Sand Springs Board of Education meeting focuses on pandemic, virtual schooling

/

The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education met in a special meeting Tuesday evening at Charles Page High School. Prior to dealing with official district business, the Board handed out a Sandite Spirit Award to the Fitz Family.

“The teachers always talk about how wonderful you guys are, how wonderful your kids are. They say the Fitzes should just keep having children,” said Board President Whitney Wagers.

Karen Biggs, a teacher at Limestone Elementary, nominated the family, and Wagers read aloud Biggs’s comments on the nomination form. “The Fitz family have been such a blessing to Limestone. They work behind the scenes to support our school. Many of our teachers’ Donors Choose projects would not be completely funded without the generous donations from the Fitz Family.”

Virtual Academy Director Jay Rotert was presented with a Coin of Excellence. “He has done a phenomenal job,” said Vice President Mike Mullins. “There’s like a 1066 kids in Sand Springs schools right now that are either in full time virtual or blended virtual schools.”

“Last year in our virtual academy we served right at 300 at any given time,” added Superintendent Sherry Durkee. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number more than tripled this year. “This man did nothing less than something miraculous to get them all enrolled.”

“The biggest obstacle honestly was the time period right before school started because we had a lot of parents who were up, until the last minute, undecided about what learning option they wanted. We had a pretty big influx of kids at the last minute.”

Durkee also discussed the district finances. “There is not a day that goes by that Greg Morris and I don’t think about the state of the budget…We’re taking about a $1.8 million reduction from last year based on state revenue.”

The district suffered roof damage during spring hailstorms and just recently received a report from their adjuster. According to Maintenance Director Mike Bynum, the district sustained $1.5-2 million in damages, which will be covered by the insurance.

The hottest topic of the evening was district protocols regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to Durkee, only 3.58% of individuals in the district are currently being quarantined due to the infection or exposure. The number combines both students and district personnel.

Board member Bo Naugle was skeptical of the district’s contract tracing methods and criticized the decision to cancel football practices and games for the entire 8th and 9th grade teams early last month after individuals involved with the program tested positive.

“We’re disrupting kids’ education because we think that they were exposed,” said Naugle. “Not everyone on the football team tackles the same person. Not everyone on the wrestling team wrestles the same person. We need to figure that out before we start sending the whole teams home. We’ve already done it, we’ve already messed that up.”

Durkee said that she had discussed with CPHS Head Football Coach Bobby Klinck the possibility of videotaping tackle drills so that contact could be better identified at an individual level. “I understand the frustration…I understand that we need to get better at that…but I promise you that it is a little tricky to say the least.”

The Board approved out of state travel for the high school dance team to fly to and compete at Dance Team Nationals in Orlando in February. Durkee encouraged the Board to approve the item with the caveat that they could change their minds down the line if pandemic conditions look too risky to go forward.

Naugle said he would rather let parents make that decision rather than cancel it outright. “I don’t think it’s our position as a board or as a school system to determine if a kid can go to a dance competition or not. That should lay solely on the parents. If the parents feel that the kid can safely go to this competition, then we should support them 100%. We should not sit here and say that a kid could or could not go, even if the parents feel like they’re safe enough to go.”

In other news:

The Board accepted the resignations of two teachers: James Martinez at CPHS and Sallem Tullis at Garfield.

The Board approved Donor’s Choose grants to Megan Cabe, Carole Cothran, Celeste Thompson, Megan Sowers, Jennifer Reeves, Kami McCable, Beth Russell, Amy Garrison, and Marlene Elifrits.

The Board approved scores of appointments to various boards and committees.

The Board approved the employment of six new teachers and four new paraprofessionals.

Oklahoma reports 8745 active COVID-19 cases and 14 new deaths

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 909 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the number of active cases to 8,745. The state record for active cases is 8,749, set on Monday. 540 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a record-high 663 in July.

835 Oklahomans have died from the virus and 14 additional deaths were reported Thursday.

  • One in Carter County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Johnston County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • Two in Le Flore County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Lincoln County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Love County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Mayes County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Oklahoma County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Okmulgee County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

  • Two in Pittsburg County, two males in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Rogers County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Tulsa County, one male in 65 or older age group

Ten new cases were reported in Sand Springs, bringing the active total to 51, down from a peak of 56 on August 10th. The city of Tulsa has 995 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,504 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 6,087,403 cumulative cases nationwide with 185,092 deaths. 288,357 cases have been reported in the last seven days. Oklahoma ranks 28th in total cases and 33rd in deaths. The state is 15th in new cases in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 25,847,521 cases worldwide since the pandemic began with 858,766 deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 3,950,931 and India with 3,853,406. Russia became the fourth nation to surpass one million cases on Wednesday.

