News

‘With malice toward none’

Marion Hill
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
How can we tone down the angry political talk in this country and get to a point where we regularly speak civilly to, and about, people on “the other side”?

Cartwright chaos broken up by deputies

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office dispersed a large, unorganized fireworks show in Cartwright on July 4 after many people called police, the sheriff’s office said. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to numerous calls shortly after 10 p.m.
Pallets of bottled water were provided to area fire departments after First United Bank partnered with other entities to collect donations. Shown from left at Pruett’s Food are, Cody Allen, Bryan County Emergency Management director; Keith Falcone, Mike Ritter, store manager; Melissa Patterson of First United Bank, and Sarah Morgan, Kemp Fire Department. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Pallets of bottled water were provided to area fire departments after First United Bank partnered with other entities to collect donations. Shown from left at Pruett’s Food are, Cody Allen, Bryan County Emergency Management director; Keith Falcone, Mike Ritter, store manager; Melissa Patterson of First United Bank, and Sarah Morgan, Kemp Fire Department. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

First United water drive delivers pallets of water to fire departments

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
First United Bank, with partnership from other entities, concluded its annual water drive last week to provide bottled water and Gatorade to area fire departments. The partners for the event met at Pruett’s Food and Green Spray Foods.
Dan Wylie, national commander for the American Legion, visited Durant Green-Bryant Post 39 last week and he visited with local post commander Hayden Woods, right, and other American Legion members. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Dan Wylie, national commander for the American Legion, visited Durant Green-Bryant Post 39 last week and he visited with local post commander Hayden Woods, right, and other American Legion members. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

American Legion national commander visits Durant post

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Dan Wiley, National Commander of the American Legion for 20252026, visited the Green-Bryant American Legion Post No. 39 in Durant last week to talk to members about their concerns.
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