Route announced for Sand Springs Homecoming Parade on September 23rd
/The annual Sand Springs Homecoming Parade will return to downtown Sand Springs on Thursday, September 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Read MoreSean Kuehn selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program, awarded $10,000 scholarship
/Sean Kuehn from Charles Page High School in Sand Springs has been named a state delegate to the 59th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), which brings together outstanding student leaders from every state. He will join 102 other delegates from around the country March 14-17 for a highly interactive, virtual education and leadership
Read MoreWheeler Dealers Camping Club announces 2021 schedule
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Wheeler Dealers Camping Club members met for lunch recently optimistic that they will be able to camp together this year. Last year, campouts scheduled for the first half of the year were often cancelled or had minimal participation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but members are hopeful they can gather carefully and still enjoy the outdoors together this year.
Read MoreReese David wins Missouri Welding competition, $15,900 prize
/Two Charles Page High School students were awarded prizes at the Missouri Welding Institute 11th annual welding competition in January. Reese David won the competition and the $15,900 grand prize, and Caleb Graham took tenth place.
Read MoreSmall Businesses Find Success in Oklahoma Incubators
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Sand Springs Home Trustee Erik Stuckey (left) shakes hands with former Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Smith outside The Link small business incubator in downtown Sand Springs.
Business incubators nurture the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the start-up period, when they are most vulnerable. These programs provide client companies with business support services and resources tailored to young firms. The most common goals of incubation programs are creating jobs in a community, enhancing a community’s entrepreneurial climate, retaining businesses in a community, building or accelerating growth in a local industry, and diversifying local economies.
The role of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the incubator process is to certify the incubators and to ensure the incubators meet certain standards of excellence.
Two core principles that characterize effective business incubation include:
The incubator aspires to have a positive impact on its community’s economic health by maximizing emerging companies’ successes.
The incubator itself is a dynamic model of a sustainable, efficient business operation.
These incubators provide:
Flexible space and leases
Access to office services and equipment
An on-site incubator manager as a resource for business advice
Exposure to a network of outside business and technical consultants, often providing accounting, marketing, engineering and legal advice; and assistance with financing and marketing.
Currently, 31 certified small business incubators are operating in Oklahoma, with tenants ranging from small service companies to high-tech research and development operations and manufacturing entities.
During 2020, Oklahoma incubator managers were asked to complete a questionnaire to document their activities for the current reporting period. The following statistics are based on the information received from the responding incubator managers:
Currently 1,165 jobs are provided by 109 small business located in incubators.
More than 1,000 small businesses have located in a small business incubator throughout the life of Oklahoma’s Certified Small Business Incubator Program.
More than 500 of those have graduated from the program or relocated to a larger facility.
1,373 people are currently employed by 259 of the graduated businesses that remained in the state.
Here are just a few success stories from those business throughout 2020:
Aircraft Logistics Group, LLC Acorn Growth Companies Oklahoma City, Okla.
The success of Aircraft Logistics Group, LLC continues to be a compelling story for incubators. In 2017, the company completed the sale of a significant portion of its loan portfolio to a strategic buyer in the aerospace and defense sector that carried forward the mission of airborne intelligence missions in support of the global war on terror. The sale represented an 8x return on invested capital and a 46% gross internal rate of return.
Generation FSH Hemphill Create Tulsa, Okla.
Generation FSH is a new tenant of Hemphill Create, specializing in welding and fabrication service. The owners of the company saw an opportunity to start their family business at Hemphill in October 2020. The husband and wife duo wanted to leave the shuffle and control of the corporate grind and bet on themselves. Duane Grundy is a welder and fabricator, while his wife Shavonne Grundy handles corporate affairs. Gaining perspective from Hemphill’s successful family business has helped further the Grundy’s outlook on success and provided historical data and industry knowledge to add to their repertoire of talent.
Flexibility and support are key to success in these unprecedented times. Hemphill has offered companies a safe haven to grow and explore business strategy and growth in spite of the on-going global pandemic.