Sand Springs cuts ribbon on new freshman academy

/

Sand Springs Public Schools officials and guests held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Charles Page High School freshman academy and STEM center Monday morning.

The $14.28 million addition was part of a $32.85 million bond package that Sand Springs residents voted 92.83% in favor of in March of 2019. The project reunified the district’s ninth grade students with the rest of the high school, relocating them from a century-old building downtown. In addition to 26 freshman classrooms, the project also included a lunch/commons area, new office space, and a new central lobby to connect the freshman wing with the existing high school.

“We cannot be a top ten state if it is not about making sure that we champion public education across 77 counties,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. “You all are a leader.”

“In our Department of Commerce, every day, what we are talking about is keeping business owners happy, trying to keep them in Oklahoma, and going around the world, and I mean the world because it is a global competition for talent now. We’re not just competing against 49 other states. It is a global competition for talent. If we don’t prioritize public education across the state, then it’s going to be very difficult to keep businesses happy and to recruit new business to the state. You all are in the economic development business.”

“This is world class in my opinion. For us to do public education the right way, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education has to be at the forefront…We want kids growing up in a state that they can be proud of. I think we have kids leaving this high school that are proud, because they see that the administration supports them, they see the teachers supported…So on behalf of the state of Oklahoma, I just want to tell you how proud we are of you, of the way that you are leading and you are a model for the state of Oklahoma.”

“In the midst of a year that’s just been filled with challenges and obstacles, we have so many really positive things that are happening in the district,” added State Representative Jadine Nollan. “That does not happen without great leadership. This leadership team is amazing. I just want to say how much I appreciate the hard work, but more than that I just really appreciate the can-do attitude…We innovate, we create, we think outside of the box.”

Oklahoma reports 7661 active COVID-19 cases and 19 new deaths

/

According to the latest report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Oklahoma is in the red zone for cases and the yellow zone for test positivity, with the eighth highest rate in the nation. For the past month, the task force has been recommending that Oklahoma mandate masks statewide, and close bars.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 666 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, along with 19 deaths.

  • One in Cherokee County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group. 

  • One in Creek County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • One in Garfield County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Haskell County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Jackson County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Mayes County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Murray County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one male in the 36 - 49 age group and one female and one male in the 65 or older group. 

  • One in Pittsburg County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Seven in Rogers County, one female and six males in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Sequoyah County, one female in 65 or older age group.  

There have been 763 deaths since the pandemic reached Oklahoma. 533 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a peak of 663 in late July. 63 deaths have been reported in the past week. 7,661 cases are currently active, down from a peak of 8,132 on Monday.

In Sand Springs there are 31 active cases, down from a peak of 56 on August 10th. Tulsa County is reporting 1,513 active cases. The county is currently in the Orange (Moderate) risk level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 5,752,653 total cases nationwide since the pandemic began. There have been 177,759 deaths. In the past day there have been 37,086 new cases and 1,142 new deaths reported.

Oklahoma ranks 30th in total cases, 27th in cases per capita, and ninth in per capita cases in the past seven days. The state is 33rd in total deaths, 37th in deaths per capita, and 23rd in total deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 23,752,965 cumulative cases worldwide with 815,038 deaths. America currently leads the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 3,622,861 and India with 3,234,474.

Sand Springs holds Masonic ceremony at new freshman academy

/

Sand Springs Public Schools officials, City of Sand Springs leaders, and other community members gathered together Friday afternoon at Charles Page High School for a Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony. State Representative Jadine Nollan and State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman also attended as the Sand Springs Masonic Lodge set the ceremonial cornerstone on the recently completed freshman academy.

The district is putting the finishing touches on the new $14.28 million freshman academy and STEM center that will unify grades 9-12 on one campus for the first time in decades. The old Central Ninth Grade Center will now be utilized for administrative purposes, and will be offer lab space for virtual students to receive hands-on instruction outside of the regular classroom setting.

