October 7, 2026
Special Judge Austin Browning is sworn in Monday by District Judge Mark Campbell. Also shown is Browning’s wife, Ashtin. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Eric Peterson, a student at Rock Creek, holds a sign during the Veterans Day parade in downtown Durant. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
The Fortnightly Club received a grant to plant wildflower seeds alongside Highway 69/75 at the Washington Avenue exit. Shown in no particular order are, Monica Bartley, Color Oklahoma; Ty House, Hoss Williams, Matthew Powell and Jeremy Williams, ODOT; Aaron Saldivar, Phillip Hightower and Ryan Brewer, City of Durant; Charlene Ridgway, GFWC-Ok president, and Fortnightly members Sharon Robinson, Betty Clay, Paula Sullivan and Mary Frank. 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
A Durant Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held last week for Durant Sustainability Coalition. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Dr. Whitlock named 22nd President of SE
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