Three Sandite Teens Killed in Tragic Car Accident
/Sand Springs is a town that’s known a tragedy or two over the years, and far too often those tragedies have been felt the hardest by the teenage community.
Read MoreNames released of two Sand Springs motorcycle crash victims
/The Sand Springs Police Department has released the names of two individuals who were killed in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday evening on 41st Street.
Mitchell Raymond Overton, a 21-year-old Tulsa resident, was driving a motorcycle eastbound on 41st Street at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the time of the incident. Accompanying him on the rear of the bike was Kennedy Alexis Behm, a 20-year-old Mount Joy, Pennsylvania resident.
The two were struck by Ernest William Steagall, Jr., a 56-year-old Tulsa resident, who was making a left turn from Teal Ridge Drive onto 41st Street to proceed westbound. The motorcycle struck the car and caught fire. Both riders were pronounced dead at the scene.
Steagall was transported by EMSA to a local hospital for evaluation. The incident is still under investigation by the Sand Springs Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team.
41st Street was prone to accidents in years past, and the speed limit was lowered from 50 MPH to 40 in 2017 after the Teal Ridge subdivision opened. It is unclear if speed was a factor in Wednesday’s accident. The road is also located on rolling hills that can limit visibility.
HillSpring Church, located near the accident, was forced to cancel services Wednesday after SSPD shut down the road during the investigation.
Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman charged with First Degree Manslaughter
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Outgoing Oklahoma State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was charged with First Degree Manslaughter Monday relating to a vehicular accident earlier this year. Ikley-Freeman represents Senate District 37, which includes Sand Springs, Jenks, and portions of Tulsa.
The accident for which she has been charged occurred Friday, May 22nd at 7:32 a.m. on the Turner Turnpike, when she was on her way to the State Capitol. Another vehicle, occupied by 44-year-old Enrique Lopez, had reportedly hydroplaned while traveling westbound and was stuck in the grass on the right-hand side of the road. Approximately eight minutes later, Ikley-Freeman also left the roadway and struck Lopez’s Camaro on the driver’s side. Ikley-Freeman was pinned inside her own wreckage for more than half an hour.
Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ikley-Freeman was transported to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center for treatment. She underwent surgery immediately following the crash after suffering a ruptured spleen, broken ribs, and fractures to her vertebrae and pelvis. Her recovery has gone well, and she has since appeared in an official capacity at Sand Springs events.
One witness called 911 to report Mr. Lopez’s initial accident, and stated that he was having difficulty keeping his vehicle on the road while traveling only 55 MPH due to the heavy rains and moderate wind gusts. Two other drivers called to report the second accident, and both were reportedly driving under the 75 MPH speed limit due to weather conditions.
Senator Ikley-Freeman was interviewed at the OU Medical Center by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Kimmons. She told Kimmons that her cruise control was set to 75 MPH, but crash data obtained from the Event Data Recorder in her vehicle indicated she was actually driving 91 MPH just five seconds prior to the collision.
Court documents state that “Allison Ikley-Freeman was operating her vehicle in complete disregard to the motoring public and was in the process of committing several misdemeanor crimes, those being: 1. Speeding, 2. Reckless driving, 3. Operating a vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable and proper for the weather conditions and 4. Fail to stay in a single lane of travel, when the collision resulting in the death of Enrique Loepz occurred.”
Ikley-Freeman’s traffic record has been spotless for the past decade, though she was cited for driving 26-30 MPH over the limit in 2009.
Bond was set for $30,000 and Ikley-Freeman’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 7th. If convicted, she faces no less than four years imprisonment.
Ikley-Freeman, 29, lost her re-election campaign last Tuesday to Republican candidate Cody Rogers. She was previously elected as a Democrat in a 2017 special election to fill an unexpired term. Rogers won last week’s two-way election with 67.1% of the vote and will be sworn into office on Tuesday.
HillSpring Church provides hurricane relief in Lake Charles, Louisiana
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While most high school students were relaxing and hanging out with friends on Fall Break last week, students at HillSpring Youth Ministries were getting their hands dirty in Louisiana. HillSpring Church in Sand Springs sent a group of 26 on a relief mission to aid in cleaning up after Hurricanes Delta and Laura, and half were teenagers.
