where people can find healing.”

The Marriage and Family Therapy Approach MFTs are trained to provide a systems-oriented treatment approach to work with mental, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal issues. A therapist may work with couples and families together, or with individuals to address mental health concerns, improve relationships, positively affect the family dynamic and improve communication between loved ones. The job of the marriage and family therapist is to identify factors disrupting the family and work together to resolve them.

The field’s growing prominence is partially due to this family-centered ap-

proach and demonstrated effectiveness. More than 6.1 million people annually are seen by MFTs, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT).

“Most counseling takes an individual route,” Crane said. “However, in MFT, while we may work with individuals, we always think relationally. We look at enacting systemic change.

You get much better and longer lasting results.”

All courses are taught from an MFT perspective, providing systems-oriented training for excellent preparation to work with families and couples.

“The MFT degree equips you with knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare you for licensure as an MFT and clinical practice,” Signs said. “Because of this extensive training, MFTs can be successful in diverse settings,

including community and government agencies, hospitals, religious settings, residential/inpatient and outpatient facilities, and private practices.”

The OBU Difference The MFT program at OBU equips graduates to practice marriage and family therapy from a Christian perspective. Students frequently discuss how faith may be connected with a career in marriage and family therapy.

“Our classes have regular discussions about how faith is important in both our lives and in our clients’ lives,” Crane said.

“We strive to equip our students to understand a biblical worldview and we hope that our students will provide excellent services to clients that incorporate a holistic perspective.”

OBU faculty have clinical experience as practicing therapists and teaching experience in MFT pro-

grams, giving students a high quality academic experience, resulting in strong licensure pass rates.

The expert faculty are not only experienced in the field, but also are AAMFT approved supervisors and licensed as MFTs themselves.

Options are available for OBU undergraduate students to participate in the integrated MFT program, earning up to 12 hours toward their master’s degree while still in undergraduate studies. The University is also launching MFT courses this fall in both Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City.

For more information on the MFT Clinic at OBU, visit www.okbu.edu/student-life/student-services/ university-counseling. For more information on the Marriage and Family Therapy program at OBU, visit www.okbu.edu/mft.

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PROGRESS 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 3D

ADAM EWING

Groundbreaking held for school bond projects On Thursday, May 18, Shawnee Public Schools, Nabholz Construction and Renaissance Architects broke ground on several upcoming construction projects at Shawnee High School.

The first projects to

begin construction will include the expansion and repaving of the parking lot, in addition to the remodel of the Special Education Classroom.

Following, the high school will then receive the addition of new en-

Dale passes $10M bond issue

By Adam Ewing

In February, voters in Dale approved a $10 million bond issue for construction of a new high school and gymnasium.

Election results show 282 voted in favor (75.81%), while 90 voted no (24.19%). The bond issue will cause an increase of $1.65 for every $100 paid in property taxes annually.

“We are thrilled,” Dale Superintendent Charlie Dickinson said after the election results posted. “The whole community is excited. Any time you can get 75 percent of the people to agree to a project and to raise taxes, you’ve done something right. We are beyond excited to get a new high school and gymnasium for our community.”

The new high school building will consist of 20 classrooms, seven more than the current high school. Added features would also include a science lab, computer lab and added security features, Dickinson said.

The new gymnasium will double the amount of seating to an estimated 1,200, triple the amount of restrooms available and add air-conditioning to the facility, Dickinson said.

McLoud to build new intermediate school In April, voters in the McLoud School district approved a $10.6 million bond issue that will result in the construction of a new intermediate school.

Election results show 479 voters (64.38%) were in favor of the bond, while 265 voters (35.62%) were opposed. To pass, bonds must have a 60 percent supermajority Now that the bond has passed, property taxes will stay the same for the 2018 tax year as they were during the 2016 tax season. Residents will see a slight decrease during the 2017 tax year as another bond expires.

trances with security access, new restrooms and a new media center.

The former media center will be renovated into an expanded cafeteria.

Science classrooms will be updated and remodeled for additional space.

Technology upgrades will also be installed throughout the building.

The activities and athletic department will also be receiving numerous improvements for the district. A new wrestling complex and multi-pur-

pose facility addition, Stucker Complex, will be built and double as a safe room. The baseball fields will receive new concessions and other enhancements while the softball field will receive new field dugouts and

fencing. Facility improvements will be carried out at the Tennis Courts. Jim Thorpe Stadium will have ADA seating installed. A new band room addition also will be constructed.

This project is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Shawnee Public Schools: $32M bond issue

By Vicky O. Misa

Recently Shawnee Board of Education members discussed various updates on district improvements funded by the passage of a $32 million bond issue, along with additional county sales tax proceeds.

Shawnee Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. April Grace said the district has been receiving an average of $100,000 per month in added county sales tax proceeds — meaning about $1.2 million a year in additional revenue.