In addition to providing class space for the district’s freshmen, the new construction also offers a new central lobby, office space, STEM labs, and a freshman cafeteria. The first day of school for the district is set for August 24th. For families that aren’t comfortable with physical schooling this year, the district also offers blended learning and a virtual academy. The deadline to enroll in virtual schooling is Monday, August 17th at this link.

Sand Springs cuts ribbon on Zackery Park, Mayor Spoon proclaims Bessie Crawford Zackery Day

/

The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at its newest park Thursday morning. City employees, elected officials, and family and friends of Bessie Crawford Zackery gathered to celebrate the commemorative park. Mayor Jim Spoon proclaimed August 13th as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day in honor of the late Sand Springs teacher.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area has been named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There is also a concrete plaza and decorative plants, and informational signage will soon be installed.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

Sand Springs Local Church Network to hold drive-through Back 2 School Bash

/

The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be hosting its annual Back 2 School Bash on Sunday, August 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will look far different from normal.

In past years the event was held at the Tulsa Tech location on Charles Page Boulevard, and included free haircuts, snow cones, food trucks, inflatables, and even a mini car show. This time around it will be held as a drive-through giveaway of backpacks and school supplies.

Instead of Tulsa Tech, Case Community Park will be host the giveaway. Students must be present to receive backpacks.

Sand Springs to hold grand opening of Zackery Park on August 13th

/

City of Sand Springs employees, elected officials, and guests will gather August 13th at 10:00 a.m. to cut the ribbon on the city’s newest park.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs. Mayor Jim Spoon will also read a mayoral proclamation recognizing the day as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is currently a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was recently installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There will also be a concrete plaza, informational signage, and decorative plants.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

John Blake visitation to be held at Ed Dubie Field House

/

Charles Page High School alumni and former University of Oklahoma Head Football Coach John Blake, 59, died July 23rd from a heart attack. There will be three visitations for the Sandite and Sooner before he is interred at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Skiatook.

Friendship West Baptist Church at 2020 West Wheatland Road in Dallas will be hosting a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, August 8th followed by a Celebratory Service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A second visitation will be held at the Ed Dubie Field House at 600 North Adams Road in Sand Springs. That event will be Sunday, August 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Monday, August 10th a third visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. at 1414 North Norfolk venue in Tulsa. Finally, a graveside service will be held Monday at Green Acres Memorial Gardens at 12410 North Yale Avenue in Skiatook.

Blake graduated from Charles Page High School in 1979 where he was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard. He was an All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State selection his junior and senior years, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State game.

He was a three-year letterman at nose guard for the University of Oklahoma and was twice named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week. He also made the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant until 1987.

Blake was an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, and for the Dallas Cowboys, helping Dallas win two Super Bowls before returning to Oklahoma as Head Coach for three seasons. He was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He also coached for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.

The coach leaves behind his wife Freda, his son Jourdan, his mother Dorothy, and five siblings.

Sand Springs minister dies from COVID-19 complications

/

Jim Schrepel, right, died from complications due to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its fourth victim in the town of Sand Springs. Jim Schrepel, 74, passed away Tuesday after a month-long battle with complications arising from the virus. Schrepel was the co-founder of In Jesus Name Ministries International which hosted the annual Unity Praise gathering in Sand Springs.

Less than five months earlier, Schrepel’s wife, Stephanie, contracted the virus and was one of the first cases in Oklahoma. SEE RELATED: Surviving COVID-19 in Sand Springs.

Jim Schrepel was diagnosed and hospitalized with the virus and bilateral pneumonia in early July. He was able to return home early on, but required oxygen. Eventually his symptoms worsened to the point that he had to be admitted to the COVID intensive care unit.

Although he was virus-free by the 29th, the disease and the pneumonia had already caused severe damage to his body and he suffered a small stroke on the 30th. He passed away Tuesday surrounded by his wife and children.

Schrepel’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held outside at Reach Church at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Face masks will be required. The church has launched an online donation link to assist the family.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,101 new cases Wednesday with 645 hospitalizations and 6,598 active cases statewide. There have been 17 additional deaths, bringing the statewide death toll to 583.

  • Two in Caddo County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Grady County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Kay County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in McCurtain County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Payne County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Six in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group. Three females and two males in the 65 or older age group.  

