A 5K run on May 30 was one of many activities during the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Magnolia Festival.
Magnolia Festival 5K run
News Staff
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Wednesday, June 10, 2026
News
Voters to head to polls Tuesday
Matt Swearengin
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Northwest Heights Elementary School STEM teacher Kasey Bennett is shown with family and Durant School District faculty, sta and administrators after she was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Photos provided
Northwest Heights teacher named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
Matt Swearengin
Northwest Heights Elementary School kindergartenfourth grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher Kasey Bennett was named the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year for 2026 during the Teacher of the Year Gala at the Reed Center in Midwest City.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
People First client Ashley Adair ropes a steer during the People First Industries Mike Morris Memorial Track & Field Day. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
People First has inaugural Mike Morris Memorial Track & Field Day
Matt Swearengin
People First Industries had its inaugural Mike Morris Memorial Track & Field Day Monday at the Durant Multi-Sports Complex on June 1. The track meet is an annual event, and PFI is now dedicating it to the memory of Morris, who was a PFI board member.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Durant Democrat editor Matt Swearengin received the Weekly Photo of the Year award sponsored by OGE Energy Corp. and Oklahoma Press Association The award was presented by OPA President Suzie Campbell during the Oklahoma Press Association convention in Norman. Photo provided | Oklahoma Press Association
Farr, Swearengin receive awards for journalism
News Staff
Durant Democrat sports writer Kevin Farr and editor Matt Swearengin captured awards last Saturday at the Oklahoma Press Association Better Newspaper Contest during the OPA convention in Norman.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Auctioneer John Teel, who died May 29, often was the auctioneer for fundraising events, including the Durant High School Band homemade goods auction in 2024. Matt Swearengin | Democrat file photo
Auctioneer John Teel remembered
Matt Swearengin
Longtime auctioneer John Teel passed away on May 29 at the age of 74 and he was remembered during a service June 4 at the Caddo High School gymnasium with Landon Jestis officiating. Many attended the service to pay their respects.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Mid-term measurement
Marion Hill
Where do I start, to discuss how awful, horrible, no-good, unqualified, and completely unfit Donald Trump is to be President? That’s a big part of the problem: there’s so much to criticize him for that we’re worn out before we’ve barely begun to list his many faults, crimes, and failures.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Parenting classes to be offered by Bryan County OSU Extension Service
News Staff
The Bryan County OSU Extension Service announces their upcoming free parenting education classes. A parenting class geared for parents with infants and toddlers, “Active Parenting First Five Years,” will be offered on Mondays, June 8 & 15, 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Teryn Spicer Photos provided
Two Caddo graduates selected for Engles Memorial Scholarship
News Staff
Kylie Conn and Teryn Spicer, both 2026 Caddo High School graduates, have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Anita Jeanette Engles Memorial Scholarship.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Matt Swearengin | Democrat The Choctaw Honor Guard led the Durant Riding Club PRCA Rodeo parade hosted by Durant Main Street May 28 in downtown Durant.
Durant PRCA Rodeo parade
News Staff
The Choctaw Honor Guard led the Durant Riding Club PRCA Rodeo parade hosted by Durant Main Street May 28 in downtown Durant. .
Friday, June 5, 2026