The district has allotted $3,250,000 in those county funds to pay for much of the new construction and safe room for the Stucker complex at the high school — about three-quarters of the project’s cost, along with 1,057,500 in bond issue funds.

Another item is $300,000 set aside for the possibility of purchasing land for a new elementary school.

Unlike upgrades to existing schools, the planned new elementary school needs more contemplation, such as where to place it — whether to purchase property or set it up on a plot of land already owned by the district.

According to Business Manager David Harp’s financial break-down of the bond issue plans, Mass Architects estimated that a 60,000 square-foot facility could be constructed on approximately seven to 10 acres of land.

A decision the district must make is whether to buy land or use what they have.

Finding the appropriate size property in a particular area leaves few options.

The issue of land purchase is still undecided for now.

Other improvements county education tax money is specifically tagged to fund include work on parking and playgrounds at Will Rogers and Jefferson Elementary; corridor wall finishes at the high school; remodeling at Sequoyah; as well as some contingency funds set aside for all the sites.

A projected total of $11,118,646 (about 10 years of collections) is allotted to be used from county sales tax to add district improvements that the bond does not cover.

The $32 million bond was voted just more than

a year ago; items on the list were determined through community input as well as internal staff and administration.

Shawnee school district’s planned improvements through the bond issue: Safety and Security — $6,830,000 • Secure entries, classroom and safe rooms at Horace Mann Elementary • Secure entries, office, classrooms and safe rooms at Jefferson Elementary • Secure entries, lobby, classrooms at Sequoyah Elementary • Secure entries, lobby, classrooms and safe rooms at Will Rogers Elementary • Secure entries at Shawnee Middle School Shawnee High School Improvements — $8,825,000 • Secure entries • Parking lot expansion and repaving • Cafeteria and library renovation • Interior finishes and upgrades • Science classroom renovations • Technology upgrades New Construction and Upgrades — $13,545,000 • New elementary school -– Northwest Shawnee Athletic / Activities Improvements — $3,025,000 • New band room • Construct athletic facility/safe room at Stucker Complex at Shawnee High School • Baseball concessions and restrooms at Shawnee High School • Softball dugouts and fencing at Shawnee High School • Tennis facility improvements at Shawnee High School • ADA seating upgrades — Jim Thorpe Stadium at Shawnee High School

North Rock Creek passes $20M bond for new high school

By Adam Ewing

In a special election held Jan. 10, voters in the North Rock Creek school district voted in favor of $20,910,000 bond issue that will allow the district to construct a new high school for the district that currently goes through

eighth grade.

The bond issue comes with a 21 percent increase in property taxes. For every $1,000 paid in property taxes, residents will now pay an extra $210 annually.

Election results show 287 voters (62.80%) were in favor while 170 voted against

(37.20%). Bond issues must pass by a 60 percent supermajority.

“Our parents stepped up and made this happen,“ Superintendent Blake Moody said. “I’m thankful for the community and their willingness to make the sacrifice for the betterment of

our students.”

The new school, hopefully completed by the 2018-19 school year, Moody said, will be a 45,350 square foot building that consists of 20 classroom spaces, a cafeteria and kitchen, band room and vocational and agriculture space. Moody

said he envisions the innovation center will have a library and media component, spaces for robotics and possibly television and broadcasting space.

There also will be special education spaces along with traditional classrooms.

In order to fully utilize

the new school, it will be built directly next to the current middle school, Moody said. Students taking band will be able to practice in the new high school’s band room. The cafeteria will be open to the middle school students as well.

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PROGRESS 2017

4D • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

NASNTI grant makes impact at St. Gregory’s University St. Gregory’s University was honored to receive one of only twelve NASNTI (Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution) Grants provided this year from the United States Department of Education.

This grant is awarded to American Indian nontribal-serving institutions (universities and community colleges who have a minimum of 10% American Indians within their student body) to assist such institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve and expand such institutions’ capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals.

Types of projects being pursued by St. Gregory’s University under the auspices of the grant are: • Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes; • Renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities; • Support of faculty exchanges, and faculty development and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction; • Curriculum development and academic instruction; • Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials; • Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of

equipment for use in strengthening funds management; • Joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries; • Academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services; and • Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students’ families.

The current staff includes Jordan Parsons (Director), Anthony Stine (Secretary) and Cedric Sunray (Coordinator of Perseverance Programs).

Daily activities conducted by grant employees include scholarship and grant writing workshops and assistance with a variety of areas which impact American Indian and low-income student perseverance at the higher education level.

