The Durant Daily Democrat

Getting out honest news: A job for all of us

All of us need honest news—the facts clearly stated and explained. Honest news is necessary for the kind of democracy we have tried for 224 years to build and maintain. Many questionable claims … more

By Joe Littlejohn | 1/20/21 03:41 PM

Let’s talk and not fight

What happened in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, was shameful and frightening. The fact that a mob could breach the U.S. Capitol building, one of the most sacred spaces of our democracy, and roam … more

By Marion Hill | 1/14/21 12:09 PM

Criminal justice reform is a priority for Oklahomans

Oklahoma continued on its criminal justice reform journey last year with State Question 805. While the result was not what we had hoped for, over half a million Oklahomans voiced their support to end … more

By Kris Steele | 1/13/21 11:18 AM

What you need to know about getting the COVID vaccination

Happy New Year, Oklahoma! There is light up ahead, at the end of this very long tunnel we have been traveling since last March. The first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations began last month with … more

By Joe Dorman
CEO – OICA | 1/6/21 02:33 PM

Detectives for democracy

Ten days after the 2020 Presidential election, a full week after Joe Biden reached an unbeatable electoral majority, thousands of Americans demonstrated in Washington, D.C., on November 13 to declare … more

By Joe Littlejohn | 1/6/21 12:55 PM

Let’s continue the tradition of the peaceful transfer of power

I love this country passionately. I’m proud of a great many things that the U.S.A. has accomplished over the centuries. One thing I like about being an American is that we can disagree without … more

By Marion Hill | 12/31/20 06:47 PM

Reviving the Great Experiment

Without question, we live in the most exceptional country the world has ever known. I am proud to be an American and I’m proud of our founding principles and documents, which have guided us for … more

By Sen. David Bullard | 12/23/20 05:28 PM

A classy reunion

I graduated with the Durant High School class of 1969 and went to my 50th class reunion in the summer of 2019. Almost everyone came and we were all truly happy to see each other. I asked Judy Nix … more

By Jane Hicks | 12/23/20 11:25 AM

Stitt throws a fit

Why did Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt abruptly fire his own appointee, Kurt Bollenbach, from the State Board of Education? Mr. Bollenbach supported giving back to public schools some of the millions … more

12/17/20 10:43 AM

Democrats and Republicans should work together

Is super-partisanship a permanent feature of our democracy? Can the parties ever agree, enough to cooperate in solving problems of our country? I frankly don’t know whether Republicans and … more

By Marion Hill | 12/10/20 06:11 PM

Parent group launches, seeks accountability from schools

Gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol on a brisk Monday, parents announced the formation of a group that will seek to empower families to have greater control in their children’s … more

By Ray Carter
Director, Center for Independent Journalism | 12/10/20 11:00 AM

Citizens upset over name change

For several months, the businesses and residents on Highway 70 inside the new bypass have been battling with the Durant City Council over the decision to change the road’s name from Highway 70 … more

12/3/20 02:59 PM

Visitor angry over disrespect to parents’ grave

I am writing this letter out of anger. I was there recently and the trip was to Highland Cemetery. We were there to put flowers on my parents’ graves. I was appalled when I saw the graves. … more

11/25/20 04:05 PM

Wear a mask to protect yourself and others

Wear a mask! Please. Please. Earlier, medical experts had said that mask-wearing during this pandemic was to safeguard others, those whom the wearer might infect through sneezing, coughing, … more

By Marion Hill | 11/19/20 06:23 PM

A colonoscopy can be life-saving

As a local surgeon, I would like to spread the word concerning screening for colon cancer. The United States Task Force on Prevention recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all Americans … more

11/18/20 05:31 PM

Getting along post election

I’ve been watching and participating in elections for about sixty years. During that time, my favored candidates have won lots of times and lost lots of times. Obviously, winning is more fun. … more

By Marion Hill | 11/12/20 08:57 AM

The Smell Test: Obama vs. Trump

Dress codes In 2009, Obama was caught sitting in the Oval Office without his jacket on. “Too laid-back, disrespectful, not Presidential, brings discredit to the office, something no … more

By Jane Hicks | 10/29/20 06:08 PM

Light of Hope is seeking homeless shelter

So today, I woke up made a pot of coffee and sat down in front of the television to drink my coffee. I have been doing the same thing the past 12 days. Yes you guessed it, I am in quarantine. For … more

By Sandra Lynn Noltkamper | 10/29/20 06:04 PM

Readers say stealing campaign signs is denying free speech

It’s silly season again in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. Campaign signs for candidates have sprouted in yards around Bryan County, and it’s always interesting to see who … more

10/23/20 08:24 AM

Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police opposes state question 805

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Question 805 will be on the November 3 ballot, asking citizens of the State of Oklahoma to vote to change the State Constitution by taking away the discretion of the … more

10/21/20 10:33 AM