Mortgage Solutions Financial The LINK Sand Springs, Okla.
Mortgage Solutions Financial started at The LINK by occupying two private desk spaces. The company has flourished, doubling the initial number of employees. They have outgrown their work space three times and now occupy three office suites. Their growth and financial standing has far exceeded their expectations. They anticipate graduating from The LINK incubator soon.
Indigo Technology Group The Forge Tulsa, Okla.
Indigo Technology Group, a Tulsa based software company, uses their scalable technologies as a platform to launch other startups alongside industry veterans. As a technology platform, they become a multiplier when coupled with domain experts, cutting the costs and shortening ramp-up time to profitability. Indigo has successfully helped launch several growth-oriented companies and highlights their achievements through Indigo’s annual “Technology Showcase” each spring.
Commerce will be highlighting incubator business success stories in upcoming issues of the New Pioneer – signup for our E-Newsletter. Find out more about certified Incubators or locate an Incubator near you.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (1/24 - 1/31/2021)
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Get the details on everything coming up this week in Sand Springs, from City government meetings to sports, to free community events.
Read MoreSand Springs icon Kim Lee Tilley laid to rest
/Former Sand Springs City Councilman and businessman Kim Lee Tilley was laid to rest Monday at Woodland Memorial Park, following his death on January 13th. Services were held at Broadway Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Herring officiating.
Read MoreWhat's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (1/3 - 1/10/2021)
/Get the details on everything coming up this week in Sand Springs, from City government meetings to sports, to free community events.
Read MoreSean Kuehn selected to serve on Oklahoma Student Advisory Council
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Sean Kuehn (center) receives the August 2018 Sandite Spirit Award. Kuehn was recently selected to serve on the Oklahoma 2021 Student Advisory Council.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister has named 97 Oklahoma high school students to her 2021 Student Advisory Council, the sixth consecutive year the group has been convened to assist Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education in matters of policy.
“Students have a lot to say about their education, and it is critical that we listen to them. The direct insight we receive from our students is incredibly valuable, and each year I am encouraged by the thoughtful reflection and fearless vision of these brilliant young leaders,” Hofmeister said.
The 2020 Student Advisory Council last met virtually in June, where students voiced their challenges about learning amid a global pandemic and how racism impacts the classroom experience. Other past discussion topics have included the importance of personal financial literacy, increased awareness of student mental health needs, and how trauma can impede student success. Feedback from the Council has been instrumental in state-level initiatives to provide teachers more professional development in trauma-informed instruction, replace end-of-course high school testing with the ACT or SAT, and pilot Individual Career Academic Planning (ICAP).
Recommended by their district superintendents, the students hail from across Oklahoma and represent rural, urban and suburban schools of all sizes. Forty-four are returning members who have served on the council in previous years.
The first virtual meeting of the Student Advisory Council is scheduled for Jan. 26. Sand Springs student Sean Kuehn was selected to serve on the council for the second-straight year.
Police Chief Mike Carter to transition to new role as City Manager
/SAND SPRINGS, OK - The City of Sand Springs is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Carter as the new City Manager. Carter has been the Chief of Police since 2015 and has been a Sand Springs Police Officer for almost 28 years.
Carter plans to take over the day-to-day operations from interim City Manager Daniel Bradley in March, after a transition period to keep stability within the Sand Springs Police Department.
Of the hiring, Mayor James Spoon stated, “We are delighted to be able to promote someone from within our city organization. Mike has shown how much he cares for our community and he has the unanimous support of the City Council.” He also added, “I would like to thank my fellow city councilors for the effort that was put into the exhaustive search and that the opportunity presented itself to get such a worthy candidate.”
Carter was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a graduate of Tulsa Will Rogers High School. He later was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and has lived in Sand Springs for the past 26 years with his wife Deborah, and his son, Zachary and daughter, Emma.
Carter is a graduate of the 221st session of the FBI National Academy. In 1995, he served at the scene of the Murrah Federal Building bomb attack in Oklahoma City and also directed the City of Sand Springs operations during the recovery from a devastating ice storm in 2007.
