Durant Mayor Martin Tucker presented a proclamation proclaiming November as Diabetes Awareness Month during a recent Durant City Council meeting.
The proclamation was presented to Durant Parks & Recreation Manager Ryan Brewer.
Reading from the proclamation, Tucker said diabetes is a chronic illness in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal and in the U.S., 136 million Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and that it contributes to the deaths of nearly 400,000 Americans annually.
“In Durant, Oklahoma, I call upon all citizens, school systems, healthcare providers, and organizations to recognize the serious impact of this disease and to join in activities that promote awareness, encourage healthy living, and provide support for those with diabetes,” Tucker said.
First United Bank is celebrating its 125th anniversary and a proclamation was presented to Melissa Patterson, First United Spend Life Wisely ambassador, and Dillon Bowen, First United community loan officer. A proclamation also was presented the following week during a community celebration at the bank and Oct. 2 was declared First United Bank’s 125th Anniversary Day.
The following city employees received third-quarter service awards:
Five years
Gregory Adams, emergency management Michael Claborn, public works Audrey Hamilton, administration Wendy Helmer, fire administration Zachariah Lesley, street department Briana Myers-Landeros, utility line maintenance Ruben Ramos, fire department
Fifteen years
Kenny Cooper, landfill Richard (Kyle) Layton, fire department
Twenty years
James (Brian) Chavez, police department
Thirty years
Michael Stinson, utility line maintenance The council accepted a grant award from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of $171,250.
The funds are to assist the city with rehabilitation on sections of University Boulevard from 6th Avenue to Bryan Drive. The program allows for a two-year performance period until September 29, 2026.
David Rhynes and Mike Davis were approved to serve additional terms on the Board of Adjustments based upon a recommendation from Mayor Tucker.
A resolution was approved for the city to participate in the Purdue Pharma L.P. bankruptcy case and GESA settlement. The resolution states pharmaceutical opioids have harmed the city and its citizens.
A resolution concerning bridge inspection responsibility by local government for compliance with national bridge inspection standards was approved by the council. The city had the option to select one of ODOT’s prequalifi ed engineering firms, do bridge inspections with the city’s own forces, use the same consultant as Bryan County or allow ODOT to make the selection. The council agreed to allow ODOT to make the selection.
