Two killed in head-on crash
Matt Swearengin
Two Sawyer residents were killed in a head-on crash Feb. 12 on Highway 70 near Risner Road, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
News
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
The Durant High School Robinson Family Gymnasium was dedicated Feb. 13 after the Lady Lions basketball game with the Tahlequah Tigers.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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
Silo Homecoming King and Queen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
COURT RECORDS
News Staff
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Tiara Blue, Southeastern adjunct instructor at Southeastern in the Department of English, Humanities, and Languages, communicates with her students during a class last semester. Blue is hearing impaired and with help from her students, discovered unique ways to teach her classes.
Hearing impaired Southeastern instructor finds ways to communicate with her class
Matt Swearengin
Southeastern instructor Tiara Blue is hearing impaired and has taught online courses for three years at Murray State College after working as a teacher’s assistant at OU for two years.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police and Choctaw Security participated in the Polar Plunge last Saturday at Choctaw RV Park.
Taking the plunge for Special Olympics
Matt Swearengin
Twenty-seven plungers jumped into water that was 51 degrees at the Choctaw RV Park during the 24th annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics last Saturday.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Rock Creek Homecoming King and Queen
Rock Creek Homecoming King and Queen
News Staff
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Wednesday, February 11, 2026