Lifestyle

Texoma Medical Center welcomed its first baby of the new year, Luis Angel. Shown are, Pat Emery, president, TMC Volunteers; Maria Lopez, mother; Hannah McMakin, BSN, RN Texoma Medical Center nurse, and Braulio Cruz, father. Photo provided | TMC

Texoma Medical Center welcomed its first baby of the new year, Luis Angel. Shown are, Pat Emery, president, TMC Volunteers; Maria Lopez, mother; Hannah McMakin, BSN, RN Texoma Medical Center nurse, and Braulio Cruz, father. Photo provided | TMC

Texoma Medical Center welcomes Baby New Year 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Texoma Medical Center is pleased to announce the birth of the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. Baby New Year’s name is Luis Angel who made his arrival 12 days ahead of his due date. He was born at 5:09 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, weighing 7 lbs. and 8 oz. and measuring 20 inches long.
There were many activities at the Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center on Dec. 11. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

There were many activities at the Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center on Dec. 11. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

REL Christmas Carnival

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
.

Lawmakers seek to address Oklahoma’s reading crisis

Ray Carter
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
For roughly a decade now, reading outcomes have plummeted in Oklahoma. In 2015, national tests showed Oklahoma fourth-grade students performed above the national average, but in the most recent round of tests, Oklahoma students’ performance was among the worst in the nation.
Phyllis Rustin to lead Book Talk

Phyllis Rustin to lead Book Talk

Phyllis Rustin to lead Book Talk

Phyllis Rustin
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Book Talk will meet January 8 at Donald W. Reynolds Library to discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures, a bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt. Leading the discussion will be retired educator Phyllis Rustin, who taught English and journalism at Durant High School.

COMING EVENTS

News Staff
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Feb. 7 Calera Fire-Rescue is having its 51st annual chili dinner from 11 a.m.
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

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.

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 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.

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.
Subscribe to

Sign up for our Obits newsletter

* indicates required