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

Sand Springs reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the number of active cases to a record-high 46. The city of Tulsa has 953 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,414.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,748,806 cases nationwide with 156,311 deaths. There have been 49,988 cases and 1,107 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) but is 19th in new cases in the past week (13th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 23rd in deaths in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 18,354,342 cases worldwide with 696,147 deaths. There have been 206,709 new cases and 5,116 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,750,318 and India with 1,908,254.

Sand Springs Public Schools mandate masks for upcoming school year

/

The Sand Springs Board of Education approved a plan Monday night for the new school year that will include mandatory face masks for both students and employees. Students in grades 4 through 12 will be required to wear a cloth face covering while at school. Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade will be required to wear a mask in hallways and common areas, but will be allowed to remove them in classrooms, while eating lunch, and during outdoor activities. Students will be exempt from wearing a mask if they have a medical reason documented by a physician.

District employees will have their temperature taken and will answer a health screener before entering their work stations each day. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed to return to campus until they have been temperature-free for 24 hours without medication.

Employees will have to wear a face mask while in a school building or vehicle unless they have a medical reason, documented by a physician, that prevents them from wearing one. However, they will be allowed to remove the mask if they are in a room/vehicle alone or are able to maintain at least six feet of space from others. They also won’t have to wear a mask if they work in the heat or with machinery that could cause a safety hazard.

Employees who come into close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of a person for more than 15 minutes, living in the same household, or being exposed to coughing, kissing, sharing of utensils, etc. They will not be required to stay home from work if they’ve been near an infected person, but not in close contact. They will also be allowed to come to work if they are showing some COVID-like symptoms, but aren’t feverish and haven’t knowingly been exposed to an infected person.

The district is encouraging parents to personally bring their kids to school, if possible, so that buses operate under capacity. Windows will remain open on the bus whenever possible and students will be socially distanced as much as possible. Cloth face masks will be required unless the student has a medical excuse documented by a physician.

Classrooms will be equipped with disinfectant wipes and teachers will be spending additional time disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day. Shared school supplies will be discontinued when possible.

Large group gatherings and assemblies will be avoided when possible, and masks will be required when events are held, with medical exceptions. Students will be discouraged from congregating in the hallways and lobbies before, during, and after school. The cafeteria will be limited to no more than 250 students at a time, and they will be allowed to remove masks while eating. Tables will be disinfected after each group exits.

Visitors will only be allowed to enter the school with prior administrative approval, and will be subjected to screener questions and temperature checks. Approved volunteers will be required to wear masks at all times. No parents or family members will be allowed to accompany their students into the building at any time. Assemblies at all grade levels will be limited to students and staff only.

Back to School nights, Meet and Greets, Parent Nights, etc. will be restricted to 250 people. Athletic events, band and choir performances, plays, etc. will be managed by the designated department leader.

Board members Mike Mullins, Jackie Wagnon, and Whitney Wagers voted in favor of the proposal, while Rusty Gunn and Bo Naugle voted against it. Immediately following the vote, Gunn donated 300 masks to the district and pledged 1,000 more.

For families that aren’t comfortable sending their children to school this fall, the district also offers virtual and blended learning. According to Virtual Academy Director Jay Rotert, elementary enrollment in the virtual academy has increased from 11 students last year to 162 for the upcoming semester.

Sand Springs suffers third COVID-19 death, Oklahoma reports 1244 new cases

/

It has been 149 days since the first documented case of COVID-19 arrived in Oklahoma. Since then, there have been 37,731 cases, 30,282 recoveries, 3,228 hospitalizations, and 549 deaths. In Sand Springs there have been 184 cases, 154 recoveries, and three deaths. On Saturday the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the first death of a Sand Springs resident since May 6.

Sand Springs reported nine new cases on Saturday with 27 active cases. The city of Tulsa has 874 active cases, Tulsa County has 1,278 active cases, and Oklahoma has 6,900 active cases. The OSDH reported 1,244 new cases statewide on Saturday, the second-highest single day total since the pandemic began. 628 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized.

The OSDH released their weekly epidemiology report on Friday. From July 24 to July 30 there were 104,640 tests administered and 8.9% of those were positive. The average age of cases was 40 and the average age of the 59 victims was 75. The youngest individual to die was 13 and the oldest was over 100. Cases are up 71.6% from the previous week, hospitalizations increased 34.4%, and deaths increased 51.3%. 76.7% of victims had at least one comorbidity.

