A request by residents led to a state audit of the Town of Bennington and multiple improper actions were revealed, according to a Jan. 10 report by State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd. more

A house at Pecan and Folsom that was under renovation burned Friday morning, according to the Durant Fire Department. more

Colbert Public Schools is asking voters to approve bond propositions for building upgrades and school buses in an election Feb. 8. more

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has appointed Amy J. Pierce as the first fulltime district court judge for the tribal nation’s Judicial Branch. She was sworn in last week by Choctaw Nation Chief Justice David Burrage at the Choctaw Nation Judicial Center. more

The January 4, 2022, meeting of the St. William’s Altar society opened with a bang. Following a light brunch, the ladies were privileged to have a program presented by Stephanie Luke, Director of the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art and Janie Umsted, the Curator. The visual presentation was awesome as the ladies were given a little of the history as to how the Museum has involved to its present state and a little of the art that is on display. Without a doubt, the museum will be visited soon by some of the ladies. Ms. Luke also indicated that there will be sessions regarding “Life Long Learning” which will entail a number of subjects. For more information regarding these sessions, Ms. Luke can be contacted at 580-745-2046. more

Students from a number of area schools learned more about their potential future career options last Thursday at Eighth Grade Discovery Day. more

The Bryan County OSU Extension Service announces their upcoming free parenting education classes. more

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is continuing to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Health Mobile Unit to provide access to free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots to SE students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public. more

Steve Bagwell, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Bank, announced the promotion of LeeAnn Callicoat to Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. more

Three out of four lawsuits filed against establishments accused of serving alcoholic beverages to a man police said later killed four Durant teenagers when he drove his pickup into a car have been dismissed after confidential settlements were reached in the cases. more

Bryan County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations that will allow the county jail to house tribal prisoners. more

The old Federal Building that once housed the post office will soon be owned by Bryan County. more

AllianceHealth Durant announced that Hugh Matchen, RN, has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award. more

Caddo Community Association and the Civic and Cemetery Club of Caddo are partnering with other interested members of the community to produce an outstanding series of events for 2022, to celebrate Caddo’s Sesquicentennial. more

Editors note: Caddo’s sesquicentennial is this year and the Democrat will be publishing a column twice a month from newspaper archives obtained by Mary Maurer. more

Book Talk’s choice for its January 13 discussion is “The Madness of Crowds” by Louise Penny. The group meets at 7:00 pm, at Donald W. Reynolds Library in Durant. more

The Back in Black tribute band performed Saturday at Gilley’s in the Choctaw Casino & Resort. The band, formed in late 2000, is a reproduction of a concert performance of AC/DC and all of the band members live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, according to the band’s website. Shown are Darren Caperna, vocals, and Mike Mroz, lead guitar. more

A Potter’s Sausage truck and another vehicle were involved in a crash Monday afternoon on Highway 70 at Hickory Hollow Road east of Durant. more

The rock band Halestorm performed Saturday evening at Choctaw Grand Theater. Shown is Lzzy Hale, who is lead singer/guitarist for the band that plays hard rock and alternative metal. more

Four Choctaw Nation tribal members were virtually recognized as honorees at the 13th annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors event. more