Hurricane Laura was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana in over a century and was listed as a Category 4 when it hit on August 27. That storm caused an estimated $14 billion in damages, and was followed just six weeks later by the Category 2 Hurricane Delta, causing an additional $2 billion in damages.
The HillSpring group partnered with Lakewood Bible Fellowship in Lake Charles to help with clearing debris, mucking out flooded houses, removing downed trees, mowing lawns, as well as offering prayer and support for families who were affected, said Executive Pastor Will Holder.
“I enjoyed getting to go meet all these different people,” said Jacob Dennis. “Their homes and surroundings are ruined, trees fallen everywhere. It was just good to go out and help them - bring a little light into their world in a dark time.”
Brooklyn Taber’s favorite part of the trip was the impact it made on the hurricane victims, and seeing them happy. “Their world just got ripped apart,” said Taber. “We made it just a little bit better.”
“For me personally, it was just something fun to get to go do,” said Dalton Wilcox. “The benefit of people’s smiles was incredible, and I always enjoy a good hard day’s work.”
“Our goal and our hope is that students would make a difference, not just in their neighborhood, but the world around them” said Associate Pastor Matt Barnett. “This was a week where we got to get them out of their element. 90% of them were new missionaries, first time on the mission field. They went out and really saw the world outside of themselves, saw the devastation, saw pain, saw hopelessness, and they got to bring just a little bit of hope to each of these families. What’s really cool is a lot of the kids got to talk with the people and pray with the people.”
HillSpring Church meets at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings with Student Ministries every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 8801 West 41st Street. For more information visit http://www.hillspring.tv/
Torrential downpours cause road collapse, business closure in Sand Springs
/After weeks of little to no rain, Sand Springs got overloaded this past weekend. According to the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center weather station in Sand Springs, the town received more than three inches of rain in a two-hour period Saturday night. The rapid downpour was enough to flood OkieSpice and Trade Co. at 107 North Main Street, causing the business’s indefinite closure. It also caused a section of 10th Street to collapse just west of 81st West Avenue.
Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd gives update on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman
/OKLAHOMA CITY –Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Friday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery. The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.
“On Wednesday, June 10, Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was released from Kaiser Rehabilitation Center in Tulsa. She returned to her home but undergoes daily rehabilitation treatment for her many injuries. With permission from Allison and her family, I can share that her injuries from the accident included six broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, two vertebrae fractures, and five fractures to her pelvis. She works daily to regain the ability to walk but will use a wheelchair for the time being.
“Although Senator Ikley-Freeman is not available for comment at this time, she and her family continue to extend gratitude to her church, friends, and fellow legislators in the state Senate and House of Representatives for their sustained support. She and her family request continued privacy and prayer for Allison and for the family of the other person involved.”
Black Lives Matter rally scheduled for Tuesday at Sand Springs park
/A Black Lives Matter rally is being planned for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Case Community Park in Sand Springs. The gathering will take place on the Great Lawn, and is being organized by Charles Page High School alumni Imani Jennings and Travis Allen.
Speakers who are scheduled to speak at the event include State Representative Regina Goodwin, Mary I. Williams, Nia MaRae Byrd, April Ghahagan, Pastor Robert Turner, Alyxandria Fredieu, Reverend Mareo Johnson, Imani Jennings, Tykebrean Chesier, and Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter.
Organizers have requested that attendees wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Water and food will be provided.
There will be a candlelight vigil after dark to commemorate victims of police brutality.
Senator Ikley-Freeman discharged from hospital after deadly accident
/OKLAHOMA CITY –Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Monday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery. The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.
“While we still want to be mindful of Senator Ikley-Freeman’s privacy, many people have called, emailed and messaged asking to be updated. I can share that Allison was discharged today from OU Medical Center and has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Tulsa to continue her recovery from her injuries. This is a positive step in that process.
“Again, Senator Ikley-Freeman, her family, and all of us in the Senate Democratic Caucus continue to be heartened by the outpouring of love and support from throughout the state. We want to thank everyone for the kind words, positive thoughts and prayers.”
Sand Springs Police Chief issues statement on death of George Floyd
/Mike Carter, the Chief of Police for the Sand Springs Police Department, issued the following statement Saturday following nationwide outrage regarding the death of George Floyd.
