The Durant Daily Democrat

A lifeline for rural hospitals

“A small community is only as healthy as its hospital.” That sign hangs near the entrance of Fairfax Community Hospital, a 15-bed facility in the town of Fairfax in Osage County, one … more

By David Blatt
OKpolicy.org | 9/6/19 07:00 PM

I got refreshed at the gas pumps

I read a book several years ago about a man who spent 76 days adrift in a life raft. He wrote about using solar stills to make drinking water from seawater. As the stills became soaked with seawater … more

By Michael Clements
michael@durantdemocrat.com | 9/6/19 07:00 PM

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor I have been watching the changes in the Democrat since you took over as Editor, and I had just taken out my notepad to write you praise and appreciation for what you have accomplished … more

9/6/19 07:00 PM

School bond issue is an
investment in our future

On Sept. 10, voters will consider a $48.6 million bond issue. The plan will split revenue with $38.6 million paying for an 83,000 square foot K-4 Elementary school and $10.1 million to finance … more

9/6/19 07:00 PM

Durant Main Street is buzzing with activity

Durant Main Street has seen some incredible growth in the past few months. We have had multiple shops and stores open, along with a vast growth in our community and tourism involvement downtown. It … more

By Leysha Sanders
Durant Main Street | 8/30/19 07:00 PM

Keyboard cursing is okay

“When I’m in my car I have a different set of values. I am the worst person I can be when I’m behind the wheel.” Louis CK. I used to be a Facebook fanatic. I remember … more

By Michael Clements
City Editor | 8/30/19 07:00 PM

The Bryan County Free Fair is more than what we can do

One of the most quintessentially American activities is kicking off this week and we encourage everyone in Bryan County to participate. Tonight, the Bryan County Free Fair kicks off with its … more

8/30/19 07:00 PM

Our nation was built on the fruit of teachers’ labors

Founders of the United States believed education was necessary to democracy. Thomas Jefferson was the first to propose free public schools. The idea was slow to catch on, but catch on it did, and … more

By Marion Hill | 8/30/19 07:00 PM

Epic school, or epic fail?

It has not, to put it mildly, been a good couple months for David Chaney and Ben Harris, co-founders of Epic Charter Schools, Oklahoma’s largest virtual charter school. Launched in 2011, … more

By David Blatt
OkPolicy.org | 8/23/19 08:00 PM

Gun violence as a public health crisis

Most effective problem solvers work with a simple routine of questions. What is the problem? What do we know about the cause of the problem? What else do we need to know? Using this approach, the … more

By Joe Littlejohn | 8/23/19 10:53 AM

OU officials flout transparency

Like many colleges and universities, the University of Oklahoma has a “bias reporting hotline” that allows any aggrieved or offended party to anonymously inform on fellow members of their … more

By Jonathan Small
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 8/23/19 07:08 AM

OK2030: A plan to move Oklahoma forward

A few years ago, I was approached by the State Chamber Research Foundation to join the Steering Committee of OK2030, a strategic vision and action plan to improve Oklahoma’s economy, workforce, … more

By Greg Massey
OK2030 | 8/17/19 12:54 AM

Democracy is in a backslide

We’ve watched it on the news for years now — democracy sliding away in one country after another — Turkey, Hungary, Venezuela, and now Poland. Some remember firsthand democracy … more

By Joe Littlejohn | 8/17/19 12:42 AM

No-bid contract for cemetery work was right decision

Laws on how government can spend tax money were written for a reason, a very good reason; Accountability. In most cases, governments must advertise work it wants done. It is expected to solicit … more

8/17/19 12:33 AM

First day of school should be fun, exciting and safe

Though you wouldn’t know it if you stepped outside, summer is winding down. At least the fun, do-as-you-please part our children enjoy. On Aug. 15, Bryan County school children will make the … more

8/10/19 03:05 AM

Voter registration deadline is Aug. 16

Friday, Aug. 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Sept. 10th Bryan Co. Durant I-72 & Boswell I-1 Special School Proposition … more

By Kim Norris
Bryan County Election Board | 8/3/19 01:03 AM

Capital improvement tax critical to city’s infrastructure

The Durant Streets & Infrastructure Task Force has submitted its recommendations, but the hard work of moving Durant forward is just beginning. Improving our city will require the involvement and … more

By Michael Davis
Durant Streets and Infrastructure Task Force | 8/2/19 12:59 PM

GOYAKOD is how news is done

More than 30 years ago I became a volunteer photographer with a weekly newspaper in Linden, Ala. Since then, I have covered every beat at a newspaper except for sports. Reporting, like any other … more

By Michael Clements
michael@durantdemocrat.com | 8/2/19 12:00 AM

Freedom and equality for women

During the 1960s, women’s earnings were 60 percent of men’s and unmarried women of any age had difficulty getting birth control. Birth control is Vice-President Pence’s ultimate … more

By Jane Hicks | 7/13/19 11:51 AM

Shakespeare Festival is important cultural element

This weekend marks the end of the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival’s 40th season. For 40 years actors, musicians, dancers, technicians and other artists have brought the best in entertainment, … more

7/13/19 11:40 AM