Monday Afternoon and Evening ... Scattered intense Thunderstorms are expected, most likely 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. Please check in with News 12 throughout the day for weather updates ... both On Air, On-Line at KXII.com, Twitter and Facebook.
DURANT, OKLAHOMA -- Oklahoma Department of Transportation is building an exit ramp at University Boulevard off Highway 75 southbound.
"I think it's an access issue that the city is interested in and believes it'll help with development for their community," Brent Frank with ODOT said.
Construction signs go up Tuesday. Work will continue for the next 140 days.
"Anytime you have any changes like this, there's going to be some construction delays and changes like that," Jeffery Hammock said.
Hammock is President of Vision Bank that sits just east of this exit ramp.
He says while the construction will be bothersome, the end result is enhanced infrastructure and more economic growth for Durant.
"There's been discussion about more development once this off-ramp comes into play, once it's open, that there may be more development coming into town," Hammock said.
That's likely what'll happen once construction is complete.
The owner of this land tells News 12 exclusively that he plans to develop it, building eight to nine restaurants, adding to Durant's economic growth.
In a phone conversation with local businessman Allen Wheeler, he wouldn't reveal which restaurants he's bringing to town, but did say they'll be able to begin construction once this exit ramp project is finished.
"I think that's very exciting," Lauren Miller said.
Miller is a hair stylist at Trends, right off the University Boulevard exit.
"Durant's been growing a lot over the years and to have more restaurants here would be great," Miller said.
To business people like Hammock and Miller, more restaurants means more potential customers in their area, and for that they'll put up with the construction.
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