“Today, I received an email from a concerned citizen who expressed the opinion that our agency should reassure our community that we condemn the actions of "unjust, racist or excessively brutal officers". We normally do not comment on cases from other agencies, but given the climate in our country today, I think that it is a reasonable request.”
“Therefore, let me state that we mourn the loss of Mr. George Floyd, condemn the manner in which he lost his life and with unqualified language will state that Black Lives Matter.”
“This is not a unique position for our agency. In 2015, we read the Department of Justice report on Ferguson MO. We did a self-audit to make sure that we were not policing Sand Springs in ways that were found to diminish our relationship with our community. We then wrote our first Policing Plan in 2016 and have continued this ever since. In 2018, Sand Springs Police Department accepted on behalf of our citizens the Leadership in Community Policing Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.”
“This year, with the help of our community, we will write our fifth version of the plan and it will be taken before our City Council for ratification. We will soon be announcing how you may participate in setting goals for the 2020 Policing Plan while keeping social distancing practices due to COVID-19.”
”This facebook post is not able to contain all of the information contained in our Policing Plan. In the first comment, you will find a link to our web page that will let you read our current and past policing plans.”
“While we cannot help what is happening in other parts of our country, the SSPD, our City Council and our citizens can come together and make sure that our community is a place that is safe for all that may want to work, live and play here.”
Sand SpRings police chief mike carter speaks at a 2017 City Council meeting.
One year later: remembering the great flood of 2019
/Keystone Dam, May 14, 2019.
On May 14th, 2019 the Keystone Dam outflow surpassed 100,000 cubic feet per second for the first time since 1995. While the massive volume of water was enough to draw sightseers out to the dam and to make some folks nervous, it was only an inkling of what was to come.
By the 21st the City of Sand Springs closed Case Community Park and issued a voluntary evacuation advisory for the Meadow Valley subdivision due to flooding along Anderson Creek, an Arkansas River tributary. Dam outflow reached 161,000 cf/s.
Flooding inside Meadow Valley.
On the 22nd dam output reached 206,000 cf/s. The City of Sand Springs declared a State of Emergency, and Webco Industries evacuated the Star Center manufacturing plant on Highway 51. Natural Gas and Sanitary Sewer services were shut off inside of Meadow Valley and water began to overflow the riverbanks in the Riverside West and Town and Country subdivisions. The Sand Springs School District canceled final exams and ended the school year early. By the end of the night, the streets of Town and Country were almost completely submerged.
Flooding in Town and Country neighborhood.
At noon on the 23rd the dam outflow surpassed 250,000 cf/s and the Tulsa Boys Home was forced to evacuate. Highway 51 was shut down due to flooding.
Meanwhile, flooding began to affect the north side of the river as well. Bigheart Creek became a lake, completely flooding a large stretch of West 7th Street. The levee walls at the intersection of 65th West Avenue and Charles Page Boulevard began to leak, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the World War 2-era constructs.
West of town, the Candlestick Beach neighborhood began to flood, and Case Community Park is completely submerged. Sandite Pride received an exclusive tour of the flooded campus.
By the 27th, large areas of West Tulsa had been placed under voluntary evacuation. The National Guard had begun airlifting sandbags to at-risk areas, and placed an occupying presence along the levees. Checkpoints were established in flooded areas to prevent non-resident access.
As suddenly as it began, the flood ended. It lasted less than two weeks, and by June 2nd the dam outflow dipped below 100,000 cf/s, allowing the waters to recede in most areas. Then began the long recovery effort. Many former residents of the flooded areas have yet to return to their homes.
Click here to view Sandite Pride’s full photo and video gallery from the flood.
State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman hospitalized after fatal car wreck
/UPDATE:
According to a statement provided by the family of Senator Ikley-Freeman, she initially listed in critical condition and underwent surgery immediately after the crash. She suffered multiple injuries that will require significant recovery, and is still being treated in the Intensive Care Unit. She is listed as being in serious, but stable condition.
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According to a post on her official Facebook page, District 37 State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was involved in a vehicular accident on the Turner Turnpike while on her way to the State Capitol Friday morning. The incident reportedly left one victim dead, and the senator, who represents Sand Springs, was transported to the University of Oklahoma Health Center for treatment.
Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd issued the following statement:
“Earlier this morning, one of the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman of Tulsa, was returning to the state Capitol for session and was involved in an accident on the Turner Turnpike. She was transported to Oklahoma City’s OU Medical Center for care.”
“While we want to be respectful of her privacy, we also want to thank our colleagues in the Senate and fellow Oklahomans who’ve reached out to express their concern, and we ask everyone for continued prayers for Senator Ikley-Freeman and her family.”
Senator Ikley-Freeman assumed office in 2017 and is currently up for reelection. She filed unopposed for the Democratic nomination, and will face the winner of the Republican Primary in November. A therapist by trade, Ikley-Freeman was just appointed to the State Health Care Board on Thursday. She is married with three children.
Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,794 with 88 deaths and 790 recoveries
/Counties in red have cases. Counties in yellow have suffered fatalities.
The number of cumulative COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,794 with 88 total deaths and 428 hospitalizations. 790 individuals have recovered, leaving 1,004 active cases. There have been eight deaths linked to the virus since Thursday.
The state has finished processing a large backlog of private lab tests, bringing the number of confirmed negatives to 22,246.
Oklahoma County has suffered two new losses: a female in the 50-64 age group and a male over 65 years of age. Two 65+ males have died in Osage County. A 65+ male in Creek County, a 65+ female in Garfield County, a 65+ male in Pawnee County, and a 65+ female in Pottawatomie County has also passed.
Oklahoma County leads the state in cumulative cases with 413 and seventeen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 314 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 236 cases and fourteen deaths. Canadian, Creek, Wagoner, and Washington counties have all surpassed 50 cases apiece.
As of Thursday, there are 186 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Oklahoma. The average fatality age is 73.1 and the average hospitalization age is 65.8. 67.5% of deceased had at least one comorbidity (diabetes, heart disease or circulatory disease, chronic lung disease, liver disease, or renal failure).
There are more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests remaining. Governor Kevin Stitt announced Friday that the state is expecting peak hospital demand to be well within the state’s capabilities.
Modeling authored by Aaron M. Wendelboe, PhD, Justin Dorak, PhD, and Michael P. Anderson, PhD, has identified a peak date of April 21st for the statewide pandemic. They estimate 436 new cases, 22 deaths, 131 new hospitalizations, 915 people hospitalized, and 458 people in ICU on that date. By May 1st they estimate a total of 9,300 cases statewide with 469 deaths.
“Over the past week, Oklahoma has significantly increased COVID-19 testing data due to expanded capacity at labs and more than 80 mobile testing locations across the state,” said Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, interim state epidemiologist. “This new data gave our team of epidemiologists stronger insight to forecast a COVID-19 model for the State of Oklahoma. At this point, we are estimating that Oklahoma will hit peak demand on hospitals, ICU beds, and other critical medical supplies around April 21.”
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 427,460 cases nationwide with 14,696 deaths, an increase of 33,000 cases since Thursday’s report. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (33rd per capita) and 23rd in total deaths.
The World Health Organization is showing 1,521,252 cases worldwide with 92,798 deaths. The United States lead the world in cases, followed by Spain with 152,446, Italy with 143,626, Germany with 113,525, and France with 85,351.
Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 1,684 with 80 deaths
/Counties in red have active cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have fatalities.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,684 with one additional fatality, bringing the statewide death toll to 80. A Sequoyah County man in the 65+ age bracket is the latest victim. There have been 415 cumulative hospitalizations.
The State Public Health Laboratory has returned 1,519 negative tests, but is still processing more than 12,000 negative results submitted by private labs.
Oklahoma County leads the state with 385 cases and fifteen deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 308 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 231 cases and fourteen deaths. Wagoner and Washington counties have surpassed 50 cases apiece.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 427,460 cases nationwide with 14,696 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (33rd per capita) and 23rd in fatalities (18th per capita).
The World Health Organization reports 1,439,516 confirmed cases worldwide with 85,711 deaths. The United States have the highest number of cases in the world, followed by Spain with 146,690, Italy with 139,422, Germany with 108,202 and China with 83,249.
Oklahoma up to 1,524 COVID-19 cases with twelve new fatalities
/Counties in red have active cases. Counties highlighted in yellow have suffered fatalities.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,524 with 390 hospitalizations and 79 deaths, including twelve on Tuesday. The OSDH has processed 1,479 negative tests but is still working through more than 12,000 negative tests submitted by private labs.
