News

Name of man killed in officer involved shooting released

Matt Swearengin

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation released the name of the man who was shot and killed by police near the Rock Creek baseball field in Bokchito last week. He was identified as 46-year-old Teddy Kelsey.

Northwest Heights Elementary School Principal Taylor Downs talks about NWH STEM teacher Kasey Bennett, who is a top 10 finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Bennett was recognized at a Durant Board of Education meeting. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

State TOY candidate recognized at Durant School Board meeting

Matt Swearengin

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Northwest Heights Elementary School STEM teacher Kasey Bennett, who is a top 10 finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, was recognized during a recent meeting of the Durant Board of Education. Bennett was the Durant School District’s Teacher of the Year for the 20242025 school year.

Three elected to local school boards

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

Three people were elected to Achille, Caddo and Silo school boards during an election last week. For Office No.

COMING EVENTS

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

April 21 The Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women (BCFDW) meeting will be held Tuesday, April 21 at noon at the Donald W Reynolds Library in Durant. Craig McVay, candidate for OK Superintendent of Public Education will be the guest speaker.

Lawmakers Advance Accountability Package to Protect Taxpayer Dollars

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — After months of study and collaboration, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, advanced a package of government accountability bills aimed at protecting taxpayers and strengthening ethical standards in state and local government.

Bills Aimed at Ethics and Transparency

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

HOUSE BILL 3413 Expands transparency in state agency contracting by requiring agencies to publicly list contractors, contract values and project status. It also mandates posting consultant reports and disclosing whether contracts are for outside services or to supplement staffing.

Bills Aimed at Strengthening Bidding, Purchasing Standards

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

HOUSE BILL 3416 Allows counties to seek quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of always using a lengthy bidding process, while maintaining safeguards and documentation requirements to prevent misuse.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office William P. Gordon Jr.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

Felonies filed Jagger Dalton Studdard, 18, Durant, possession of firearm after delinquent adjudication Brandon Dale Guilbeau, 36, Durant, domestic abuse - assault and battery. David Wilson Weathers, 55, Colbert, child endangerment by driving under the influence.

Runners take off from the starting line of The Owen Foundation Blazing 5K Run for autism. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Blazing 5K Run for autism awareness held

Matt Swearengin

Friday, April 17, 2026

The Owen Foundation Blazing Fun Run & 5K for autism awareness was Saturday morning, and it was the third annual event that continues to get bigger every year.

Subscribe to

News

Sign up for our Obits newsletter