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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.
Karisa Newkirk, president of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, speaks before a ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. The agency provides services to families affected by women who are missing or have been murdered.

Karisa Newkirk, president of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, speaks before a ribbon cutting from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. The agency provides services to families affected by women who are missing or have been murdered.

Ribbon cutting held for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held last week for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, an agency that raises awareness of missing and murdered Native American women, plus domestic violence and healing.
A magician provided entertainment during the Taste of Durant that was hosted by Leadership Durant. Shown are, Rina Kravitz and Shelley Dunnam. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

A magician provided entertainment during the Taste of Durant that was hosted by Leadership Durant. Shown are, Rina Kravitz and Shelley Dunnam. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Taste of Durant is a flavorful event

Matt Swearengin
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Leadership Durant had another successful Taste of Durant Event where people sampled food from local eateries. The event was last Saturday at the Choctaw Event Center and their were 28 vendors present.
Lt. Cameron Baxter in front of his training plane, the T-6B Texan II. In 2.5 years, he racked up more than 1,000 flight hours training other pilots. Photos provided

Lt. Cameron Baxter in front of his training plane, the T-6B Texan II. In 2.5 years, he racked up more than 1,000 flight hours training other pilots. Photos provided

Naval aviator honored by his command, completes commercial airline training

News Staff
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Naval aviator Lieutenant Cameron Baxter was recently honored for obtaining 1,020 flight hours in 2.5 years, all while training nearly 600 future military aviators. Few instructors fly so many hours in such little time.

From unimaginable horrors to amazing accomplishments

Henry Brigman
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
February each year is designated as Black History Month. It gives us an incentive to reflect on the history of our Black neighbors and friends. I will cite a few stories that reveal their survival and struggles for freedom, justice, and equality.
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