Carter also has received numerous awards during his career with the Sand Springs Police Department, including the Medal of Valor, two Life-Saving awards, City of Sand Springs Employee of the Year, and twice named Officer of the Year. In October of 2018, Chief Carter represented his agency in receiving the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) /Cisco Leadership in Community Policing Award for developing the concept of a Policing Plan in his community. The City of Sand Springs has continued this concept for over five years.
While working as the Chief of Police, Carter also assisted the City of Sand Springs in economic development endeavors as well as helping with many other areas outside of the typical duties of a police chief, but equipping him with perspectives that will help him in his new role as the City Manager.
In speaking about his appointment, Carter said, “I am truly humbled by the level of support I have received; not only from the City Council, but from all of the City employees. I hope to carry on the good work our team has been doing and feel honored to be able to work with people I respect so much.”
The position of City Manager was last held by Elizabeth Gray, who left in May after six years of service and took a position with the City of Bethany.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (12/13 - 12/20/2020)
/Sunday
Hike With Your Dog Day - CANCELED.
Monday
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council and Municipal Authority meetings.
City Municipal Building
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Tuesday
6:00 p.m. CPHS Wrestling vs. Mustang.
Mustang High School
801 South Snyder Drive
Mustang, OK 73064
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority meeting.
Sand Springs Museum
9 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:30 p.m. CPHS Girls Basketball vs. Muskogee.
Muskogee High School
3200 East Shawnee Road
Muskogee, OK 74403
Wednesday
4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Development Authority meeting.
City Municipal Building
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Thursday
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
American Legion Post 17
500 North Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
7:00 p.m. CPHS Wrestling vs. Broken Arrow.
Tiger Field House
2200 North 23rd Street
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com
Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
Free for Sandite Pride Partners.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (12/6 - 12/13/2020)
/Monday
4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting.
City Hall
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board meeting.
Case Community Center
1050 West Wekiwa Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting.
City Hall
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education meeting.
CPHS Performing Arts Building
600 North Adams Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
8:30 p.m. CPHS Boys Basketball vs. Inola.
Inola High School
801 East Commercial
Inola, OK 74036
Tuesday
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic.
Church That Matters
3 West 41st Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:30 p.m. CPHS Girls Basketball vs. Bartlesville.
8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys Basketball vs. Bartlesville.Bruin Field House
1700 Hillcrest Drive
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Thursday
2:00 p.m. CPHS Girls Basketball vs. Edmond North.
Whitey Ford Field House
601 South Riverview Drive
Bixby, OK 74008
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
American Legion Post 17
500 North Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
7:00 p.m. CPHS Wrestling vs. Stillwater.
Ed Dubie Field House
600 North Adams Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com
Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
Free for Sandite Pride Partners.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/29 - 12/6/2020)
/Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Thursday
6:30 p.m. CPHS Girls Basketball vs. NOAH.
8:00 p.m. CPHS Boys Basketball vs. NOAH.Ed Dubie Field House
600 North Adams Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
American Legion Post 17
500 North Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Saturday
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Chipper Days.
Free chipping of limbs up to 2” in diameter. Free wood chips and firewood while supplies last. Must bring Sand Springs water/refuse bill for proof of residency.
City Street Department
8620 West 21st Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com
Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
Free for Sandite Pride Partners.
Sand Springs City Council enacts COVID-19 Emergency Response
/The Sand Springs City Council took action during a special meeting Monday evening to combat the recent dramatic rise in COVID-19 pandemic statistics in the Sand Springs community. During the meeting, City of Sand Springs Ordinance No. 1359 was approved unanimously by council members. The new ordinance outlines specific educational information, statistics, definitions and requirements for persons to wear face masks within the boundaries of the City of Sand Springs. An Emergency Clause was also approved by Council, putting the new ordinance into effect this Friday.
