Sunday Afternoon and Evening ... Scattered intense thunderstorms are expected, some severe. Large hail, high winds and the potential for isolated tornadoes will be the main threats. Locally heavy is rain also possible with these storms.
Durant received official confirmation Wednesday that they'll receive a $950,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration.
City officials will use the money to build a new water tower and upgrade water-system infrastructure. The water tower will be located on land Southeastern Oklahoma State University donated.
Ross Walkup, SOSU vice president of business affairs, said the tower will help with increased water pressure, and will help save money on future construction.
"What's happened in the past is that water flow is not up to the level that it will pass inspection," he said. "By building the water tower it will allow us not to have to put a pump every time we're renovating or building a new facility."
SOSU also contributed $500,000 to the future tower.
Ralph Houser, assistant city manager, said it will also help commercial growth.
"Most of the commercial businesses need a little higher than normal water pressure for their fire sprinkler systems, or fire suppression system," he said. "And that's precisely the intent of this water tower."
Jerry Tomlinson, Durant mayor, said water pressure and infrastructure has been a problem in the past.
"With our growth that we've experienced over the last 10 or 12 years, and the need for more water pressure, these water towers are the solution and the answer to this project," he said.
Tomlinson said receiving the grant is a big deal for Durant.
"It's a win-win for not only the city, the University, it's a win-win for the residents of Durant," he said.
City officials said the full cost of the water tower will be around $3 million.
Officials said it will be an almost two year project from start to finish.
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
Posted: 05/06/13 - SHERMAN, TEXAS—Members of the Austin College Class of 2013 are counting down the days until graduation—with both excitement and trepidation. Austin College President Marjorie Hass will present diplomas to more than 340 bachelor’s degree candidates and 18 Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates who will take part in graduation events May 18 and 19 on campus. Read More
