Lifestyle

Faith Baptist Church had a float in the Bokchito Christmas parade. From left, Ryan Perry, Sam Spencer, Hunter Weddle and Chris Davis. Not shown but also on the float are, Cody Spencer, Barbie McIntire, Teresa Davis, Linda Hunter, Brenda Phillips and granddaughter Jaci, Faith Perry and boys Josiah and Benaiah. Pulling the float were Bobby Phillips and Kenny Wiley. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Bokchito Christmas parade

News Staff

Monday, December 22, 2025

Bokchito Christmas parade.

Braxton Manous earned Eagle Scout and he gives his mother Corbi Manous a pin during the ceremony. Also shown is Braxton’s father Jason Manous.

Six Boy Scouts achieve Eagle Scout rank

Matt Swearengin

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Six Boy Scouts of Troop 615 were awarded their Eagle Scout ranks during a recent ceremony at Durant First United Methodist Church. The following became Eagle Scouts because of their projects: - Braxton Manous built a GaGa ball pit at the Durant Intermediate School.

Southeastern 2025 fall commencement was last Friday and Saturday at Bloomer Sullivan Arena. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Southeastern has fall commencement

Matt Swearengin

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Southeastern Oklahoma State University held its 2025 fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec.12 for master’s degrees and Saturday, Dec. 13 for baccalaureate degrees at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

The Bryan County Retired Teachers Association met at Opera House Coffee.

Bryan County Retired Teachers Association begin fall meetings

Phyllis Rustin

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Bryan County Retired Teachers Association began their scheduled fall meetings on the third Friday of each school year month-September through May. September’s meeting was held at the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art. The museum is under the direction of Janie Semple Umsted.

COMING EVENTS

News Staff

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Feb. 7 Calera Fire-Rescue is having its 51st annual chili dinner from 11 a.m.

Jonah, kneel in prayer!

News Staff

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

We noticed in our previous article that Jonah waited a LONG time before he finally humbled himself enough to pray. What is so interesting to me about that is the kind of prayer he offers after that long wait.

CLEMENTS

Clements to be inducted into Oklahoma Music Educators Association Hall of Fame

News Staff

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

TULSA – Deborah Clements, adjunct instructor in the Department of Performing Arts at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) Hall of Fame at the OkMEA Honor Awards Reception on January 22, 2026.

ABOVE: Jordan Rainer, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Atoka, performed at the Market Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat RIGHT: The City of Durant Christmas at Market Square was lit following the Christmas parade Dec. 2.