The ordinance requires that persons located within the City of Sand Springs are required to wear a face covering at all times while present in spaces being used for business, entertainment, education, athletic and recreational uses. Some spaces identified in the ordinance include:
Business
Retail businesses; spas; entertainment venues; food service facilities including restaurant and bars; hotels; motels; professional offices; banks and financial services; repair facilities and/ or motor vehicle dealerships.
Public Setting
Workplaces; child care facilities; hospitals and health facilities; gymnasium and physical fitness facilities; sports facilities; parks; trails, sidewalks and outdoor retail areas.
Educational Setting
Any building or facility used for academic or athletic purposes including campuses; any private school or preschool.
The ordinance relies on some guidelines from the US Center for Disease Control which allows exemptions to facial coverings for:
persons with medical, mental health or developmental disability reasons
children age 9 years or younger
restaurant patrons while eating or drinking
occupants in a personal vehicle
persons exercising, who can maintain a 6’ (six foot) social distance
An additional exemption was added to the ordinance last night by council members for individuals engaged in a team sports activity where the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering.
Religious facilities and places of worship are provided the opportunity to be governed by their own policies regarding facial coverings. The Sand Springs Local Church Network and the City of Sand Springs have worked together since before the pandemic outbreak, sharing community health updates, statistics and other important information related to COVID-19 to lessen the spread of the virus.
Enforcement of the ordinance shall be made upon complaint from any property owner or from a law enforcement officer. Sand Springs Police advises that their intent is to meet any initial response to a call out with educational information for all persons involved in a situation, but will take each instance on a case-by-case basis.
According to a study in an October “Oklahoma Weekly Epidemiology Report”, COVID-19 cases in areas without a facial covering requirement grew by 88%, whereas areas adopting a facial covering requirement saw a much slower spread of only 21%.
This ordinance will remain in place until further notice and shall expire along with other COVID-19 emergency proclamations or declarations.
As of Tuesday, there are 267 active cases in Sand Springs, down from 291 on Monday, marking the first decline in the past two weeks. Active caseload was as low as 77 on November 1st. 11 Sand Springs residents have died from the virus.
Sand Springs man celebrates birthday at Wheeler Dealers Camping Club November campout
/Wheeler Dealers Camping Club members gather for the traditional campout group photo at Hulah Lake. SUBMITTED.
“An Oklahoma Thanksgiving” was the theme for the final Wheeler Dealers Camping Club campout of 2020 held the second weekend of November at Hulah Lake Wah-Sha-She campground near Bowring, OK.
Hosts for the November campout were Bartlesville members Joe and Pat Brown and Ponca City members Lowry and Rebecca Blakeburn. Members were glad to once again greet each other including new members this year Bill and Pam Doyle, Sand Springs and Vie and Charley Bottger, Ponca City.
Everyone attending gathered on Thursday and enjoyed a blazing campfire that evening. Carrying on with the Oklahoma Thanksgiving theme Friday afternoon members made pine cone turkeys to use in Thanksgiving decorations. That evening the group met up with three other Bartlesville members who weren’t camping this time, but joined the others for steak dinners at Buck’s BBQ in Sedan, KS. While there the group celebrated Bill Doyle’s birthday.
Saturday members began working on their special dishes for that evening’s Oklahoma Thanksgiving dinner served pot luck style. The menu included ham, turkey and dressing, mashed and sweet potatoes, and a variety of other sides and desserts. That afternoon members sampled various Oklahoma brewed beers provided by the hosts and voted on their favorite. Also drawings were held for door prizes provided by Bell Camper Sales, Bartlesville.
Bill Doyle, Sand Springs, celebrated his birthday over dinner at Buck's BBQ in Sedan, KS during the Wheeler Dealers November campout. SUBMITTED.
Sunday morning following a potluck breakfast, the business meeting was held with Lowry Blakeburn, president, presiding. He shared information from Gary and Nancy Shepard about the annual Christmas Party to be held at the McCord Senior Center in Ponca City. Since that time the group, concerned about rising Covid rates, has decided to postpone the party this December and look at gathering again in February.
