News

Things aren’t always what they seem: Pardoning Hunter

Marion Hill
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
President Joe Biden has been taking lots of heat, from Democrats as well as Republicans, for changing his mind about pardoning his son Hunter. He had said unequivocally that he wouldn’t pardon Hunter but would “accept the jury’s verdict, whatever that is.” He repeated that vow several times.
Tribal leaders pose with the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Elders. From left, Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr., Tribal Council Member Eddie Bohanan, Jerry Bohanan, Gina Self, Chief Gary Batton and Tribal Council Member Perry Thompson. Photo provided | Choctaw Nation

Tribal leaders pose with the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Elders. From left, Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr., Tribal Council Member Eddie Bohanan, Jerry Bohanan, Gina Self, Chief Gary Batton and Tribal Council Member Perry Thompson. Photo provided | Choctaw Nation

Choctaw Nation announces the Outstanding Elders of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma hosted the 2024 Outstanding Elder banquet to honor the elders from each district who stood out as exceptional examples of the Chahta spirit, going above and beyond for their communities.
Firefighters spray water onto the roof of a home that burned last week on Marie Drive. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Firefighters spray water onto the roof of a home that burned last week on Marie Drive. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Liwai family loses home in fire

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Jack and Dottie Liwai’s home burned Dec. 12 and a benefit account for them has been established at First Texoma National Bank.
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Thomas Newsom presents a baccalaureate degree to a graduate during commencement last Saturday morning at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Thomas Newsom presents a baccalaureate degree to a graduate during commencement last Saturday morning at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

Southeastern fall commencement ceremonies held

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Southeastern Oklahoma State University held its 2024 fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec.
The Durant Schools Teachers of the Year for each campus were honored last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education. From left, Eva Burgess, REL Early Childhood Center; Natalie Cox, Washington Irving; Pamela Couch, Intermediate School; Heather Smiley, George Washington; Taylor Williams, Middle School; Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights, and Shannon Gaines, High School. Also shown are Superintendent Mark Moring and Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chan. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Durant Schools Teachers of the Year for each campus were honored last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education. From left, Eva Burgess, REL Early Childhood Center; Natalie Cox, Washington Irving; Pamela Couch, Intermediate School; Heather Smiley, George Washington; Taylor Williams, Middle School; Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights, and Shannon Gaines, High School. Also shown are Superintendent Mark Moring and Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chan. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Teachers of the Year honored

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Durant School District’s Teachers of the Year for each campus were recognized last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education.
Judge Emily Redman swears in Jesse Petty as chief of the Durant Police Department. Petty began serving as chief Thanksgiving Week and he was sworn in during the Durant City Council meeting on Dec. 10. Also shown are Petty’s wife Courtney and their daughters McKenzee and McKenlee. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Judge Emily Redman swears in Jesse Petty as chief of the Durant Police Department. Petty began serving as chief Thanksgiving Week and he was sworn in during the Durant City Council meeting on Dec. 10. Also shown are Petty’s wife Courtney and their daughters McKenzee and McKenlee. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

City council elections to be held in April

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Durant City Council in its regular meeting last week approved a resolution for a municipal election on April 1, 2025. Council seats for Ward No.
The Choctaw Nation presented $305,300 in funds to the City of Durant as part of the tribe’s partnership with the city. From left, Durant Mayor Martin Tucker, Economic Development Director Kathy Moore, City Manager Pam Polk and Choctaw District 9 Council Member James Dry. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Choctaw Nation presented $305,300 in funds to the City of Durant as part of the tribe’s partnership with the city. From left, Durant Mayor Martin Tucker, Economic Development Director Kathy Moore, City Manager Pam Polk and Choctaw District 9 Council Member James Dry. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Choctaw Nation presents checks to city and county

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Choctaw Nation presented funds to the City of Durant and Bryan County that the tribe says is part of its partnership with the city and county. The city received $305,300 and Bryan County was presented $34,900.
ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.

ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.

A Choctaw Christmas

News Staff
Friday, December 13, 2024
ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.
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