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Kelsey Walker, Bokchito town clerk/court administrator, pins a sergeant insignia on Ryan Walker of the Bokchito Police Department. Walker was promoted last week and a ceremony was held at city hall. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Kelsey Walker, Bokchito town clerk/court administrator, pins a sergeant insignia on Ryan Walker of the Bokchito Police Department. Walker was promoted last week and a ceremony was held at city hall. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Bokchito police officers promoted to sergeant

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Bokchito police officers Dakota Reese and Ryan Walker were promoted to sergeant last week during a ceremony at city hall. Shane Guhl, Bokchito police chief, said the town is growing and calls have increased.
Ground was broken last week for the new City of Durant animal shelter. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Ground was broken last week for the new City of Durant animal shelter. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Ground broken for new animal shelter

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
The City of Durant had a groundbreaking ceremony last week for a new animal shelter at 906 S.E. Third Avenue that is expected to be completed in 2027.

Big Lots Boulevard renamed Chahta Way

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Durant City Council voted in a meeting last week to rename Big Lots Boulevard Chahta Way, a name that the city and tribe said honors the rich heritage, history, and continued presence of the Choctaw people in the community and reflects the strong partnership between the City of Durant and the...
There was a military signing ceremony for nine Durant High School seniors who will enter the military and the following signed: U.S. Army National Guard, Zachary Dosier, Edwin Ortiz Ajavon, Samuel Abigail Smith and Emily Smith. U.S. Marine Corps, Saxon Schomer. U.S. Army, Bryce Wallace. U.S. Navy, Brittany Vazquez, and U.S. Air Force, Melanie Nester. Delinda Knox | Durant Public Schools

There was a military signing ceremony for nine Durant High School seniors who will enter the military and the following signed: U.S. Army National Guard, Zachary Dosier, Edwin Ortiz Ajavon, Samuel Abigail Smith and Emily Smith. U.S. Marine Corps, Saxon Schomer. U.S. Army, Bryce Wallace. U.S. Navy, Brittany Vazquez, and U.S. Air Force, Melanie Nester. Delinda Knox | Durant Public Schools

DHS seniors sign with military

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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The 2026 Choctaw Trail of Tears Bike Team honored ancestors of the Choctaw Nation by traveling over some of the original paths walked by Choctaws in the early 1830s who were forced to leave their original homelands. The Choctaw Bike Team traveled for seven days, from Columbus, Miss. across four states to reach the Choctaw Nation Headquarters in Durant on May 22. Christian Toews | Choctaw Nation

The 2026 Choctaw Trail of Tears Bike Team honored ancestors of the Choctaw Nation by traveling over some of the original paths walked by Choctaws in the early 1830s who were forced to leave their original homelands. The Choctaw Bike Team traveled for seven days, from Columbus, Miss. across four states to reach the Choctaw Nation Headquarters in Durant on May 22. Christian Toews | Choctaw Nation

Choctaw Trail of Tears Bike Team

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Felonies filed Justin Lee Atchley, 29, Durant, DUI. William Nelse Compere, 48, Durant, domestic assault and battery by strangulation.
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