Wheeler Dealers monthly campouts usually are held weekends from March to August with a lunch or breakfast gathering in February and a special Christmas Party in December. Members can make their own reservations at many of the Corps lakes through recreation.gov, the Corps of Engineers reservation service.
Current members are from Bartlesville, Ponca City, Sand Springs and Norman. However, anyone from northern Oklahoma or southern Kansas is invited to join.
Persons interested in joining or knowing more about the Wheeler Dealers Camping Club should contact Lowry, president, at 580-304-5445 in Ponca City or Joe, secretary, at 918-977-0805 in Bartlesville.
State Senator Cody Rogers sworn into office
/Newly elected Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, takes the official oath of office.
Cody Rogers took the oath of office Monday and was officially sworn in as the State Senator for District 37, representing Sand Springs.
Rogers will be serving his first four-year term in the Oklahoma Senate. The newly elected Tulsa Republican started a paving construction company in 2015 and has since grown it into a successful business. Rogers plans to advocate for reduced regulations on small businesses and Second Amendment issues at the Capitol. He also supports investing in Oklahoma’s educational systems and lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.
Rogers defeated incumbent Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman with 67.07% of the vote on November 3rd.
“I’m honored to be trusted with the responsibility to uphold our conservative values of Senate District 37 in the state Senate,” Rogers said. “More small businessmen are needed at the Capitol, and I’m excited to bring my business skillset to deliver real results for our state.”
The Senate will hold a one-day organizational meeting on Jan. 5 and will begin the 2021 legislative session on Feb. 1.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/15 - 11/22/2020)
/Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Monday
12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum meeting.
Paul Hood speaking. RSVP required.
Early Childhood Education Center
1701 East Park Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council and Municipal Authority meetings.
Case Community Center
1050 West Wekiwa Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Tuesday
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Museum Trust Authority meeting.
Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum
9 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Wednesday
Sand Springs Development Authority meeting - CANCELED.
Thursday
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
American Legion Post 17
500 North Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Friday
7:30 p.m. Sandite Football vs. Stillwater (Playoffs).
Pioneer Stadium
1224 North Husband Street
Stillwater, OK 74075
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:00 p.m. Side FC 92 vs. FC Bagos II.
Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex
2500 South River City Park Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Sunday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Jake Peebles Clinic.
Sand Springs BMX Track
2500 South River City Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com
Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
Free for Sandite Pride Partners.
What's Happening This Week in Sand Springs (11/8 - 11/15/2020)
/Monday
4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting.
City Municipal Building
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment meeting.
City Municipal Building
100 East Broadway Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Tuesday
1:30 p.m. Sand Springs / Sapulpa Joint Board meeting.
Sand Springs Public Works Administration Building
13101 West 46th Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic.
Church That Matters
3 West 41st Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Wednesday
Veterans Day.
Thursday
6:00 p.m. BINGO.
American Legion Post 17
500 North Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Friday
7:00 p.m. Sandite Football vs. TBA (Playoffs).
Memorial Stadium
600 North Adams Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hike With Your Dog Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fourth Annual Disc Battle for the Kids.
Chandler Park
6500 West 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
7:00 p.m. The Side FC vs. Mansfield Revolution SC.
Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex
2500 South River City Park Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open Hike Day.
Keystone Ancient Forest
160 Ancient Forest Drive
Sand Springs, OK 74063
Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com
Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
Free for Sandite Pride Partners.
Pictured: Football, Dance, Cheer, and Band Senior Night
/
Sango Whitehorn is the son of Sango and Lisa Whitehorn, and special son to Adam and Amanda Dudley. He has been a Sandite Football player for four years.
Lane Webster is the son of Adam Webster and Sarah Jordan. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Jamon Sisco is the son of Samico Morgan and Jelani Sisco. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Brycen Peterman is the son of Chad Peterman and Candice Hopkins. His grandparents are Andrew and Marilyn Flores. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Tyyee Atkinson is the son of Katherine Atkinson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Nate Casebolt is the son of Tony Casebolt and Autumn Brown. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Bryson Wooten is the son of Rachel Julich and Jeff Wooten. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
JaRighteous Evans is the son of Anthony and Shannon Evans. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Trevin Corona is the son of Ashley Corona. He has been on the Sandite Football team for two years.
