August 22, 2026
A ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce was held during Vision Bank’s open house to celebrate remodeling on the inside. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Brady Baskin reacts when speaking during a Durant City Council meeting where he was honored for his service to find and recover Clara Robinson, who along with her father, Will Robinson died during a Christmas Eve 2024 car accident. Also shown are City Manager Pam Polk, Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu and Council Member Humphrey Miller. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Teachers of the Year for each Durant campus were recognized during a meeting of the school board. From left, Misty Cedillo, Washington Irving; Helena Guidry, middle school; Sarah Baskin, George Washington; Lindsey Kaler, Northwest Heights; Sharla Mullens, intermediate school; Becky Coker, Robert E. Lee, and Leaann Wyrick, high school. The Durant Teacher of the Year will be named in early 2026. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Jace Cater, 12, helped during the recent Bryan County United Way Christmas boxes for veterans event at the St. William Catholic Church Parish Hall. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
The sign for the new Bryan County EMS Forbis-Barrett Training Center is unveiled during a ceremony last week. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Bryan County Retired Senior and Volunteer program (RSVP) had its Christmas social earlier this month at the Clay Jones Community Center. The agency is seeking donations to continue serving the senior citizens of Bryan County. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
The Choctaw Nation has contributed $35,800 to Bryan County this year as part of the tribe’s Community Partnership Fund and ceremonial checks were presented last week at the Choctaw Headquarters. From left, Choctaw Tribal Council member for District 9 James Dry, District 2 Bryan County Commissioner Justin Boone and Choctaw Assistant Chief Chief Jack Austin Jr. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Joe Nichols, left, and retired OHP communications o_cer Tom Garner and his wife Sandra are shown at the OHP Christmas party. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat