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Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers salute during the Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute May 14 at the Choctaw Amphitheater. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers salute during the Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute May 14 at the Choctaw Amphitheater. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Fallen law enforcement officers remembered

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Durant Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 113 held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute to honor fallen Bryan County law enforcement officers May 14 at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters Amphitheater.
Bryan County Sheri_’s Oce Chief Deputy Tyler Balentine is sworn in as a Deputy U.S. Marshal with the Eastern Oklahoma Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force by supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Lance Hancock. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Bryan County Sheri_’s Oce Chief Deputy Tyler Balentine is sworn in as a Deputy U.S. Marshal with the Eastern Oklahoma Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force by supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Lance Hancock. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Sheriff’s deputy sworn in as deputy U.S. Marshal

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Bryan County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tyler Balentine was sworn in recently as a Deputy U.S. Marshal with the Eastern Oklahoma Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force by supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Lance Hancock.

State question raises minimum wage if approved by voters

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 14, 2026
State Question 832 will be decided by voters during the June 16 election and if approved, it would raise minimum wage in the state. According to the ballot, the measure amends the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act (OMWA) under the Oklahoma statutes to increase the state minimum wage.

COMING EVENTS

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
May 19 The Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women (BCFDW) meeting will be held Tuesday, May 19 at noon at the Donald W Reynolds Library in Durant. The program to include candidate and voting information.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Felonies filed Alex Stasik Baker, 37, Caddo, indecent exposure. Justin Wayne Huckaby, 37, child abuse.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Taylor R. Knight, Taylor R. Miller and Coleton Miller to Destiny Stewart and Dylan Stewart, warranty deed Rowyn-Shay Investments to Greg Diessner and Shannon Diessner, warranty deed Boyd Dee Mills and Deborah J.
Pat Accountius, Elaine James, Diane Harper, Ivy Hughs and Phyllis Bond were recognized for their years of OHCE membership during the OHCE Tea Party. Photos provided

Pat Accountius, Elaine James, Diane Harper, Ivy Hughs and Phyllis Bond were recognized for their years of OHCE membership during the OHCE Tea Party. Photos provided

Bryan County OSU Extension celebrates 112th anniversary and OHCE Week

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Bryan County Commissioners Scott Goad, Justin Boone and Brandon Carr approved a proclamation last week that declared May 3 through 9 Oklahoma Home & Community Education Week.
A diaper derby was among activities during the Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services Kids Fair. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

A diaper derby was among activities during the Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services Kids Fair. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Choctaw Children and Family Services has kids fair

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 14, 2026
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Children and Family Services Kids Fair was May 2 at the Choctaw Event Center and there were many activities for children and information available for adults.
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