Staff Writer

DURANT - Because of concerns about the West Nile Virus, the City of Durant is looking to begin a mosquito-spraying program this week.

According to Paul Buntz, city manager, the city has not sprayed for mosquitoes in more than five years. Buntz cited older machines and different chemicals, which produced a heavier fog, as reasons for discontinuing spraying.

"The West Nile Virus has become a concern in the last couple of years," Buntz said, and because of that, the council decided to take a proactive approach.

At its regular monthly meeting in April, the Durant City Council approved a bid for the Parks Department for mosquito-spraying equipment.

Pick up Wednesday's Durant Daily Democrat for the complete story.