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Beth Deen, Rapid DNA program supervisor, demonstrates the Rapid DNA machine. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Beth Deen, Rapid DNA program supervisor, demonstrates the Rapid DNA machine. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Rapid DNA machine for law enforcement unveiled

Matt Swearengin
Friday, June 5, 2026
A grand opening for the statewide Rapid DNA Investigative Lead program was held May 27 at the Durant Police Department, and the machine will help local law enforcement agencies solve crimes.
The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Magnolia Festival turtle race was Saturday morning at the Choctaw Event Center. On the left is Chloe Hughes, director of membership and marketing for the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. Taking pictures is Sierra Haney. The annual Magnolia Festival included live music, more than 150 vendors and a food truck city. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Magnolia Festival turtle race was Saturday morning at the Choctaw Event Center. On the left is Chloe Hughes, director of membership and marketing for the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. Taking pictures is Sierra Haney. The annual Magnolia Festival included live music, more than 150 vendors and a food truck city. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Magnolia Festival held at Choctaw Event Center

News Staff
Friday, June 5, 2026
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Judge Jones, a fourth-generation truck driver, earns his Class A CDL from Central Tech Truck Driver Training and Kiamichi Tech in Durant. Jessie Phillips | Kiamichi Tech

Judge Jones, a fourth-generation truck driver, earns his Class A CDL from Central Tech Truck Driver Training and Kiamichi Tech in Durant. Jessie Phillips | Kiamichi Tech

From family tradition to Career:

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
DRUMRIGHT – In the Jones family, trucking isn’t just a career path. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, built on long hours, hard work, and pride in doing the job right.
Outgoing Southeastern Oklahoma State University Student Government Association President Sarah Coblentz hands the SGA President’s gavel to incoming President Dylan Klaassen Dan Hoke | SE

Outgoing Southeastern Oklahoma State University Student Government Association President Sarah Coblentz hands the SGA President’s gavel to incoming President Dylan Klaassen Dan Hoke | SE

Student Government Association at Southeastern installs officers

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
The 105th Legislature of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Student Government Association (SGA) celebrated its annual banquet recently, concluding with the installation of new officers and senators for the 2026-27 academic year.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
Felonies filed Gabriel Sanchez, 23, Durant, DUI. Linda Jean Kindle, 36, Durant, domestic abuse and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The Durant High School class of 2026 celebrates at the conclusion of commencement May 21 at Southeastern Bloomer Sullivan Arena. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Durant High School class of 2026 celebrates at the conclusion of commencement May 21 at Southeastern Bloomer Sullivan Arena. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant High School class of 2026

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
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The Magnolia Run 5K & 1M Fun Run is being held again this year at 8 a.m. Saturday in downtown Durant. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Magnolia Run 5K & 1M Fun Run is being held again this year at 8 a.m. Saturday in downtown Durant. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Magnolia Festival continues through Saturday

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
The Magnolia Festival continues Friday and Saturday at the Choctaw Event Center with numerous events that the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce says will make a great fun-filled family weekend.
Durant Mayor Martin Tucker presents Karleigh Miles with a proclamation designating June 29 as Scoliosis Awareness Day in the City of Durant. Also shown are Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu and council members Clint Morrison, Humphrey Miller and Danny Sherrer. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Mayor Martin Tucker presents Karleigh Miles with a proclamation designating June 29 as Scoliosis Awareness Day in the City of Durant. Also shown are Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu and council members Clint Morrison, Humphrey Miller and Danny Sherrer. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Proclamations for foster care, scoliosis awareness presented at city council meeting

Matt Swearengin
Friday, May 29, 2026
Proclamations for National Foster Care Awareness Month and Scoliosis Awareness Day were presented by Mayor Martin Tucker during a recent meeting of Durant City Council.
Brian Kader

Brian Kader

Kader named Durant girls basketball coach

Kevin Farr
Friday, May 29, 2026
After a successful tenure of coaching at the Class 2A and 3A levels, Brian Kader will take his aim at Class 5A as the new head girls basketball coach at Durant High School. Kader is a 12 year head coaching veteran with stops at Buffalo, Depew, Lindsay and mostly recently at Okemah for the past year.
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