The OSDH is asking Oklahomans to continue being tested regardless of if you are symptomatic. A complete list of testing sites is available at this link.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,542,579 cases nationwide with 152,870 deaths. There have been 68,605 new cases and 1,371 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) and 34th in total deaths (39th per capita). The state is 16th in new cases for the past seven days, and 24th in new deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 17,396,943 cases worldwide with 675,060 deaths. There have been 289,321 new cases and 6,142 new deaths. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,610,102 and India with 1,695,988.

Oklahoma reports record-high 1401 new cases of COVID-19

/

For the third time in the past four days, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported record-high single-day increases in COVID-19 cases. There were 1,204 new cases on Sunday, and 1,401 new cases on Monday. Current hospitalizations dropped from 654 to 625, however, and no new deaths were reported for the second-straight day. There are currently a record-high 6,938 active cases statewide.

A full list of testing sites can be found at this link.

Sand Springs reported a record-high single-day increase of twelve cases on Monday, bringing the active total to 31. The city of Tulsa has 1,008 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,430.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,163,892 cases nationwide with 145,982 deaths. There have been 64,582 new cases and 969 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma is 32nd in total cases (35th per capita) and 19th in total cases for the past seven days (14th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 26th in total deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 16,114,449 cases worldwide with 646,641 deaths. There have been 254,274 cases and 5,490 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,394,513 and India with 1,435,453.

Sand Springs City Council to consider mandatory mask ordinance at Monday meeting

/

The Sand Springs City Council will meet in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City municipal building downtown, and will consider enacting an ordinance that would mandate face masks in public areas.

On Sunday the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,204 new COVID-19 cases, along with a record-high 654 hospitalizations, and a record-high 6,091 active cases statewide.

Active cases are trending downward in Sand Springs, which dipped to 21 on Sunday, down from a peak of 33 on Wednesday. There were 825 active cases in the city of Tulsa, and 1,184 in Tulsa County.

A non-scientific poll conducted in the “Sand Springs Community Group” Facebook group showed 53.6% of the 1,215 respondents supported a mandatory mask ordinance. The cities of Tulsa, Norman, Stillwater, and Oklahoma City have all approved similar ordinances.

If Council chooses to pass such an ordinance, they will also have to consider the penalties and enforcement for non-compliance, exceptions based on age and other criteria, and the expiration date for the order.

Council is not expected to actually pass an ordinance at the Monday meeting, but to simply discuss what the ordinance might look like. They will likely schedule a special meeting at the Case Community Center where further discussion and a vote would take place.

The full Council agenda can be viewed at this link.

Oklahoma reports record-high 1147 new cases of COVID-19 with 7 deaths

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record single-day increase of 1,147 COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the active total to 5,355. There are currently 628 Oklahomans hospitalized from the virus.

Seven additional deaths have been linked to COVID-19, bringing the statewide death toll to 484.

  • One in Caddo County, male in the 65 or older age group.   

  • One in Creek County, female in the 50 - 64 age group. 

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one female and one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Rogers County, female in the 65 or older age group.

The city of Sand Springs reported seven new cases Friday, but active cases dropped from 29 to 27 with nine new recoveries. Tulsa County is currently reporting 1,082 active cases and the city of Tulsa has 740 active cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,024,492 cases nationwide with 143,868 deaths. There have been 72,219 new cases and 1,113 new deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (37th per capita), but is 17th in new cases per capita over the past week. The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 15,296,926 cases worldwide with 628,903 deaths. There have been a record-high 284,196 new cases reported in the past day. There have been 9,753 new deaths reported Friday, the highest single-day total since April 17th. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,227,514 and India with 1,287,945.

Former Sandite, Sooner Head Coach John Blake dies at 59

/

John Blake, a Charles Page High School alumni and former player and coach at the University of Oklahoma, reportedly died of a heart attack Thursday morning at the age of 59. The news was broken by News 9 Sports Director Dean Blevins.

Blake was the son of James and Dorothy Blake and graduated from CPHS in 1979. He was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard under Head Coach A.D. James. He was named to the All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State teams his junior and senior years and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State Game.

Blake was recruited by University of Oklahoma Head Coach Barry Switzer and was a three-year letterman at nose guard. He was twice named the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week and was named to the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant from 1984 to 1987.

In 1988 Blake became an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, then returned to OU from 1989 to 1992 as an assistant coach. In 1993 he was named the Defensive Line Coach for the Dallas Cowboys, helping the team to two Super Bowl wins.