In conjunction with the day-to-day workings of the program, numerous trips and activities have occurred on campus during the spring semester to include attendance at ONASHE (Oklahoma Native American Students in Higher Education) Conference and the Latino Film Festival in Oklahoma City. St. Gregory’s University’s Future Black Leaders student organization lead empowerment workshops for Jarman Middle School students in Midwest City, panel discussions on issues impacting Oklahoma’s Hispanic population at First American United Methodist Church in Norman, involvement with the American Indian Catholic

Members of St. Gregory’s University’s Greek Community came together for a day of fellowship and service where they worked together to build picnic tables to be used by the St. Gregory’s community on campus. At bottom right, Choctaw Indian students from St. Gregory’s University and the University of Oklahoma participate in a Choctaw Identity workshop on the University of Oklahoma campus. The event was hosted by the Choctaw Nation College & Career Resources Program and coordinator Hannah Blackwell and facilitated by the NASNTI program at St. Gregory’s University.

Retreat in Guthrie and the creation of the first annual American Indian Graduates Honoring Ceremony at St. Gregory’s which honored seventeen American Indian and Indigenous graduates this year.

The university also added a chapter of the nation’s largest and oldest American Indian fraternity, Phi

Sigma Nu, to its Greek Life offerings and increased its student volunteer initiatives on campus by refurbishing athletic facilities and creating outdoor recreation and leisure spaces for community and class gatherings.

This summer, the university’s NASNTI program will launch its first three-

day student empowerment camp which provides incoming freshmen with the necessary skills to be successful at the collegiate level. From financial aid and scholarship literacy to navigating the social, cultural, spiritual, athletic, artistic and academic realities of university life; a comprehensive number

of areas will be covered.

Also, the summer brings new space renovations to the university’s Rockwood Student Center which will grow access and programs for students.

For information about the program contact Jordan Parsons at jparsons@ stgregorys.edu or 405-8785154.

Shawnee Middle School Avedis Park project During Spring Break contractors leveled the ground and poured cement to create a concrete foundation for tennis courts on campus directly south of Shawnee Middle School.

Other aspects of the effort included an amphitheater and walking trails.

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PROGRESS 2017

2E • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Round House continues legacy

By Adam Ewing

For those who don’t know, Shawnee blossomed into one of early Oklahoma’s most prominent towns thanks to the railroad.

According to The Shawnee Herald’s March 4, 1910 edition, Round House, originally known as Shawnee Garment Factory, was founded by A.N. Bonwell and S. C. Lackland in 1903.

In the early days of Round House, the Santa Fe and Rock Island railroad companies had repair shops in Shawnee. By 1907, there was an average of 42 passenger trains and 65 freight trains making their way through Shawnee daily. Bonwell and Lackland wanted to make sure the thousands of railroad workers in Shawnee had durable work attire when repairing the locomotives.

With the brand name Round House, the Shawnee Garment Factory honored the circular railroad repair stations of this time period.

While at the original factory, located at 320-324 E. Main Street, Shawnee Garment employed around 70 people, while making denim products ranging from jackets, shirts, jeans, overalls, sacks and aprons.

For roughly seven years, Round House had their headquarters on Main Street. Their booming business required the company to move to a larger facility, located at 113-117 N. Bell Street, in 1910.

The new location was a three story building that included 150 stitching machines, six felling machines and five buttoning machines, while employing over 200 workers. The Bell Street building cost $40,000 to build.

The March 4, 1910 edition of the Shawnee Herald described the new building as, “one of the best buildings in the city and it is only a ‘taste’ of

what is coming to Shawnee.”

Alvin S. Nuckolls, who started out as Shawnee Garment’s secretary, took control of the business somewhere between 1909 and 1910.

According to round-house.com, Nuckolls “helped the Round House brand flourish and built a reputation as the finest, best-fitting, longest-wearing American-made jeans and overalls in the United States.”

J.J. and Gene Truscott purchased Round House from the Nuckolls family in 1938. Prior to becoming co-owner, J.J. Truscott worked as the general manager and salesman for 25 years.

With the United States getting involved in World War II, the need came for all American-based businesses to step up to the plate and help with the war effort. Round House supplied the U.S. Army with khakis during the war. They continue the tradition of serving the military to this day.

As jeans became increasingly popular in the 1960s, Round House expanded production into two factories.

During this time they began selling their products in Germany, England and France.

Edward Antosh purchased the company in 1964. He would help secure accounts at retail chains such as CR Anthony’s and Target, while selling the Round House product at more than 400 independently owned retailers.

Edward’s oldest son, Jim, joined Round House as a manager in 1978, and eventually became president in 1986. Upon Jim taking over the business, Round House was successfully sold at J.C. Penney, Atwoods and Baskins.

Round House moved locations for a third time in 1995. The company is still operating out this location at 1 American Way in Shawnee.

In 2003, Round House made Guin-

ness World Records for the largest pair of overalls. They are 17 feet four inches tall, with an inseam of eight feet six inches and a 174 inch waist.