The twelve new fatalities include:
Four in Oklahoma County: two males and two females, older than 65.
Two in Cleveland County, a male in the 36-49 age group and a male older than 65.
Two in Tulsa County, both males older than 65.
One in Adair County, a female older than 65.
One in Greer County, a female older than 65.
One in Kay County, a male older than 65.
One in Wagoner County, a male older than 65.
Oklahoma County leads the state with 317 cases and fifteen fatalities, followed by Tulsa County with 293 cases and sixteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 212 cases and fourteen deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 395,011 cases nationwide with 12,754 deaths, an increase of 20,000 cases in the last 24 hours. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases (34th per capita), and 23rd in deaths (18th per capita).
The World Health Organization’s Wednesday situation report shows 1,353,361 cases worldwide with 79,235 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain with 140,510 cases, Italy with 135,586, Germany with 103,228, and China with 83,157.
Oklahoma reports 16 new deaths from COVID-19, total cases up to 1,472
/Counties in red have active cases. Counties with yellow outlines have had deaths.
Monday marked the single deadliest day of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma so far, with 16 deaths, bringing the state total to 67. There are now 1,472 confirmed cases with 376 cumulative hospitalizations.
The State Public Health Laboratory has currently processed 1,436 negative test results but is also working through 11,000 negative tests received from private labs dating back to February.
Six Tulsa County residents passed away Monday: a male in the 18-35 age group, a female in the 50-64 group, three females in the 65+ group and one man in the 65+ group. A 50-64 female and a 65+ male in Osage County have passed, as have a 65+ female in Adair County, a 65+ female in Cherokee County, a 65+ female in Cleveland County, a 65+ male in Creek County, a 65+ female in Kay County, a 65+ male in Mayes County, a 65+ female in Wagoner County, and a 65+ male in Washington County.
Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in cases with 303 and eleven deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 273 cases and fourteen deaths, and Cleveland County with 203 cases and twelve deaths. Wagoner County has surpassed 50 cases.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 374,329 cases nationwide with 12,064 deaths, an increase of over 40,000 cases since Monday’s report. Oklahoma is currently 29th in total cases and 34th per capita. The state is 27th in deaths and 21st per capita.
The World Health Organization’s Tuesday situation report shows 1,279,722 cases worldwide with 72,614 deaths. The United States lead the world, followed by Spain with 135,032 cases, Italy with 132,547, Germany with 99,225, and China with 83,071.
Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 1,327 with 51 deaths and 340 hospitalizations
/Red counties have active cases, yellow counties have had deaths.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 1,327 with five additional deaths since Sunday, bringing the statewide death total to 51 with 340 hospitalizations.
An Oklahoma County man in the 18-35 age range has died, marking the first victim in the state in that demographic. Also falling victim to the virus are two in Greer County, one male and one female, both over 65 years old, a 65+ female in Osage County and a 65+ male in Pottawatomie County.
Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in cases with 279 and eleven deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 249 cases and eight deaths, and Cleveland County with 180 cases and eleven deaths. Creek and Wagoner counties have both surpassed 40 cases apiece.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 330,891 cases nationwide with 8,910 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases and 19th per capita. There are 1,210,956 cases worldwide according to the World Health Organization with 67,594 deaths.
In an effort to prepare for medical surge and prolonged response to COVID-19 in the state, the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is recruiting volunteers to serve in medical and non-medical positions.
Lezlie Carter, OKMRC state coordinator, said volunteers are needed to serve in multiple capacities, but there is an increased need for those with medical training. Licensed medical professionals may be needed to assist with triage, supplementing hospital personnel, monitoring critical patients, assisting with transporting patients and providing critical care in the field.
“We are preparing for a surge to our state’s medical system,” said Carter. “It is important for us to begin processing new volunteers now so they are properly registered and trained for their role within the OKMRC.”
Other functions include specialty services such as the Stress Response Team where licensed mental health professionals provide behavioral and emotional support at hospitals, shelters, phone banks, community outreach teams, first responders and more.
Volunteers without medical training are needed for warehouse support, record keeping and administrative duties. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in Oklahoma, agree to a comprehensive background check and complete the OKMRC training.
