News

City council approves bid for animal shelter

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Durant City Council, in a meeting last week, approved a $2,348,000.00 bid from Mid-Plains Construction to build a new animal shelter even though the project is over budget. The project was originally estimated at approximately $1.
The Northwest Heights Elementary School third grade team was presented a Roar Award for academic achievement in math. From left, Assistant Superintendent Kenny Cha , Mellissa Sherrer, Teenie Baxter, Chelsea Carlock, Lisa Jones, Michaela Mussett, Suzanne Caldwell and Principal Taylor Downs. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Northwest Heights Elementary School third grade team was presented a Roar Award for academic achievement in math. From left, Assistant Superintendent Kenny Cha , Mellissa Sherrer, Teenie Baxter, Chelsea Carlock, Lisa Jones, Michaela Mussett, Suzanne Caldwell and Principal Taylor Downs. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

School board approves Flyin’ Lion Foundation

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Durant Board of Education in its meeting last week voted to approve an application for sanctioning of the Flyin’ Lion Foundation as an official support organization to benefit aviation students.
The Owen Academy celebrated the opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. It is Durant’s first pediatric applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy clinic that oers child-guided, play inspired, ABA therapy to children ages 2-12 with an autism diagnosis. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The Owen Academy celebrated the opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. It is Durant’s first pediatric applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy clinic that oers child-guided, play inspired, ABA therapy to children ages 2-12 with an autism diagnosis. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Owen Academy has ribbon cutting at new location

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Owen Academy at 1600 N. Washington Avenue had an open house and ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce last week.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Cory Swedelson and Sandra Swedelson to Mistie S. Barnes and Billy Patrick James, warranty deed Bing Bai, Benedict Weiss and Yuehong He to Mark Allen Wilson and Stuart Brown, warranty deed Jeffery L.Alley and Lindsae Alley to Christopher S.

Love in the nursing homes

News Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
February is the month that people think of “LOVE” and will send flowers or cards or candy to show that special person they care about that they “LOVE” them.
Book Talk to be held March 12

Book Talk to be held March 12

Book Talk to be held March 12

Marion Hill
Monday, March 9, 2026
A novel featuring real authors of classic mystery stories, Queens of Crime, is Book Talk’s selection for its March 12 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the library.

COMING EVENTS

News Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
March 7 Fourth-eighth grade students from Durant, Coleman, Harmony, Atoka, Silo, Stringtown, Tishomingo, and Tushka will be participating in the annual OkMEA Circle the State with Song Concert on Saturday, March 7th at 4:00pm.

COURT RECORDS

3 Col X 10'
Monday, March 9, 2026
Felonies filed Autumn Marrie Bertis, Durant, fugitive from justice. Carlos Cruz Martinez, 34, aggravated DUI.

Colbert teen is suspect in mother’s homicide

Matt Swearengin
Monday, March 9, 2026
A 13-year-old Colbert boy has been taken into custody for suspicion of killing his mother, authorities said. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Bryan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at approximately 6:45 p.m.
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