As one of the oldest manufacturers in Oklahoma, Round House Vice President David Antosh feels it is important to keep the hand-crafted tradition alive and is grateful for his highly-skilled laborers, he said.

“Sewing jeans and bib overalls is a highly-skilled career that can takes years to master,” Antosh said. “Sewing involves constantly using your hands to move and stretch material in different shapes while also using your feet to control the speed of the machine and your eyes to make sure your sewing not too fast, not too slow and in the correct place. It is incredibly difficult and quite a workout.”

With very few clothing manufacturers still producing items in the United States, Antosh said it’s very important to keep the over a century old tradition alive..

“We take pride in making bib overalls and jeans that are shipped to over 20 countries all over the world,” Antosh said. “Governor Fallin personally presented Round House with Oklahoma’s Exporter of the Year award for 2011.”

Currently Round House has around 50 employees and about a third of them have over a decade of experience, Antosh said.

The Antosh family continues the Round House Legacy by continuing to make jeans and overalls tough enough for the hardest work but comfortable for everyday use as well, Antosh said.

For more information on Round House, or to purchase a pair of American-made jeans visit www.roundhouse.com.

Round House president Jim Antosh with the largest pair of overalls according to Guiness World Records.

Markings on the floor Round House workers used to measure out material.These can be found in the warehouse of Marquis Furniture in Shawnee.

Shawnee and Area Businesses

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215 N Bell Shawnee, OK 74801 www.news-star.com

201 S Broadway Ave Shawnee, OK 74801 shawneemilling.com

Publisher: Kent Bush

Bill Ford, Bob Ford Joe Ford

Est. 1944

Est. 1946

226 N Broadway Ave. Shawnee, Ok 74801 demcoprinting@ gmail.com

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

GROCERY & MEAT MARKET

500 W University Shawnee, OK 74804

41200 Hardesty Rd. Shawnee, Ok 74801

Ron Henderson Renee Henderson Wortham

www.okbu.edu

(405)273-7295

Dr. David W. Whitlock

Frank Oliver

Est. 1947

Est. 1959

Est. 1966

Patterson Roofing Construction, LLC 1101 N. Kickapoo Shawnee, Ok 74801 (405) 273-6031 www.pattersonroof.com Ivan Patterson Jill Anderson Benito Hernandez

Est. 1967

Serving Clients, Providing Solutions, and Enabling Success

2425 N Kickapoo St Shawnee, OK 74804 http://www. houseofflowersok.com/

Est. 1934

- Partners Nate Atchison, Tim Barnes, Dan Bledsoe, Jonathan Gauss, Kevin Huddleston, Scott Huebert

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN 450 N. Harrison at Highland

DON’S COPIERS PLUS 1502 S Beard St Shawnee, Ok 74801

Hank and Marta Land

601 N. Broadway, Shawnee 1-800-375-3286 www.finley-cook.com

Visit Our Other Locations Kickapoo at I-40 Harrison and 45th Kickapoo near Federal

Est. 1967

Est. 1976

Est. 1976

Est. 1979

The West Law Firm

SALES • SERVICE RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

E and J’s

BALL PIPE & SUPPLY, INC.

www.copiersshawneeok.com

Don & Steven Holland

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The Clinic Pharmacy P

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3210 Kethley Blvd Shawnee, Ok 74804 www.tcpshawnee.com

Tim Barrick

Shawnee, Ok

NAPA AutoCare Center, LLC.

124 W Highland St. Shawnee, OK 74801

shawneegaragedoor.com

1026 E Highland St Shawnee, OK 74801

www.thewestlawfirm.com

(405)788-4528

(405)275-8016

Terry West

Glen Long

Eddie & Judy Waldron

701 Hardesty Rd. Shawnee, OK 74801 https://yaffeco.net/ Kenny Williams

PROGRESS 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 3E

The West Law Firm touts 50 years of service The West Law Firm celebrated its 50th anniversary with founding partner, Terry W. West, still active in the firm which opened its doors in January 1967.

The West Law Firm is a plaintiff law firm that represents victims of personal injury, including product liability, motor vehicle collision, defective drugs and medical malpractice.

In addition to Terry West, the firm also includes Partner Bradley C. West, along with Attorneys Gregg W. Luther, J. Shawn Spencer and Legal Assistant Bart D. West.

The West Law Firm attorneys: attorney J. Shawn Spencer, left; managing partner and founder Terry W. West; partner Bradley C. West; and attorney Gregg W. Luther. At right, Brad, Bart and Terry West circa 1988.

Finley & Cook provides consulting services for more than 70 years Finley & Cook, PLLC in Shawnee is an Oklahoma certified public accounting firm employing more than 200 employees with 140 dedicated to tribal and casino projects.

The team of Certified Public Accountants, degreed accountants, paraprofessionals and administrative employees have been providing consulting services

for 70 years.

