Keystone Dam outflow reduced, community meeting scheduled and other resources for flood victims

/

For the first time in weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun significantly scaling back release rates at the Keystone Dam. By 2:00 p.m. Thursday outflow had been reduced from 275,000 cubic feet per second to 230,000. Inflow is down to 204,251 cf/s, its lowest rate since May 20th. The flood pool is at 104.9% with pool elevation at 755.5 feet. With no additional rains, the Corps is projecting 100,000 cf/s by June 3rd.

By Monday evening the Sand Springs Police had shut down Highway 51 all the way from Riverview RV Park to 145th West Avenue due to flooding from Anderson Creek. The Arkansas River tributary was one of the first places to flood in Sand Springs, taking out the Meadow Valley subdivision, the Webco Star Center, Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company, and Double H Sales.

National Guard checkpoints have been established at the Highway 51 intersections with 145th West Avenue, Town and Country Drive, and 165th West Avenue. Residents in those neighborhoods are still allowed to return, but the Meadow Valley subdivision was temporarily off limits.

At peak outflow, 145th flooded at the entrance to the neighborhood, cutting off access to anyone without a substantially lifted vehicle. However waters began to recede Wednesday evening. Some residents reported 2-3 feet reduction in water levels around their property.

Charles Page Boulevard closed Tuesday from 65th West Avenue to 74th West Avenue, then expanded to 81st on Wednesday. The National Guard is concerned about soil liquification under the roadway and potential sinkholes.

The Starbucks in River West shut down Monday and will remain closed until the Arkansas River flooding situation is resolved and the levee system is no longer at risk.

Case Community Park has been closed for the past week due to substantial flooding and will likely remain closed for some time.

Resources

Broadway Baptist Church will be hosting an informative event Thursday at 1000 North Adams Road for locals affected by the flood. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with remarks to begin at 6:30 p.m. Senator James Lankford, Congressman Kevin Hern, Governor Kevin Stitt, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith will be in attendance.

Senator Jim Inhofe will be on hand at 5:30 p.m. to speak with constituents, but will not be available during the 6:30 meeting due to a previously scheduled conference call. The event is only open to residents of Town & Country, Candlestick Beach, and other affected flood victims in unincorporated Tulsa County areas of Sand Springs. QuikTrip is providing free drinks and pastries for the event.

Angus Church at 4401 South 129th West Avenue is serving three meals a day for locals affected by the floods and tornadoes. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., lunch is at 12:00 p.m., and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. However, the Thursday dinner will be moved up to 5:00 p.m. so as to not conflict with the meeting at Broadway Baptist.

Broadway will be providing free dinner to flood victims, first responders, and military Sunday June 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The church is partnering with Rolling River Relief and Sand Springs Community Services to bring multiple food trucks. Broadway is also offering free clothing and some financial support. They can be reached at 918-245-7513.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. has opened a Disaster Relief Distribution Center at the Sand Springs Church of Christ Activity Building at 4301 South 113th West Avenue. Beginning Thursday, May 30th, they are open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with boxed foods, baby care items, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and more. Flood victims should bring a valid driver’s license or ID card with your current address. This is a distribution site only and will not be able to receive donations.

Uhaul of Tulsa is offering free 30 day storage rental to anyone impacted by recent flooding. This is only at Uhaul Centers, not neighborhood dealers. Participating locations are 6105 South Peoria Avenue, 5140 South 103rd East Avenue, 3500 South Sheridan Road, 1006 South Memorial Drive, and 504 East Archer Street.

Samaritan’s Purse arrived Thursday to help with the physical labor that flood victims will have to deal with. The nondenominational evangelical Christian organization helps with gutting damaged homes to prep them for restoration. They are stationed in the Prattville Center at 3 West 41st Street to receive volunteers and flood victims in need of assistance. You can reach Samartian’s Purse at 918-257-1381. Samaritan’s Purse will provide training Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Solace Church at 7314 West 41st Street will also be doing physical labor similar to Samaritan’s Purse. They can be reached at 217-853-1124.

Free meals are available for children up to age 18 from the Sand Springs Public Schools Child Nutrition Department. For information on locations and times, call 918-246-1430.

Sand Springs Community Services has food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, toys, and other household items at 114 West 4th Street. They can be reached at 918-245-5183.

Sand Springs Care Closet at 3417 South 113th West Avenue has clothing and toys. They can be reached at 918-269-8434.

