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Mark Swearengin and friends went on a recent fishing trip to Guatemala and this fish, a dorado, was his first catch of the trip. Swearengin is a lifelong fisherman, and he said this was the largest one he had ever caught. Photo provided

Mark Swearengin and friends went on a recent fishing trip to Guatemala and this fish, a dorado, was his first catch of the trip. Swearengin is a lifelong fisherman, and he said this was the largest one he had ever caught. Photo provided

Okies in the Field goes to Guatemala

Mark Swearengin
Monday, November 24, 2025
The sea was angry that day, my friends. Two continuous bluebird days with water so flat and smooth you could see your reflection came to an end in a big way, with high winds and rain on this, my final day and last chance to land a legendary billfish in the Pacific Ocean.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Monday, November 24, 2025
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Martin VanMeter and Linda VanMeter to Johnny Harris and Lisa Harris, warranty deed Loy Kathryn Swink Trust to Sarah M. Wade and Jory S.Wade, warranty deed James Randall Padgett and Cheryl Padgett to Michael Wayne Garrard and Crystal Anne Gulley, warranty...

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Monday, November 24, 2025
Felonies filed Jonathan David Robinson, 34, Fort Worth,Texas, domestic assault and battery by strangulation. Lionel K.
The Kiwanis Club of Durant Pancake Day was Nov. 4 at the Clay Jones Community Building.

The Kiwanis Club of Durant Pancake Day was Nov. 4 at the Clay Jones Community Building.

Kiwanis Pancake Day

News Staff
Monday, November 24, 2025
Kiwanis Pancake Day.
Durant Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu, left, administered a loyalty oath to muncipal attorney Douglas Elliott during last week’s city council meeting. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu, left, administered a loyalty oath to muncipal attorney Douglas Elliott during last week’s city council meeting. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Resolution approved for city council election

Matt Swearengin
Monday, November 24, 2025
Durant City Council in its meeting last week, approved a resolution for a non-partisan special election of a council member for Ward 2. This is to fill the remainder of Lauran Fuller’s term that ends in 2029.
Many local women attended the Women in Entrepreneurship Leadership Conference at First United Bank. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Many local women attended the Women in Entrepreneurship Leadership Conference at First United Bank. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

First United hosts women’s conference

Matt Swearengin
Monday, November 24, 2025
First United Bank hosted its Women in Entrepreneurship Leadership Conference last week at the bank’s corporate office in Durant. The annual event is to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs and female business leaders across the region.
A turkey is dropped from a helicopter at Durant High School to benefit the school’s backpack program. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

A turkey is dropped from a helicopter at Durant High School to benefit the school’s backpack program. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Turkey drop from helicopter benefits Durant students

Matt Swearengin
Monday, November 24, 2025
The third-annual Turkey Drop to benefit the Durant School District’s backpack program was Saturday at the high school. A helicopter dropped a turkey onto the student parking lot.
The Kiwanis Club of Durant hosted a Minister Appreciation Day luncheon for local pastors and church sta Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Kiwanis Club of Durant hosted a Minister Appreciation Day luncheon for local pastors and church sta Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Kiwanis has annual Minister Appreciation Day

Matt Swearengin
Monday, November 24, 2025
The Kiwanis Club of Durant had its annual Minister Appreciation Day on Nov. 19 to thank pastors and church staff for their service to God and the community.
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