Blake was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 1996. He once again returned to his alma mater in 1996, this time as Head Coach. In three seasons leading the Sooners he amassed a 12-22 record, but saw success in recruiting, despite the poor record. Over half of Bob Stoops’s 2000 National Championship team starters were recruited by Blake.

Blake never again held a Head Coaching position, returning to his old position as Defensive Line Coach for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.

Oklahoma struggles with processing COVID-19 data, reports 1714 new cases Tuesday

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record-breaking 1,714 new cases Tuesday afternoon, but many of those cases should have been reported over the past two days. After averaging over 750 new cases per day over the prior week, the OSDH reported only 209 new cases on Sunday and 168 on Monday.

“Due to technical data entry issues, case counts for Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20 are low and do not reflect real-time data,” read the OSDH Monday Situation Report. “OSDH’s Acute Disease Service is working diligently to resolve these technical issues and will continue to provide reporting of COVID-19 information that Oklahomans have come to expect from OSDH. In the meantime, Oklahomans who receive a positive test result through a State lab will continue to be promptly notified and connected to contract tracing efforts.”

“OSDH’s number one priority is making COVID-19 testing widely available and efficient for the public as well as operating an effective, and trusted, contact tracing program. During this time of increased demand, OSDH is prioritizing manpower and resources to communicate positive results and to provide medical guidance for quarantining and minimizing spread,” said interim Commissioner Lance Frye. “We recognize the significant challenges we’ve experienced with outdated systems, and are working to modernize processes and incorporate new technology to streamline operations and improve critical customer services during the pandemic.”

“In its efforts to continuously develop robust contact tracing across the State, the OSDH will begin using text messaging in addition to phone calls to reach out to contacts. We will release more information on this new development including what contacts can expect to see in a text notification.”

Tuesday’s report brought the state’s cumulative case total to 27,147 with 20,663 recoveries and a record-high 6,023 active cases. 613 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized, down from a peak of 638 on Thursday.

Oklahoma has seen 461 total fatalities from the pandemic, including nine new deaths reported Tuesday.

  • One in McCurtain County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

  • One in Noble County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Three in Oklahoma County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group and two males in the 65 or older age group.   

  • One in Pottawatomie County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Rogers County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group.

In Sand Springs there are 27 active cases. 129 Sandites have been diagnosed with the virus, 100 have recovered, and two have died. There are 1,174 active cases in Tulsa County and 818 in the city of Tulsa.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,819,139 cases nationwide with 14,630 deaths. There have been 57,777 new cases and 473 deaths reported in the past day.

Oklahoma currently ranks 32nd in total cases (39th per capita), but is 16th in per capita cases reported in the past seven days. The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 33rd in deaths in the past seven days.

The World Health Organization is reporting 14,562,550 cases worldwide with 607,781 deaths. There have been 213,637 new cases and 4,083 deaths reported in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,098,389 and India with 1,155,191.

Oklahoma reports 5419 active cases of COVID-19 with 547 hospitalizations

/

The state of Oklahoma surpassed 25,000 cumulative cases of COVID-19 on Saturday with a single-day increase of 916. There have been 19,186 recoveries and 451 deaths, leaving a record-high 5,419 active cases.

Six new deaths have been reported in the past day, and 547 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized. Hospitalizations peaked at 638 on Thursday and declined over the past two days. Of the 54,447 tests administered in the past week, 10% were positive and 9.5% of those cases resulted in hospitalizations.

Six new cases were reported in Sand Springs, and 26 cases are currently active. 91 Sandites have recovered from the virus. There are currently 1,261 active cases in Tulsa County. The City of Tulsa recently implemented a mandatory mask policy for public areas, and in an unscientific Facebook poll in the “Sand Springs Community Group,” more than 53% of the 999 respondents supported a similar measure in Sand Springs.

In the past week there have been 28 deaths in Oklahoma, and the virus continues to disproportionately affect older generations. While the average age of an infected individual was 41, the average age of a deceased victim was 75. The youngest to die this past week was 13, and the oldest was 102. Persons aged 50 and over accounted for only 32% of cases, but 96% of deaths.