Harvest Church is receiving donations of cleaning supplies and canned goods at 1601 West 4th Street and can be reached at 918-245-0193. They have free cleaning supplies and bottled water at both their Sand Springs location and their 349 South 49th West Avenue location.

First Presbyterian Church at 222 North Adams Road has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-1748.

Olivet Baptist Church at 155 North 65th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-260-5369.

CrossPoint Church at 4600 South 129th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-2534. They are accepting donations of bleach, gloves, cleaning supplies, bottled water, rags, and personal hygiene items.

HillSpring Church has clothing and licensed counselors available at 8801 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-955-2031. They are accepting donations of trash bags, cleaning supplies ,bottled water, gloves, toilet paper, and paper towels.

Church That Matters has licensed counselors available at 3 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-512-1486. They are accepting donations of bottled water, pre-packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, gloves, and trash bags.

For resource updates, visit https://www.churchthatmatters.com/floodrelief

The City of Sand Springs canceled their “Chipper Days” event schedule for June 1st. The next date is July 13th. Citizens with a City water bill for proof of residence will be able to bring tree branches for free disposal.

Beginning Monday, free tetanus shots will be available at Gilstrap Chiropractic Clinic at 3900 South 113th West Avenue.

Board of Ed: Torkleson, DeMurray, Solace Church receive awards, CPHS to offer interior design

/

The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building. 

Board President Rusty Gunn presented the Sandite Spirit Award to Solace Church, accepted by Missions Pastor Ryne Isaac. 

"I love the churches in our community and the partnership that we all share. When churches step up to the plate in helping our schools, it's really an incredible thing. Solace Church has stepped up in a huge way," said Rusty Gunn. According to Gunn, Solace has awarded more than $40,000 in grants to local schools. 

Board member Mike Mullins presented a Sandite Spirit Award to Melissa Torkleson with Champions. According to a statement by SSPS School Counselor Megan Elliott, Champions provides Christmas gifts to many students/families and continually provides clothing, hygiene items, etc. throughout the year. 

Angus Valley Elementary Principal Angelia Noel presented a surprise Pacesetter Award to Graciella DeMurray. A video compilation showed students and peers speaking of DeMurray's kindness, selflessness, and infectious smile. 

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave a positive report on Daybreak Family Services who provides pro bono counseling to students. She also spoke of difficulties in recruiting new teachers, particularly in the science department. 

Tulsa Tech will be partnering with SSPS to provide an interior design program at Charles Page. The program will remodel two classrooms at the high school. "It hasn't been that difficult to get students interested in meaningful elective courses that provides them a passageway to what's out there beyond high school," said Durkee. 

Durkee addressed the need for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) center. The district is preparing for an upcoming bond election and hopes to add new buildings at the CPHS campus. 

The district plans to partner with Community Care to provide counseling for employees at a total cost of about $5,000 per year. 

The Board approved an agreement with SRC Solutions Inc. for an online enrollment program. 

The Board approved an agreement with Safe and Civil Schools for two days of professional development in the amount of $12,400.

The Board approved an agreement with the Oklahoma State School Board Association to review the district's current policy manual at a cost of $1,000.

The Board approved $12,600 to purchase a residential lot adjacent to Garfield STEAM Academy. The lot currently has a dilapidated house that will need to be demolished, and the grounds will eventually provide paved parking. 

The Board approved a policy revision that will allow employees to accumulate unused sick leave and vacation days. The days will roll over annually and will be compensated at $10/day upon retirement or resignation.

This week in Sand Springs: City Council Agenda and other news

/

Crosspoint VBS

Crosspoint church will be holding their vacation bible school program from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Monday, June 27th through Thursday, June 30th. The theme is "Cave Quest" and there will be games, music, science, experiments, and more. This is completely free, you must register on their website.

Fireworks permits on sale now

The City of Sand Springs has made Fireworks Discharge Permits available online for the first time.

For $20 Sand Springs residents may purchase a Class 1.4G Common Fireworks permit for use July 2nd through 4th. 

Tickets may be purchased at the City’s website.

Sertoma Fireworks show set for July 3rd

The Sertoma club's annual fireworks display will be on July 3rd, at 7:00pm in River City Park. The show will begin at dusk and is free of admission. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on and get there early so that you can get a good parking spot seat! River City Park is located at 2500 South River City Park Road Sand Springs, OK. This event is always a crowd pleaser, so invite your family and friends!

Solace Church Kids Summer Celebration

Solace Church is having their Kids Summer Celebration from Monday, June 27th to Wednesday June 29th. The fun will be from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm and will be for children from the age of 3 years old to 6th grade. This celebration will be in the theme of "Winter Extreme" and is completely free with no registration required. There will be a time of worship, snacks, skits, and more. The very last night of this event will be for the whole family and there will be pizza provided for everyone. On the last night it will start early and pizza will begin to be served at 6. For more information please call the church at 918-447-9991 during office hours. 

Snow for Senate Watch Party

 Superintendent Lloyd Snow has invited the community to join him for an election day watch party at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Tulsa Hills.

Snow for Senate will be meeting at the 7004 South Olympia Avenue, Tulsa location from 7:00 till 10:00 pm to watch the Oklahoma primary results come in. Election day is Tuesday, June 28.

City Council Meeting

The Sand Springs City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. The public meeting will convene at 7:00 pm in room 203.

Mayor Mike Burdge will present a Mayoral Proclamation and plaque recognizing L. Merle Parsons for his 12 years of service to the Sand Springs Planning Commission and the citizens of Sand Springs.

Mayor Burdge will present a Mayoral Proclamation to a representative from myON supporting and proclaiming the summer of 2016 as “Summer of Reading” in the City of Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

The Council will consider approval of a contract with Dewberry Architects for design of the new Public Safety Facility. They will also consider approval of an ordinance amending existing city rules banning overnight camping in City parks. The new ordinance will allow the Parks Department to grant temporary permission to overnight campers for special events, without having to go through the City Council. The Council will consider approval of a series of capital improvements for the Sand Springs Parks.

The Council will consider de-annexation of two subdivisions within the City limits. Alan Ringle of Ringle Development, LLC requests that the city detach two properties “Oak Ridge” and “The Ridge.”

The Council will consider approval of a resolution for the appointment of Vice Mayor John Fothergill to the District Six Seat on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Municipal League.

The Council will consider the appointment of representatives to various local boards and organizations.

At the conclusion of the City Council meeting there will be a brief hiatus before the Municipal Authority meeting begins.

The Municipal Authority board will consider appointments to the Airport Advisory Board as well as the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

Solace Church's Boo Bash draws thousands

/

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

There’s never been any shortage of Halloween fun to be had in Sand Springs, but one Prattville church is looking to make each year bigger and better than the last.

Solace Church put on their 8th annual Boo Bash carnival Sunday to major success and community involvement. Thirteen area businesses made contributions to the event which was hosted at the Tulsa Community College West campus for the fourth year.

Estimated crowds of between 4-5 thousand people showed up to enjoy the festivities, and there were plenty of fun and unique activities to participate in. 185 volunteers ran the event which included three carnival rides and eighteen inflatables which were all free to participate in. There were also seven food vendors on site selling fair-favorites such as BBQ sandwiches, funnel cake, snowcones, and more in addition to the tons of candy that was being given out.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol gave tours of one of their police choppers and Life Flight was there with a medical helicopter as well. The Oklahoma National Guard, Sand Springs Police, Sand Springs Fire, and Berryhill fire all participated with vehicle tours and candy, as well as the Solace Church Disaster Relief which is specially trained to respond to emergencies as soon as they happen. The Disaster Relief team coordinates with local relief efforts in events such as the 2013 EF5 Moore Tornado which killed 24. Solace and a local coalition of Baptist churches were on the scene immediately after that tragedy, as well as the March 2015 EF2 that destroyed more than 50 homes in Sand Springs.

Other contributors to the event include: Oklahoma Chiller, Oklahoma Medical Eye Group, Rebecca LaFevers State Farm Agency, Advanced Drywall Systems, D & N Fabrication, Heath-Griffith Funeral Home, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, Dr. Richard Presley and Associates, Ovations Studio and Gym, Janeway Machine Inc., Downes Law Offices, Integrity Lighting, and Mars Candy.

Solace Church just turned 11 years old this August and is in its second year at its new location. In the last two years, the church has grown from an average attendance of 650 to over 1000. Though the church works together with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma for disaster relief efforts, they are a non-denominational church. Their mission is simple: “Love God. Love People.”

  • Solace Church is located at 7314 W. 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74107
  • Service times are 9:15 & 11:00 AM on Sunday
  • www.Solacechurch.com

Do you have a story idea for us? Tips are always appreciated and can be sent to SanditePrideNews@gmail.com along with Press Releases, photos, or general inquiries.