Lifestyle

Priscilla Washington, President of Chapter DJ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood presents a $500 check to Laura Swearengin, a 2025 honor graduate of Durant High School. The local scholarship is awarded to Laura as she plans to attend Oklahoma City University this fall as a Choral Music Education major. P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational Organization whose goal is to further education for women through grants,, scholarships, awards and loans. Laura is the daughter of Matt and Jennifer Swearengin. Photo provided

P.E.O. awards scholarship to honor graduate

News Staff

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

P.E.O. awards scholarship to honor graduate.

Mary Perkins, 99, received an award during the Gardner family reunion for being the oldest living family member. She is shown with Tyler Gardner and David Gardner.

Gardner family has reunion

News Staff

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Descendants of Jeremiah Gardner and Clarrisa (Leflore) all gathered at Old Church in Bennington, Oklahoma on Sunday June 15, 2025. The Gardner family and friends’ reunion has taken place on Father’s Day for 72 years.

Wilson celebrates 70th birthday

News Staff

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Winston Wilson celebrated his 70th birthday June 19 at The Gordon Event Center with a theme of peace, love and music. He is shown with his wife Martha.

Shown are, Kiwanian Kyle Stephens, Scholarship Winner Mitchell Palmer and Kiwanis President Shyla Whitlock. Photos provided

Kiwanis Club rewards students as they spring into summer

Phyllis Rustin

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Each month of the school term, Kiwanis Club of Durant recognizes scholars from Durant High School and from each of the Bryan County high schools to be considered for $1,000 scholarships. Competition is strong, for each candidate has proven their discipline, academic prowess, and community service.

Democrat editor and photographer Matt Swearengin received three awards during the recent Oklahoma Press Association Better Newspaper contest. Samantha Garrison | Durant Democrat

Democrat receives awards at OPA convention

News Staff

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The Oklahoma Press Association presented its Better Newspaper Contest Awards during the OPA Annual Convention, June 6-7, at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee and the Durant Democrat received four awards.

Feeling summer love in the nursing home

News Staff

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

It is that time of the year when the heat is on and summer is upon us and the kids want to go outside and play in the water, eat watermelon, and have ice cream. The parents are planning summer vacations for the family. Everyone is looking for fun and love this summer.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

News Staff

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

JUNE 22 Meryl Streep, Actress (76) JUNE 23 Jason Mraz, Singer (48) JUNE 24 Lionel Messi, Athlete (38) JUNE 25 Benson Boone, Singer (23) JUNE 26 Aubrey Plaza, Actress (41) JUNE 27 Khloé Kardashian, Reality Star (41) JUNE 28 Kathy Bates, Actress (77)

Oklahoma Representatives Cody Maynard (District 21) and J. J. Humphries (District 19), spoke at the recent Bryan County Retired Educators meeting. Photo provided

Bryan County Retired Educators break for summer

Phyllis Rustin

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Bryan County Retired Educators (BCRE) met for their May meeting at the Choctaw Cultural Center. After a summer break, they will resume meetings in September.

Frances Speers receives the Southeast District’s “Heart of OHCE” award at the Southeast District OHCE Meeting. Photo provided

Frances Speers receives the Heart of OHCE award

News Staff

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Bryan County OHCE is proud of their member Frances Speers who received the Southeast District’s “Heart of OHCE” award presented at the district OHCE meeting held in Sulphur. Frances was nominated by her County OHCE group.

Democratic Women learn about Boys & Girls Club

News Staff

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Democratic Women learn about Boys & Girls Club.

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