News

When is enough enough?

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
BY HENRY BRIGMAN We heard him say it: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?” (thefulcrum.us/ethics-leadership/ donald-trump-shoot-someone). And we know exactly who made such a garish and preposterous claim.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Felonies filed Randy Lynn Blackshear, 45, Calera, child endangerment by driving under the influence. Michael Christopher Boyd, 25, Durant, aggravated DUI.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Brian and Lindsay Wilson Family Trust to Built by Faith Investments, warranty deed Jacob Bell and Corby Bell to Cynthia Elaine Turner and Israel Jacob Turner, warranty deed Matthew Dillard to Matthew C.
Durant Schools Superintendent Mark Moring reads a proclamation on Feb. 13 when the Durant High School Gym was dedicated as the Robinson Family Gymnasium. Durant Lady Lions head coach Will Robinson and his daughter Clara died in a Christmas Eve 2024 car accident. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Durant Schools Superintendent Mark Moring reads a proclamation on Feb. 13 when the Durant High School Gym was dedicated as the Robinson Family Gymnasium. Durant Lady Lions head coach Will Robinson and his daughter Clara died in a Christmas Eve 2024 car accident. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Robinson Family Gym dedicated

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The Durant High School Robinson Family Gymnasium was dedicated Feb. 13 after the Lady Lions basketball game with the Tahlequah Tigers.
People gather in the lobby of First United Bank Feb. 13 for the start of United Acts of Kindness Day that encourages everyone to spread acts of kindness. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

People gather in the lobby of First United Bank Feb. 13 for the start of United Acts of Kindness Day that encourages everyone to spread acts of kindness. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

First United Bank has United Acts of Kindness Day

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
First United Bank United Acts of Kindness Day was last Friday starting with a ceremony in the bank’s lobby that morning. Durant City Council previously approved a resolution declaring Feb.
A construction kick-off was held last week for the new Albertsons grocery store on Radio Road that is expected to open before the end of the year. Among those shown are, Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu, Durant City Council Member Danny Sherrer, City Manager Pam Polk, Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Marketing Chloe Hughes and Chamber CEO Kara Byrd. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

A construction kick-off was held last week for the new Albertsons grocery store on Radio Road that is expected to open before the end of the year. Among those shown are, Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu, Durant City Council Member Danny Sherrer, City Manager Pam Polk, Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Marketing Chloe Hughes and Chamber CEO Kara Byrd. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Albertsons has construction kick-off

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Albertsons grocery store had a construction kick-off last week in the former Alorica building that previously was the Dollar Saver grocery store on Radio Road. Durant City Council approved an economic development agreement on Aug.
Silo Schools teacher and cheer coach Mishael Metheny presents Lewis Cross a sash after he was named Homecoming King.

Silo Schools teacher and cheer coach Mishael Metheny presents Lewis Cross a sash after he was named Homecoming King.

Silo Homecoming King and Queen

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Silo Homecoming King and Queen.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Felonies filed James Timothy Robinson, 55, Bokchito, domestic assault and battery resulting in great bodily harm. Jesus Israel Castanon Rivera, 21, assault and battery with a deadly weapon.
Bryan County EMS ambulances are shown in the funeral procession for paramedic Mindi Allen. Her service was last week at Bryan County EMS. Allen died in an o-duty accident at her home. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Bryan County EMS ambulances are shown in the funeral procession for paramedic Mindi Allen. Her service was last week at Bryan County EMS. Allen died in an o-duty accident at her home. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Service held to celebrate the life of Bryan County EMS paramedic

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
A service to celebrate the life of Bryan County EMS paramedic Mindi (Welch) Allen of Calera was Feb. 4 at the Bryan County EMS facility.
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