News

When one person’s ego becomes a national liability

Henry Brigman
Friday, September 11, 2026
W. E. Sikes was my college math teacher in 1957. He is known for writing clever sayings on the chalkboard at the beginning of each class. We eagerly watched as he wrote his next truism, one of which struck me so deeply that it has stayed with me for sixty nine years.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Friday, September 11, 2026
Felonies filed Tylor Joe Cauthron, 30, Mead, aggravated DUI. Jorge Vizuet, Wichita Falls, Texas, domestic assault and battery by strangulation.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Friday, September 11, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Cynthia Torgerson to The Cynthia Torgerson Revocable Trust, quit claim deed Terri L. Enloe to Reba Struchtemeyer, warranty deed Prairie Reserve to Andrew M. Landaverde, warranty deed Christopher Thomas and Candace B. Thomas to Jose Franco and Tammy...
Southeastern Oklahoma State University has a new “Rise Here” tagline. Photo provided | SE

Southeastern Oklahoma State University has a new “Rise Here” tagline. Photo provided | SE

Southeastern unveils new ‘Rise Here’ university tagline

News Staff
Friday, September 11, 2026
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is introducing a new universitywide tagline, “Rise Here,” reflecting the spirit, opportunity and momentum that define the Southeastern experience. The tagline expresses a simple belief: Southeastern is a place where people rise.
The Bryan County Fairest of the Fair pageant was Saturday at the Bell Tower Event Center. From left, second runner up Isabel Atkins, Silo High School; Fairest of the Fair Brinley Whitlock, Rock Creek High School; first runner up Shaylee Davis, Silo High School, and Miss Congeniality Lexey Lowery, Durant High School. Photos provided

The Bryan County Fairest of the Fair pageant was Saturday at the Bell Tower Event Center. From left, second runner up Isabel Atkins, Silo High School; Fairest of the Fair Brinley Whitlock, Rock Creek High School; first runner up Shaylee Davis, Silo High School, and Miss Congeniality Lexey Lowery, Durant High School. Photos provided

Whitlock crowned Fairest of the Fair

Matt Swearengin
Friday, September 11, 2026
Brinley Whitlock of Rock Creek High School was crowned Fairest of the Fair during the Bryan County Free Fair Fairest of the Fair Pageant Saturday at the Bell Tower Event Center. The first runner up was Shaylee Davis from Silo High School.
Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Larry Weaver, comedian and motivational speaker, speaks at the Bryan County Teachers’ Meeting last week at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat Larry Weaver, comedian and motivational speaker, speaks at the Bryan County Teachers’ Meeting last week at Bloomer Sullivan Arena.

County educators honored at annual teachers’ meeting

Matt Swearengin
Friday, September 11, 2026
The Bryan County Teachers’ Meeting was Sept. 4 at Southeastern Bloomer Sullivan Arena, and the theme was “Teaching the Past.
Aaron Sanders, instructor for Southwest Dairy Farmers, speaks to students at George Washington Elementary School. He brought a dairy cow and told the children about dairy farms. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Aaron Sanders, instructor for Southwest Dairy Farmers, speaks to students at George Washington Elementary School. He brought a dairy cow and told the children about dairy farms. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Southwest Dairy Farmers brings cow to George Washington

Matt Swearengin
Friday, September 11, 2026
Southwest Dairy Farmers brought a dairy cow last week to George Washington Elementary School to give the students the opportunity to learn about dairy farms.
The carnival is among activities at the Bryan County Free Fair. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

The carnival is among activities at the Bryan County Free Fair. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Bryan County Fair continues, Friday and Saturday

News Staff
Friday, September 11, 2026
The Bryan County Fair Board would like to welcome the public to the 2026 Bryan County Free Fair. The fair is a traditional county event that offers many activities and contests for persons of all ages, young and old.
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