Finley and Cook has clients in more than 40 states including Puerto Rico and are currently working with 52 Tribes, Tribal Casinos, and Tribal enterprises.

Over the last 16 years, Finley and Cook has provided accounting and consulting services to 87 Tribes and Tribal enterprises and more than 80 casinos.

the Place To Be Est. 1985

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Gibson & Reynolds Located in Historic Downtown Shawnee 124 N Bell St. 405-275-8535

100 W 9th St Shawnee, OK 74801 www.grbpc.com

Shawnee – 130 E. MacArthur (405) 275-8830 FireLake – 1545 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. (405) 878-4877

Toby Blaylock, Agent www.tobyblaylock@allstate.com

John Gibson & James Reynolds

www.fnbokla.bank

Est. 1994

Est. 2003

Est. 2004

Shawnee Colonial Estates

AIR FORCE 1

SUN MASTERS LLC Car Audio - Tint Alarms Truck Accessories

1704 N. Harrison Shawnee, OK 74804

(405)

878-0700

Est. 2008

Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL WE ALSO DO REFRIGERATION SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION

(405) 214-0250 David Bibb, Jr.

Est. 2007

Lobo’s

Tecumseh/Shawnee, Oklahoma

Car Wash & Detail Tires & Wheels

(405) 214-5550

405-274-2525

535 W. Federal, Shawnee

Est. 2014

4650 N Harrison St, Shawnee, OK 74804

www.lobostires1.com

centraldisposalok.com

Tim & Terry Muirhead

Joel & Juan Villalobos

(405) 275-0900

Est. 2016

Est. 2017

Est. 2017

Greek House

Auto • Residential • Commercial

117 N. Park Shawnee, OK 74801

Est. 2004

A/C & HTG., L.L.C.

Airforce1heatandair.com

1125 N Kickapoo Ave, Shawnee, OK 74801

www.potawatomi.org John Rocky Barrett

(405) 273-7661

Hours M-F 8-6 Sat 8-12

1310 Gordon Cooper Dr

1102 N. Kickapoo Shawnee, OK (405)

777-8172

glassactionok.com

Christina Hernandez

Danny & Michelle Barton

www.facebook.com/ okiedokiemercantileco/

2033 N. Kickapoo Shawnee, OK (405) 432-5150 11 am - 9 pm Closed Sundays

4520 Marketplace On Kickapoo, North of 45th Street

FreddysUSA.com

PROGRESS 2017

4E • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Shawnee Milling Co. expansion underway

By Kent Bush and Vicky O. Misa

One of Oklahoma’s oldest manufacturers is growing again.

Shawnee Milling has been a part of the Shawnee community for more than 100 years. One reason for that success has always been a leadership team with an eye on future growth.

“We are always thinking 10-20 years down the road,” said Shawnee Milling Chairman Bill Ford.

“This project is the culmination of moves we have made over the past two decades.”

Ford said the company has had the foresight to purchase dozens of strategically located parcels of land over the past 40 years. They also worked with the City of Shawnee to close Broadway where it intersected with the plant operations.

Those moves made room for the addition of a new bin tower that adds another huge structure to the Shawnee skyline.

“There are other mills and manufacturers who didn’t have the opportunity to purchase land around them,” Shawnee Milling President Joe Ford said.

“Because of that, they are having to expand to sites in areas away from their primary locations. We have been fortunate to be able to grow where we are.”

With the upcoming addition of a new bin tower, the Shawnee Milling footprint in downtown Shawnee is growing again.

“The expansion affects our largest department,” Joe Ford said. “But unlike other projects like this, we aren’t shutting anything down to do the expansion.

We can re-route processes around the plant to make it work.”

The new structure will connect to the existing buildings. It will look like a straight wall tower and it will go across the area where Broadway once ran.

The new tower probably won’t be the last expansion for Shawnee milling at the downtown location. The company purchased the lot on the northeast corner of Beard and Farrall St. in order to have room to expand the warehouse when it is necessary. In fact, two new silos just south of the mill are nearly finished.

Shawnee Milling Co. celebrated its 111th year of operation April 24.

To stay in business for 100 years, there have to be a lot of things working for a company. The Fords agree on what some of those things are at Shawnee Milling.

“I think our reputation is important,” Bill Ford said.

“The people who came before us set a standard that we work hard to earn every day.”

Joe Ford said that reputation goes beyond quality products to how the plant runs every day.

“The standard of how we treat people is a legacy that guides how we make decisions,” he said. “We value relationships.”

Those relationships include working within the plant with the 150 employees who make the company successful and also the relationship with suppliers and vendors across the country and beyond its borders.

Shawnee Milling manufactures a private label corn meal used across the Caribbean and a waffle cone mix that is used across Australia in addition to the many products that can be purchased in local grocery stores and those that are used in restaurants.

It all started in 1894 with Shawnee Roller Mills.

