Tracey Strader and Julie Cox-Kain of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and the Oklahoma Department of Health presented the members of the Durant City Council with a $50,000 check on Tuesday, recognizing the city of Durant as a Certified Healthy Community.

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On Tuesday, the members of the Durant City Council were presented with a $50,000 check from representatives from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Oklahoma Department of Health (ODH) during their monthly meeting. The check recognized the city of Durant as a Certified Healthy Community for their recent work in tobacco use prevention.

Becca Parr, Durant grants coordinator, said, “This is an exciting day for the city of Durant.”

Tracey Strader, TSET executive director, congratulated the city council on their efforts to make Durant a healthier community and said, “This is truly a day of celebration for us all. I want to congratulate you all for your leadership in this arena – you are the first of two cities to achieve this award and the highest dollar amount.”

Julie Cox-Kain, ODH chief operating officer, added, “You all have a very active and dynamic coalition in this community. It shows how progressive the city of Durant has been.”

Mayor Jerry Tomlinson thanked them for the award and said, “We’re honored to receive this amount of grant monies and we’ll put it to good use.”

City officials plan to use the money to construct sidewalks connecting to existing walkways.

In other news, the council approved a resolution to support Big Five Community Services in developing affordable housing at 101 West Main Street. The council also approved authorization to declare K-9 Lucas retired and awarded ownership to handler Master Patrol Officer Shane Walker.

Durant Police Deputy Chief David Houser said over his seven year career, Lucas helped seize over 250 pounds of drugs and $80,000 in drug currency.

A public hearing was held regarding the city budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. Sarah Sherrer, Durant compliance administrator, was present to answer questions regarding the budget.

Mayor Jerry Tomlinson told her, “We want to extend our full thanks and appreciation for your time, energy and effort. We know how much effort goes into that [budget].”

The council approved adopting the budget.

The council also recognized Marty Pope, purchasing coordinator for his “exceptional work.”Pope was presented a $500 check to thank him for his efforts.

Mayor Jerry Tomlinson spoke about the various ways Pope has helped Durant save money on things such as uniforms. Sarah Sherrer said, “We’re really proud of you Marty.”