Noah Gourd is the son of Richard and Kelly Gourd. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Thomas Huckelberry is the son of Michael and Cheryl Rettig. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Jacob Weathers is the son of Ron and Laura Weathers. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
John Reed is the son of John and Melissa Reed. He has been on the Sandite Football team for one year.
Katie Daniels is the daughter of Rustin Daniels and Tamra Lovell. She has been a Football Trainer for two years.
Madeline Bateman is the daughter of Lance and Melanie Bateman. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for four years.
Renise Gabriel is the daughter of Rex and Kimberly Gabriel. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for two years.
Jaslynn Mock is the daughter of Tirita and Ari Montross, and Jason and Sherri Mock. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Katie Smith is the daughter of Brian and Amy Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Shelbie Winzenburg is the daughter of John and Jamee Winzenburg. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Corri Evans is the daughter of Rikki Evans and Shawn Haskins. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.
Kathryn Call is the daughter of Jeff and Diann Call. She has played French horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on joining the National Guard for Engineering.
Alyssa Crutcher is the daughter of Kendall and Shannon Crutcher. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. She has been a Drum Major for two years. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Arkansas.
Samren Gillispie is the son of Anita and Eric Gillispie and has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on studying multimedia.
Cheyenne Hampton is the daughter of Ric and Miranda Hampton. She has played clarinet and saxophone, as well as holding positions of responsibility in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University and opening a restaurant.
Tamika Jones is the daughter of Aaron and Anita Jones. She has played french horn and mellophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Northeastern State University to study Music Education and Jazz Studies.
Olivia Moore is the daughter of Amy and Caleb Solomon. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.
Sara Nance is the daughter of Steve and Lori Nance. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on attending Oklahoma State University.
Katy Pinson is the daughter of Melinda Smith and Staff Sergeant Clint Pearson. She has been in color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on attending Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University to study Special Needs Education.
Hudson Shelton is the son of Tammy and Tommy Shelton. He has played trumpet in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Northeastern State University.
Bryson Chase is the son of John and Krystal Chase. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Daren Hawkins is the son of Durrell Hawkins and Sacora Poncil. He has been on the Sandite Football team for four years.
Caden Harris is the son of Sherman and Megan Faulkner. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Micah Calico is the son of Bobby and Casey Duck. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Kale and Kyle Hilligoss are the sons of Keith and Ronee Hilligoss. They have been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Ian Britt is the son of Stephanie Ledbetter and Allen Britt. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Zach Heinen is the son of Alisha Heinen and Zane Pidcock. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Alex Favela is the son of Terri and Pete Lowe. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Ryan Johnson is the son of Tom and Stephanie Johnson. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Shawn Brauer is the son of Glen and Tiffany Brauer. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Samuel Higgins is the son of Willie and Teresa Higgins. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Jacinto Rodriguez is the son of Jacinto and Lacey Rodriguez. He has been on the Sandite Football team for three years.
Kali Baker is the daughter of Ronald Baker and Lois Deppe. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.
Kylin Coonce is the daughter of Sarah Coonce. She has been a Football Trainer for three years.
Maddie Bristow is the daughter of Johnie and Tiffany Bristow. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Zandi George is the daughter of David and Roxanne George. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Karlie Roulet is the daughter of Chris and Kendra Roulet. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Reanna Smith is the daughter of Lowren Smith, and Preston and Kim Smith. She has been in the Sandite Dance program for five years.
Mattie Dorsey is the daughter of Carla and the late Gerald Dorsey. She has been in Sandite Cheer for three years.
Claire Smith is the daughter of Janet and Kelly Smith. She has been in Sandite Cheer for two years.
Stevie Courrier is the daughter of Anastasia Mollenhauer and Samuel Courrier and has been in the color guard for four years. After graduation she plans on being productive.