In 1903 –– about the time Santa Fe Depot was being built –– the average American worker labored 10 hours a day, six days a week for $12 per week, according to round-house. com.

The Shawnee Milling Co. is working on some expansion efforts. Two new silos to the south of the mill are nearly finished.

Oklahoma was still Indian Territory, four years before statehood. Over 100 trains roared through the town of Shawnee each day as thousands of railroad workers built toward America’s westward expansion, the website states.

Then a year before statehood –– when Shawnee was just 11 years old –– J. Lloyd Ford bought Shawnee Roller Mills in 1906. At that time it was producing about 75 barrels of flour per day (a barrel could hold 200 pounds of flour).

Just around the corner on Main Street, 3-year-old Round House was manufacturing denim products.

Ford changed the businesses’ name to Shawnee Milling Co. and transported it north, across the North Canadian River, to the site where the company stands now.

“It originally was by Hardesty Grocery,” Bill Ford, J. Lloyd’s grandson said. “They brought it over with ropes and mules.”

Things were going well by the 1930s. The mill had expanded –– owning flour and feed mills in Okeene, Stillwater, Pauls Valley, Ada, Hobart and Hugo.

But, on Aug. 11, 1934, J. Lloyd –– and the city –– suffered a mighty setback when Shawnee’s mill burned to the ground; the loss was estimated to be around $300,000.

J. Lloyd may have been devastated, but he didn’t let it destroy his dream.

Without hesitation, he immediately gathered his employees and hired them to clear the site –– and just nine months later Shawnee Milling rose from the ashes, celebrating with a three-day dedication in June of 1935.

That same year, a 26foot tall, 14-foot wide Christmas star was anchored atop the 90-foot elevator –– and has been there ever since.

Now, the facilities include a 7,000 cwt, or hundredweight –– one twentieth of a ton, daily capacity flour mill, a 3,000 cwt daily capacity corn mill, and a dry mix plant that specializes in wheat and corn-based baking mixes for a diverse set of applications.

The Shawnee plant produces over one million pounds of food products daily, and the quality and consistency of these products are monitored on-site, in a 7,500-square-foot quality control and product development lab, the website states.

“We are capable of packing a variety of products in sizes from a few ounces to 2,000 lb. bulk bags,” the site states.

The milling company produces a broad line of

baking needs including wheat flours, corn meal and corn flours, and a variety of baking mixes.

Product offerings include products for home baking, food service, and industrial uses, according to shawneemilling.com.

Shawnee Milling Company has nine country elevators in prime wheat-growing regions in Oklahoma that receive grain directly from local farmers. These areas consistently produce some of the highest quality wheat in the world, the site reads.

The Okeene Flour Mill is located among some of the most productive wheat fields in the state. Okeene Milling specializes in bulk bakery flour, tortilla flour and whole wheat flour sold under the Okeene and Angel White brands. Okeene Milling provides flour to a number of national baking companies.

“We partner with the outstanding Oklahoma farming community to source wheat and corn that is grown in Oklahoma and that serves as the foundation of our line of outstanding Shawnee Mills and Shawnee’s Best products,” according to the site.

Many of the mill’s products ship to locations across the nation and overseas, and Shawnee Mills and Shawnee Best retail grocery products can be found in most grocery stores in Oklahoma and in many stores throughout Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, among other places, the website states.

Shawnee Food Service products are used across the United States, internationally, and can be found in a number of nationally known restaurant chains.

“We mill flour against the biggest in the world,” Bill said.

Shawnee Mills is a charter member of the Made In Oklahoma Coalition (MIO), a 44-member coalition that represents 25,000 Oklahoma employees and contributes $3.2 billion of its sales to the Oklahoma economy.

Some information from the article was gathered from “Shawnee Milling Company: An American Dream, 1906-2006, written by Virginia and Jim Bradshaw.

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

PROGRESS 2017

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 1F

n i s e ss u B

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FireLake 1545 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. (405) 878-4877

PROGRESS 2017

2F • Saturday, May 27, 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

What’s new at CPN? A lot!

From one year to the next, it seems that the landscape around the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s FireLake complex changes with new construction, rehabilitation of existing facilities or improved infrastructure utilized by the community in Pottawatomie County.

In 2017 those changes are as visible as ever, with new buildings rising out of corn fields, the re-opening of Pottawatomie County’s oldest bridge and an upgraded FireLake Golf Course just a few of the big changes happening at Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

SQUIRREL CREEK BRIDGE

Thought to be Pottawatomie County’s oldest span, the Squirrel Creek Bridge located between the towns of Shawnee and Tecumseh is a familiar site to many who have visited the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s tribal powwow grounds.

In late 2016 and early 2017, the CPN Roads Department utilized federal grant funds to rehabilitate the 100 year old single span rainbow arch bridge and plan on re-opening it in a dedication ceremony ahead of the tribe’s June 2017 Family Reunion Festival.