Coordinated through the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the OKMRC is the state’s only medical and public health volunteer program comprised of specialty teams and county units operating under the authority of local county health departments. The program has an established system to identify, train and organize medical and public health professionals, as well as volunteers from the public to supplement and support ongoing response operations and personnel.
The concept of the Medical Reserve Corps was created in 2002 after many Americans wanted to know how to help with the recovery efforts from Sept. 11, 2001. It has since evolved into a nationwide program.
To volunteer or to learn more about OKMRC functions, visit okmrc.org.
Oklahoma COVID-19 cases up to 988 with 38 total deaths
/Oklahoma is up to 988 cases of COVID-19 as of 11:00 a.m. Friday, with 38 total deaths. Four additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19 since Thursday, including three in Tulsa County and one in Cleveland County. 289 Oklahomans have been hospitalized due to the virus.
Oklahoma County leads the state with 237 cases and ten deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 175 cases and eight deaths, and Cleveland County with 130 cases and seven deaths. Wagoner, Creek, and Comanche counties have surpassed 30 cases apiece.
Counties in red have active cases. Counties in yellow have had deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control are reporting 239,279 cases nationwide with 5,443 deaths. Oklahoma is 29th in total cases and 32nd per capita with 25.2 cases per 100,000 people.
The latest situation report from the World Health Organization lists 972,303 confirmed cases worldwide with 50,322 deaths.
Number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma up to 719 with 30 deaths
/The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has increased to 719 as of Tuesday. The coronavirus has caused an additional seven deaths, bringing the total to 30. Greer County has reported its first case and will now be required to come into compliance with Governor Stitt’s “Safer at Home” executive order. There have been 219 hospitalizations in the state.
Counties in red have active cases, counties in yellow have had fatalities.
Oklahoma County leads the state in diagnoses with 192 and ten deaths, followed by Tulsa County with 115 cases and three deaths. Cleveland County is third with 87 cases and six deaths. Canadian, Comanche, Creek, Kay, and Washington counties all have 20+ cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 186,101 cases nationwide with 3,603 deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in the nation in cases.
The World Health Organization is reporting 827,419 cases worldwide and 40,777 confirmed deaths. The United States lead the world in confirmed cases, followed by Italy with 105,792, Spain with 94,417, and China with 82,638. Italy leads the world in fatalities with 12,430.
City of Sand Springs issues Shelter in Place order
/Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon issued an updated “shelter in place” proclamation for the City of Sand Springs, effective on April 1, 2020, as follows:
“Based on the expanding crisis, it is important for the residents of Sand Springs to exercise extreme caution in their contact with others and to only be in public if necessary. While a number of businesses have been defined as essential by the Governor, I am also asking each essential business owner to take even more safeguards than have been required by the State, including closing if possible, for the safety of their employees and families, so that we can get through this event. It is important that we do everything possible to protect each other. If we do not see improvement, I am very concerned that additional restrictions may be necessary.”
Proclamation Declaring State of Emergency
WHEREAS, a proclamation declaring a state of emergency was issued by the Mayor of the City of Sand Springs on March 17, 2020, by virtue of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic; and
WHEREAS, a proclamation requesting voluntary business closing was issued by the Mayor of the City of Sand Springs on March 18, 2020, encouraging restaurants, bars, and other privately owned gathering places to limit the number of patrons and to encourage the transition to “take-out” or delivery options.
WHEREAS, a number of local businesses have implemented changes that provide protection to the public; however the Tulsa County Health Department has requested the City of Sand Springs take additional measures to protect the public, as the threat has not only continued but expanded within Tulsa County, resulting in additional exposure, illness and death.
