News

COMING EVENTS

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
May 26 The Bryan County Democratic Party (BCDP) is supporting a “candidate meet & greet” with Jim Priest, for the US Senate, Tuesday, May 26. Come by from 1230-130 pm at Blakes Coffee Shop on University St.

Minimum wage, minimum power

Marion Hill
Thursday, May 21, 2026
State Question 832, the $15 Minimum Wage Initiative, will appear on the June 2026 ballot in Oklahoma, and I plan to vote for it. If passed, the measure would increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour in 2027, $13.50 in 2028, and $15 in 2029.

COURT RECORDS

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Felonies filed Eran Chad Gray, 21, Durant, aggravated DUI. Kevin Lamon Carlton, 51,Tulsa, DUI.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Recorded in the Bryan County Clerk’s Office Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Keneth Bowley, Barbara Bowley and Barry Ridinger, warranty deed John Shipman and Danika Shipman to Logan Bradley Brown and Elizabeth Michelle Wardrip, warranty deed Leroy Brett Hall to Joshua Kayle Williams...
Mike Morris was one of approximately 100 motorcyclists escorting the Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica through downtown Durant in May 2019. Morris was killed May 16 in Johnson County, Arkansas, when his motorcycle was hit by a car that crossed over into his lane. Matt Swearengin | File photo

Mike Morris was one of approximately 100 motorcyclists escorting the Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica through downtown Durant in May 2019. Morris was killed May 16 in Johnson County, Arkansas, when his motorcycle was hit by a car that crossed over into his lane. Matt Swearengin | File photo

Durant motorcyclist killed in Arkansas crash

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 21, 2026
A Durant man who was a former Durant city council member was killed last Saturday when his motorcycle was struck head on by a vehicle in rural Johnson County, Arkansas. According to the Arkansas State Police, 72-year-old Curtis (Mike) Morris was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at 1:40 p.m.
Youth Services of Bryan County had an open house recently to celebrate its grand reopening. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Youth Services of Bryan County had an open house recently to celebrate its grand reopening. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Youth Services has grand reopening

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Youth Services of Bryan County celebrated its grand reopening and expansion with an open house recently. Founded in 1971, YSBC helps at-risk youth and their families through counseling, education, life skills, and community- based programs.
The Massey Family Foundation made a gift to Crisis Control Center to support the program’s expansion. Greg Massey is shown with CCC Executive Director Stephanie Luke. Photo provided

The Massey Family Foundation made a gift to Crisis Control Center to support the program’s expansion. Greg Massey is shown with CCC Executive Director Stephanie Luke. Photo provided

Crisis Control Center announces recent grant awards supporting critical survivor services

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Crisis Control Center is proud to announce a series of recent grant awards and generous contributions that will signifi cantly expand and enhance services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Texoma.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers salute during the Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute May 14 at the Choctaw Amphitheater. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers salute during the Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute May 14 at the Choctaw Amphitheater. Matt Swearengin | Durant Democrat

Fallen law enforcement officers remembered

Matt Swearengin
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Durant Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 113 held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute to honor fallen Bryan County law enforcement officers May 14 at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters Amphitheater.
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