CPN WORKFORCE & SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT; CPN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM BUILDINGS

Rising from what was once a cornfield just northeast of the tribal administration building at 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, two new buildings housing CPN Workforce & Social Services and CPN Transportation Department stand as a testament to the tribe’s growth. The for-

mer has transitioned from its previous name, CPN Employment & Training Department, but provides many of the same services.

FIRELAKE GOLF COURSE

The only person more thrilled than Pottawatomie County golfers about the re-opening of FireLake Golf Course after nearly two years of renovations is Director Chris Chesser, who hopes to have the new clubhouse and renovated course open by July 2017.

The driving range is set to re-open along with the course, but the new club house and pro shop are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The course is also staffing up on positions for the clubhouse’s bar and restaurant operations, applications can be submitted at www.

FireLakeJobs.com.

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

Those interested in history or the ties of CPN should stop by the CPN Cultural Heritage Center to see new exhibits and a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian before it moves on at the end of June. Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces tells the remarkable history of the brave American Indian and Alaska Native men and women who have served in the United States military. Those interested in tours should contact the CHC at 405-878-5830 as the museum remains closed to the public due to ongoing construction.

Though the museum remains open by appointment only, the Citizen

Landscape changes to the tribal complex include the recently refurbished Squirrel Creek Bridge, top photo, the addition of the FireLake Golf Course clubhouse and the lifeways exhibit at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center.

Potawatomi Gift Shop remains open from Monday-Saturdays, and remains a premier stop for those interested in Native American art, regalia supplies and items tied to CPN cultural heritage. They’re also open online at giftshop.potawatomi.org.

FIRELAKE DISCOUNT FOODS

Throughout the last year FireLake Discount Foods has undergone a significant undertaking of focusing on empowering its staff to focus on being “committed to retail excellence, one customer at a time.” Much of the store’s layout and physical attributes have been overhauled or renovated. New cash registers,

aisle layouts and renovated counters for the deli, FireLake BBQ and bakery can be seen at the front of the store located at 1570 Gordon Cooper Drive.

Additionally, more than 1,200 new items have been added to meet the needs of customers shopping for gluten free, natural and organic products.

Another update has been an improved FireLake Foods Loyalty Program, which gives registered customers the option to earn points while they

shop. Those interested in a FireLake Foods Card can

stop by the customer care counter at FireLake.

Ice cream superstore scoops Tecumseh The much-anticipated Braum’s is now open in Tecumseh.

ADAM EWING

Groundbreaking held at GF Central Plastics On March 30, Georg Fischer Central Plastics held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 25,000 square foot building. Total cost of the project is an estimated $4.3 million. The building is expected to be completed in June.

GF Central Plastics is located at 39605 Independence Street in Shawnee.

ADAM EWING

KIM MORAVA

Universal Forest begins operations Universal Forest Products Shawnee, LLC is a new manufacturing facility operating at 8702 N. Harrison. UFPI has about 80 locations in the U.S. and 6,500 employees. The UFPI manufactures siding, sheathing, trim, moulding, decking, fencing, lattice, landscaping and garden items and more. Visit www.ufpi.com.

ADAM EWING KIM MORAVA

Car dealer opens A ribbon cutting was held in November for Regal Car Sales and Credit, located at 4200 N. Harrison.

ADAM EWING

Storage facility opens Wolverine Storage is now open at Harrison and Wolverine Roads.

ADAM EWING

Agent builds new office building

Freddy’s opens in Shawnee

Chris Rick, State Farm agent, is now operating in a new office at Kickapoo and Federal. The new building was constructed behind the former building, which was later torn down to make room for a parking lot.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opened in Shawnee on April 25, at 4520 Marketplace Blvd. — along North Kickapoo between CVS Pharmacy and Aldi Grocery — in Shawnee Marketplace.

PROGRESS 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Saturday, May 27, 2017 • 3F

Domino Plaza project underway roads and a privately managed, public-use dog park — the city is helping with a sales tax rebate agreement of up to $785,000 over a seven-year span, which will not begin until the second structure has been built and filed for its occupancy permit.

The proposed Domino Plaza Addition project plans to place at least five commercial developments along the east side of Harrison Street in the strip between 45th St. and Bruton Drive, starting with the Domino Express gas station just across the street

Dirt work has started on a large project, Domino Plaza Addition, on Harrison Street between 45th and Interstate 40.

Elmer Smith Oil Company, owner of the Domino Express gas station at Kickapoo Spur, is beginning work on a second station at the northeast corner of Harrison and 45th St. — and it intends to bring several more businesses with it.

Because some aspects of the $4.5 million project require installation of public-use items — an added traffic signal, shared access

from Sonic Drive-In. Space for two hotels and up to four restaurants are slated for the remaining lots, though no specific businesses are being named at this time.

