News

Book Talk to be held January 9

“Out of the Dust,” by Karen Hesse, is Book Talk’s choice for its January 9 meeting at Donald W. Reynolds Library, 1515 W. Main in Durant. Leading the 7 p.m. discussion is Dr.
Calera Schools Superintendent Jon Shepard spoke to the Bryan County Retired Educators. Photos provided

Calera Schools Superintendent Jon Shepard spoke to the Bryan County Retired Educators. Photos provided

Bryan County Retired Educators discover downtown Durant

November is the official beginning of the winter holiday season. Bryan County Retired Educators learned of Christmas festivities at their November meeting.
Michayla Harcrow

Michayla Harcrow

SE junior receives Gilman Scholarship to study abroad

Southeastern Oklahoma State University junior Michayla Harcrow has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to study or intern abroad during the spring of 2025.

Things aren’t always what they seem: Pardoning Hunter

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

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

Jack and Dottie Liwai’s home burned Dec. 12 and a benefit account for them has been established at First Texoma National Bank.

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