Durant Democrat purchased by longtime editor

From Durant Democrat:

The Durant Democrat, which has been privately owned since October of 2017, has been sold to MJL Media, LLC, owned by a long-time employee of the newspaper.
Matt Swearengin, who has worked for the Democrat since 1997, became the new owner on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Larry Miller, CEO of the Graystone Media Group, said the sale was made due to the retirement of one of the company’s partners.
Graystone still owns The Altus Times, the Mangum Star, and the Frederick Press-Leader.
“Who better to take the reins of the Democrat than someone who has been with it for over two decades,” Miller said.
Swearengin said he is excited for the opportunity to own his hometown newspaper. The newspaper has a long history in Durant and previous owners include the Peterson and Story families.
“I am thrilled to take on my new role as owner and publisher of the Durant Democrat and I appreciate everyone who has encouraged me on this new venture,” Swearengin said.
“As publisher, I am taking on some new duties, however, I plan to continue covering community events just as I have for years.”
A graduate of Southeastern, Swearengin began his newspaper career in 1996 with the Bryan County Star, a weekly newspaper that was once owned by his late parents, Bob and B.L. Swearengin, in the 1970s when it was located in downtown Caddo.
Swearengin was hired by the Democrat in 1997 as a reporter and photographer. He was promoted to senior staff writer in 2001 and has been an editor since 2008.