Three common areas will be included on the nearly 15 acres, where detention ponds and a 1.17-acre dog park — privately maintained, but for public-use — would be, as well as walking trails, lighting, landscaping, benches, picnic area, a footbridge, and small and large breed dog partitions.

ADAM EWING

ADAM EWING

ADAM EWING

ADAM EWING

New location opens

Domino Express opens

FFO Home opens

After an extensive remodeling project to a building, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benchmark Realty moved from two locations on Broadway Street near downtown to the new location at 3601 N. Harrison. A ribbon cutting was held in December.

On the southwest corner of Kickapoo Spur and Kickapoo Street, Domino Express Food and Fuel station is up and running; the store had its opening in February. Domino is open 24 hours per day.

The ribbon cutting was held in November for FFO Home, located at 4939 N. Union Avenue. The Shawnee business offers a 17,000-square-foot showroom, with another 8,000 square feet used as a warehouse –– 25,360 square feet total.

ADAM EWING

VICKY O. MISA

Sonic’s makes move to new site

Joe Cooper builds new dealership

At the southwest corner of Harrison and Highland indicates, one of Shawnee’s icons is about to make a move.

In March Kristin Davis, director of communications for Sonic, said the franchisee hoped to open the new drive-in sometime in May, but she recently said its grand opening would likely be early June.

Joe Cooper Chevrolet is currently operating at its new location on Shawnee Mall Drive. Construction wrapped up early as the dealership was expected to move from the Harrison Street location sometime in October. The new Joe Cooper Ford is currently under construction just east of this dealership.

ADAM EWING

ADAM EWING

ADAM EWING

New Kwick Stop

Kubota moves to new building

Daliyah Greek House opens

The former Kwick Stop near MacArthur and Kickapoo Street was torn down and the new Sinclair at 2723 N. Kickapoo opened.

In October, the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club hosted a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the new location for Great Plains Kubota at 14280 U.S. Highway 177.

The dealership had been previously located at MacArthur and Harrison Streets.

In November, Daliyah Greek House, at 2033 N. Kickapoo, opened by owner Mazin Abujeish.

This is Abujeish’s first restaurant in town. Abujeish said his menu is a healthy one. The Greek and Mediterranean food we serve is gyros, kabobs, skillets, hummus and salads, he said.

Aspen Dental opens

Planet Fitness to open new club in Shawnee

On Thursday, April 27, Dr. Edward Kahn, DMD, opened his new Aspen Dental office in Shawnee.

Located in Suite A at 4520 Market Place, the conveniently-located practice provides dental services that range from dentures and preventative care to general dentistry and restoration.

In April, Planet Fitness announced it will be opening its first health club in Shawnee inside of the Kickapoo Plaza at 600 West Independence St. Representatives anticipate the location will open at the end of 2017.

The new club will be moving into the old Hancock Fabrics space, filling a 15,000 square foot store front located near the center of the community. “Our lease is officially signed, and we have entered into the initial planning stages for construction of this new club. We’re very excited to bring Planet Fitness to the Shawnee area, and also make this our tenth location in central Oklahoma,” said Trey Owen, CEO of United PF Partners, a leading Planet Fitness franchise group that currently operates 67 locations across nine states.

Victoria’s Secret opens in Shawnee Mall Shawnee Mall welcomed a Victoria’s Secret Store in March.

A representative from L Brands (parent company of Victoria’s Secret) said, “The store is approximately 6,650 square feet and Victoria’s Secret PINK has its own entrance.”

The store features a full assortment of the brand’s iconic lingerie collections.

American Pizza moves location in Shawnee Also in 2016, American Pizza moved from its location on Harrison Street to 2122 N. Kickapoo..

Schlotzsky's to open Shawnee location In February, Shawnee Planning Director Justin DeBruin reported Schlotzsky’s Deli was coming to town.

“The site is just south of O’Reilly’s on Kickapoo, near 45th Street,” he said.

The home on that site has been razed in the last couple weeks and dirt work in now underway.

Jimmy John's eyes Shawnee Gourmet sandwich restaurant Jimmy's John's is looking at Shawnee as its next location.

Nathan Louer, with Jimmy John's marketing department, confirmed that the chain has a store planned for Shawnee, but details on the location and a timeframe for opening are yet to be determined.

Louer said more information would likely be available soon.

Domino’s Pizza moves Franchisee Robert Jones said it was due time for his Shawnee Domino’s Pizza business to have a change in scenery.

In the fall the pizzeria, at 1436 N. Harrison, relocated to 1600 N. Kickapoo, where Taco Mayo was formerly occupied.

“The vacancy he created at the Harrison site was planned to be taken over by nextdoor neighbor EZ Pawn, Jones said.

4F • Saturday, May 27, 2017

PROGRESS 2017

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star