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Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Thomas Newsom presents a baccalaureate degree to a graduate during commencement last Saturday morning at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Thomas Newsom presents a baccalaureate degree to a graduate during commencement last Saturday morning at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

Southeastern fall commencement ceremonies held

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Southeastern Oklahoma State University held its 2024 fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec.
The Durant Schools Teachers of the Year for each campus were honored last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education. From left, Eva Burgess, REL Early Childhood Center; Natalie Cox, Washington Irving; Pamela Couch, Intermediate School; Heather Smiley, George Washington; Taylor Williams, Middle School; Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights, and Shannon Gaines, High School. Also shown are Superintendent Mark Moring and Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chan. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Durant Schools Teachers of the Year for each campus were honored last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education. From left, Eva Burgess, REL Early Childhood Center; Natalie Cox, Washington Irving; Pamela Couch, Intermediate School; Heather Smiley, George Washington; Taylor Williams, Middle School; Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights, and Shannon Gaines, High School. Also shown are Superintendent Mark Moring and Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chan. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Teachers of the Year honored

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Durant School District’s Teachers of the Year for each campus were recognized last week during a meeting of the Durant Board of Education.
Judge Emily Redman swears in Jesse Petty as chief of the Durant Police Department. Petty began serving as chief Thanksgiving Week and he was sworn in during the Durant City Council meeting on Dec. 10. Also shown are Petty’s wife Courtney and their daughters McKenzee and McKenlee. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Judge Emily Redman swears in Jesse Petty as chief of the Durant Police Department. Petty began serving as chief Thanksgiving Week and he was sworn in during the Durant City Council meeting on Dec. 10. Also shown are Petty’s wife Courtney and their daughters McKenzee and McKenlee. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

City council elections to be held in April

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Durant City Council in its regular meeting last week approved a resolution for a municipal election on April 1, 2025. Council seats for Ward No.
The Choctaw Nation presented $305,300 in funds to the City of Durant as part of the tribe’s partnership with the city. From left, Durant Mayor Martin Tucker, Economic Development Director Kathy Moore, City Manager Pam Polk and Choctaw District 9 Council Member James Dry. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Choctaw Nation presented $305,300 in funds to the City of Durant as part of the tribe’s partnership with the city. From left, Durant Mayor Martin Tucker, Economic Development Director Kathy Moore, City Manager Pam Polk and Choctaw District 9 Council Member James Dry. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Choctaw Nation presents checks to city and county

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Choctaw Nation presented funds to the City of Durant and Bryan County that the tribe says is part of its partnership with the city and county. The city received $305,300 and Bryan County was presented $34,900.
ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.

ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.

A Choctaw Christmas

News Staff
Friday, December 13, 2024
ABOVE: Lawanda Brown reacts while embracing Santa Claus at the Choctaw Christmas last Saturday at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The one-day event had treats and activities for all ages to enjoy and learn. Complimentary photos with Santa were taken.

Work Ready has job workshops

Matt Swearengin
Friday, December 13, 2024
Work Ready, a new program in Durant that provides job training, had a remote work job fair last week and this week, there is a job workshop. Shawn Young, program director for Work Ready Durant, said last week’s job fair was an opportunity for people to apply for three remote jobs.

A pivotal event changed my life

Henry Brigman
Friday, December 13, 2024
My youthfulness did not allow me at the time to understand the significance of an incident. This became the basic framework of my empathy toward people who are inexcusably mistreated.
Joanna Duncan

Joanna Duncan

SE alumnus writes novel set in southeastern Oklahoma

News Staff
Friday, December 13, 2024
Oklahoma author and Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduate Joanna Duncan has published her debut novel, Mystic Moons of McCurtain County. Duncan earned two degrees from SE, a Bachelor in Education/ Language Arts in 1982 and a Master in Education/School Administration in 1989.
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