News

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Felonies filed Rodney Glen McMichael, 44, Durant, possession of firearm after former felony conviction. Justin Murrell, 50, Gordonville, Texas, trafficking in methamphetamine.
Durant Police Chaplain Brent Smith, who passed away last week, is shown helping the Durant Police Department’s Shop with a Cop in December 2024. Matt Swearengin | Democrat file photo

Durant Police Chaplain Brent Smith, who passed away last week, is shown helping the Durant Police Department’s Shop with a Cop in December 2024. Matt Swearengin | Democrat file photo

Durant police chaplain dies

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Durant Police Chaplain Brent Smith died July 10 at age 55 after a battle with cancer. His obituary with Gordon Funeral Home states that he lived a life to love God, love people, and faithfully answer whatever calling the Lord placed before him.
Nathan Pearson is taking the reins as Caddo softball coach. Photo provided

Nathan Pearson is taking the reins as Caddo softball coach. Photo provided

Longtime softball skipper joins Caddo staff

Kevin Farr
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Over the past 22 years, Nathan Pearson has built softball programs at a handful of schools mostly in the northwest part of Oklahoma. When the opportunity arose to join the established success at Caddo, Pearson and his family didn’t hesitate at moving all the way across the state.
The Lion of the Year was presented to Charles “Chip” Weiner, the club’s secretary and he is shown with outgoing President Lynn Smith. Shelley Dunnam | Durant Lions Club

The Lion of the Year was presented to Charles “Chip” Weiner, the club’s secretary and he is shown with outgoing President Lynn Smith. Shelley Dunnam | Durant Lions Club

Lions Club has annual banquet

Mark Swearengin
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Durant Lions Club had their 105th year end banquet at the Elks Lodge. The Durant Club is the oldest active civic organization in Durant, and was one of the first Lions Clubs in Oklahoma as well as the nation, having been founded in 1921 by many prominent businessmen in Durant.

Sample ballots available for August 25 election

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Sample ballots are now available for the August 25 election. Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Bryan County Election Board during normal business hours.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Felonies filed Mark Obidiah Wallace Jr., Alma, Ark., aggravated DUI. Taylor Louis Coonrod, 34, Calera, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office ICXC Nika to Gabriella Ferguson and Jeremy Ferguson, warranty deed James A.
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