First Responders Call for Blood Donors – Thursday, August 25

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Sand Springs’s first-responders are looking for citizens to support their efforts through blood donation with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI).  Those who give at the Guns ‘N Hoses blood drive Thursday, August 25, will provide blood needed to save local lives, like those that fire and law enforcement staffs rescue. 

Anyone 16 years or older* can to stop by the Case Community Center between 1 and 6 p.m.  All donors will receive a special-edition Guns ‘N Hoses T-shirt and a pass for two to the Tulsa Zoo.  They will also participate in a little healthy competition by designating their donations to either the fire department or law enforcement as each rallies to top the other with the most donors.

Although all blood types are needed, donors with O-negative blood are particularly asked to come out.  While only nine percent of the population has this blood type, it is the ‘universal type’ and can be used at an accident scene or in an emergency department when there’s not time to identify a patient’s type.

“Sand Springs first responders see first-hand the daily need for blood when those they rescue require life-saving treatment,” Jan Laub, Executive Director, OBI Tulsa, said.  “We can’t say enough about the service they provide, and we owe it to them to do our part in making sure blood is available to save those whom they have risked their lives to rescue.”

Since there is no substitute for blood, supplies must constantly be renewed. Oklahoma Blood Institute is the state’s local non-profit, providing every drop of blood needed by patients in 90 percent of the state’s medical facilities including ALL Children’s, Veteran and Indian Hospitals.

Appointments for the blood drive may be made by calling 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org. 

 * 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Police Chief Mike Carter presents 2016 Policing Plan for Sand Springs

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

City of Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter is taking a proactive approach towards police-community relations in the face of nation-wide tensions.

With police actions continuing to fall under increased media and public scrutiny, Carter wants to learn from situations like the Ferguson, Missouri conflicts and avoid accusations of biased policing.

“While race has not played a significant factor in policing/judicial problems in the City of Sand Springs; unintentionally, economic disparity may play a significant role in unequal consequences of violations of the law by people in Sand Springs.”

Carter also made it clear that “if even one person feels that they were subject to racial bias by the SSPD, it is our responsibility to take steps to better that situation and take steps to make sure we alleviate that concern in the future.”

The mentally ill are another demographic addressed by Carter. “It is important to treat mental health issues as a medical care situation and to lessen the possibility of potential for violent conflict with the individual.”

Body cameras represent one area where Sand Springs is already well ahead of the curve. While movements like “Black Lives Matter” are demanding body cameras be implemented elsewhere, the SSPD has already been using body cameras for approximately eight years, according to Carter.

The Department is also working on increasing the amount of warnings that are given in relation to the total number of traffic stops.

According to Carter’s report, approximately one-third of Sand Springs officers have been trained in advanced mental health techniques through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The remaining two-thirds of SSPD officers are expected to go through the training by the first quarter of 2017.

The Department is also working on training all officers in anti-bias policing. The training focuses on the belief that all people have some implicit bias, and that officers should seek to understand and control their bias so that it won’t be a factor in their policing decisions.

Last year, all SSPD officers attended Use of Force training that not only covered shoot-don’t-shoot situations, but also helped coach officers through issuing verbal commands that are clear and won’t cause confusion or put the officer at risk. The Department will continue to put officers through verbal training sessions that focus on de-escalation and officer approachability.

One example of the SSPD’s restraint in use of force is an incident in the Spoon Drug parking lot two weeks ago.

On Friday, July 18th, officers responded to a call about an armed suspect in the 3800 block of Highway 97. That suspect refused to comply with officers’ orders and was tackled to the ground after the responding officer saw he wasn’t holding a weapon.

The Department plans on starting a program in the near-future called “Talk and Pop with a Cop” that will allow the public to speak with officers and other community leaders about the City.

The Department plans to continue issuing fewer and less-costly citations so as to encourage citizens to appear in court and result in less warrants and less conflicts between officers and citizens. The Department will also raise the penalties for failure to appear in court to further incentivize citizens to appear. Alternatives to fines and jail times are being explored such as community service in local festivals.

This week in Sand Springs

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Joint City Council-Municipal Authority Meeting Monday

The Sand Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the Sand Springs Municipal Building, immediately followed by the regular Municipal Authority meeting.

Police Chief Michael Carter will provide a presentation regarding the Policing Plan for 2016.

The Council will consider approval of a renewal of the agreement between the City of Sand Springs and Reasor’s for the Fiscal Year 2017.