WHEREAS, since the emergency declaration, the disease has continued to spread in multiple locations throughout the United States and the State of Oklahoma, resulting in additional protective measures imposed by Federal, State and local governments; and
WHEREAS, the state declared emergency for the State of Oklahoma is continuing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tulsa and other municipalities have imposed executive orders with mandatory limits for certain businesses in an attempt to limit social contact; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Oklahoma issued an executive order on March 24, 2020, effective March 25, 2020, that provides additional direction to the residents of Tulsa County and other affected counties within the State of Oklahoma, said executive order confirming and further enforcing the prior proclamations issued by the Mayor of the City of Sand Springs;
WHEREAS, based on the Governor’s orders, additional direction to local residents and businesses will assist all in having an appropriate response to the continuing threat; and
WHEREAS, practicing such methods such as social distancing is believed to stop the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 is a disaster affecting life, health, and safety of Sand Springs residents of the City of Sand Springs and create an emergency situation within the meaning of Section 683.3 of the Oklahoma Emergency Act of 2003, as amended;
NOW, THEREFORE BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CITY CHARTER AND STATE LAW, I, JAMES O. SPOON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE:
SECTION ONE: The previously declared state of emergency is continuing pursuant to the original proclamation.
SECTION TWO: All citizens living in or visiting the City of Sand Springs are ordered to shelter at their place of residence. For the purpose of this Order, residences include homes, apartments, condominiums, dormitories, hotels, motels, shared rentals, and similar facilities and accommodations. All persons may leave their residences only for Essential Activities as defined herein, or to provide or perform Essential Governmental Functions as defined by the government performing the function, or to operate Essential Businesses as defined by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, or his designee:
For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities”:
To engage in activities, perform tasks, or obtain supplies essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family, household members, or pets (for example, obtaining necessary medical supplies, medication, food and beverage, or other products necessary to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residence, visiting a health care professional, obtaining supplies needed to work from home, or performing property maintenance).
To engage in outdoor activity, provided that individuals, except those from the same household, must comply with physical distancing requirements of six feet (for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running).
To perform work at an Essential Business.
To care for or transport a family member or pet in another household.
To move for another residence either in or outside of the City of Sand Springs.
All in-person gatherings for social, and recreational purposes, including but not limited to community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades, concerts, festivals, conventions, fundraisers and similar activities of ten or more persons are prohibited.
SECTION THREE: All restaurants, bars, and other privately owned gathering places and other dine-in service areas shall be closed to the public until the expiration of this emergency declaration, although “pick-up” and delivery service may remain open to the public and is encouraged until the expiration of this emergency declaration.
SECTION FOUR: No business shall remain open to the public and/or conducting transactions with the general public upon their premises unless specifically designated by the City of Sand Springs as an essential business. A list of essential businesses may be viewed at https://www.sandspringsok.org/COVID-19 or in person at 100 E. Broadway in the public notice display on the north side of the building. Businesses may appeal their designation status through the (Chief of Police Office or City Clerk’s Office).
SECTION FIVE: To the extent possible during this emergency, the City of Sand Springs shall devote resources, as available, to assist not only local residents, but the business community to react and adjust to the continuing threat, including but not limited to assistance with continuing business operations as appropriate.
SECTION SIX: All persons are encouraged to take precautions available to assist in alleviating the spread of the virus. All businesses should comply with all CDC and health department regulations and directives. Failure to comply may result in revocation of a business certificate of occupancy or any other legal remedy available.
SECTION SEVEN: This proclamation shall become effective 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 1st, 2020.
SECTION EIGHT: This state of emergency shall continue until 12:01 a.m. May 11, 2020 or terminated earlier by further proclamation.
PROCLAIMED THIS 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 2020.
Oklahoma COVID-19 cases rise to 481 with new death in Cleveland County
/The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma rose to 481 Sunday with the virus making its debut in Beckham, Cotton, and Love counties. A Cleveland County man in the 50-64 age group has passed away, bringing the number of statewide fatalities to seventeen. There have been 153 hospitalizations due to the virus.
Oklahoma County leads the state in active cases with 134 infections and four deaths. Tulsa County has 65 cases and three fatalities and Cleveland County has 60 cases and six fatalities. Canadian, Comanche, Creek, Kay, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, and Washington Counties are in the 10-20 range.
Counties in red have active cases. Counties in yellow have had fatalities.
There are 140,904 confirmed cases in the United States with 2,405 deaths according to the Center for Disease Control. Oklahoma ranks approximately 33rd in active cases as a state and 18th in total deaths, according to a database compiled by The Guardian.
The World Health Organization is reporting 693,224 total cases worldwide with 33,106 death. The United States continues to lead the world, followed by Italy with 97,689 and Chine with 82,447. Italy leads the world in deaths with 10,781.
