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Democrat file photo | Matt Swearengin Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center teacher Shaunda Usry has been named a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. She is shown in her classroom when she was named the Durant 20232025 Teacher of the Year.

Democrat file photo | Matt Swearengin Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center teacher Shaunda Usry has been named a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. She is shown in her classroom when she was named the Durant 20232025 Teacher of the Year.

Durant educator is a finalist for state Teacher of the Year

Matt Swearengin
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Durant Robert E. Lee Early Childhood Center teacher Shaunda Usry is among 10 finalists statewide for 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced last week.
Isabella Whitlock

Isabella Whitlock

Whitlock is candidate for State FFA Office

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Isabella Whitlock, a member of the Silo FFA chapter, is a candidate for state FFA office. Running for the office of Southeast area vice president, she faces the opportunity to serve more than 29,000 Oklahoma FFA members.

Flipping foreign policy

Marion Hill
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
When Volodymyr Zelenskyy came to the White House last week, he had every right to expect to be received as an ally and the head of a sovereign nation, both of which he was.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Bradley Lynn Burkhalter to Michelle Elaine Steele, trustee and Christian Tyler Steele Irrevocable Trust, warranty deed Betty Willis to Carolyn McGee, warranty deed Jonathan Solis and Joyce Thompson to Michelle Torres and Richard Torres, quit claim deed...

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma named Top 10 HR Teams

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Human Resources department has been recognized with an OnCon ICON Award, earning a spot among the Top 10 Human Resources Teams for excellence in innovation, leadership, and organizational impact.
Washington Irving Paw Pride winners for the month of February are shown in no particular order: Kindergarten: Emery Bailey, Raiden Madrid Donald Noland and Julian Littrell. First Grade:Ester Friedline, Kaydence Stephens, Liberty Hiberd and Kolton Ford.Second Grade: Carter Denton, Pyper Dooley, Patience Shoemake, Tedwin Maxey and Genell Forguson. Third Grade: Oliver Moody, Brooklynn Hopkins and Aaliyah Shoals. Fourth Grade:Jesse Davis, Ahnyx Speers and Meghan Hix. Photo provided : WI

Washington Irving Paw Pride winners for the month of February are shown in no particular order: Kindergarten: Emery Bailey, Raiden Madrid Donald Noland and Julian Littrell. First Grade:Ester Friedline, Kaydence Stephens, Liberty Hiberd and Kolton Ford.Second Grade: Carter Denton, Pyper Dooley, Patience Shoemake, Tedwin Maxey and Genell Forguson. Third Grade: Oliver Moody, Brooklynn Hopkins and Aaliyah Shoals. Fourth Grade:Jesse Davis, Ahnyx Speers and Meghan Hix. Photo provided : WI

WI Paw Pride winners

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
WI Paw Pride winners.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Felonies filed Michael David Deneen Shores, 27, Mead, child endangerment by driving under the influence and misdemeanor DUI. Adam J.Ayala, 20, Durant, child endangerment by driving under the influence and misdemeanor DUI.
Runners take off during the Bryan County United Way Be a Hero 5K Run Saturday in Durant. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Runners take off during the Bryan County United Way Be a Hero 5K Run Saturday in Durant. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Be a Hero Run raises money for non-profits

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Bryan County United Way had its Be a Hero 5K & Fun Run Saturday morning in Durant to raise funds for six non-profit organizations. UW Director Pam Robinson said the funds benefit Red River Special Olympics, Bryan County Youth Shelter, RSVP at the senior citizens center, Meals on Wheels and Big Five.
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