Lifestyle

Sheriff Christian’s gravestone set

Sheriff Christian’s gravestone set

Sheriff Christian’s gravestone set

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The gravestone of Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian made by Gordon Memorials and Engraving was set Feb. 10 at Highland Cemetery by David Morris and Bill Steele. Christian died from a medical issue at his home on March 28, 2025. He served in the U.S.
Northwest Heights Elementary School teacher Kasey Bennett is a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, and she was the Durant School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. She is shown on Jan. 31, 2025, with Superintendent Mark Moring when she was named the Durant TOY. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Northwest Heights Elementary School teacher Kasey Bennett is a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, and she was the Durant School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. She is shown on Jan. 31, 2025, with Superintendent Mark Moring when she was named the Durant TOY. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant educator is a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Northwest Heights Elementary School teacher Kasey Bennett is among 10 finalists for the 2026 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, State Superintendent Lindel Fields announced.
Durant School District Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chaffin presents George Washington Elementary School Principal Valerie Crabtree and teachers with a certificate of academic performance ROAR Award for working to improve student performance and attendance and help teachers grow. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant School District Assistant Superintendent Kenny Chaffin presents George Washington Elementary School Principal Valerie Crabtree and teachers with a certificate of academic performance ROAR Award for working to improve student performance and attendance and help teachers grow. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

George Washington School receives academic performance award

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
George Washington Elementary school teachers were recognized during a recent meeting of the Durant Board of Education for their team efforts in UFLI implementation and increasing student attendance.
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Durant Lion wrestling senior Mac Barbush was honored Feb. 3 during the home dual with Davis. He is shown with parents Amy Pierce-Barbush and John Barbush, who is an assistant coach.

Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Durant Lion wrestling senior Mac Barbush was honored Feb. 3 during the home dual with Davis. He is shown with parents Amy Pierce-Barbush and John Barbush, who is an assistant coach.

Durant High School wrestling seniors honored

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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COMING EVENTS

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Feb. 17 The Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women (BCFDW) meeting will be held Tuesday, February 17, at noon at the Donald W Reynolds Library in Durant.

Lunch is served

Mary E. Maurer
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
You’ve probably seen television and movie scenes of pioneer children gathered on the school playground with their lunch buckets packed by loving parents. There seemed to be mutual agreement among our ancestors that a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a cookie made a great lunch.

OHCE has meeting

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
On January 7, 2026, members of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education met in the Clay Jones community building to review the happenings of the Bryan County Fair and to make preparations for new projects in the future.
KTC Director Scott Lowrance shares new classes at Kiamichi Tech Center Photo provided

KTC Director Scott Lowrance shares new classes at Kiamichi Tech Center Photo provided

Bryan County Retired Educators begin a new year of activities

Phyllis Rustin
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Bryan County Retired Educators began 2026 with a meeting to tour the renovated Kiamichi Technology Center. KTC Director, Scott Lowrance, explained the numerous new programs and certifications available to students of all ages.
Kiwanis January Bryan County Senior of the Month is Tori Allmon representing Calera High School. She is shown with Kiwanian Ryan Richardson, School Counselor Macy Bryant, and her parents Bobby Allmon and Shawn Allmon.

Kiwanis January Bryan County Senior of the Month is Tori Allmon representing Calera High School. She is shown with Kiwanian Ryan Richardson, School Counselor Macy Bryant, and her parents Bobby Allmon and Shawn Allmon.

Durant Kiwanis celebrates the new year with student awards

Phyllis Rustin
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Kiwanis January Durant High School’s Senior of the Month is Tatum Dvorak. She has a 4.0 GPA qualifying her the DISD Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Oklahoma Honor Society, and National Honor Society.
Patty Swink was named the Durant Area Chamber of

Patty Swink was named the Durant Area Chamber of

Chamber has annual banquet

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet recently at Lost Street Brewing Company and the theme was a 1950s cocktail party. Many awards and certificates were presented during the banquet.
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