The Council will consider appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Development Authority, Parks Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Personnel Board, and Airport Advisory Board.

The Council will consider renewal of an agreement with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.E.T.) to continue providing current recycling services through the next year.

August 23rd election voter registration deadline approaches

Friday, July 29th is the final day to register to vote in time for the August 23rd special election.

Tulsa County Republicans will vote in a runoff between Donald Newberry and Ron Phillips for County Court Clerk. Independents are not eligible to vote in Republican primaries.

Newberry is a US Air Force veteran with an Associate’s in Business, Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Masters in Business Administration.

Phillips is currently the Special Projects Director for the County Clerk’s Office and holds a business administration degree.

The winner of the runoff will take on Democratic nominee John R. Andrew in November.

Newberry won the June Republican primary with 35% to 33%.

Highway 97 Rivalry Alumni game moved to Sand Springs

Sand Springs Memorial Stadium will host the third annual Highway 97 Alumni football game for the second year in a row due to ongoing construction at the Chieftains’ stadium.

Registration is Monday the 25th at 5:30 p.m. with the first practice to follow at 6:30 the same day. The game will be held Saturday July 30th at 7:30 p.m.

The series is tied 1-1 with Sand Springs winning last year’s game 35-0.

This week in Sand Springs

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Photo by Morgan Miller

Board of Adjustment

The City of Sand Springs Board of Adjustment will be meeting Monday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Room at the City Municipal Building.

The Board will elect a new Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary.

The Board will also discuss and consider the possible approval of a variance to the Sand Springs Zoning Code relating to the construction of a single-family residence on the Prattville side of town.

Planning Commission

The City of Sand Springs Planning Commission will not be holding their regular monthly meeting Monday due to a lack of agenda items.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 15th.

Museum Trust Authority

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority will be meeting Tuesday July 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Sand Springs Museum building at 9 E Broadway.

The Board will review the Fiscal Year 2016 financials with no action to be taken.

The Trustees will consider proceeding with interior repairs and improvement of the museum.

The Trustees will consider appointments to various museum committees and the committee chairs will present the monthly reports.

 Development Authority Meeting

The Sand Springs Development Authority will hold their regular monthly meeting in the City Municipal Building Wednesday July 20th at 4:00 p.m.

The Trustees will elect a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, receive an update on Sand Springs’ development opportunities, and will consider entering an executive session to confer on matters pertaining to economic development.

SSPS Enrollment begins Monday

Students of Sand Springs Public Schools may begin enrolling as early as July 18th for the upcoming school year.

The enrollment center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every business day but Wednesday. On Wednesdays the hours are the same, except it is closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.

For information on medical records, identifications, and other materials necessary for enrollment, contact the center at 918.246.1448.

OSU Big Three Field Days

The longest-lasting relationships from high school are typically those built through extra-curricular activities. Sand Springs students are able to do just that through Future Farmers of America. FFA is about much more than showing livestock and farming, it is also a great vessel to teaching students about things such as leadership and public speaking. There are approximately 230 members in Sand Springs FFA, and some of them will be attending the OSU Big Three Field Days from Tuesday, July 19th to Thursday, July 21st. This event is held at the OSU Animal Science Arena and hosts about 1,300 to 1,400 students each year. The first day of this event is the Sheep field day, the second is the Beef field day, and the final day is the Swine field day. For a complete list of events you can go to http://sandsprings.theaet.com.

Chandler Park is “Just For Tots” on July 23rd

Trying to find something fun for the little ones to do this summer? Just for Tots Day at Chandler Park is a day just for the small children! It will be Saturday, July 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be plenty of entertainment for the little ones, including toys to play with, games, crafts, goodie bags, and door prizes. Lunch will also be included! There will be a $5 entry fee at the door for each child, but parents will be admitted for free. For more information contact Tracy Hardy-Wade at918.591.6053 or thardy-wade@tulsacounty.org.

SSPS staff changes for upcoming school year

As of July 1st, Sherry Durkee has officially inherited the Superintendent position from Lloyd Snow, and Rod Sitton inherited the Athletic Director position from Ed Garrett.

Both Snow and Garrett have been long-time staples in the SSPS community for decades, but their replacements are far from outsiders. Durkee and Sitton have been with the community for years and are expected to be great fits in continuing the Sandite tradition of excellence.

