News

The bridge on the Durant bypass over South Ninth Avenue was dedicated as the ABLE Agent Lori Thomas Memorial Bridge. Thomas was killed in 1994 when her car was struck by a driver fleeing from Durant Police. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The bridge on the Durant bypass over South Ninth Avenue was dedicated as the ABLE Agent Lori Thomas Memorial Bridge. Thomas was killed in 1994 when her car was struck by a driver fleeing from Durant Police. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Section of bypass named Lori Thomas Memorial Bridge

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) Agent Lori Thomas, 36, was killed on Oct. 23, 1994, when a man eluding Durant Police ran a stop and struck her state vehicle at the Highway 78/Rodeo Road intersection, and now Thomas has a bridge named in her honor.
A Durant Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held last week for Durant Sustainability Coalition. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

A Durant Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held last week for Durant Sustainability Coalition. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Sustainability Coalition has ribbon cutting

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Durant Sustainability Coalition celebrated with a ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce last week at Mickle Law Office. The mission of DSC includes educating citizens in sustaining the region’s natural resources and to make the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
Dr. Whitlock named 22nd President of SE

Dr. Whitlock named 22nd President of SE

Dr. Whitlock named 22nd President of SE

Dr. David Whitlock
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) has announced Dr. David Whitlock as the 22nd president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, effective immediately. Whitlock – who holds three degrees from Southeastern - has served as the University’s interim president since August 1.
Southeastern and University of Nevada Las Vegas announced a partnership on Monday. From left, Tammi Tiger, Director of the Tribal Education Initiative at the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality; Dr. David Cárdenas, Dean of the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality; Dr. David Whitlock, President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Chad Harp, Executive Director of Tribal Relations at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Southeastern and University of Nevada Las Vegas announced a partnership on Monday. From left, Tammi Tiger, Director of the Tribal Education Initiative at the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality; Dr. David Cárdenas, Dean of the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality; Dr. David Whitlock, President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Chad Harp, Executive Director of Tribal Relations at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Southeastern announces Tribal Gaming and Hospitality degree pathway in conjunction with UNLV

News Staff
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the Tribal Education Initiative at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)’s William F.

Jonah, kneel in prayer!

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 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.
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat The Justin and Tracie Johnson home on North Second Avenue in Durant had a fabulous Halloween display and they were greeted by many trick or treaters Halloween night.

Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat The Justin and Tracie Johnson home on North Second Avenue in Durant had a fabulous Halloween display and they were greeted by many trick or treaters Halloween night.

Halloween House

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Felonies filed Calvin Jerome Cortez, 28, Dallas, Texas, DUI. Felonies disposed Jerry Pat Stewart, 34, Leonard, Texas, possession of stolen vehicle, no contest, two-year suspended sentence.
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