On average, the median patient wasn’t hospitalized until six days after they first became symptomatic. The median time spent in the hospital for a survivor was five days, and the median fatality occurred after eight days in the hospital and 13.5 days after symptom onset. 78.5% of fatalities had at least one chronic condition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,555,877 cases nationwide with a record-high 72,045 new cases in the past day. There have been 137,864 deaths total and 926 new deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (37th per capita) and 34th in deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,876,441 case and 593,087 deaths worldwide, with a record-high 259,848 new cases in the past day. There have been 7,360 deaths in the past day - the deadliest period since May 3rd. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,012,151 and India with 1,038,716.

"The Rogues Five" drummer Jamie Oldaker dies at 68

/

Jamie Oldaker performs with The Rogues Five at the 2017 Riverfest in Sand Springs.

Jamie Oldaker, a famous drummer with ties to Sand Springs, died Thursday at 68 years old. While Oldaker claimed Tulsa as his hometown, part of his rise to fame came from playing with Sand Springs band The Rogues Five in the 1960s.

Oldaker and his band of teenagers formed The Rogues Five in the 1960s and soon developed a large following in the Tulsa area. The band included I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, and Bard Coats. They opened for Jim Morrison and The Doors and other famous bands at the Tulsa Convention Center and performed regularly on the KOTV show “Dance Party.” The band has held reunion shows over the years, including at the 2017 Riverfest in Sand Springs.

After departing Tulsa to pursue a solo career, Oldaker performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. He started the band Tulsa County, then joined the Bob Seger Band for their album “Back in ‘72.” As a session musician with Shelter Records, he recorded with Leon Russell, The Gap Band, and Georgie Fame, and later toured with Russell.

In 1974 Oldaker recorded the album “461 Ocean Blvd” with Eric Clapton, which included the hit song “I Shot The Sheriff,” and went on to record several other albums with Clapton. He continued to divide his time touring with both Clapton and Seger. He then joined up with Peter Frampton for a tour, and recorded the album “Where I Should Be.”

In 1986 he helped launch the career of country artist Ronnie Dunn, managing and performing alongside the future Brooks N Dunn artist. Beginning in 1988 he teamed up with KISS member Ace Frehley for several tours and music videos, while continuing his work with Frampton and Clapton.

In 1988 he helped found The Tractors. The country band’s self-titled debut album was certified 2X Platinum and they received two Grammy nominations.

In 2005 Oldaker released the album “Jamie Oldaker’s Mad Dogs & Okies,” which featured guest appearances from Clapton, Frampton, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, and other musicians he has worked with over the years.

In 2010 Oldaker was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame alongside Sand Springs singer Sam Harris.

Oldaker battled lung cancer for years, going through chemo and radiation therapy. He died at his home in Tulsa, surrounded by family. Several of his fellow musicians posted messages on social media Thursday, in honor of their friend.

“We are overwhelmingly saddened to report that our dear friend and brother Jamie Oldaker has passed away,” posted The Rogues Five. “He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Mary and family. Rest in Peace Jam-O.”

“Jamie Oldaker has been my dear friend and brother for over 40 years,” posted Frampton. “He was a very warm, caring, true friend with a gentle heart. HE cared about us all almost more than he did himself. Most will know him as the drummer on Eric Clapton’s albums. His playing was unique, a laid back style of drumming with an incredible feel. We traveled the world, played many wonderful shows and great recordings together. He was much loved and I will miss him for the rest of my time here. Love you Jamie.”

Oklahoma reports 628 new COVID-19 cases and 638 hospitalizations Thursday

/

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 628 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday. For the first time in eleven days, the number of active cases went down instead of up, dipping to 4,908 after peaking at 5,015 the day before. Current hospitalizations continued to rise, however, reaching a record-high 638.

There have been six additional deaths linked to the virus: a McCurtain County female in the 65+ age demographic, an Oklahoma County female in the 65+ demographic, an Osage County male in the 65+ group, a Rogers County male in the 65+ group, a Tulsa County female in the 50-64 group; and a Tulsa County male in the 65+ group. There have been 438 total deaths in Oklahoma.

In Sand Springs there have been five new cases reported in the past 24 hours, with three more recoveries. There are 17 active cases in the town. Tulsa County currently has 1,080 active cases and remains in the “Moderate Risk” category.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 3,483,832 cases and 136,938 deaths nationwide. There have been a record-high 67,404 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, along with 947 new deaths. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (38th per capita) and 34th in total deaths (39th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 13,378,853 cases and 580,045 deaths worldwide with 226,181 cases and 5,579 deaths in the last 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,926,824 and India with 968,876.