Sand Springs shows love of PD after Dallas shooting

The tragic attack on Dallas Police officers on July 7th had a profound emotional impact on police officers and their friends and family across the country.

Hillspring Church presented the SSPD with a large banner this past week stating “Hillspring Church loves and supports you!”

The Sand Springs Jeepin’ group also presented the SSPD with gift cards to Sweetie Pies to show their appreciation.

Dallas terror attack causes unity and support for police instead of fear

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

On Thursday, September 7, Dallas Police Officers protecting a group of protesters were the targets of an unconfirmed number of snipers. Deceased gunman Micah Xavier Johnson, 25, of Mesquite, Texas was killed by a bomb squad robot to avoid risking the lives of more officers. Johnson claimed to work alone and also claimed to have planted bombs throughout the city.

State Senator Dan Newberry, who represents Sand Springs and parts of Tulsa, issued a statement Friday calling for prayer in response to the terror attack.

Patrick Zamarripa.

“In moments like these we must all put our differences aside and come together in prayer and support for each other,” said Newberry.

“Domestic terrorism – no matter the motive – must not be allowed to continue in the United States,” said Newberry.  “Our men and women in law enforcement put their lives in danger every day to uphold public safety.  Let’s show our law enforcement officers how much they mean to us today and every day after this. Join me in thanking our men in blue as we pray for the families affected by this senseless act of terrorism.”

Lorne Ahrens.

The Sand Springs Police Department issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and families via Facebook late Thursday night. 

"The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Sand Springs Police Department are with the killed and wounded officers of the Dallas Police Department and their families."

Brent Thompson.

Preliminary reports indicated as many as four shooters, but it was later discovered that Johnson was moving throughout a single building and firing from multiple floors.

There were approximately twenty protesters at the event legally carrying long guns that contributed to the confusion early-on. Three suspects were detained for questioning but released without charges.

At this time Johnson has not been linked to any known terrorist organizations and has no criminal record. He previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed one tour of duty in Afghanistan before receiving an honorable discharge.

Michael Krol.

Five officers were killed and seven others were injured in the ambush. Two civilians were also injured.  Police have said at least ten officers were casualties of sniper fire and two others were shot in a shootout.

Dallas Police Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Smith, Michael Krol, and Patrick Zamarripa were all killed in action, as well as Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer Brent Thompson.

Michael J. Smith.

Zamarripa, a 32 year-old father of two, had previously served three tours of duty with the US Navy before fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining the DPD.

Ahrens, 48, was married to a detective on the force, and was a 14-year veteran of the department. The couple has two children under the age of eleven.

Thompson, 43, was a seven-year veteran of the transit force and was just married to a fellow officer two weeks prior to his death.

Krol, 40, was an eight-year veteran of the department with more than a decade of law-enforcement experience.

Smith, 55, spent seven years with the US Army Rangers division before joining the police force in 1989. He and his wife of 17 years have two children under the age of fifteen.

An anonymous Sand Springs resident left this note on Sgt. Kristie Behar’s patrol unit Friday in a show of public support for the City’s finest.

 

SS Police open doors to private transactions

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The Sand Springs Police Department announced via Facebook recently that they are in the process of registering with www.safetradestations.com as a Safe Station for private transactions.

Citizens engaging in person-to-person transactions via Craigslist, Facebook groups, etc. can now meet in the lobby of the City Municipal Building for safety . The station has cameras inside and outside and police are always present in the event of an incident.

 

Register bicycles with the City to avoid theft

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The Sand Springs Police Department issued a reminder last week via Facebook that citizens are welcome to register their bicycles with the City website to aid in the return of a recovered bike.

"Every year the Sand Springs Police Department receives calls of found and stolen bicycles. It is our goal to return these bikes to the rightful owners, but the majority of the time that does not happen.

One issue is that many people do not write down their serial number. Some people think that it will be in the owners manual, but often it is not included by the manufacturer, only a space to write it down.

S.S.P.D. offers a service to help this problem. Our bike registry lets you enter your information and bike serial number into our system. If an officer recovers the bike, we know how to contact you. This saves our citizens from needing to buy a new bike and it saves our officers time, effort and much needed storage space. If your bike is ever stolen, we will already have the information on file that we can get your serial number for the report and enter it into the national database.

This is a free service and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you feel this could be of help to you, please go to this link."

To follow the SSPD on Facebook, click this link.