Jessica Essley is the daughter of Susan Areneault and Reanna Phillips and has played flute in band for seven years. After graduation she plans on working hard.
Bryce Gregory is the son of Johnny and Buffy Gregory. He has played percussion in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending the University of Oklahoma.
Brooklyn Jines is the daughter of Donna and Tom Jines. She has been in color guard for three years and plans on studying Environmental Engineering after graduation.
Kerrigan Koss is the daughter of Michelle Beyard. She has been in color guard for two years. After graduation she plans on becoming an EMT.
Zachary Moreo is the son of Brittany and Manny Jiminez and has played trombone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on being an astronaut.
Quinn Paden is the daughter of Wendy and Todd Paden. She has played percussion and held positions of leadership in the band for seven years. After graduation she plans on studying psychology.
Delaney Roberts is the daughter of Todd Roberts and Tonya Lawley. She has played saxophone in band for seven years. After graduation she plans to study nursing.
Carl Wilkerson is the son of Leonard and Laura Wilkerson. He has played saxophone and held positions of responsibility in band for three years. After graduation he plans on attending Oklahoma Baptist University.
Zander Zieman is the son of Michelle Nicholas and Clifford Love. He has played trumpet and baritone in band for seven years. After graduation he plans on attending Wichita State University to study Music Composition and Performance.
Unavailable for photo was Lincoln Medlin. Lincoln is the son of Joseph and Joyce Medlin. He has played trumpet in band for eight years. After graduation he plans on learning more about the culinary and restaurant industry.
2020 General Election is Tomorrow – State Election Board Offers Election Day Tips
/The State Election Board says this is a unique election year for many reasons – the pandemic, a recent ice storm, and a surge in voter registration numbers.
State Election Board Secretary, Paul Ziriax, says Oklahoma county election boards are prepared.
“Our county election boards are facing challenges they’ve never experienced before, but they have been preparing for this election for months. We want to assure Oklahomans that every registered voter that wants to vote will be able to vote. This election will be conducted safely, fairly, and securely. We ask that voters be patient and courteous not only to other voters, but election workers as well,” Ziriax said.
The State Election Board offers these tips for successful voting in the 2020 General Election:
ELECTION DAY HOURS
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Lines at the polls are typically longest before work, during the lunch hour, and after work.
Heavy turnout is expected, so voters should plan for extra time to vote on Election Day. New COVID-19 safety protocols — including social distancing — may slow down the check-in lines and the voting process on Election Day. Additionally, in areas where municipal elections are taking place, issuing and voting these extra ballots could also add time to the voting process.
All voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
BE PREPARED
Voters are reminded to check the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place before heading out to vote. A few polling places may have changed due to the COVID-19 emergency.
The State Election Board also recommends voters view a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Many voters have county and local elections in addition to state and federal elections.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The State Election Board worked with OU Health Sciences Center to develop safety protocols for all of Oklahoma’s polling places and county election boards, including social distancing procedures and disinfection requirements for voting equipment and surfaces. Poll workers at every location have been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and disinfectant.
Voters are asked to be patient and follow signage and procedures. Election officials strongly recommend that voters wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and those around them.
Find more on COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.
PROOF OF IDENTITY
Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in person to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.
There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law. (Only one proof of identity is required):
Show a valid photo ID issued by the federal, state, or tribal government. If it has an expiration date, it must be AFTER the date of the election; or
Show the free voter identification card issued to every voter by their County Election Board; or
Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)
FOLLOW THE LAW
The law prohibits electioneering within 300 ft. of the ballot box. This includes wearing clothing, accessories, or having material in public view related to a candidate or issue on the ballot. No one other than authorized individuals are permitted within 50 ft. of the ballot box or inside the election enclosure.
Alleged violations should be reported to precinct officials at the time the incident is occurring.
Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.
URL Guide:
OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html
COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections:
https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Covid-19_and_2020_Elections.html
Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html
State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html
County Election Boards: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html
